Muscular, savoury, concentrated.
Naramata Bench's distinguished Poplar Grove produces this Cabernet Franc of which each of the component lots were crushed separately and cold soaked for two days before fermentation. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel over the winter and finished in the spring of the following year. The wines from each vineyard lot were kept separate in 25% new oak and a combination of two to three year old French oak barrels for twenty one months then in bottle for twelve months prior to release.
Black current leaf and cassis, cedar dust and chocolate notes are woven with tobacco. It has a supple entry ad a extracted and savoury palate. Dark chocolate, leather, green tobacco and pencil shavings linger in the mouth. It's got a Bordelaise character, is muscular and a bit brooding.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 14th, 2020

Golden, seductive, lengthy.
Seductive aromas of ripe golden pineapples, lemon meringue, toasted spice and roasted hazelnuts with melon and warm croissants. The palate is juicy and laden with sunny golden fruit flavours, the oak is deftly handled and it boasts a lengthy finish of marzipan, candied lemon peel and peach.
Overall, great concentration and style.
Pair: Seared halibut, roast chicken, creamy pastas or sweet and buttery cornbread.

©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 17th, 2016

Vivid, golden, mouthwatering.
A truly delightful Chardy - only 14% was aged in French oak, which is how it retains such a lively character....
Golden fruits are layered with sweet spices, lemon curd, freshly churned butter, honeysuckle and tangerine. There is a lovely vividness on the palate - bright yellow fruits, baking spices, honey and citrus with a persistent mouthwatering finish.
Excellent.
Pair: Seared halibut, roast chicken, creamy pastas or sweet and buttery cornbread.

©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2015

Stylish, creamy, balanced.
Expect lovely aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossoms, golden fruits, Meyer lemons and fine spice. The palate is creamy, juicy and elegant. Extremely well balanced with a deft use of oak. The finish is persistent and trails orange peel, spice and golden fruit. Pair: Seared halibut, roast chicken, creamy pastas or sweet and buttery cornbread.

©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 24th, 2015

Powerful, profound, fresh.
Naramata Bench's distinguished Poplar Grove produces this Merlot, which is blended with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that saw 21 months aging in 25% new oak. The remainder was aged in a combination of 1 to 3-year-old French oak barriques and bottle aged for one year.
Notes of chocolate and plums, wild berries and brown spices, tobacco and freshly turned earth lead to a palate of muddled dark fruit, spice and mocha. It is powerful, the tannins are profound and have notable grip. Acidity keeps it fresh and from being overly ponderous but oak still accumulates in the mouth..
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 11th, 2020