Racy, textural, precision. The Benchmark Series was developed as a new, "standard for elevated quality through meticulous winemaking, sustainable viticulture practices and deliberate vineyard site selection."
This single-vineyard Riesling is harvested from the Fool's Gold Estate in North Oliver--a property planted over two decades ago by Richard Cleave, the Okanagan's most renowned viticulturist. The western sloping site benefits from the afternoon sun with the sandy clay loam soil containing a lot of rocks and gravel, providing excellent drainage.
It's a classic OW-style Riesling suggesting petrol and green apples, lime and crunchy apricot, wet stone and honey aromas. Like previous renditions, this wine has texture and precision. It's a focused dry white, slick and racy with a persistent finish.
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 29th, 2023

Textural, juicy, power. The Benchmark Series was developed as a new, "standard for elevated quality through meticulous winemaking, sustainable viticulture practices and deliberate vineyard site selection."
The reserve Sauvignon Blanc hails from Township 7's estate Blue Terrace Vineyard on the northern end of the Black Sage Bench in Oliver--the last vintage I tasted of this wine, 2019 had just under 15% Semillon added--but this 2021 is 100% Sauvignon.
The wine is 100% barrel fermented and aged (7 months), with the fermentation seeing 15% new and 85% neutral French oak barrels to round out the mouthfeel.
Expect notes of honey and peach, gooseberry, oyster shell, elderflowers and key limes. It has weight, power and good precision along with a textural element. Flavours of crunchy green apples, beeswax, peach stone and juicy lime dominate the palate.
Pair: Asparagus fritters, herb quiche, coconut curries, seafood salads and most appetizers.
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 27th, 2023

Tangy, juicy, dry. The new Benchmark Series was developed as a new, "standard for elevated quality through meticulous winemaking, sustainable viticulture practices and deliberate vineyard site selection."
It has a bold new black label too, as you can see, however, I'm fairly certain most of you reading this won't be able to read the new back label; even with cheaters I found it a real challenge.
To the wine inside.
This has continued to been a favourite BC savvy of mine; it hails from Township 7's estate Blue Terrace Vineyard on the northern end of the Black Sage Bench in Oliver along with just under 15% Seemillon (sourced from grape grower Robert Cleaves' Desert Wolf vineyard on Black Sage Road). The wine is 100% barrel fermented and aged (7 months), with the fermentation seeing 15% new and 85% neutral French oak barrels to round out the mouthfeel. The Seemillon was an indigenous ferment to impart a softer, creamier style. Lees stirring occurred weekly during fermentation on both batches, which also contributes to the full mouthfeel and softens the tangy crispness.
It has weight and good precision.
Expect peaches and honey, green apples and elderflower with lemon lime and classic sweaty undertones. Crunchy stone fruits, citrus and mineral flavours dominate the palate; it is dry, juicy and tangy with a phenolic finish that adds texture and weight.
Pair: Asparagus fritters, herb quiche, coconut curries, seafood salads and most appetizers.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 19th, 2020

Citrus, exotic, mineral. The reserve Sauvignon Blanc hails from Township 7's estate Blue Terrace Vineyard on the northern end of the Black Sage Bench in Oliver.
The wine is stainless and barrel fermented and expresses aromas of lime and grass clippings, gooseberry and burnt honey, bruised peach and green almond with undertones of creamy exotic fruits. The mouth is an echo of the nose and suggests citrus zest, mineral/wet stone flavours.
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 12th, 2023

Crisp, expressive, pretty.
This lively and lovely blend of estate grown Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris is undeniably pretty.
Charming aromas of guava, white peaches and crisp apples, pristine white blossoms and lemon drops. The palate is suitably archetypal; pure fruit expression of orchard fruits and tangy citrus are a delight. It is decidedly off-dry but a refreshing acidity balances, and its long finish is palate cleansing.
Perfect for spicy dishes such as Thai cuisine, Indian curries, or full-flavoured Asian dishes.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 15th, 2017