Observatory wines & summerland estate wines

These grapes were hand harvested, destemmed and pressed. After two days of cold settling the clear juice was racked off, analyzed and determined a dose of tartaric, citric and malic acids were needed to improve microbial stability and overall balance. Alcoholic fermentation, stainless with cultured yeast and the barrel spontaneous, naturally stopped after two weeks due to cold temps in November. Two separate vessels were used, stainless for the bright fresh portion, and an old neutral barrel (originally used for our wedding wine). The barrel ferment portion had lees stirring and partial malolactic conversion to increase texture and mouthfeel. The two portions were blended and rested for 6 months on lees before bottling on May 15, 2023.

$27

These grapes were hand harvested about a month earlier than usual at 20.8 brix at Pipe Dreams Vineyard, Oliver, BC. With a low crop due to the previous winter damage the full canopy ripened the grapes a bit faster than we’d estimated. However, the phenolic ripeness was achieved and I’m quite happy with the outcome. The grapes were destemmed and pressed. Alcoholic fermentation was predominantly in stainless and then finished in barrels with spontaneous malolactic conversion to increase texture and mouthfeel. This wine is quite round on the palate with big expressions of ripe fruit. Definitely a different wine than the bright and fresh 2022 vintage, 2023 is expressive of how a hot summer and low crops can impact the outcome of the wine.

$27

63% Merlot

21% Cab Franc

16% Malbec

Farmed in Oliver by a family with dirt and lees under their fingernails. This is a beautiful reflection of how clean and clear the 2020 growing season was. Big fruit and great tension make this wine a sleeper for years to come.

$35

Harvested mid October 2024 from vineyards surrounding Duncan in the Quwʼutsun (Cowichan) Valley, BC. These grapes were specifically produced to make this sparkling wine in collaboration with Alderlea Vineyards. The blend consists of 60% Pinot Blanc, 20% Pinot Gris and 20% Pinot Noir. Bubbles were added to increase cheer.

$30