River Stone Estate Winery, located at 143 Buchanan Drive in Oliver, has long been a favourite for red wine lovers with their focus on Bordeaux-inspired red wines.
The majority of the grapes come from ten-year-old vines. The land here is south-facing with soils comprised of rock, sand, and gravel.
2020 and 2022 were good years and these offerings are sure to please those looking for rich wines to enjoy through the fall and winter. As the wineries states, “Both the 2020 and 2022 vintages were marked by unusual seasonal starts that affected flowering but delivered wines of outstanding quality with high natural acidity, restrained potential alcohol, and vibrant phenolic ripeness.”
Whenever I meet a River Stone fan they often remark, “I love their Corner Stone,” and rightly so. Year after year this popular red blend hits the mark. Here are their latest releases:
2022 Malbec
$38.90
The grapes for this wine came from River Rock Vineyard in Oliver and the Red Brick Vineyard in Osoyoos. Aged for 14 months in 33% new French oak barrels, this wine is garnet red tinged with purple and with deep intensity. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of blueberry, huckleberry, black cherry, plum, raspberry and a hint of black pepper. Good balance. The palate is a medley of mouth-watering yummy juicy berries, spice, cherries, plums, and herbs culminating in a medium-plus finish. This delectable wine is both delicate and very approachable. I’ll definitely be adding some to the cellar.
92 Points
2020 Merlot
$30.90
Crafted from estate-grown grapes, this Merlot underwent fermentation in stainless steel and was aged for 18 months in 33% new French oak. It boasts a garnet red colour with medium-deep intensity. A pleasing and aromatic nose showing aromas of blackberry, cherry, raspberry, black currant, coconut, delicate black olive and floral notes, sweet spice, and a hint of earth. Good balance and structure though some might find it slightly thin at 13% ABV. Pleasing on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. Good now, especially when served with a big protein and certainly age-worthy through 2030.
90 Points
2020 Stones Throw
$36.90
This Bordeaux-styled wine is a captivating mix of 73% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot all sourced from the River Rock vineyard. Aged in 33% new French oak for 14 months, it features aromas of bramble, raspberry, blueberry, sweet vanilla, blackberry, red currant, earth, black olive, rhubarb, and spice. The palate offers a bright, well-balanced experience with flavours of cherries, mint, and cinnamon, finishing with a lingering note of vanilla. Ideal for aging through 2030, it pairs beautifully with a BBQ rib steak.
91 Points
2020 Corner Stone
$46.90
This flagship wine, made from estate grapes presents a left-bank styled wine. It is a similar blend to the above, but this time Merlot plays a smaller role – 36%, followed by 29% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, and 6% Petit Verdot and the difference is significant. The nose is interwoven with aromas of fruit, spice and cocoa, dark cherry, leaf, mint, plum, raspberry, earth, blackberry, and vanilla notes. Very good balance. On the palate bright and fresh showcasing plum, dark cherry, raspberry, blackberry, earth, and clove flavours followed by a medium-long finish. Very approachable now and will continue to evolve through 2030. I recommend buying a few, one for now (be sure to decant or aerate) and a couple to age. You will thank me.
93 Points
Given the challenging conditions of recent years, particularly for red wine grapes, now is an excellent time to stock up on these exceptional vintages. River Stone is responding to these challenges by expanding their offerings, including select library wines dating back to 2013.
For inquiries and purchases, please contact Noelle at noelle@nullriverstoneestatewinery.ca. Don’t miss this opportunity to get these wines while you can.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
