April is BC Wine Month and, as some grape vines are bursting into life around the province, we are waiting to find out the exact toll that the extreme cold took on vineyards in British Columbia this past winter. I think it is safe to say that each and every winery in BC will in some way feel the impact of this devastation. It is important to remember though that our BC wineries have lots of wines available that they want to share with us; their tasting rooms are re-opening for the season; and their staff are ready and looking forward to welcoming all of their guests this year. Whether you are able to visit your favourite wineries in person, or you are purchasing wine from a retail stores, it is more important than ever to support our BC wineries.
One of the many stunning wineries that you can visit this year is Phantom Creek Estates, located in Oliver, BC. Starting next week, on May 1st, they will be open for tastings seven days a week. And what better way to celebrate BC Wine Month than to compare two, Phantom Creek Merlot from different vineyards. This duo is currently available for $130.00 until the end of the month and includes an estate tour and tasting voucher for up to four people (a $180.00 value).
2020 Kobau Vineyard Merlot $68.00
The Kobau Vineyard consists of 44.3 acres of gravelly soils, located on the Golden Mile Bench. This wine is 100% Merlot aged for 21 months in French oak (60% new).
After the bottle was open for 24 hours, there were aromas of leather, red cherries, salty, black plums, liquorice, clove and toast. This is a dry, full bodied wine with medium acidity and medium+ tannins. The palate is opulent and fruity with notes of black cherry, papaya (surprisingly), saline, raspberry, strawberry, clove and liquorice, with prune on the medium finish.
2020 Becker Vineyard Merlot $62.00
Located on the Black Sage Bench, the Becker Vineyard consists of 52 acres of sandy loam, containing five blocks of Merlot, some of which was planted in 1993. This particular wine is made from 100% Merlot aged for 21 months in French oak barriques.
Once again, after the bottle had been open for 24 hours, there were aromas of liquorice pastels, black plum, India ink, blackberry, clove, dark chocolate and poached morello cherries. This is a dry, full bodied wine with medium acidity and medium+, grippy and slightly bitter tannins. The palate offers notes of black cherry, Italian prune plum, blackcurrant, bittersweet chocolate and saline with a medium finish.
Hang on…$130.00 AND an estate tour AND a tasting voucher for four people. Forget what I said in your Insta post…this sounds like great added value!