Small Lots three 2009

BLEND
76% Sangiovese, 15%  Barbera,  5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.

FLAVOUR PROFILE
Deep ruby red colour with an interesting bouquet of spiced plum jam, red licorice, smoke and wild red berries. This dry, medium to full-bodied wine has soft tannins and food-friendly acidity. Flavours of cherry, plum and red berry are accented by notes of spice. Delicate spice notes along with currant and blackberry fruit linger on the finish. Perfect with breaded veal cutlets; Pecorino cheese; steak fajitas; grilled lamb chops; moussaka; wild mushroom risotto; duck ragu with pappardelle pasta..

GROWING CONDITIONS
The 2009 growing season arrived late as the cold temperatures of a long winter seemed to drag on, much like 2008; the cold 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.On Thanksgiving weekend, temperatures dropped to about -9˚C in the South Okanagan, halting any further ripening of the grapes.  However, at this point all our grapes were essentially ripened and ready to pick. We have some great white wines and the reds are excellent, especially with the reduced crop; wines are rich and intense, yet smooth..

WINEMAKER NOTES
“After almost ten years of experience with the Small Lots blends (One, Two, and Three) we now have a clear understanding to how bottle aging can make these wines so delightful to drink.  This year we increased the amounts of Sangiovese and Barbera to showcase the true expression of how Italian varieties can grow in the Okanagan; these exhibit classic varietal character, that, with bottle age, will evolve into complex notes of leather, spice and plum. The use of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon assist in building the structure and tannins of the blend, along with increasing complexity, depth and polish.”