2021 Clos du Soleil “Winemaker’s Series” Syrah

You can feel the rugged terroir of the Similkameen Valley in this wine, with layers of stony minerality and sagebrush-like savouriness. A blend of two vineyards located in the South of the Valley, adjacent to the south Okanagan. Co-fermented with 3% Viognier, the wine was then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (15% new), which resulted in an incredible finesse, great density and stunning concentration. On the nose, aromas of blue and black fruits like blue plum, blueberry jam, black berry and cassis, with a subtle wave of dried herbs, cinnamon and cigar box. The texture is soft and creamy to its core, but the tannins are still rugged, which should soften with time. On the palate, layers of ripe fruits mingle with stony minerality, mocha and lingering white pepper and baking spices on the finish. This is a fantastic Syrah for $40. An hour of decanting is suggested. 534 cases made.