
The 2018 Block 9 Ehrenfelser is quite a divergence from previous incarnations of this variety. Now sourced exclusively from their own 3 acre Home Block vineyard, the production level has decreased considerably. Only 537 six pack cases were produced, and this is were it gets interesting; the aroma and flavours are a major leap forward. Intense, citrusy, floral with some residual sugar but balanced by vibrant acidity. Not at all like past vintages where it was a literal ‘fruit-salad’ wine. This vintage ups the ante. Cellar this for a year then enjoy over the following 2-3 years. $30 at the winery.
This is a new wine for CedarCreek. Sourced from the Border Vista Vineyard in Osoyoos, it was picked in early September from two low-cropped blocks within the vineyard. A large canopy was left throughout the summer to retain some characteristic greenness in the finished wine and it shows. I was expecting a ‘new world’ version of Sauv Blanc but this is definitely a Sancerre-like wine. A bouquet of lemon zest, pineapple, grapefruit and stone-fruit aromas, medium-bodied and round on the palate, this is an elegant, slightly creamy, well-balanced SB with good structure as well as tart gooseberry on the finish. $30 at the winery. 429 cases produced.
Sourced from the Block 5 of the Home Block Vineyard, this was the first year the vineyard was farmed organic. What was a vigorous, heavy canopy quickly showed the changes in farming practices and as a result, the fruit developed riper flavours, but less sugar than it had in past years. Fermented wild in puncheons and French oak barrels for structure, the wine-making team encouraged a malolactic component to add softness. Overflowing with aromas of crisp, sweet apple, ripe pear, nectarine, papaya, banana/tropical fruit, hints of tangerine, lemon and vanilla are highlighted by nuances of clove and nutmeg. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has fresh tropical and orchard fruit character complemented by pear and a creamy texture. The wine is rich and luscious with crisp acidity and a long soft finish. An excellent value in an AOC-Burgundy style. Only 412 cases produced. Order on-line here.
We quite liked the 2018 Estate Rose and the Platinum is no slouch. Specifically grown to produce their rose, it is picked in early September, earlier than the regular Pinot Noir. After picking, the grapes are pressed and left in contact with the skin for only one hour to extract just the hint of colour. Offering plenty of watermelon, grapefruit, raspberry, strawberry and rose petal nuances in a medium bodied, refreshing style. There is a hint of sweetness but the wine is balanced by the crisp acidity. $30 at the winery. 759 cases produced.
Sourced from 21 year old vines within their Home Vineyard, this is a powerfully structured wine. Pure decadent pleasure with its ruby-purple colour, a spicy nose of black cherries, warm raspberries,blackberries, forest floor and spicy oak with notes of cinnamon, clove and dried tea leaves. The texture is pure Burgundian, soft, velvety and rich with a stunningly long, long finish. Superb with rich meat/game dishes with mushroom-based sauces. $55 at the winery. 940 six pack cases produced.
The 2014 Block 2 Pinot Noir is produced from the oldest block in CedarCreek’s Home Vineyard. At 22 years of age, the roots are just now beginning to draw the strength and power from the soil. This is a classically styled Pinot Noir, reminiscent of a typical ‘Appellation’ Burgundy from France. Loaded with rich aromas and flavours of black cherry/raspberry strawberry jam, licorice, toast and smoke with hints of saddle leather, vanilla and tea leaf. A full, concentrated palate with crisp acidity and firm tannins.