FLAVOUR PROFILE
A deep ruby colour with an aromatic bouquet of violet, cedar, red licorice, raspberry, vanilla and sweet spice. A medium-bodied wine with velvety tannins and moderate acidity. On the palate, look for juicy ripe raspberry, red currant and plum fruit flavors. The lingering finish shows similar red fruit notes as the palate, along with a dusting of delicate spice. Pairs well with grilled steaks with a chimichurri sauce, roast beef with root vegetables and black bean empanadas.
GROWING CONDITIONS
The 2009 growing season arrived late as the cold temperatures of a long winter seemed to drag on, much like 2008; the cole temperatures resulted in some reduced crops. However, unlike the 2008 vintage, the vines did catch up so that by early summer, vine development was at its normal stages. Summer was extremely hot and dry, which quickly advanced the ripeness of the slightly smaller than usual crop load, foretelling an early quick crush.
WINEMAKER NOTES
“Phantom Creek Vineyard is the ideal place to grow Malbec, giving us a glimpse of future potential in the Okanagan. Combined with thoughtful winemaking, this rare variety shows true character and nuances of terrior.”
- Harvested mid-October 2009
- Gentle crush and cold soak
- Fermented in small open top fermenters
- Hand punched down three times daily
- Aged in new and one year old American oak barrels for 20 months
- Alcohol 13.0%
- Dryness Code 0
- 0 g/L residual sugar
- 5.6 g/L total acidity
- pH 3.9
- Released: December 2011
- Cellaring: Enjoy now or cellar until 2015.