Brief Vintage Report
We celebrate the fact that we make wine in a region where vintage variations play an important role. Atypical growing seasons are a nightmare for commercial wineries interested in making consistent but boring wines. For us, however, it defines our interest in wine. We look forward to seeing what Mother Nature gives us to work with each year. It is the effects of each vintage on the finished wine that urges us to start verticals of our favourite wines then follow their evolution and discuss their merits at tastings with friends. Some vintages are all about grace, while others favour power and of course, there are ones where they showcase that fine balance of grace and power.
2022
Consistent. 1676 growing degree days (BUT this came mostly in Sept and Oct, with one of the few warmest Octobers on record)
January 1st we were under 2 feet of snow and with temperatures well below -15C. Though we were worried about winter damage, we were hopeful for a healthy yield. The coldest and wettest spring in 15 years pushed back bud break by roughly 2 weeks. Budburst came during the first week of May, 2 weeks later than 2021. Cool and wet conditions in May and June allowed the vines to slowly mature followed by a very hot and dry July and the hottest August on record.
We had a cool start to September. We started harvesting Sauvignon Blanc first on September 13th followed by Muscat on September 14th. The weather significantly improved and we had beautiful warm sunny days. We started picking Merlot from our Lumeno block on September 27th. We are normally harvesting this block the first week of September. We started harvesting our youngest Syrah vines on October 8th. Great weather conditions and beautiful sunny days forced everything to speed up. We had the warmest October on record. Thankfully, we finished harvest on October 28th before the snow started to settle into the Okanagan Valley. Between November 3rd and November 5th, the temperatures dropped quickly, October 31st 15C, by November 3rd it was -3 and by November 5th all of the leaves fell off the vines and we had a solid dusting of snow across all of our vineyards.
Though we were worried about winter damage at the beginning of the year, adapted pruning practices, green harvesting, and the amazing weather we had in October gave us significantly better volume than we thought. We are very happy with the results so far, we have zippy natural acidity, bright fruit flavours on the whites, and great flavours with firm structure across all of our reds. Though it’s quite early, we are very excited about the overall quality of the vintage.
2021
Inconsistent. Very Low Yields. 1758 growing degree days (well above average, yet slightly below 1998, 2003 and 2015).
2021 was a very challenging year, to say the least. It was the year of the unusual heat dome (temperatures reaching nearly 50 degrees Celsius) and the hottest-ever June and July records were broken by a long shot. Then we had the inversion in August due to smoke from forest fires in the area. September was average and October was excellent, albeit cooler. it really helped us to wait for the phenolic ripeness to arrive. Vines would regularly shut down and sensitive varieties like the Pinot family would simply dry up on the vines. Yields are down tremendously for the thinner-skinned and cooler climate-loving grape varieties. too soon to say much about the reds, but so far thanks to the early adaptation of canopy and yield management, foliar sprays and working the land, we have mitigated the worst. One would have expected elevated alcohol, low acid, under and overripe fruit character, along with harsh tannins. Except you won’t be getting any of these qualities in our 2021 reds. Some slight exotic notes, sure, but nothing that would suggest these wines are out of balance or angular. The whites are showing good balance due to our decision to pick early to retain natural acidity and lower alcohol levels. If we would have waited for “normal” harvest time for more depth of flavour, the acid and alcohol balance would have been off, as such we opted for a natural product and for freshness instead.
2020
Consistent. Low Yields, concentrated fruit. Red wines of power and structure, and white wines with extra richness and dimension. 1616 growing degree days (slightly above average, yet the heat all came after mid-June).
Until mid-June, 2020 was one of the, if not the single coolest conditions on record. After that though, Â it was average or slightly above average temperatures.
Flowering/fruit set time met rain and windy conditions which resulted in fewer bunches per vine and smaller more concentrated berries. Yields were 30-40% down than average!
August and September saw one or two small scattered fires for a day or two. Nothing major. Nice Indian summer of hot days and cold nights. Long picking window. Warm October. No real maladies to speak of at harvest time. Small harvest but clean and concentrated fruit. Generally speaking, all the wines can benefit from cellaring, which is rather great news since both 2018 and 2019 made for earlier drinking style wines. While too early to tell, 2020 reds will likely fall in between the 2012 and 2016 styles, which is great news.
2019
Variable. Thinner-skinned reds didn’t do as well. Red wines of lighter extracts for early-term drinkability. 1598 growing degree days (almost the same as 2017 and on par with the 10-year average, yet numbers are just that, numbers!) More on this below.
September rains put a damper on fruit concentration and retarding phenolic ripeness. Since the tannins were not perfectly ripe, we opted for a lighter extract as to not get bitterness and green notes. Yields were lower but don’t think this equated to more concentration, since the low yields came partially due to 1) Cold winter did some damage to the buds and naturally lowered yields, 2) mildew and some rot required lots of sorting. Lastly, with an abrupt finish to the season in early October, there was no chance of secondary fruit set to ripen and be used.
Both 2018 and 2019 made for lighter reds; 2018 because of higher yields, while 2019 achieved lighter reds due to gentler extracts.
2018
Consistent. Red wines of Balance and freshness for those who picked early and practiced yield control. White and Rose wines of low alcohol, crisp acidity and balance thanks to early picking and bigger crop than normal. Growing degree days: 1675.
2018 is a classic year albeit higher-yielding crop. Not too hot, not too cold. A clean and very low disease pressure year resulted in a bumper crop. Yet with the perfect conditions of September and October, we were able to wait for perfect phenolic maturity while keeping natural alcohol down and healthy PH up.
2017
Variable. Red wines of structure and concentration. White wines of finesse yet with intensity- Growing degree days: 1598 (2017 is comparable to other classic years like 2012 and 2016 but with more fruit concentration and cooler climate classic structure of acid and tannins)
2017 started rough. Harsh winter damaged some buds and lowered the yields. Bud Break was a full 3 weeks late, prompting us to sucker and shoot thin even more (another decrease in potential yields). Then came a cool and wet flowering season (further reduction of yields) before the arrival of classic hot days with cold desert nights. Mildew was more or less a general problem up and down the valley, so it is important more so than any other year, to buy by producer and small lot wines in 2017. Furthermore, even at the time of the harvest we were still behind 2-3 weeks. Couple this with irregular yields in the vineyard (cutworm and winter damage) and it meant mobilizing the picking crew with only a day notice as opposed to a regularly scheduled pick day. We cannot stress enough the importance of looking for smaller and super meticulous hands-on producers in a year like 2017. Thanks to early picking and diligent work in the vineyard the whites and Rose are brilliant with low alcohol, high acid and perfect PH while carrying intensity fruit and classic profile. The reds were visibly tiny berries resulting in deeper darker colours, rich phenolics and plenty of structure to make wines destined of long aging potential. 2017 is a vin de garde vintage and one that while produced smaller to much smaller volumes, what will be eventually bottled will be of the highest quality.
2016
Consistent. Red wines of Balance. White wines of finesse yet with intensity- Growing degree days: 1635 (2016 wines are somewhat comparable to 2013 and 2008 vintage)
After four consecutive hot to very hot vintages, we are back to a classic vintage (albeit the growing degree days alone suggests a warmer than average year). A very mild winter and the early arrival of spring meant another early jump-start to bud break. Cool June and July really helped slow down the ripening and the making of a classic year. When we needed the sun and warmth coupled with cold nights (August and September) our wish came true. October stayed sunny but with cool temperatures. As such we were able to pick each block based on optimum ripeness. In 2016, in general, it can be said we had the luxury to pick when each block was ready with the best balance of sugar/phenolic ripeness and flavors, unlike certain vintages that one’s hand is forced to pick early due to diminishing acidity, alcohol rise or the arrival of rot and other maladies.
2016 is a very terroir driven vintage with crystal clear differences of each site being evident in the wines, even at this early stage of their aging. We pulled off what we think will be one of our most balanced vintages to date. Whites and Rosés are chiseled, lifted and have great tension on the finish. Reds are balanced and quite classic. They will be long-lived wines.
2015
Consistent valley floor to the hillside. Red wines of Power and exuberance- Growing degree-days: 1764 (only marginally behind hottest years on record 1998 and 2003)
Are we witnessing climate change? 2015 started with the earliest bud break in our history, saw very hot (42 °C +) summer days (record high June temperatures) which lead to one of the earliest harvests on record: August 18th! After the initial scare of forest fires and a small chance of smoke taint passed, harvest took place under ideal conditions. The fruit was homogeneously ripe with little to no need for sorting (except Sangiovese at LaStella winery).
Overall our whites are well balanced, due to early picking to preserve acidity and maintain low alcohol. With a cool September (due to temperature inversion in lieu of forest fire) our reds overall are higher in acidity than 2014. The one exception to this was some of our Merlot blocks, as we had to wait longer for phenolic ripeness to arrive. Our Cabernet and Syrah fared much better. Overall 2015 can be compared to 2009, 2012 and 2014, but might not be as long-lived, since the tannins are softer, and the PH levels are higher. 2015 should prove to release delicious, ready to drink wines that will charm in their youth, mid-term and mid to long term for select labels. This is perfect since it will allow Okanagan wine lovers to leave their 2011, 2012 and even 2014s in the cellar longer to mature while they enjoy wines of 2013 and 2015.
2014
Consistent. Wines of power – Growing degree-days: 1702
2014 was the 2nd warmest year since 1998 for South Okanagan. July and October temperatures were way above last year but September was lower than the last 3 years, hence pushing for better phenolic ripeness was not at risk of gaining high alcohol. The tonnage we got was lower than the tonnage excepted mostly because of thicker skins and smaller berries. The wines are concentrated, with a very good ripe tannic structure.
If the last three years are any indication to cautiously generalize from the cold desert nights are not that frequent (certainly cool) during the maturity period and because of the very warm temperature during the day, we tend to see higher pH in the finished wines. A little bit like the south of France/Tuscany…
2013
Variable. Wines of balance while some show power – Growing degree-days: 1624
2013 is a tale of two vintages in the same year. Dry and warm autumn is almost a sure thing in our region. 2013 was a rare exception with an unusual string of rainy days in the middle of harvest. Wines made from grapes harvested before the rain virtually needed no sorting as they showed clean and robust flavors of a dry growing season with plenty of very hot days. The rain was a double edge sword though and a blessing in disguise if you will. On one hand it provided an opportunity for the vines to continue pushing forward for better sugar/acid balance and greater phenolic maturity but on the other hand, it meant the arrival of rot (need for extensive sorting) and flavor dilution in less than ideal sites. Unlike the even and pristine 2011 and 2012 vintage, in 2013 sorting was the keyword along with when the fruit was harvested and in which site it was grown. Buyers of Okanagan wines, in general, are best to shop by producer and well-known sites for their quick draining soil makeup. Taste, before you buy, is our recommendation.
2012
Consistent. Wines of power- Growing degree-days: 1545
2012 growing season is a return to a more typical summer growing season in the South Okanagan Valley. After an initial scare of unusually high record rainfall in late spring, the remainder of the growing season was an absolute dream come true. Mid July till late fall gave us very hot days combined with typical cold desert nights. One of the hallmarks of this vintage was uniformly ripe and clean grape with minimal need for sorting (quite the opposite of 2008 and 2010). The resulting wines are more fruit forward with round structure thanks to plenty of sunshine and heat units; the cool nights resulted in excellent, piercing aromatics and bright acidity in the wine.
2011
Consistent. Wines of grace – Growing degree-days: 1384
2011 was a long and cool growing season without the extreme daytime heat the South Okanagan is known for. This resulted in grapes that achieved full phenolic ripeness at record low sugar levels (and thus low alcohol levels). South Okanagan had an amazing fall with mild weather, which gave us the luxury of a seven-week long picking window. The quality of the fruit and ripeness was very even. This along with the lack of any maladies, rot, and other unwanteds, translated to virtually no need for triage (the triple sorting work we adopt in most vintages). 2011 goes into the history book as an atypically cool, yet a very welcome vintage.
2010
Consistent. Wines of grace and balance – Growing degree-days: 1429
The 2010 growing season was challenging with cool weather and record rainfall during spring and late summer. Fortunately, warm fall weather arrived in mid-September and continued throughout October. This warm fall allowed harvest to take place under excellent conditions. Low yield in the vineyards, starting from the time of bud break, were essential to achieving good physiological ripeness in 2010. Ongoing vineyard management and rigorous sorting were the keywords in the vineyard and winery. When executed correctly the result was vibrant and elegant wines. Whites and rosés are particularly aromatic with focused, pure flavors. Red wines are lower in alcohol with higher acidity level and have firmly structured tannins. 2010 is a vin de garde vintage.
2009
Consistent. Wines of power – Growing degree-days: 1627
In contrast with 2008, the 2009 vintage was hot from the get-go and the sun shone until the early frost in the second week of October.
All the heat units combined with very low yields due to damaged buds from the very harsh winter of 08/09 resulted in wines showing riper fruit, rounded acidity, slightly higher alcohol levels and other characteristics associated with a warm vintage.
2008
Variable. Wines of grace while some show great balance. Growing degree-days: 1442
2008 was one of the cooler and more old-world weather years we had in the whole decade. June and July were uneventful. Wet august had many worried but then the weather turned and Indian summer arrived to stay for the duration of the harvest. Picking merlot 3rd week of October in short and t-shirt was certainly a memorable experience.
2007
Variable. Wines of balance and while some show grace – Growing degree-days: 1508
2007 was a refreshing departure coming off two back-to-back warm and dry vintages that favored reds and structured wines over balance and grace. The whites were overall more lean and chiseled while the reds were either balanced or showing great elegance. Mid September rain and cold weather prompted some growers to get out and start picking while others waited it out. The results are as such dependent on when the grapes were picked. Because most whites were picked before or around the time the weather was turning, they show more lean and lithe qualities. Most reds were left on the vine and growers prayed for the best. This in fact materialized and resulted in reds showing a great balance between phenolic maturity and sugar/acid.
2006
Consistent. Wines of power while some show great balance- Growing degree-days: 1550
2006 was not dissimilar to 2005, but perhaps with better balance and yields. 2006 was considered another easy vintage because of lack of disease and pest pressure as well as the absence of untimely rain. 2006 was a vintage of both quantity and quality. The next one to show both traits was 2011 and 2012 but both of these latter vintages yielded wines of different structure and aromatics.
2005
Consistent. Wines of power- Growing degree-days: 1506
2005 was an uneventful year in the vineyard in terms of disease or pest pressure. Combined with warm and dry fall and no sign of frost, many later-ripening red varieties were left on the vine for great phenolic maturity until early November. With lower yields and extended hang time, the solid to juice ratio was high and yielded very structured reds and full flavored whites.