“In this series we bring you our #FavouriteThings Holiday Gift Suggestions
which we personally recommend
Here are three very special newly released Reserve wines from Fort Berens that we know you are going to want to have on hand over the holidays. These wines are ready now or would make a wonderful addition to your cellar. Please be sure to order early to ensure delivery before the holidays.
Here is our selection of three Fort Berens Reserve wines:
Riesling Reserve 2023
Tasting Notes
An aromatic Riesling with tropical and yellow fruit notes including quince, with a touch of jasmine, ginger spice, and floral notes coming though. This wine has a sensational palate with a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a soft, yet crisp finish that lingers with flavour.
Awards & Accolades
- SILVER – 91 points, National Wine Awards of Canada 2025
- SILVER – 90 points, Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
Vineyard Notes
100% estate grown grapes Dry Creek Vineyard (planted in 2009) and Red Rock Vineyard (planted in 2019).
Winemaker Notes
With cool nights during ripening, the 100% estate grown Riesling grapes were picked later in the season at optimal ripeness from our Dry Creek Vineyard and Red Rock Vineyard. The longer hanging time and cool nights added to the richness in flavour. 40% of the grapes were destemmed and crushed with 12 hours of skin contact for flavour. The other 60% of the grapes were whole-cluster pressed for added mouthfeel. A long and slow natural fermentation took place in a combination of 225L & 400L French oak barrels, and then the wine further matured for 7 months in barrels. 16% second fill French oak barrels were used, with the rest in neutral oak to retain the freshness of the wine.
Food Pairings
This aromatic Riesling is a beautiful wine to enjoy with a sesame ginger stir-fry or pork with garlic and lemon.
Aging
Enjoy this wine now through 2027. With optimal cellaring conditions, this Riesling will age well through 2028.
Chardonnay Reserve White Gold 2023
Tasting Notes
This beautiful Reserve Chardonnay is showing a combination of stone fruit, honey blossoms, lemon peel, and some roasted nuts on the nose. The rich and creamy mouthfeel from time spent in French oak is beautifully balanced with fresh acidity on the finish.
Vineyard Notes
100% estate grown grapes from Dry Creek Vineyard.
Winemaker Notes
With cool nights during ripening, the 100% estate grown Chardonnay grapes from our Dry Creek Vineyard were picked later in the season at optimal ripeness. 50% of the grapes were destemmed and crushed with 4 hours of skin contact, which added freshness to the wine. The other 50% of the grapes were whole-cluster pressed to add richness to the palate. Cold fermented with natural yeast and in 400L French oak barrels and further matured for 7 months. Partial malolactic fermentation took place, adding complexity to the wine. 16% new, 33% 2nd fill and 51% neutral oak was used.
Food Pairings
Rich and luxurious, this Chardonnay pairs well with risotto and chicken dishes. You could also enjoy this wine with roasted cauliflower and halloumi cheese.
Aging
This Reserve Chardonnay is ready to be enjoyed now, or with optimal cellaring, it will age beautifully through 2027.
Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022
Tasting Notes
A wine of elegance and stature, featuring a combination of cassis and blueberry notes with a hint of pencil shavings. This full-bodied wine has richness from the oak, a smooth tannin structure, and hints of dark chocolate flavour following through on the palate.
Awards & Accolades
- 93 points – John Schreiner, johnschreiner.blogspot.com
Vineyard Notes
100% estate grown grapes from Dry Creek Vineyard, planted in 2009.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes for this reserve wine were hand-harvested and sorted before destemming and crush. A 2-day cold soak allowed for optimal fruit extraction before fermentation. During fermentation, a combination of punchdowns and pump-overs were completed for the extraction of flavour, tannins, and colour. A further post maceration of 8 days were done on completion of fermentation for further colour and fine tannin extraction. The grapes were gently pressed and matured in 225L French oak barrels for 15 months including 60% new oak and 40% 2nd fill barrels.
Food Pairings
This rich and versatile wine pairs well with grilled steak, vegetarian lasagna with eggplant, a decadent chocolate dessert, or savour it on its own as you relax by the fireplace.
Aging
Enjoy this wine now, or it will age beautifully to 2030 and beyond.
