Fort Berens Estate Winery, nestled in the rugged beauty of Lillooet, British Columbia, continues to elevate its reputation as one of the province’s premier wine producers. Overlooking the scenic Fraser River, this pioneering winery has made its mark with a diverse portfolio of wines—offering nearly two dozen unique bottlings—but it’s their red wines that always attract a lot of attention.
This summer, Fort Berens released three new red wines. These latest offerings not only reflect the winery’s ongoing commitment to excellence but also demonstrate how far Lillooet has come as an emerging wine region in British Columbia.
2022 Pinot Noir
$34.99
Garnet red with medium intensity. An inviting nose showing aromas of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, meat, black pepper, black tea, spice, and a touch of toasted coconut. Good balance with nice mouthfeel. The flavours mirror the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish. Lovely to see the 12.5% ABV. A good match for salmon, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie plate.
90+ Points
2022 Cabernet Franc
$32.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. A delightfully fruity nose showing aromas of raspberry, blackberry, cherry, red currant, plum, dust, licorice, violets, and a hint of sandalwood. Good balance, medium body, bright acidity, and smooth ripe tannins. Juicy red fruit on the palate with a touch of minerality. A medium-plus finish. This light, fresh, and fruit-forward wine is the perfect summer red and works best with just a slight chill. A versatile food wine, it pairs well with grilled chicken (especially teriyaki thighs), pork, lamb, or pizza and will benefit greatly from further aging. I recommend buying at least two bottles, one to enjoy now and the other(s) to be opened in 3 to 8 years when it will truly shine.
91+ Points
2022 Meritage
$29.99
This vintage, a blend of 70% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, is garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Blackberry, raspberry, plum, black olive, cherry, clove, a touch of bell pepper, nuts, and pencil shavings on the nose. Good balance and full body. Big fruit on the palate with flavours that echo the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish. Will age well through 2028 – 2033. Serve with a charcuterie plate, grilled burgers, or a pepper steak.
92+ Points
Fort Berens continues to innovate and invest in its estate vineyard and winemaking practices, making Lillooet a serious contender in B.C.’s wine scene. Founded in 2009, the winery was one of the first to plant vines in this previously untested region. Today, it’s clear that the gamble has paid off. The warm days, cool nights, and unique soils of the Fraser Canyon valley are producing wines with intensity, freshness, and distinct character.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)