It is a good day when Black Market Wine Co. rings to say they have new wines for me to try. As all the reds are from the 2019 Vintage, let’s start with a recap of that year’s harvest.
Harvest 2019
“The 2019 vintage was an interesting one, that’s for sure! A cold snap the past winter caused issues throughout the valley, with our Conviction Ridge vineyard in Kaleden experiencing some damaged buds. Everything was a week or two behind from last year, but nice weather in the summer months helped catch things up.
One of the wettest Septembers in recent history created challenges in the vineyard, but active canopy management and organic sprays kept most problems at bay. Yields were down significantly in our own vineyard, as well as with our partner growers, meaning we’ll have lower case production this year.
Despite the challenges, the overall quality of the fruit was quite good.”
Rob Hammersley – Winemaker
The Black Market Wines
Black Market Syrah 2019 ($37.90)
This is the sixth Black Market vintage of Syrah and I have been fortunate to try them all. The first thing I noticed was the change to a paper label.
Winemaker Notes
In the classic Northern Rhone style, the wine is a co-fermentation of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier. The grapes were harvested on October 22nd. After de-stemming and a light crushing, the grapes underwent a 3-day cold soak. After a slow and warm fermentation, the wine underwent another 14 days of maceration to extract more phenolic compounds. The wine spent 21 months in 33% new French and American oak barrels.
13.5% Alcohol / pH 3.55 / TA 6.7 gm/L/ RS 2.6 gm/L
Tasting Notes
This is a bolder more concentrated Syrah with a slightly higher alcohol level than the 2018 vintage. Intense aromas of violet, blueberry and black cherry, followed by a hint of smokey bacon. Vibrant flavours of cassis, black cherry and blueberry. The mid-palate brings freshness with notes of dark chocolate, espresso and cinnamon on the long finish. This is a young wine that based on tasting previous vintages will only get better this age. Rob’s passion for Syrah shines through in this vintage! 93 Points.
Food Pairing
For cheeses, think soft and stinky to match the earthiness of the wine. For meats, roasted game, rack of lamb, smoked baby back ribs, or even a blue cheeseburger.
Black Market Unsanctioned Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($44.90)
Winemaking Notes
This is a rare wine as Black Market only bottles 100% Cabernet Sauvignon in exceptional vintages. This wine is from a single new French oak barrel. Despite being Cabernet Sauvignon and spending close to 2 years in barrel, this wine is quite soft and approachable now. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
13.8% Alcohol / pH 3.8 / TA 6.9 gm/L/ RS 1.8 gm/L
Tasting Notes
A rich full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, black cherries, blueberry, cassis with a hint of cedar. On the palate, the entry is bright and juicy with flavours of blackberry, cherry, currant with savoury notes and tobacco leaf. Full texture body with a degree of complexity, supple tannins and a dry finish. 92 Points.
Food Pairings
The Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with New York Strip steak, roast beef or grilled Portobello mushrooms.
Note: The Cabernet is available to wine club members only.
Black Market The Syndicate 2019 ($39.90)
Winemaking
Step into the Old World through the New World’s front door. This medium-bodied blend is classically structured, but brimming with vibrant Okanagan fruit. An elegant combination of Merlot (41%), Cabernet Franc (31%), Petit Verdot (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (8%). This wine was grown in sun-drenched vineyards in Kaleden, Osoyoos and Oliver, and harvested between October 12th and 21st. Each varietal was fermented separately in small lots and aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, of which one-third were new.
14.2% Alcohol / pH 3.7 / TA 6.3 gm/L/ RS 2.9 gm/L
Tasting Notes
An elegant, well-balanced wine with vibrant aromas of chocolate, ripe plum and a touch of cedar. Flavours of black currant, red cherry, blueberry, dark chocolate, with a hint of cigar and earthy undertones. Subtle tannins with a hint of acidity, and a long finish. Smooth and rich in texture. Drinking well now but if you can wait will be exceptional in 5 years. 93+ Points
Food Pairing
The wine paired beautifully with a Classic French Stew. If you are interested in this pairing you can find the recipe here.
Now for a bonus white wine.
Black Market Secret Society Frizzante NV ($25.90)
Winemaker Notes
“We have been building the base wine for this mysterious Frizzante-style bubbly for three years. All varietals in each vintage were fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the wine.”
Rob Hammersley, Winemaker
12.2% Alcohol / pH 3.35 / TA 5.4 gm/L/ RS 1.0 gm/L
Tasting Notes
A mysterious blend of 5 aromatic white grapes, probably including Pinot Blanc and Bacchus from the estate winery. A really uncluttered, crisp sparkling wine, bursting with floral notes and aromas of orchard fruits. Vibrant and refreshingly dry flavours of green apple, Bosc pear, Key lime and pink grapefruit. Can’t wait for a hot summer day to enjoy this wine again! 91 points
To purchase these exceptional wines please visit the Black Market Wine Co. website.
You can find the tasting notes for Black Market wines released in previous years here –2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016.