Having recently returned from a whirlwind week of wine touring and restaurant dining in the Okanagan I felt compelled to share the highlights with you while there is still some visiting time left in the season.
This was my first time at Phantom Creek Estates if you don’t count the previous visits while the facility was still under construction. Believe me there is no comparison to the wine tasting experience between now and then. Here is a link to the previous visit in 2019.
The wine tasting was outdoors on the patio with exquisite, panoramic views. The winery offers a number of wine tasting and touring options ranging from a seated tasting at $20.00 per person to a Helicopter tasting & touring starting at $475.00 person. With six different possibilities there is something for every wine lover to experience.
It was a summer like day despite being early October so we took advantage of a cabana on the patio curated by a Senior Brand Ambassador. We tasted eight wines paired with a cheese and charcuterie board.
Here are the wines we tasted:
2020 Okanagan Riesling
This Riesling comes from a hot and well exposed site on the Black Sage Bench. Guided by Olivier Humbrech, MW – this wine is unmistakably Alsatian in style. Matured for 19 months in Austrian white oak fudres for added weight and richness. The nose is flinty and phenolic with notes of caramelized apple, vanilla, and lime zest. The palate displays world-class acidity, green and yellow citrus, lemongrass, watermelon, petrol, and sweet spices.
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2020 growing season was slow to start, with slightly higher than average rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the spring. Hot and dry conditions, typical of the South Okanagan climate prevailed from late Spring until harvest and were ideal for berry and tannin development. Harvest was completed before a sudden cold snap occurred towards mid October, ending the season quite abruptly for the region. 2020 had a less than average harvest volume due to small berry size, however, smaller berries resulted in more concentrated fruit flavours.
The wine opened with beautiful aromas of diesel, a slight oak scent which was very discreet. Followed by fabulous stone fruit scents, floral with some spice notes.
The wine was light with good acidity, tangy spice on the palate and stone fruit flavours followed the nose and pleasant minerality. Excellent alone or paired with creamy cheeses.
2020 Estate Chardonnay
This Chardonnay comes exclusively from our historic Becker Vineyard on the Black Sage bench. Distinctive of a warmer site this Chardonnay is round and complete. On the nose aromas of golden apples, lemon zest, and stone fruit are complimented by subtle honey and vanilla. On the palate, Golden delicious apple and pear mingle with butter as well as accents of toasted almond. Well balanced, this Chardonnay has a lovely texture and refreshingly crisp acidity.
WINEMAKER NOTES
2020 growing season was slow to start, with slightly higher than average rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the spring. Hot and dry conditions, typical of the South Okanagan climate prevailed from late Spring until harvest and were ideal for berry and tannin development. Fortunately, most of the harvest was completed before a sudden cold snap occurred towards mid October, ending harvest quite abruptly for the region. Although 2020 had a less than average harvest volume due to small berry size this resulted in more concentrated fruit flavours.
VINEYARD NOTES
Becker Vineyard was initially developed in 1977, as part of the pioneering Becker Project, which demonstrated that vitis vinifera could thrive in British Columbia. However, the property’s potential for late ripening red varieties was first identified in 1993, and was replanted to Cabernet family varieties that year. Tucked up against the Okanagan Highland mountains, Becker Vineyard produces finessed, elegant wines from the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench.
Subdued oak scents, delicate and refined. Heracious notes and pleasantly tropical with hints of pineapple and banana.
Richly smooth, mellow with good acidity. Lingering flavours, elegant and understated richness. Balanced and lightly herbaceous. Deliciously lingers on the palate. Superb. Paired well with the stronger flavoured cheeses and charcuterie.
2021 Estate Rosé
Tasting Note:
From dedicated blocks at Becker and Evernden Spring Vineyards, our Estate Rosé reflects the complexity that comes from our organic-certified terroirs in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. The 2021 vintage is dry, finessed, and nuanced, with flavours of delicate red citrus, fresh berries and layers of spice.
Fruit forward scents of wild strawberry and rich fresh berries, mandarin and spice. Like a delicate perfume.
Outstanding fruit flavours mirror the scent, orange and fig followed to the palate with nice acidity and intense minerality that gives way to a pleasant lingering on the palate. The wine went well with the milder cheeses and lighter salami. A wine not be be ignored.
2019 Kobau Vineyard Cabernet Franc
This unique wine comes exclusively from our famed Kobau Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench. This wine opens to prominent aromatics of dark fruits, cherry, and plum with hints of rose petals and vanilla beans. The palate reveals dark bramble fruit flavours combined with cassis notes, mocha, and the classic Golden Mile Bench sagebrush. A bright acidity and fine silky tannins create a superb mouthfeel with a lingering finish.
WINEMAKER NOTES
A cooler April in 2019 was quickly followed by warm conditions in May and June resulting in perfectly timed bud break in the vineyards. Summer brought more warmth to the valley but temperatures were average and this allowed the vines to fully develop. Harvest started with warm and dry conditions and the early ripening varieties were harvested on schedule. However, by the end of September, a slight change in weather conditions brought cooler temperatures and small amounts of rainfall to the valley. October was warm and had minimal rainfall allowing for more flavour development and acidity retention in the grapes. Harvest 2019 was challenging and required extremely precise vineyard management, however the result of all that hard work is well balanced wines with vibrant fruit characters and freshness.
VINEYARD NOTES
The southerly aspect of the Kobau vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench allow the vines to bask in the early morning sun. On gravelly soils, wines from this vineyard are known for being mineral-driven, well structured, with a balanced ripeness and fresh acidity.
Intense ripe fruit notes burst from the glass with blueberry scents. A wine for the discriminating wine lover. Scents of spice, tobacco and newly tooled leather. Deep aromas of Italian plum, blackberries, boysenberry and sugary plums in a jar.
Excellent with beautifully approachable tannins. Rich, smooth and mellow, almost understated. An elegant wine steeped in richness. Luscious on the palate. As the wine sits it continues to develop and surpasses expectations. Think pairings of bleu cheese or steak with Bearnaise.
2019 Kobau Vineyard Cuvée
The 2019 Cuvée from our famed Kobau Vineyard is dominated by Cabernet Franc. On the nose, sweet notes of black plum, espresso, and cocoa are apparent along with a hint of earth and kalamata olive. An intriguing herbal lift, provided by the Cabernet Franc in this blend, creates complexity and refinement. This wine is expressive on the palate, with concentrated ripe black and blue fruit flavours perfectly balanced with dark chocolate and toasty notes. The mouthfeel is rich and smooth, leading to a long finish. Well-structured tannins and fresh acidity, this is a perfect expression of what Cabernet Franc from the Golden Mile Bench can achieve.
WINEMAKER NOTES
A cooler April in 2019 was quickly followed by warm conditions in May and June resulting in perfectly timed bud break in the vineyards. Summer brought more warmth to the valley but temperatures were average and this allowed the vines to fully develop. Harvest started with warm and dry conditions and the early ripening varieties were harvested on schedule. However, by the end of September, a slight change in weather conditions brought cooler temperatures and small amounts of rainfall to the valley. October was warm and had minimal rainfall allowing for more flavour development and acidity retention in the grapes. Harvest 2019 was challenging and required extremely precise vineyard management, however the result of all that hard work is well balanced wines with vibrant fruit characters and freshness.
VINEYARD NOTES
The southerly aspect of the Kobau vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench allow the vines to bask in the early morning sun. On gravelly soils, wines from this vineyard are known for being mineral-driven, well structured, with a balanced ripeness and fresh acidity.
Distinctive aromas of Italian plum, cherries and ripe fruits. Hints of tobacco, currants and blackberry with underlying sceints of sage.
The wine was superb and not even when pairing it with the bleu cheese the savoury notes are not interrupted. A sensory experience of a fine and cultured wine. Light tannins and fruit forward on the palate. Elegant and full flavoured, juicy, jammy and delicious. Reminiscent of a fine Nebbiolo.
2018 Becker Vineyard Cuvée
Nestled against the Okanagan Highland mountains, the Becker vineyard sits on the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench. At this higher elevation, the vineyard enjoys a gradual growing season and maintains a sense of vibrancy and freshness. This Cabernet Franc forward Bordeaux blend begins with flavours of currant, black cherry and desert herbs, mingling with coffee and licorice all preceding a long and lasting finish.
WINEMAKER NOTES
A cool start to spring resulted in a slightly later than average bud break. However ideal flowering conditions were possible thanks to warmer temperatures and dry conditions in late spring. Summer was warm allowing for continued fruit development. And the classic long, dry and sunny fall conditions in October really helped with increased flavour development and acidity retention. Harvest 2018 was longer than usual due to the unique conditions experienced during the growing season, nevertheless a promising one.
VINEYARD NOTES
Becker Vineyard was initially developed in 1977, as part of the pioneering Becker Project, which demonstrated that vitis vinifera could thrive in British Columbia. However, the property’s potential for late ripening red varieties was first identified in 1993, and was replanted to Cabernet family varieties that year. Tucked up against the Okanagan Highland mountains, Becker Vineyard produces finessed, elegant wines from the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench.
Heavenly rich, ripe fruit scents with dark berries. All the wonderful scents and aromas expected from a wine of this quality.
Another jammy, juicy wine. This wine has mediun tannins and is rich and deep with ripe flavours, smooth, well balanced with a nice finish. This was my favourite of the red wines we tasted.
2018 Becker Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc
Small Lot, co-ferment
Nestled against the Okanagan Highland mountains, the Becker vineyard sits on the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench. At this higher elevation, the vineyard enjoys a gradual growing season with wines maintaining a sense of vibrancy and freshness. This co-fermented blend displays the plush black cherry and blueberry notes from the Merlot along with a herbal hint, elegance of tannins and structure provided by the Cabernet Franc.
WINEMAKER NOTES
A cool start to spring resulted in a slightly later than average bud break. However ideal flowering conditions were possible thanks to warmer temperatures and dry conditions in late spring. Summer was warm allowing for continued fruit development. And the classic long, dry and sunny fall conditions in October really helped with increased flavour development and acidity retention. Harvest 2018 was longer than usual due to the unique conditions experienced during the growing season, nevertheless a promising one.
VINEYARD NOTES
Becker Vineyard was initially developed in 1977, as part of the pioneering Becker Project, which demonstrated that vitis vinifera could thrive in British Columbia. However, the property’s potential for late ripening red varieties was first identified in 1993, and was replanted to Cabernet family varieties that year. Tucked up against the Okanagan Highland mountains, Becker Vineyard produces finessed, elegant wines from the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench.
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The wine is a co-ferment and small lot. A bit more of a burnished tint to the burgundy colour in the glass. Scents of late summer cherries, cranberries and plums.
Ever so slightly lighter in body than the previosly tasted Becker Vineyard Cuvee but a treat for the palate. This wine would pair nicely with a variety of dishes.
2018 Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée
The Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée is our best expression of this acclaimed vineyard. In 2018, this Cuvée is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend that captures the power and opulence of our namesake vineyard.
Creamy aromatics that resemble unsweetened chocolate, blackberries and cassis. Firm tannins and substantial structure greet you on the palate with deep and dark fruit flavours. Blackberries, plums, a hint of terroir characteristic sage, and some integrated toasty oak notes from the barrel fermentation, round out a finish that lingers endlessly.
WINEMAKER NOTES
A cool start to spring resulted in a slightly later than average bud break. However ideal flowering conditions were possible thanks to warmer temperatures and dry conditions in late spring. Summer was warm allowing for continued fruit development. And the classic long, dry and sunny fall conditions in October really helped with increased flavour development and acidity retention. Harvest 2018 was longer than usual due to the unique conditions experienced during the growing season, nevertheless a promising one.
VINEYARD NOTES
Established by pioneering viticulturist Richard Cleave in 1996, Phantom Creek Vineyard is located on the lower terrace of the Black Sage Bench just above the warm valley floor. The tiny, eight-acre parcel is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the early 2000s, fruit from the property has been used for single vineyard bottlings, a tradition we proudly honour and continue today at the winery.
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Full scented as blackberries and cherries aggresively tempt the nose. Sensationally softer with savoury, herbaceous notes.
Very rich with wonderful depth, excellent yet mellow. Somehow seems lighter but with outstanding qualities. A very refined and delicious wine. The best.
About Phantom Creek Estates
History
1977, Becker Project Begins
Led by renowned viticulturist Helmut Becker, over 30 different grape varieties were specifically planted at (what’s now) Becker Vineyard as a demonstration that traditional European vines could survive in British Columbia. And not only did they survive – they thrived.
Winemaking
Viticulture
Our winemaking truly begins in the vineyard. We farm our estate grapes with the aim of expressing the character of each vineyard in the final wine. And then we get out of the way.
Wine notes and bottle shots courtesy of the winery. My notes (in italics). Feature image: MyVanCity. I received a complimentary tasting and a cheese and charcuterie board for myself and one guest. All opinions are my own. One bottle of Becker Vineyard Cuvée was purchased. A gratuity of $25. was left for the Brand Ambassador.
