I had recently received a package of new releases from Kelowna’s Spearhead Winery and have been neglectful in posting some tasting notes. So…without further ado, here are my humble impressions.

The 2017 Club Consensus Pinot Noir is a blend of three Dijon clones of Pinot Noir, 115, 777, and the 828, believed to be the famous DRC clone responsible for one of the most iconic Pinot Noir winery’s in the world. Technical notes are:

• hand-harvested, de-stemmed and cold-soaked for 5-7 days before fermentation (total time on skins is 16-21 days)
• 100% malo-lactic fermented and aged for 13 months in French oak barrels (25% new)

This is a bone-dry wine (2 g/l) with a heady alcohol content of 14%. Beautiful ruby red colour, robust aromas of dark plum, roasted tomato, raspberry, smoked cherry fruit with hints of tea, star anise, cranberry and black licorice. Smooth acidity and firm tannins, this is a wine that would benefit from pairing with food; rich meat/game dishes with mushroom-based sauces. I am leaning towards Beef Wellington. Cellar for a couple of years and decant for an hour. $25 + tax from the winery. Only 100 cases produced. Note: this is only available to Spearhead’s wine club members. Sign-up here.

The 2017 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir is sourced from the 115 and 667 Dijon clones. While the same technical notes apply here as with the Consensus, the 667 clone contributes another level of complexity. We opened and decanted this 2 hours ahead and it really benefited. Look for a deep ruby red colour, fragrant aroma of black cherry, raspberry, plum, and spicy, toasted oak. Firm tannins and a long crisp finish, cellar for about 5 years and enjoy over the next 5 years. $33 at the winery. 300 cases produced.

The 2017 Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir is sourced from the 115 clone and produced the same way as the previous two. Softer acidity than the others, look for a velvety, silky-smooth texture, ripe raspberry, cherry and strawberry aromas with hints of sweet licorice, vanilla and new leather, flavours of red and black fruit, roses, violets, hints of vanilla balance a lush and rich texture. Firm tannins on the finish, cellar this for awhile; enjoy 2021-2025+. $33 at the winery. 200 cases produced.

I have another 3 wines to review from Spearhead. The 2017 Pinot Noir Cuvee, 2017 GFV Saddle Block and 2017 Clone 95 Chardonnay. Those will be posted in the coming weeks, hopefully.