Meyer Family Vineyards introduces four excellent wines from the 2022 vintage. Given the expected low yield of BC wine this year, due to the December 2022 climate change freeze event, I suggest that you snap up these great value wines now before they are sold out.
Before going to the tasting notes here are Chris Carson’s comments on the 2022 growing season and vintage.
2022 Harvest
“The 2022 vintage was a classic Okanagan growing season with a typical Spring budburst in early May and beautiful weather into June. We had beautiful flowering weather from late June into July, resulting in good yields across the valley. July and August were consistent with previous years although slightly cooler slowing the vine’s growth cycle. Leading up to harvest, the crop level was significantly higher compared to past vintages and needed more time to ripen.
The weather was perfect for ripening with warm days and cool nights providing a long hang time for our Pinot Noir blocks to develop flavours and physiological ripeness. The white varieties were harvested later than average but the fruit developed a great balance of sugars to acid and superb flavours”.
Chris Carson, Winemaker
Meyer Gewürztraminer 2022 ($17.48)
From the original 1994 plantings on the home vineyard in Okanagan Falls, the Gewürztraminer block has a westerly aspect and is cool in the morning, capturing the heat in the late afternoon, allowing the winemaker to craft a beautifully aromatic, food-friendly Gewürztraminer.
The first batch of fruit harvested was loaded straight from the vineyard into the press and was slowly and gently whole-bunch-pressed to maximize juice quality without extracting harsh flavours. The later pick was destemmed and slightly crushed and left to soak with the skins for 24 hours, then gently pressed. Both lots were combined, and a long cool indigenous fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats and older seasoned French oak barrels lasting four weeks. The wine was left on its fine lees for a further four months. No malolactic fermentation occurred.
Alcohol 13.5 % / pH:3.42 / TA 6 / RS 5
Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of lychee and honeysuckle. A refreshing wine with flavours of yellow peach, honey and Meyer lemon. The mouthfeel is textured and balanced with a hint of candied ginger. 91 Points.
The perfect patio sipper or complement to lighter dishes like salad rolls, sushi or Thai salad.
Meyer Okanagan Valley Chardonnay 2022 ($20.96)
Hand-picked from estate-operated Old Main Road Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, Anarchist Mountain Vineyard in Osoyoos and the home vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The unique terroir of these three vineyard sites yields a precise wine with elegance, finesse and length.
A partial wild ferment took place and the wine was aged in a combination of stainless-steel vessels (80%) and neutral French oak barrels (20%) for 6 months. Crafted for you to drink now or over the next 2-3 years.
Alcohol 13.0 % / pH:3.49 / TA 7.75 / RS <5
Light citrus fragrances with floral notes. The wine is light and summery with a clean mouthfeel. Flavours of lemon curd, golden apples, white peach, pineapple and a hint of minerality. 91 Points
For more information on the complete portfolio of Meyer Chardonnays see – Four Premium Chardonnays from Meyer Family Vineyards
Meyer Rosé 2022 ($20.96)
The Pinot Noir was harvested from three vineyard sites in Okanagan Falls, Kaleden and Naramata. Made in a Saignée method (80%), with 12 hours of skin contact. The wine was aged in older French oak barrels (50%) and stainless steel vats (50%) where it went through partial indigenous fermentation and remained on the lees for four months before being bottled.
Alcohol 13.0 % / pH:3.54 / TA 7 / RS <2
A gorgeous dark pink shade. Aromas of strawberries and cream with a subtle savoury and herbaceous note. Dry, juicy and fresh with bold flavours of red cherry, plum and stewed rhubarb. Terrific with food. 90 points
Perfect with BBQ salmon or roasted duck.
Meyer Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir 2022 ($24.43)
The fruit is sourced from four distinctive vineyards in the Okanagan Valley: Fat Coyote in Naramata, Anarchist Mountain Vineyard in Osoyoos, Lakehill Road Vineyard in Kaleden and McLean Creek Road Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The combination of these different vineyards each having their own unique aspect, elevation and soils has produced a well-rounded Pinot Noir that showcases the Okanagan as a whole.
The fruit was gently de-stemmed via gravity into small open-top fermenters and allowed to cold soak at the winery. Then a mix of inoculated and indigenous ferments began lasting 18-28 days peaking at 30-33C; gentle hand plunging of the must was done throughout. After a post-maceration period, the wine was gently pressed and then spent six months in 100% older seasoned French oak barrels and puncheons.
Alcohol 13.5 % / pH:3.54 /TA 6.5 / RS <1 g/LA
An outstanding value BC Pinot Noir. Vibrant aromas of cherries, and raspberries with floral notes. On the palate are ripe red cherries, strawberries, leather, and earthy undertones. The tannins are smoother than velvet! 91 Points
Here is the link to buy these great value BC wines – Meyer Family Vineyards website