Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Vineyard Notes

The 2022 vintage was a classic Okanagan growing season with a typical Spring budburst in early May and beautiful weather into June. We had beautiful flowering weather from late June into July which resulted in good yields across the valley. July and August were consistent with previous years although slightly cooler slowing the vines growth cycle.  Leading up to harvest, the crop level was significantly higher compared to past vintages and needed more time to ripen. The weather was perfect for ripening with warm days and cool nights providing a lengthy hang time for our Pinot Noir blocks to develop flavours and physiological ripeness. The white varieties were harvested later than normal but the fruit was able to develop a great balance of sugars to acid and superb flavours.

The fruit is sourced from four distinctive vineyards in the Okanagan Valley: Fat Coyote in Naramata, Anarchist Mountain Vineyard in Osoyoos, Lakehill Road Vineyard in Kaleden and McLean Creek Road Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The combination of these different vineyards each having their own unique aspect, elevation and soils has produced a well-rounded Pinot Noir that showcases the Okanagan as a whole.

Production Notes

At the winery the fruit was gently de-stemmed via gravity into small open top fermenters and allowed to cold soak. After cold soaking, a mix of inoculated and indigenous ferments began lasting 18-28 days peaking at 30-33C; gentle hand plunging of the must was done throughout. After a post maceration period the wine was gently pressed and then spent six months in 100% older seasoned French oak barrels and Puncheons.