Silkscarf winery is a must-visit if you are in the Summerland area of British Columbia Wine Country and you love old-world style red wines. Silkscarf is a family boutique winery born of a shared dream of creating excellent wines and working closely with nature.
The wine shop may be small and humble, but the wines are magnificent.
In 2004, the Manoff family moved to the Okanagan from Israel, where Roie was a partner in a software company and his son, Idan, was a computer engineer. The Manoff’s came across the Okanagan Valley and were lured by the beautiful settings of Summerland, which became the perfect location for the vineyard and winery. The winery’s name comes from the scarf pilots used to wear in the early days of aviation when the cockpit was open. Roie spent 26 years in the Israeli Air Force as a fighter pilot.
The Vineyard
Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot-Noir Malbec and Syrah grapes have been grown since 2004. The 10-acre vineyard was cleared from the surrounding fruit orchard. The cropping rate is adjusted to maintain year to year quality of the grapes. About 4,000 cases of wine are produced annually with roughly 50% red wine.
Red Wines
Silkscarf Merlot 2016 (SOLD OUT)
A medium-bodied wine, the nose presents an intriguing combination of ripe blackberries, violets, honey and deep savoury notes. The palate has good complexity of fruit, oak, leather, earth and spice. Its tannin firmness, combined with plenty of fruit, suggests good ageing capabilities. This is a mellow old-world style Merlot but with just the right balance of acidity. 91 Points.
Silkscarf Cabernet Franc 2018 ($34.60)
The short and hot Okanagan region growing season allows this variety to consistently produce noteworthy wines. A great example of an Okanagan style Cabernet franc, this wine opens with a deep and complex nose of black and red berry fruit, earth, toasty vanilla and savoury notes. The palate exhibits the delightful character of Cab Franc, with round soft tannins, good acidity and balanced alcohol. Notes of blackberry, red plum, tobacco, and vanilla lead to a long finish. This Cabernet Franc pairs well with grilled steaks, venison and chops. The 2015 vintage won a gold medal for 2019 Best of Varietal Wine Awards Okanagan. 92 Points.
Silkscarf Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($34.26) SOLD OUT
Harvested: Oct. 26, 2016. Alcohol 13.5% pH 2.42 TA 0.71
One of the best British Columbia Cabs I have tasted at any price point. A Gold medal winner at the prestigious 2019 Concours International Des Cabernets in Lyon France. The grapes were cropped at only 2 tons per acre for 2016 vintage. This a Bordeaux left-bank style Cabernet Sauvignon <1>. Bold but not overpowering. Aromas of Cassis, Black Cherry, Oak Spice, Graphite and Mint. On the Palate, Black Currant, Cherry, Cacao, Oak Spice with a lovely Dark Chocolate finish. Dense and ripe tannins ensure it will age well. 94 Points.
Silkscarf Malbec 2016 (SOLD OUT)
This wine stylistically resembles the Cahors region’s Malbecs rather than the Argentinian ones <2>. The 2016 vintage showcases this incredibly well. Exploding aromas of violets and damson plum combined with savoury notes of sea salt, black olives, and black pepper. On the palate, there is black cherry and wild blueberry and notes of light oak enhance this elegant full body wine. The wine has a dark brooding quality! 92 Points.
For the complete portfolio of Silkscarf’s BC Wine, including some excellent white wines, please visit the winery website.