Firm, chewy, spiced.
The vineyards of Hester Creek were established in 1968 on what is now the Golden Mile Bench sub-GI. This Old Vine Merlot comes from Block 2 (some of the oldest in the Okanagan), planted in the early 70s.
Following pressing and malolactic fermentation, the wine was barrel aged in mostly French oak for 18 months.
Expect aromas of fruitcake and plums soaked in vanilla liqueur, salted licorice, dried flowers and cedar chips alongside oak dust. It has a firm palate with meaty undertones and some chew. The palate is less "fruity" and expressive than the nose suggests, here you'll find spice, bacon fat, charred herbs and toasted oak flavours.
Pair: Roast chicken, rack of lamb, warm Camembert, hearty vegetable or bean stews.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 9th, 2023

Crunchy, juicy, zippy.
The special, Block 16 Trebbiano vines were planted in Hester Creek's vineyard in 1968. It's a variety common to Italy, and to France (under the name of Ugni Blanc) but not to BC.
Spring blossoms, honey, lemon and green almond aromas morph into a zippy palate that has a kiss of sweetness and flavours of lime and crunchy white fruits. Expect good length and good viscosity in the mouth.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 3rd, 2019

Crunchy, supple, concentrated.
The special Block 16 Trebbiano vines were planted in Hester Creek's Golden Mile Bench vineyard in 1968, which is the winery's oldest planted section. While it's a variety common to Italy (where these vines were brought from), and to France (hello, Ugni Blanc), it certainly isn’t to BC.
Expect lemon verbena and crunchy green pears, orange blossoms, honey and a hint of almond paste on the nose. It has a slippery texture and supple weight with notable freshness with flavours echoing the nose. It's a juicy white, with a long zesty finish.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2021

Crunchy, juicy, concentrated.
The special, Block 16 Trebbiano vines were planted in Hester Creek's vineyard in 1968. It's a variety common to Italy, and to France (under the name of Ugni Blanc) but certainly not to BC.
Aromas of peach blossoms mingle with crunchy green apples and honey. It is intensely expressive and juicy with concentrated fruit and a tangy lime finish. It has a kiss of sweetness (but is much drier than a few years back) and good length and freshness.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 13th, 2020

Sweet, juicy, concentrated.
The special, Block 16 Trebbiano vines were planted in Hester Creek's vineyard in 1968. It's a variety common to Italy, and to France (under the name of Ugni Blanc) but not to BC.
Fruit-cup aromas woven with honey, tangerine, a sprig of mint and undertones of marzipan. It is sweet and juicy, ripe and fruit-forward with a pristine character and notable concentration followed by a mouthwatering finish.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 19th, 2018