Moraine Winery is one of my favourite Naramata wineries to visit. For background on the winery please see my earlier post – Crush on Moraine. This information is a little dated as the winery has since expanded and will soon be offering on-site accommodation.
2019 Naramata Harvest
The winter cold was a problem for many, as there were some early frosts.
Bud break, flowering and fruits were perfect. Initial shoot growth was very large so you had to keep up with shoot thinning and training.
June and July were great – warm, nice and dry. No heat spikes. Veraison in August looked great. Some wineries noted that it was the best they had ever seen the vineyard in August. It looked like an early and great harvest.
Then September hit. Cold, miserable and constant rain. The fruit did not develop much, just swelled with water. Some bunch rot, wasps and birds made it the perfect storm. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir did develop to full ripeness but the size of the harvest was smaller than normal.
An exceptional year for aromatic white wines such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. Reminded many winemakers of Veneto and the Northern East Italy region, known for their fresh and vibrant wine styles.
Now for the 2020 releases.
The Wines
Moraine Shipuchka Frizzante 2019 ($20)
Shipuchka is our Russian word to describe this sparkling wine. The unique refreshing and beautiful, an effervescent blend of 1/3 Chardonnay, 1/3 Pinot Gris and 1/3 Gewurztraminer blend.
The wine explodes with Okanagan orchard flavours, bright acidity and crisp minerality. A hint of bitterness on the finish makes this a sparkler for mature palates. 90 Points.
A wine with a timeless style made for celebrations.
Moraine Chardonnay 2018 ($25)
The grapes come from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Naramata region, This is seriously oaked chard!
A rich buttery citrus bouquet with a dusting of oak. Flavours of green apple, honeydew melon, flint and toasted oak. Rich mouthfeel with a long smooth creamy finish. 90 Points
Silver Medal Winner at 2020 All Canadian Wine Championships.
Moraine Cliffhanger White 2019 ($18)
The blend is 60% Pinot Gris and 40% 51% Gewürztraminer. Cold fermented in stainless steel to capture the varietal aromas. Aromas of peach, pear, lychee and orange blossoms intertwine with rich nutty tones. The wine has a generous texture and an appealing spice on the long finish. 88 Points
Pair with a Curry dish or sip just as it is on the patio in the sunshine.
Good value at $18.
Moraine Riesling 2018 ($22)
A steal at $22. Whole bunch pressed and fermented at cool temperatures.
Clear and light in colour. Packed with aromas of citrus and green apple and light floral notes. On the palate, there is an orchard of green apples and citrus, mainly key limes. A well-balanced juicy mouthfeel with a mineral backbone and a long finish. 92 Points
This was my favourite of the Moraine white wines.
Moraine Cliffhanger Red 2018 ($19)
The 2018 Cliffhanger Red is a Merlot dominant wine, with a smattering of Malbec, from the Anastasia vineyard. Bottled after a 3-month bath in French oak.
This creates a mouthwatering aroma of raspberries, blackberries, and smokey oak. Flavours of black fruit, dark chocolate and a hint of mint and white pepper. For a young wine, the tannins are soft and easy to approach.
This easy drinking red is best paired with Summer BBQ fare and friends. 90 Points
Moraine Pinot Noir 2018 ($27)
The fruit was exclusively grown on on the Estate Naramata Bench Sophia Estate Vineyard. Hand harvesting and fermenting whole berry, with the cap being punched down by hand, to ensure gentle tannin extraction and maximum flavour.
A classic representation of Clone 777 pinot. On the nose, cherry and a hint of violets.
The flavours are dense with complex black cherry, cassis, leather, tobacco and earthy notes. Ready to drink right now with silky smooth tannins. 92 Points.
Silver Medal Winner at 2020 All Canadian Wine Championships.
Paired perfectly with slow-cooked Moroccan leg of lamb.
Moraine Pink Mountain 2019 ($26)
The wine’s name was inspired by BC’s very own natural Pink Mountain, a natural anomaly created by the fireweed which blooms throughout the spring and summer months. This vintage Pink Mountain is made out of 75% Gamay and 25% Malbec that grew on the Estate Anastasia Vineyard.
Fermented cold in 100% stainless steel, it captures the aromas of wild strawberries, cherries and a hint of rhubarb. Flavours of strawberry, cranberry, rhubarb and Mandarin orange. An easy-drinking off-dry Rose´ with a clean finish. 88 Points
To order these excellent Moraine Wines go directly to the winery website.