Sandhill Harvest Series Co-Fermented Red 2016

Harvest Twenty


Sandy Leier, our winemaker, and Nathan Goltz, our grape grower, have worked together for many years and share similar ideology and passion for the Similkameen Valley. This combined respect for terroir shows in every bottle of wine. After determining that the grapes were at the peak of ripeness, they began the careful selection of the finest Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape clusters from Vanessa Vineyard. This red blend, from our Vanessa Vineyard was co-fermented using Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The result, a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long elegant finish.

FLAVOUR PROFILE
• A deep garnet-hued red wine with an aromatic bouquet of dark plum, chocolate, smoky oak, saddle leather, spice box and cedar.
•  This full-bodied blend has firm drying tannins and moderate acidity that will soften during the next few years.
•  Flavours of black currant, blackberry, chocolate and black pepper spice fill the mouth. The extra-dry finish shows notes of black tea, cocoa powder, black currant, leather and spice.
•  Wonderful cold winter’s evening sipping wine while sitting fireside: or pairs well with grilled red meats; rich red meat casseroles and stews; wild game cuisine; pot roast with roasted root vegetables; prime rib of beef with garlic mashed potatoes; marinated leg of lamb; beef bourguignon; three to five-year-old Canadian cheddar or other hard aged cheeses.

GROWING CONDITIONS
The spring began with a blast of heat and a quick start to the season. Summer and fall cooled slightly allowing a slow, long ripening season, ideal for red varietals, and for expressive aromatic whites. The valley saw slightly wetter than normal conditions; however, the vineyards remained healthy. The southern Okanagan Valley experienced 1635 GDD (Growing Degree Days), representing higher than average heat units.