Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $27.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 94 cases
Date Tasted: October 12th, 2011
Tasting Notes: Why pay a bit more for an exotic blend than a familiar, go-to single varietal wine? Well, for an experiment, I suggest tasting the new Stag's Hollow 2010 GVM (a blend of 66% Grenache Blanc, 23% Viognier and 11% Marsanne) side-by-side with Stag's Hollow's own single varietal 2010 Viognier (reviewed separately here). Both are excellent wines that have seen time in oak and boast a lovely, delicate nose and a vibrant, yet lush palate. So, what's the difference? Well, other than the extended flavour profile that comes from the addition of Grenache and Marsanne grapes, the difference is the ultra-slick harmony that develops when one balances the appropriate amount of complimentary varietals together resulting in a wine that, when blended, is greater than its individual parts.
With its exotic character, refined palate and long, long finish, the GVM is certainly greater than its parts and should be sought out by BC wine lovers who can see past the lack of a universally adopted varietal identity and who specifically appreciate the relative freedom afforded the winemakers in our New World wine region.
This beauty should evolve over time if cellared carefully. Drink 2011-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca