River Stone Estate Winery is a small, family-owned and operated vineyard and winery near Oliver, BC. I first met Ted Kane at Garagiste North in 2015 where he was pouring two Bordeaux blends and white Splash. I only had a chance to try the Splash which is a very enjoyable thirst-quenching blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer with tropical aromas and flavours.
The winery is located on a small knoll in the middle of the valley, just south of the well recognized McIntyre Bluff north of Oliver. You can’t miss the winery because it is in a red and yellow house at the top of a vineyard just off Tuc-el-Nuit Road.
The winery is surrounded by the vineyard which was chosen for its superb grape-growing qualities. The vineyard was planted with a Bordeaux style blend in mind, which Ted and Lorraine called “Corner Stone“.
As the winery name, River Stone, and vineyard name, River Rock Vineyards suggest, the wines come from the deep rock and gravel soils laid down following the last glacial recession.
River Stone grows five red Bordeaux varietals. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot as well as two white varietals; Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Long sunlit summer days followed by fall’s warm days and cool nights consistently produce premium quality fruit.
The Winemaker
Ted is the owner, vineyard manager, viticulturist, winemaker and builder of the establishment. He is continually acquiring knowledge and building on his roots from the University of Alberta and the Northern Institute of Technology.
Prior to starting the vineyard, Ted was a Respiratory Therapist for 12 years but has always been drawn to winemaking and grape-growing. Ted’s dreams and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the winery, from the vineyard layout to the house construction, to the flavours in the wine.
The Wines
River Stone Pinot Gris 2017
Off-dry in style with floral, tropical aromas and flavours of melon, pear and peach. This wine is balanced in acidity with a hint of minerality and a nice long finish. Serve slightly chilled. Silver Medal winner at the 2018 National Wine Awards of Canada,
River Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2017
These grapes came from a neighbouring vineyard located just North of Oliver on the west side of the valley. The wine is presently showing bold tropical aromatics and flavours of Passion fruit, Guava, gooseberry and grapefruit and melon. The wine is nicely balanced with a small amount of residual sugar giving a soft supple mouthfeel and minerality reminiscent of other River Stone wines. Gold Medal – 2018 All Canadian Wine Awards.
River Stone Corner Stone 2015
Merlot (37%) Cabernet Franc (23%) Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) Malbec (9%) Petit Verdot (8%) aged 18 months in French Oak Barrels.
This bold Bordeaux style blend is rich and concentrated with bold ripe fruit and concentrated textures from mature tannins representative of the great growing season. This wine is showing dark berry flavours complemented by hints of spice including sage, wild thyme as well as chocolate and coffee, supported by French oak. It has balanced acidity and medium tannins provide nice velvety textures. This wine will age nicely 7-10 years.
River Stone Cabernet Franc 2016
The 2016 Cabernet Franc has a medium body, ripe varietal fruit, balanced acidity, moderate, mature tannins creating a rich, lasting mouthfeel. This wine is presently showing ripe varietal fruit character including blueberries, black currants, black cherries, and a nice hint of French oak. This wine will easily age well 7-10 years. Gold Medal – 2018 National Wine Awards of Canada.
River Stone Cottage
A stay at the River Stone Cottage is a great way to explore the Southern Okanagan Valley. The cottage is a quaint two bedroom house with a fenced yard, large deck and shade trees. It is conveniently located a short walk through row #83 from the main house, winery site and tasting room.
The 9.5-acre vineyard borders Okanagan River which is a great area for walking, biking, swimming or fishing. There are several golf courses and other quality wineries in the surrounding area.
River Stone in the Movies!
Did you know that a Hallmark movie series was filmed here at River Stone? The third part of the trilogy called ‘Valentine in the Vineyard’ wrapped up filming here this past Fall and is now airing on the Hallmark channel! Check out the article for more details, including airing times and also an interview with Rachael Leigh Cook.
Conclusion
If you love Bordeaux style wines a visit to the River Stone Estate Winery tasting room is a MUST.
Sip on the elegant Bordeaux whites and smooth and Merlot-forward, Right Bank style Red Blends.
For the complete portfolio of River Stone Estate wines please visit the winery website.
For a better understanding of Bordeaux style wines please see Wine Folly’s excellent primer.
Source: River Stone Estate Winery provided the vineyard information, photos and BC wine tasting notes.