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Harper’s Trail Winery has just released another vibrant selection of BC wines. All the wines are under $20, so they are also a great value.

Harper’s Trail Winery is named for the cattle drive “trail” of pioneer rancher Thaddeus Harper and was the first winery in Kamloops. For background on the winery please go to this earlier article – Harper’s Trail – Kamloops first winery

2019 Harvest

The 2019 harvest was later than normal as the Thompson Valley experienced a cool, and wet Fall. Nearly all varietals, with the exception of Gewürztraminer, were harvested in a one week span, October 7-12, due to an early frost. Gewürztraminer was harvested on September 24th.

Caleb Hanaghan – Vineyard & Production Manager, Harper’s Trail

Now for the 2020 releases.

Harper’s Trail Pinot Gris 2019 ($17.99)

Alcohol 14.1% | pH 3.20 |TA 7.42 |RS 1.58

Tucked into the Kamloops outskirts on the bank of the South Thompson River, the Thadd Springs Vineyard sits among rolling hills of sage and grass, home to Bighorn sheep, bears and myriad birds. The backdrop of limestone, Hoodoos and a natural spring set the biodiversity of this rare place.

This is not your wimpy Pinot Gris, are you ready for refreshing and well-balanced acidity?

The wine is a vibrant straw colour. This estate-grown and bottled Pinot Gris has aromas of white peach and honeycomb. Flavours of more stone fruit, honeydew melon, lemon zest with refreshing acidity, a full mouthfeel and river stone on the long finish. 91 Points

Harper’s Trail Pioneer Block Riesling 2019 ($19.29)

Alcohol 12.3% | pH 2.83 |TA 10.57 | RS 9.11

A terrific off-dry Riesling with a beautiful golden hue and residual sugar to perfectly balance the acid levels. A complex nose marries aromatic notes of ripe peach, tropical fruit and coconut. The palate is intense with flavours of ripe stone fruit, red apple and key lime. An opulent mouthfeel and long finish complete this gem. 5+ year ageing potential. 92 Points

Harper’s Trail Silver Mane Block Riesling 2019 ($19.29)

Alcohol 12.2% | pH 2.82 |TA 9.30 | RS 10.86

An “easy on the eye” light straw coloured Riesling. Lovely aromatic aroma of citrus and peach with vanilla notes. Flavours of Key limes, white peach, green apples and minerality. This off-dry wine has a full mouthfeel accented by acidity with a long lingering finish. 92 Points

The 2018 vintage won Platinum at 2019 WineAlign awards and a Gold Medal (95 points) at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Harper’s Trail Field Blend White 2019 ($13.99)

Alcohol 12.1% | pH 3.37 |TA 6.56 | RS 3.02

Beautiful straw colour in the glass. This dry white wine is a blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, unoaked Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer which delivers an intensely floral nose. Flavours of toasted bread, Anjou pear, white peach, tropical fruit and hazelnut.

The complex wine has a full mouthfeel, balanced acidity and a medium finish. Excellent standalone or with food. Pairs well with roasted pork tenderloin with Indonesian peanut sauce, grilled white fish, or any shellfish dish. 89 Points

Harper’s Trail Rosé 2019 ($16.99)

Alcohol 12.3% | pH 3.38 |TA 5.40 | RS 1.16

The Rosé is made from Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc.

The wine is a pale salmon colour with a delicate and ripe red fruit nose. Flavours of peach, apricot, grapefruit and strawberries. This is a dry fruit-forward style of rosé with a creamy texture, silky acidity and refined light tannic structure. 90 Points.

Pair with salmon, charcuterie, or aged cheese.

Gold Medal winner at 2020 All Canadian Wine Championships and 2020 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards.

To buy these excellent  Harper’s Trail wines, please go to the winery website.