It was an interesting and enjoyable way to pass International Women’s Day with a sip of Evolve Pink Effervescence to start and an afternoon with fellow wine bloggers, reviewers and enthusiasts. Provided below are all the wines that were featured and discussed during the Zoom session so ably organized and hosted by Leeann Froese of Town Hall Brands for TIME Winery.
Christa-Lee McWatters, Darrien McWatters, Lynzee Schatz and Kimberly Hundertmark all provided commentary on the wines as well as personal reflections for Women’s Day. Although the session was not entirely attended by women the focus was definitely on women in wine and where they see themselves in the industry, who their mentors are, and the women they emulate.
“Women building a future that’s sustainable, peaceful, inclusive and equitable.” UN Women
No matter your takeaway of how International Women’s Day celebrates women this was a wonderful opportunity to come together with a group of like minded individuals, all BC wine lovers, celebrating, not just the day, but the wines we enjoy and the industry we support.
Here is the lineup of wines that were tasted by some of the participants and discussed throughout the session. It was helpful to hear the opinions of others as they evaluated the aspects of the wines. For myself, I will be reviewing the wines as I drink them, paired with a meal. Going forward these wines will make up my #ThisWineThatDish feature.
PINK EFFERVESCENCE OKANAGAN VALLEY BC VQA
Like us, for every step you take forward, every thought you have; everything you’ve ever tried to accomplish, you’re always striving to achieve your best. To constantly change and grow. And we raise a glass to you. Wait no longer – just pop open and raise a glass.
You might gets notes of ripe peach and rich berry fruit in your glass from this 50% Pinot Blanc, 30% Merlot, and 20% Chardonnay blend, but all you really need to know is that it is sparkly, just like you.
We started the discussion of the wines with this lovely bubbly. I found rhubarb pie and pink grapefruit exhibiting just the right touch of acidity. Super delicious as it tickles your nose. The perfect sipper for International Women’s Day or any day of the year. No need for a celebration, the wine covers that nicely.
TIME Cabernet Franc 2018
VINEYARDS
Adega Vineyard (Osoyoos) and Halla Vineyard (Kaleden)
WINEMAKING
Aged 16 months in French and American oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
This Cabernet Franc exhibits classic aromas of red berries and black cherry with hints of pepper and sage. On the palate, you’ll notice plum and blackberry with soft tannins, making this an approachable and well-rounded wine.
New Release $34.99 available online
TIME Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
VINEYARDS
Haynes Point (Osoyoos) and Gold Hill Vineyard (Oliver)
WINEMAKING
Hand-picked, crushed and destemmed. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
This vintage exhibits classic aromas of cassis, blackberry and vanilla with hints of pepper on the palate.
New Release $39.99 available online
TIME Syrah 2018
VINEYARDS
Stark Vineyard (Osoyoos)
WINEMAKING
18 months in small French Oak barrels
TASTING NOTES
On the nose, bold aromas of ripe blackberry and hints of mint. On the palate, rich flavours of fresh black currant and dark plum with traces of ground pepper and cinnamon.
New Release $39.99 available online
TIME White Meritage 2018
VINEYARDS
Silver Barrel (Okanagan Falls) and Desert Wolf (Oliver)
WINEMAKING
40% barrel fermented in French oak and the rest was cool fermented in stainless steel tank.
TASTING NOTES
Classic aromas circle in the glass: honeydew melon, pear, and a hint of tangerine. Taste hints of apricot and mango, swirled with ripe gooseberry. This wine is mellowed by barrel aging, resulting
TIME Viognier 2018
VINEYARDS
Raison d’Être Vineyard (Naramata) and Adega Vineyards (Osoyoos)
WINEMAKING
20% barrel fermented in French oak, aged 5 months sur lie and the remainder cool fermented in stainless steel tank.
TASTING NOTES
The nose offers complex aromas of pineapple, orange, apricot, citrus and floral notes. Tropical flavours continue through the lush and round palate, balanced by a kiss of sweet coconut from oak barrels, leading to a long finish.
There are some exciting changes coming to TIME which I hope to share with you
While the literal definition of TIME may be elusive, it is an observed phenomenon which allows us to honour key moments in our shared journey through life. With decades of experience in the South Okanagan, the winemaking team knows our unique terroir can offer the right wine to celebrate any occasion. Enjoy this TIME Cabernet Franc together.
THE WINERY
TIME Winery is committed to creating wines that express the unique flavours of Okanagan wine country. Located in the former PenMar movie theatre; TIME Winery is a state-of the art downtown winery. The entire TIME Winery team has worked to ensure that the new crush pad, barrel cellar, custom fermentation hall, and onsite lab were built to ensure only the best quality wine, vintage after vintage.
The winemaking team invites you to visit TIME Winery for a firsthand tour and sip the latest vintages, which offer flavours of the surrounding Okanagan wine country, while you explore the inner workings of a fully-functional winery. Complete the experience at the tasting bar and lounge, or with your guests on the patio. TIME Winery’s full kitchen and event space provide a unique venue for your next public or private event.
The Zoom session was complimentary for participants. I received one bottle of each of these wines with the option of tasting them during the session or tasting the wines at my convenience (which I have chosen to do) in order to facilitate this feature and a future review. My notes tasting notes for the Evolve Effervescence (in italics).