The 2018 vintage was the first released by Arnaud Thierry at Church & State. Here are our tasting notes for these elegant red wines.
The Red Wines
Church & State Wines Vineyard Series Malbec 2018
This is a fabulous example of how good BC Malbec can be. It is a full-bodied red wine with a dark purple colour in the glass. Intense notes of plum, dark cherry and blueberry dominate the nose. The refined, fruit-forward palate has raspberry and plum framed with a hint of violet. The flavour profile sits in perfect harmony with dark chocolate from the French oak influence. The wine is nicely structured with chewy tannins balanced by vibrant acidity. 92 Points
Church & State Cabernet Franc 2018
Fermented and maceration in stainless steel tank for 21 days. Aged in French oak for 12 months with 20% new oak.
Alcohol 15% |TA 5 gm/L | RS 3 gm/L
This is a big, bold Cab Franc. Dark red with aromas of ripe blackberry, red berries, black pepper and spices. Fresh ripe tannins, flavours black cherry with minty notes and a final hint of red currant on the palate. 90 Points.
Church & State Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Aged in French oak for 12 months. Alcohol 13.9% |TA 4.4 gm/L | RS 5.6 gm/L
A juicy fruit-forward cab with aromas of blackcurrant, plum and sage. There are intense flavours of black cherry, olive tapenade, cedar, leather and dark chocolate and black pepper when first opened. The palate is smooth with medium tannins. A young wine that will improve with age. 90 Points.
Church & State Merlot 2018
Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks for 21 days. Aged in French oak for 12 months with 15% new oak.
Alcohol 15% |TA 5.4 gm/L | RS 2.7 gm/L
This is a young Merlot so definitely decant before drinking. 15% Alcohol. Black ruby red in colour. The wine opens with an avalanche of black fruit aromas. Flavours of ripe black cherries, blackberry jam, cloves, cedar, leather and savoury notes. Ripe, full-bodied and soft tannins. 90 Points.
The Merlot was paired with chicken cacciatore and spaghetti.
Church & State Syrah 2017
More elegant than the 2016 vintage. 14.5% Alcohol. Aromas of black fruit with floral notes. Flavours of red and black cherries, dark chocolate, smoked meat and a rush of white pepper on the finish. A beautifully vibrant and smooth mouthfeel and long finish. 92 Points
Church & State Syrah 2018
Another elegant Syrah from Church & State with lower alcohol this time. Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks for 21 days. Aged in French oak for 12 months.
Alcohol 13.5% |TA 7.9 gm/L | RS 4.6 gm/L
Aromas of red fruit with floral notes. Flavours of red cherries, raspberry, black olives with notes of cranberries, green peppercorns and red currants. A smooth mouthfeel and long finish. 92 Points
Silver Medal winner at 2021 All Canadian Wine Championship.
Church & State Meritage 2018
Fermentation and maceration in the stainless tank for 21 days. Aged in French oak for 12 months with 20% new oak. 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Alcohol 14.5% | TA 5.3 gm/L | RS 3.6 gm/L
A Merlot dominant blend has a deep red colour with aromas of ripe black fruit, notes of black pepper, anise and cedar. On the palate, blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, and oak and the supple tannins are balanced by fresh acidity. 92 Points.
Church & State Petit Verdot 2018
This is a big, bold tannic red so decant before serving. Vibrant aromas of blackberry jam, violet, vanilla and spice. Flavours of blackberry, blueberry and bacon with earthy undertones. It is full-bodied, dense and concentrated with excellent length. 92 Points
Gold Medal winner at 2021 All Canadian Wine Championship.
For the complete portfolio of Church & State wines please visit the winery website.
For the previous vintage Church & State Red Wines please see Church & State Rhône Rangers & More