Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $29.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: December , 2010
Tasting Notes: West Kelowna winery Tantalus Vineyards is mostly known for their various outstanding Rieslings which include a release made from some of the valley's oldest vinifera vines, an icewine and even a sparkling wine release made in the traditional Champagne method. A justified notoriety as these wines produce awards and positive reviews yearly. However, they should also be known for a block of estate grown Pinot Noir vines which produces a quality (and sometimes fantastic: see 2007 review) wine year-in, year-out.
The 2008 vintage, although not the blockbuster that the 2007 was, is a solid and delicious Pinot Noir with an excellent balance of red fruit and savoury characters with a touch of fragrant aromatics. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, French vanilla, toasted oak, rose petals and cured meets adorn the intense nose. The dry, medium-bodied palate follows with layers of red fruit, earth, minerals and oak flavours. A progression from juicy texture to acid kick to tannic finish with lingering toasted oak spice. Drink 2011-2015.
With each release Tantalus' reputation will increase as a top producer of Pinot Noir. A status the winery strengthens with practise like bottling a younger block of Pinot Noir vines as a separate release called "Juveniles". The wines are available from the winery direct or via your local VQA store.
- Liam Carrier (with Hugh Carter) ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment