Over the Holidays we enjoyed five Hester Creek red wines from the 2020 and 2021 vintages. The Hester Creek wines included:
- Select Vineyards Merlot 2021
- Old Vine Merlot 2020
- Select Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2021
- Character Red 2021
- Old Vine Cabernet Franc 2020
Before going to the tasting notes, here are Winemaker Mark Hopley’s comments on the two vintages.
The Harvests
2020
The 2020 harvest made for some exceptional quality wines. On the red side, we were pleased to see the warm September continue into early October, which enabled ample Brix levels in the fruit for ideal ripening and plenty of flavour development. The lack of rain this summer definitely showed in the fruit, offering rich colours and concentrated flavours.
We were somewhat surprised by an early snow event on October 23rd. Fortunately, most wines were fermenting by this point. The cool weather that followed made picking a challenge. However, our vineyard crews were up to the task as we completed the harvest with some exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon on November 2nd.
Overall the 2020 growing season in the Oliver Osoyoos region was the 5th warmest in the last 23 years. Our impressions of this favourable growing season are concentrated flavours, ample acidity, and plentiful colour, which we believe will make for an exceptional vintage.
2021
The 2021 Harvest produced some wines of outstanding quality and varietal character. It was one of the warmest and driest growing seasons on record, with the grapes reaching phenolic ripeness earlier than usual.
We started picking our first reds in mid-September with our block 10 Merlot on September 14th. The last estate red, block 8 Cabernet Sauvignon was picked on October 28, 2021.
Overall, it was a lighter crop with exceptional quality. The lighter fruit set was due to a smaller berry size and the skin ratio to juice was intensified. This resulted in plenty of colour, flavour and aromatics in this vintage. We are truly excited to see the finished wines from the 2021 vintage.
Hester Creek Select Vineyards Merlot 2021($18.99)
The Select Vineyards Merlot is made with handpicked fruit from the nearby Vineyard Manager’s property, along with three select long-time growers in the Oliver area. The good growing season for this year’s vintage resulted in exceptionally ripe fruit with great colour and structure. Following harvest, the grapes were sorted and carefully destemmed with a new French destemmer. This process is extremely gentle on the fruit, enabling the berries to remain whole and helping foster the natural fresh fruit aromas. Fermentation followed in the Italian Ganimede tanks and then a light pressing. The wines from the different vineyards were then tasted, blended and aged on fine lees for 8 months with 60% French oak and 40% American oak prior to bottling.
13.8% Alcohol, pH 3.7 TA 6.6 g/L, RS 0.2 g/L.
An easy-drinking, medium-bodied and lightly oaked Merlot with aromas of plum and cherry. A soft round mouthfeel with flavours of red cherry, plum and chocolate. 89 points
Hester Creek Old Vine Merlot 2020 ($27.99)
Crafted with grapes from Block 2 of the Golden Mile Bench estate vineyard, the Old Vine Merlot is made from vines a half-century old.
After hand sorting, the fruit was destemmed and gently fermented whole on the skins for 3 days. Fermented in Italian Ganimede fermenters for 15 days using the natural C02 energy for mixing provides the ideal extraction of colour and tannins. Following gentle pressing and malolactic fermentation, the wine was barrel-aged in mostly French oak for 18 months.
14.6% Alcohol, pH 3.86 TA 6.3 g/L, RS 0.27 g/L.
A bold fruit-forward Merlot with a mouthfeel of amazing depth. The wine opens with lively aromas of red plum and black fruit. On the palate, ripe black cherry, black currant, and more plum with a hint of tobacco and toasty oak. The structure is multi-dimensional with smooth tannins and a lengthy finish. 92 points
Fantastic fruit and structure. Pair the Merlot with BBQ pork tenderloin topped with grilled Okanagan cherries.
Hester Creek Select Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2021 ($18.99)
Approximately 2/3 Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and 1/3 Merlot. The grapes are from the estate Golden Mile Bench vineyard and other Oliver Osoyoos vineyards.
The Cabernet Sauvignon provides a solid framework, the Cabernet Franc contributes structure and elegance, and the Merlot adds a nice roundness to the blend. All the fruit was hand-picked, meticulously sorted, destemmed and fermented on the skins. After a gentle pressing and malolactic fermentation, the lots were blended and then spent an additional 8 months aging on fine lees with 75% in French oak and 25% American oak.
13.4% Alcohol, pH 3.785 TA 6.29 g/L, RS 0.52 g/L.
Aromas of black currant, dark cherry, and light toast. An easy drinking red with rounded tannins. Flavours of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and cedar notes. 90 Points
A vibrant red that is a great companion for grilled foods, enjoy with BBQ pork chops or smoked ribs.
Hester Creek Character Red 2021 ($19.99)
Deep and rich with character, this vintage of Character Red is made with handpicked fruit primarily from the Oliver estate, complimented with grapes sourced from local growers. This vintage is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, including a unique clone of the old vine Merlot originally from Italy. The grapes were carefully sorted, destemmed and gently fermented in separate lots in Ganimede fermenters. After a light pressing and malolactic fermentation, the lots were blended and aged for 8 months in French and American oak.
13.7% Alcohol, pH 3.72 TA 6.2 g/L, RS 1.32 g/L.
Lively aromas of blueberry and cloves. Full-bodied with rich flavours of black and red cherries, blackberry and dark chocolate with a long finish. 91 Points
A young but substantial wine, that pairs well with a grilled fig and prosciutto flatbread or fresh figs stuffed with blue cheese.
Hester Creek Old Vine Cabernet Franc 2020 ($27.99)
This full-bodied wine is crafted with grapes from Block 3 of the Golden Mile Bench vineyard, with original plantings dating back to 1968. After sorting, the destemmed berries were cold soaked for 4 days. A gentle fermentation in Italian Ganimede fermenters for 20 days provided the ideal colour and flavour. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months on fine lees, primarily in French Oak barrels.
14.6% Alcohol, pH 3.85 TA 6.28 g/L, RS 0.24 g/L.
The Cab Franc takes some time to open up so make sure to decant before serving. A medium garnet colour. Aromas of blackberry, raspberry and green bell pepper. The medium-plus-bodied wine has flavours of fresh raspberry, black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon and toasted oak. Balanced acidity with smooth integrated tannins. A wine that drinks well now but will also cellar gracefully. 92 Points
Pair this impressive Cabernet Franc with herb-crusted seared Ahi Tuna or fresh raspberry goat cheese crostini.
To check out Hester Creek‘s large portfolio of BC wines see Fall Wines from Hester Creek, Hester Creek releases “The Judge” and Jury and Hester Creek for Flavourful 2021 Whites.
The Wine Shop at Hester Creek is open seven days per week. Please check the website for hours.
Please visit Hester Creek Estate Winery to purchase their current portfolio of BC wines.