#ShiptoSip with Nk’Mip Cellars

HARVEST REPORT

An unusually long and cold winter resulted in a later bud break – fully a month behind last year and a week or so behind a typical harvest. Wet and cool weather continued into late May when we saw our first spike of heat that pushed the vines towards flowering in early June. July and August were typically hot with virtually no precipitation. Fortunately in September the weather cooled significantly, allowing the fruit to hang for great flavour and phenolic ripeness. We began harvest on September 13th with Sauvignon Blanc but didn’t get back into it until the 29th when we picked the second component of our White Merriym – Semillon. A compressed October harvest was managed by our tenacious vineyard team, bringing in the last of this amazing 2017 vintage.

WINEMAKING

A blend of several different blocks of Merlot all located on Osoyoos Indian Band vineyards in the south Okanagan. The parcels were fermented separately and aged in predominately French oak barrels for a period of 18 months after which they were blended prior to bottling.

TASTING NOTES

Aromas and flavours of black cherry, blueberry, dark plum, cedar and spice. This medium-bodied Merlot is well-structured with a soft entry and finely grained tannins that lead to a lengthy finish.

FOOD PAIRING

Pork or veal roasts, barbecued beef ribs, stuffed peppers, bean dishes with smoked ham or chorizo, and Monterey, Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese.

HARVEST REPORT

An unusually long and cold winter resulted in a later bud break – fully a month behind last year and a week or so behind a typical harvest. Wet and cool weather continued into late May when we saw our first spike of heat that pushed the vines towards flowering in early June. July and August were typically hot with virtually no precipitation. Fortunately in September the weather cooled significantly, allowing the fruit to hang for great flavour and phenolic ripeness. We began harvest on September 13th with Sauvignon Blanc but didn’t get back into it until the 29th when we picked the second component of our White Merriym – Semillon. A compressed October harvest was managed by our tenacious vineyard team, bringing in the last of this amazing 2017 vintage.

WINEMAKING

Harvested from 5 separate blocks at Inkameep Vineyards from October 6th through to October 15th. The grapes were cold soaked from 3-5 days and fermented 7-10 days then gently pressed in 100% French oak barrels for 10 months aging.

TASTING NOTES

Aromas of dark cherry, spice and lightly toasted oak lead to a soft palate with silky tannins and a nice acid backbone that contributes to a lengthy and elegant finish.

FOOD PAIRING

Grilled salmon, wild mushroom bruschetta and roasted duck are top recommendations for this Pinot Noir. Also pairs wonderfully with the following cheeses – Camembert, Gouda or Gruyere.

IF THE LAND COULD SPEAK, THIS IS WHAT IT WOULD SAY.

We are forever linked to the land we love and call home. Our sense of place expresses itself in everything we do. Nk’Mip Cellars is pleased to offer a wide range of fine wines inspired by the spectacular region we call home. One where long hot summer days are followed by cool nights. Where there is little rainfall and the winters are mild. Here, nature has created one of the world’s superior grape-growing regions. Our promise is to express the variety, intensity and irresistible lure of the land in every bottle of wine we produce.