We welcomed the opportunity to visit the new Estate Winery site for Black Market Wine Co. in Kaleden. A small historic, and modern rural satellite community located south of Penticton and the home of another BC winery and vineyards. Situated on a high ridge with a fabulous view of Skaha Lake, plans are underway to build a winery and tasting room on the site over the next year or so. In the meantime, the 2018 vintage will continue to be made at the BC Wine Studio facilities, 10 minutes away in Okanagan Falls.
Conviction Ridge Vineyard
The 5-acre vineyard is planted with 35-year-old Merlot and Bacchus vines, with a newer block of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Of the Pinot grapes, about 80% is Blanc and 20% Gris. The Bacchus grape was officially classified in 1972 at the German research station of Geilweilerhof, where the variety was created by mating a Riesling/Sylvaner cross with Müller-Thurgau. There are only 50 acres of Bacchus grown in BC <1>. The result is a cool-climate grape that ripens early with good sugar, an exotic fragrance, good acidity and a dominant peach flavour.
This crush, Rob is planning on experimenting with fermentation of several ripeness levels of Bacchus for possible inclusion in the 2018 Secret Society blend.
We welcomed the opportunity to taste the new releases, having missed the chance at Garagiste North.
All the Black Market Wines won medals at the National Wine Awards of Canada and /or the Northwest Wine Summit.
Black Market Unsanctioned Series Sémillon 2017
The 2016 Sémillon was the standout wine in the cellar so Rob decided to make a 100% Sémillon again for 2017. The grape is difficult to source but he was able to obtain 2.25 tons from the 2017 harvest. There are only 47 acres of Sémillon grown in BC <1>. This time, the wine was also fermented in French oak puncheons with some almost neutral American oak barrels, and aged on the lees for 5 months. A floral aroma of ripe apple, pear, citrus and honey. Flavours of fresh apple, peach and lemon. The wine has bright crisp acid levels. 11.6% Alcohol. Only 100 cases were produced. The 2017 Unsanctioned Series Sémillon 2017 won a gold medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada.
Black Market Collusion 2017
75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Sémillon blend. 12.4% Alcohol. About 100 cases were produced. The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a South Naramata vineyard, the Sémillon from a vineyard between Oliver and Osoyoos. The Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel with a small portion aged in neutral oak. The Sémillon was barreled fermented and aged in neutral oak for 5 months. This vibrant white wine has good acid levels with a crisp citrus blossom on the nose. On the palate honeydew melon, gooseberry and grapefruit, minerality with a medium body and nicely integrated oak. 2017 Collusion won a silver medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada.
Black Market Secret Society 2017
This is Black Market’s fourth Secret Society vintage of their highest volume white wine. This wine is targeted at a broader audience of white wine drinkers. Only stainless steel fermentation for this fruit forward wine.
The blend is not disclosed on the label, to underline the mystique suggested by the name. The word on the street is that the blend for 2017 contains about Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. An aromatic white, the wine is crisp and dry and food friendly. The wine is drier than in 2016. The Sauvignon Blanc brings the acidity to the blend and the Muscat lifts the aromatics.
Secret Society offers fresh aromas of lychee and citrus fruits, grass and a hint of butterscotch. Dry on the palate with a viscous mouthfeel, pink grapefruit, lemon and a mineral undertone, all balanced together with crisp acidity and just a hint of sweetness. In blind tastings, the wine is often mistaken for Viognier because of the texture. The 2017 Secret Society won a Bronze medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada.
Black Market Syrah 2016
This was the third Black Market vintage of Syrah. The first two were co-fermented with Viognier but this year the Viognier ripened too early to be included in the Syrah. Without the Viognier, the 2016 Syrah is a bolder wine. After a slow and warm fermentation, the wine underwent another 10 days of maceration to extract more phenolic compounds. The wine spent 15 months in French Oak Puncheons and American oak barrels. The lower wine to oak ratio from the puncheon provides the Syrah with more subtle oak flavours. 13.8% Alcohol. Rob commented that there is a movement within the Okanagan Valley towards unoaked wines but he believes a soft ageing approach with puncheons delivers a more elegant red wine.
Full-bodied with a luscious mouthfeel, the tannins are lifted by a hint of acidity. Aromas of blueberry, blackberry are followed on the palate by savoury notes of black olive, vanilla and cinnamon. This elegant wine lingers with a hint of white pepper on the long finish. Drinkable now but will definitely improve with age. The 2016 Syrah won a Silver medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada.
To see how Black Market’s Syrah compares to other BC wines go to Top 10 Best Value BC Syrah
Black Market Syndicate 2015
Black Market Syndicate 2015 This full-bodied blend of Merlot (31%), Cabernet Franc (29%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), and Petit Verdot (16%). Each varietal was fermented separately in small lots and aged for about 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 40% were new. The final blend was assembled, bottled and aged a further 9 months before being released. The Petit Verdot provided the depth of colour and floral notes.
A luscious, well-balanced wine that is approachable now, but with the acidity and tannin structure to enable cellaring and enjoyment over the next 5 years. The wine opens with seductive aromas of chocolate, plum, sweet spices and a touch of mint. On the palate flavours of black currant, blackberries, tobacco and smoke. The texture is concentrated. The 2015 Syndicate won a Gold Medal and Best of Category at the Northwest Wine Summit.
Please visit the winery website for the complete BC Wine portfolio of Black Market Wines.
Future Plans
Rob provided the following comments. “Most of the vineyards in the Kaleden area are only five-acre lots. We have a diverse set of wines in our portfolio, many of which require different growing conditions. In the future, we expect to purchase additional vineyards in areas that are best suited to the wines we want to make.
2017 production was around 1000 cases with plans to increase to around 1500 cases for this year.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting so good Rob plans to release 25 cases of Unsanctioned Series Cabernet Sauvignon. It was the standout barrel in his cellar! This is the whole idea behind the Black Market Wine Unsanctioned Series.