“In this series we bring you our #FavouriteThings Holiday Gift Suggestions which we personally recommend”
A long time favourite with a new look, we welcome back Evolve, TIME and McWatters and welcome newcomer Chronos to our #FavouriteThings Holiday Gift Suggestions. Now under the umbrella of TIME Family of Wines you will find there is something for every wine lover on your list and a price point that doesn’t disappoint.
Today’s recommendation is from McWatters…
McWatters Collection 2020 White Meritage
OKANAGAN VALLEY BC VQA 2020
55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Sémillon
Winemaking
All the grapes in this wine were hand sorted then whole bunch pressed. This blend is 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Sémillon. One half of the Sémillon portion was fermented in oak barrels.
On the nose
Notes of tropical and citrus fruit.
On the Palate
Ripe apricot flavour and light body. Displays lush texture, balanced acidity, and dry finish.
Enjoy with
Sesame seed crusted Albacore Tuna with avocado and lemon miso drizzle, Shrimp scampi, Tortellini pesto.
Technical Information
Vineyard Archer (Okanagan Falls), Diamondback (Oliver) Winemaker Lynzee Schatz
McWatters Collection 2018 Red Meritage
THIS WINE
Big, elegant, with soft tannins, well-balanced fruit, and oak characteristics with blackberry and cassis overtones.
Enjoy with grilled meats, roasts, rich tomato pastas, but best when shared with friends (new and old). It is ready to drink now but will continue to age gracefully through 2028.
The grapes for this wine are from Desert Valley, Adega, Haynes Creek Vineyard, and Gold Hill Vineyard. The grapes (Merlot 52%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Cabernet Franc 21%, Malbec 2%) were carefully selected at the peak of ripeness and the wine was matured in French oak for 18 months.
VINTAGE REPORT
Excellent year for reds in the Valley. Yields were down but quality was up. A wet spring was followed but a drier than usual June which moved into an extremely hot July and August. Harvest started and finished a little later in 2018 than most other years.
McWatters Collection
Created at the urging of his children as a family legacy brand, Harry McWatters launched his namesake wine brand in 2011 with a red Meritage blend and Chardonnay. These wines are the two pillars of the McWatters Collection, crafted from premium grapes grown in the south Okanagan Valley. More than a name, this small portfolio is a testament to McWatters’ dedication and perseverance of spirit in helping to create a world-class wine growing region in British Columbia.
Notes and descriptions courtesy of the winery. Images MyVanCity.ca. I received complimentary wine to facilitate this feature.
