Gewürztraminer 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 wine was crafted from a southwest-facing heritage block of vines planted on our estate McLean Creek Road Vineyard in 1994 with cuttings hailing from Germany. The vineyard is comprised of alluvial and glacial deposits making up a mix of gravel and sandy loam and is well-suited to this variety, allowing us to craft a beautifully aromatic, food-friendly Gewürztraminer.  

Production Notes

The first batch of fruit harvested was loaded straight from the vineyard into the press and was slowly and gently whole bunch pressed to maximize juice quality without extracting harsh flavours. The later pick was destemmed and slightly crushed and left to soak with the skins for 24 hours, then gently pressed. Both lots were combined, and a long cool indigenous fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats and older seasoned French oak barrels lasting four weeks. The wine was left on its fine lees for a further four months. No malolactic fermentation occurred.