Pam and Mick Luckhurst purchased the land for Road 13 Vineyards in 2003 and over the next 15 years grew Road 13 into one of Canada’s top wineries, producing around 40,000 cases annually. The winery is located between Osoyoos and Oliver, at Highway 97 and Road 13 on the Okanagan Valley’s historic “Golden Mile.”
Road 13’s winemaking philosophy is to grow great fruit in the vineyard. Maintain the fruit character through careful steps in the winemaking. Finally, to perfect the texture of the mouthfeel of the wine with the use (or not) of barrels and fining.
In 2018 the winery was acquired by Anthony von Mandl, adding to his portfolio of premium wineries that includes Mission Hill Family Estates. Joe Luckhurst continued as the General Manager.
The Vineyards
THE HOME & CASTLE VINEYARDS
The Home Vineyard and Castle Vineyard that surround the winery are situated on east-facing sloped benches up against mountains. There is all-day and late-day sun exposure. The slopes provide excellent cold air drainage, protecting the vines from winter frost damage. Today the Home vineyard contains Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Syrah. The Castle Vineyard was first planted in 1986 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Syrah was added in 2005.
PETER’S VINEYARD
Located just across the road from the Castle Vineyard, this block of grapes has always added appeal to the view from the picnic area and now adds aromatic varieties to the Honest John’s blends. Peter’s Vineyard was purchased from Peter and Helga Serwo late in 2009. Like the Castle and Home Vineyards, this vineyard features an open southeast exposure that provides all-day extended sunlight.
Planted in 1982 with Riesling, Kerner, and Bacchus. The Bacchus and some of the Riesling were recently replaced with Chardonnay, Gamay, Syrah, Viognier, and Orange Muscat.
ROAD 7 VINEYARD
Road 7 Vineyard is located between roads 7 and 8. The varied elevation site is on the west side of the valley within the area’s “Golden Mile.” South-west exposure provides full-day sun allowing the grapes plenty of time to develop full flavour. Planted in 1999 this vineyard includes Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. A little more than half an acre of Syrah was added in the spring of 2014.
Blind Creek Vineyard
Road 13 Vineyards also has a 50% interest in the 100 acres Blind Creek Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. The vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache and Syrah. These grapes were used in the majority of the Platinum award-winning Syrah Blends.
The Winemaker – Barclay Robinson
Barclay Robinson boasts an unusual path to winemaking beginning his wine life as a certified professional sommelier in Calgary restaurants and hotels for a decade. From restaurants to Brock University, he completed his BSc (honours) in Oenology and Viticulture in 2009. He arrived in BC after spending the last seven years at the highly acclaimed Foreign Affairs Winery in Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula1. Barclay previously worked at Ridgepoint Wines, Tawse Winery and Henry of Pelham in Ontario.
2017 Vintage
“The 2017 growing season was an interesting and highly unusual roller coaster ride! Higher than normal rainfall and an alarmingly cool spring gave way one of the warmest, driest summers in 40 years. The smoke from forest fires in other areas of the province reflected a good deal of the sunlight away from our vines and kept the daytime temperatures very moderate, resulting in virtually perfect temperatures for ripening of the fruit. The net result was that we ended up with high flavour intensity, moderate sugars, and fresh, crisp levels of acidity, which are the 3 attributes required for a great vintage.“
Jeff Del Nin – Former Road 13 Vineyards Winemaker.
The Wines
Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2017 ($45)
This beautiful bottle of bubbles has a consistent mousse and a nose of green apple, bosc pear, brioche and tasty pastry. On the palate, this wine delivers flavours of delicious pear and Granny Smith apple and finishes with a creamy and biscuity flavour. Perfect for celebrating just about anything.
Road 13 Chip off the Old Block Chenin Blanc 2020 ($23)
The Chenin Blanc for this winery favourite comes exclusively from our estate vineyards on the Golden Mile Bench. These grapes were all handpicked and sorted prior to being whole-cluster pressed. The juice was cold settled, racked and then fermented in both stainless and concrete tanks. After fermenting, the wine was aged on the light lees to enhance the mid-palate and tropical fruit notes. This combined with the calcium carbonate found in our soil results in a wine that retains a crisp acidity and a subtle salinity on the finish.
Road 13 Marsanne 2018 ($26)
This medium-bodied white wine is loaded with juicy tropical fruit on the mid-palate, balanced acidity, and light flavours of creamy honey appear on the finish.
Road 13 Syrah 2018 ($35)
Meaty, Game notes take centre stage but the black cherry, cooking spices, and a subtle smokey oak play deliciously supporting roles. The full-bodied, balanced and elegant nature of this Syrah makes it both food-friendly and easy to drink. Light the grill or light the fire—either way, it’s a perfect pairing.
For the complete portfolio of Road 13 Vineyards wines please visit the winery website.
Reference
- Barclay Robinson joins Road 13 by Anthony Gismondi
Notes
- Road 13 Vineyards provided the Winery and Vineyard information and BC Wine tasting notes.
- The original article was published in May 2018