Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 883 cases
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2011
Tasting Notes: Controversy surrounded the Bartier-Scholefield wines before they hit the shelves or were ever tasted by the public. The contentious issue at the center of the debate is if wines produced at "custom crush" facilities like the Okanagan Crush Pad, where anyone with grapes and the necessary funds may produce and release wine under the facility's winery license, skirt the spirit or even the letter of the Provincial liquor board laws. The legal issue doesn't hold my attention, but the pioneering element does and I find myself enchanted with the idea of more such "micro-labels", hitting the market over the coming years.... as long as they are reasonably priced and quality wines. Happily, the first release from Bartier-Scholefield is both.
A blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with impressive balance and concentration for a wine produced with minimal intervention in mind. If you were to make a "serious" wine out of Honest John's White from Road 13 Vineyards, where Michael Bartier was the head winemaker for many years, this would be the wine. Dry, crisp and loaded with supple fruit flavours and aromas. The long finish and lingering tartness make for the perfect summer sipper for those of you who prefer to avoid sweet whites on sunny days. Drink 2011-2013.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca
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