Four excellent Township 7 Vineyards & Winery wines from the 2020 vintage. Before proceeding to the winemaking and tasting notes for these premium wines, here are Winemaker Mary McDermott’s comments on the 2020 harvest and vintage.
2020 Vintage Report
This year brought just about everything mother nature could throw at us, although on balance turned out quite well. Cool, wet weather in the spring delayed bud burst by about 7–10 days. Heavy rains during flowering interrupted pollination, leading to a poor fruit set. This became a defining feature of the vintage, with eventual yields down 20-30% from the average.
The humidity was higher than normal in June and early July causing some early disease pressure. However, July and August saw hot, dry weather, allowing ripening to catch up from the delayed start. Smoke generated from western United States wildfires drifted north to our region, at one point giving us almost 5 days of uninterrupted heavy smoke cover. Not only was this a scare for potential smoke taint, but also a possible loss in the photosynthetic capacity of the vines. Luckily, blue skies soon reappeared and led to a warm, dry autumn. Veraison during this period was drawn out and seemed to be the longest we can recall in many years. This ultimately culminated in a very good balance between Brix and acids for the harvest.
The first frost was recorded in colder areas on October 16, and a significant snowfall on October 23. Vineyards in close proximity to the heat of Okanagan Lake were not affected by either of these events and fortunately, by this time, most of the harvest was complete. The year had average growing degree days of about 1600. On the Naramata Bench, there were few summer heat spikes, with only one day where temperatures reached 40°C. The majority of the days were in the high 20s or low 30s, perfect for even ripening of vinifera grapes. Harvest began slightly later than average on September 3rd with Chardonnay from Oliver for our sparkling wine program. We finished harvesting with Cabernet Franc from Oliver on November 2.
Overall, the grapes from this harvest were really nicely balanced, with good acidity and slightly lower sugar levels, making for wines with excellent balance, finesse, and ageability. However, lower yields meant that there is not as much wine made as we would have hoped.
Winemaker – Mary McDermott
Township 7 Provenance Series Chardonnay 2020 ($25.97)
This well-integrated Chardonnay was predominantly sourced (75%) from Hidden Terrace vineyard in Oliver with small additions from other select sites including the Naramata Bench Estate. Half the wine was fermented in French oak barriques (225L neutral barrels) with the remaining 50% in stainless steel. A 7-day fermentation at 18°C, contributed to a roundness of texture. The wine in the barrel then underwent malolactic fermentation to further enhance the texture and complexity, while the stainless-steel portion maintained the natural acidity.
12.5% Alcohol | pH 3.38 | TA 6.6 g/L | RS 4.7 g/L | Vegan
The lightly oaked Chardonnay has aromas of citrus, pineapple, ripe apple, and baking spices. Flavours of Meyer lemon, golden apple and pineapple. Low to medium body with a light mouthfeel and a trace of minerality. Lower alcohol than previous vintages. 90 Points.
Also, serve with cedar plank grilled salmon.
Township 7 Remuda Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020 ($41.97)
This single vineyard Pinot Noir is a combination of two Burgundy clones: 115 and 667. The grapes are from long-time growers Dwight and Arnie Gash’s Remuda vineyard in Okanagan Falls. Ripe, dark fruit and firm tannins are developed in the warmth of the south-facing, hillside site.
The handpicked fruit was meticulously sorted and then cold soaked on the skins for 48 hours for optimal extraction of aroma and flavour compounds. Two to three weeks of maceration time included remontage, pipeage and pulsair daily for a richness of fruit. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, the majority being neutral, for 12 months to ensure that the fruit and elegant tannins of this wine were not overpowered.
Alcohol 13.7% | pH 3.72 | TA 5.5 g/l | RS 1.0 g/l
A wonderfully balanced and elegant Pinot Noir. Aromas of cherry with floral notes. The medium-bodied wine has rich flavours of black cherry and raspberry with earthy undertones and silky tannins. 91 Points
Pair with pan-seared duck or wild sockeye or mushroom risotto.
Township 7 Provenance Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ($33.97)
This vintage was crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate Blue Terrace Vineyard in Oliver with the remainder from Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos. The Blue Terrace grapes have a rich fruit profile to balance the intense tannins from the Raju fruit, located close to the US border. A 21-day maceration period with varied cap management promoted rich fruit and tannin extraction. Gentle pressing and subsequent malolactic fermentation in primarily French oak barrels (1/3 of which were new), enhanced softening of the mouthfeel.
Alcohol 13.5% | pH 3.65 | TA 6.3 g/l | RS 1.8 g/l | Vegan
Full rich aromas of dark fruit and caramel with a hint of cigar. The full-bodied cabernet has flavours of black currant, cherry and leather with a touch of tobacco. A juicy mouthfeel with smooth tannins and a long finish. 91 Points
Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2020 ($29.97)
This vintage was crafted with Merlot from the Blue Terrace estate North Bench Oliver vineyard and Front Yard vineyard in Naramata. In Oliver, the rich, rocky soils provide a foundation for superior grape quality. The Mestdagh’s grapes from Front Yard vineyard are grown on a nicely sloped western-facing vineyard with sandy loam soil over gneiss bedrock, adding complexity and dimension to the blend.
Extended maceration of 2-3 weeks including remontage, pipeage and pulsair treatments, conveyed rich fruit extraction and satisfying tannins. Aged in American and French barrels for 18 months added caramel and vanilla elements, mellowing the mouthfeel.
Alcohol 14% | pH 3.58 | TA 6.5 g/l | RS 2.5 g/l | Vegan
A rich Merlot with aromas of blackberry, cedar and vanilla. Flavours of black cherry, plum, toasted oak, dark chocolate, caramel and vanilla with earthy notes and firm tannins. The wine has complexity and a long finish. Built with the structure for ageing. 90 Points
Try with a roasted pork loin and plum sauce or grilled mushroom burgers.
For information on other wines in the Township 7 portfolio see – More vibrant 2022 Releases from Township 7 and A trio of seven stars sparklers from Township 7.
Here is the link to purchase these premium BC wines from Township 7 Vineyards & Winery