Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 856 cases
Date Tasted: January 3rd, 2011
Tasting Notes: Osoyoos based winery Young and Wyse Collection released their second vintage of wines in late November, all reds from 2009, which included a new blend called "33-30-24-13". The name refers to the unique recipe of 33% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc that winemaker Stephen Wyse fashioned during blending. Essentially, it's a traditional Meritage with a twist; a substantial amount of Syrah added and in short, it works well.
Mr. Wyse is not the first Okanagan winemaker to use Syrah with traditional Bordeaux varietals and won't be the last as the focus on producing uniquely Okanagan wines is trending well and should be encouraged. Yes, some wineries create excellent Bordeaux-inspired blends, but they will always remain linked to the world-famous French region as "examples of" rather than establishing a proprietary identity. The inclusion of Syrah in this and similar wines (see La Frenz's Montage and Mission Hill's Quatrain) reflects the growing admiration for, and recognition that, Syrah is becoming a key red varietal in the southern Okanagan Valley and may one day put the valley on the international stage for something other than icewine.
The "33-30-24-13" has a complex and layered, restrained nose of red fruits, dark berries, savoury earth and sweet spice aromas. The dry palate follows with concentrated cassis, cherry and earth flavours with a juicy, yet refined texture that never feels too heavy (or "hot") in the mouth. Smooth tannins are well integrated with food-friendly, medium-plus acidity and a long finish with lingering cranberry tartness and pepper. Sealed with a synthetic cork enclosure which may limit further development in the bottle. Drink 2011-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca
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