What strikes you first about the Dirty Laundry Vineyard new releases are the new labels.
The Big Bold Red labels work perfectly for the laid back Dirty Laundry brand. We love to take out of town guests to the winery as it is such a unique BC Wine Country experience. We spotted the following photo during our last trip which perfectly summarizes the DLV philosophy.
Winemaker
Mason Spink joined Dirty Laundry Vineyard as their winemaker in 2014. Mason graduated from Brock University in St. Catherines Ontario with a Bachelor Degree in Oenology and Viticulture. After graduating he worked as the See Ya Later Ranch winemaker from 2008 to 2013.
Mason provided the following comments on his winemaking philosophy. “My intent is to make the finest wines that express the remarkable flavour profiles that the growing regions of Summerland and British Columbia have to offer. With small lot fermentation, each parcel is handled gently and attentively to ensure the finest attributes are expressed in the resulting wine.
Wine is intended to be fun, and the cellar team and I love experimenting with new techniques which in turn makes our winemaking process so rewarding while producing equally exciting wines”
The New Releases
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Naughty Chardonnay 2017
12.6% Alcohol. This oaked chard spends time in French oak barrels where it undergoes partial malolactic fermentation to soften the wine while retaining an acidic backbone.
Aromas of apple blossom, lemon, lime and melon. On the palate, Pakenham Pears and Granny Smith apple with a crisp and long finish.
The wine was a gold medal winner at the 2018 ACWC.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Hush 2017
13 % Alcohol, 6 gm/L RS. The 2017 version of Hush is a blend of 45% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Pinot Noir. The light pink colour is due to minimal skin contact during the harvest and processing. All fruit is whole-cluster-pressed except for one portion that is a saignee of Pinot Noir.
Aromas of red delicious apple, lemon, lime and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, watermelon and strawberry flavours with moderate acidity. At $20 a great value summer sipper!
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
14% Alcohol. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are from the Similkameen Valley. A beautiful deep ruby red colour. Aromas of raspberry, blueberry and chocolate. On the palate black plum, cherries and leather with smooth tannins giving way to a luscious finish. Pairs well with BBQ NY strip steak.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Dangerous Liaison 2017
In these tangled vines, you’re bound to find some pleasure. But is this scandalous tryst worth the risk?? You decide……..
13.8% Alcohol, 5 gm/L RS. A blend of Merlot and Malbec sourced from their partner growers in Osoyoos. Gorgeous ruby red with a hint of purple around the rim. Black cherries explode from the glass. On the palate more cherries, red plum, blackberries and chocolate with loads of exotic spices. Bold tannins with a lingering finish.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Merlot 2016
This is a classic example of a BC Merlot aged in French and American oak for 18 months. 14.5% Alcohol and 0 gm/L RS. A gorgeous deep and brilliant garnet red in colour. Aromas of red cherry, ripe raspberry, and tobacco. On the palate, black cherries. chocolate, espresso and earthy leather with a full body and dry, fruit-forward finish. The tannins are as smooth as the long velvet gloves worn by the girls upstairs in the old dirty laundry!
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
14% Alcohol, 0 gm/L RS. The grapes are from the Summerland Vineyard. An easy drinking and fruit-forward pinot noir. Medium garnet in colour. Aromas of cherries, raspberries and a whiff of chocolate. On the palate black cherries, leather, tobacco with a hint of herbs and smooth tannins deliver a mouthwatering finish.
To order these outstanding BC wines the link to the Dirty Laundry Vineyard site is here.
To read more about lunching on the Dirty Laundry Vineyard patio see our earlier post here.