Julian

Great Year for Camelot’s White Knight

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Camelot Vineyards began as an orchard and was owned and operated by Ruth and the late Robert Young Senior for almost 40 years.  In 1996, keeping it in the family, Robert Young Jr. and his wife Denise, decided to take over the business.  Exactly ten years later in October 2006, they replanted the acreage with a vineyard and started the Camelot Winery.

The name Camelot was Robert Young senior’s choice for a previous property located in West Vancouver.  Upon moving to the Okanagan Valley, the name was transferred to the orchard.  Robert and Denise seized the opportunity to incorporate the name and created a beautiful tasting room using the Medieval theme.  Along with a six-foot suit of armour, assorted shields, swords and jousting gloves, there is a replica of the roundtable from King Arthur’s court.  Outside features of a sword in the stone and a patio area where a glass of wine can be enjoyed whilst absorbing the incredible scenery.

Winemaker

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Camelot Vineyard’s winemaker is Robert Young.  He and his wife Denise both apprenticed under a top Canadian winemaker for 5 years from 2006 and then felt comfortable taking control of winemaking at Camelot.

The Wines

Camelot Vineyards’ wines are hand-crafted in small lots to ensure the highest quality.  The practice of hand-picking and sorting allows for the creation of unique and distinctive, terroir-driven vintages.  Camelot produces only 1300 cases a year.
 2015 White Knight – Just bottled. This off-dry white is a fruity blend of Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.
2015 Pinot Gris – Fresh and well structured! This Alsatian style Pinot Gris has characteristics of ripe muskmelon, lemon peel, citrus oil, honeysuckle, strawflowers and chamomile.  Dry and medium bodied with stony minerality, refreshing acidity, long length with a Brazil nut finish.
2015  Riesling –  Medium bodied and dry with notes of lime blossom, peaches, quince, gala apple along with minerality and a touch of slate.
2011 Merlot – Distinct characteristics of black cherry and plum.  Pairs well with roast beef, lamb, vegetarian chilli and BBQ burgers.

2015 Vintage

As for challenges in making the 2015 vintages, it was the best year ever for us and everyone in the Okanagan Valley. It was officially reported to be a vintage year and 2016 looks to be the same. There were absolutely no challenges and we finished the harvest a whole month early.

Plans for the future

Denise provided the following comments “Camelot will continue to produce top quality wines, all grapes are estate grown except for our Merlot, which is purchased from contract growers in Oliver. Our Pinot Noir will be released later this year. We are contemplating a new wine in the upcoming season, possibly a Cabernet Sauvignon, again from Oliver where bold reds are grown well.

Our wines have only been available from our tasting room and we have sold out most years but, we have decided to put our wines into Overwaitea in Kelowna due to the fact that our tasting room is not open after mid-December until April and the new laws that have previously denied us this privilege.  This may result in Camelot having to increase production.

Source: Winery background and BC wine tasting notes were provided by Camelot Vineyards.

Time to check out Camelot’s wines before the 1300 case 2015 vintage is all gone!

2 comments

  1. I haven’t had their wines in a number of years now. I’m glad to hear that they feel their 2015 and 2016 vintages are looking good. I look forward to trying them. I’m also curious about their Merlot! They didn’t have it the last time I was at their winery.

  2. Did not have a chance to try the Merlot yet but with 5 years ageing, I would expect it to be very good.

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