This is the second set of wines I have received from High Note Estate Winery. For the notes on the earlier wines see – High Note Estate Winery now open. Before going to the tasting notes here is an update on the new winemaker.
The Winemaker – Caroline Schaller
Born and raised in Toulouse, France, Schaller completed her master’s degree in plant chemistry and biology before specializing in enology.
“I am more of a winegrower than a winemaker. For me, it starts in the vineyard, which is really where the wine is made. The chance to steward nine estate vineyards at Montalvino, each with its own distinctive terroir and exceptional potential, is what made this such an exciting opportunity.”
Caroline Schaller
After completing her oenology degree, Schaller travelled throughout the Americas, garnering experience at Pine Ridge in Napa Valley and Viña Leyda in San Antonio, Chile. Later, she returned to France to work with Petit Manseng at Domaine Cauhape (Jurançon) and Tannat at Plaimont (Madiran), before joining Domaine d’En Ségur (Côtes du Tarn) as winemaker and general manager, working with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties for 13 years.
In 2017, she jumped at the chance to move to the Okanagan Valley to lead Osoyoos Larose as winemaker and general manager. She led the Canadian wine icon for four years, before taking the position of winemaker at Rainmaker Wines on the Black Sage Bench. In 2021, she was recognized with the Ordre du Mérite Agricole for her contributions to agriculture, one of a handful of British Columbians to receive the award from the French Ministry of Agriculture.
Now for the notes on the new wines.
High Note Patter Brut 2022 ($30)
“Patter is about precision, each note exactly where it should be.”
Made in the Cuvée Close method – the wine is mixed in a stainless steel pressure tank, together with sugar and yeast. The fermentation occurs in a closed system, so CO2 cannot directly escape into the atmosphere and dissolves in the wine.
A blend of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Merlot from the estate vineyards in the South Okanagan.
13% Alcohol / pH 3.10 / TA 8.4 / RS 7.4
Light citrus aroma. Opens with good effervescence but the bubbles fade quickly. Flavours of green apple and Meyer lemon. Elegant bubbles for the holidays. 89 points.
High Note Capriccio Riesling 2022 ($28)
“Capriccio is all about feeling. The music is improvised and free-form, allowing the musician to lead the piece with their virtuosity.”
From the Sunflower Vineyard in Oliver, this was aged in both a concrete and stainless steel egg to build texture.
12.4% Alcohol / pH 2.99 / TA 10.9 / RS 7.5
The elegant Reisling opens with the fragrant aromas of apple blossom. A beautifully balanced wine with invigorating acidity and a lingering mineral backbone. Flavours of golden apple and Key Lime dance on your tongue. 92 points
High Note Cadenza Red Blend 2021 ($40)
“A Cadenza is a music culmination.”
Sourced from the Black Sage Bench, with Merlot from the Similkameen, and aged in French oak barriques.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon.
14.9% Alcohol / pH 3.91 / TA 6.0 / RS 0.8
Lively aromas of black fruit and cedar jump from the glass. A full-bodied juicy red blend, with flavour of blackberry, cherries, and leather with a hint of tobacco and oak at the end of the flavour cadenza. Smooth tannins and a delightfully long finish. 92 Points.
High Note Verismo Syrah 2021 ($35)
“The Verismo tradition is honest, raw, and uncompromising. It reflects a turn inwards, capturing the power of each fleeting moment.”
Sourced from Rattlesnake Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench and aged in French oak barriques.
14.3% Alcohol / pH 3.85 / TA 7.0 / RS 0.8
Full-bodied and fruit-forward with enticing aromas of floral violets, black cherry and baking spices. Flavours of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, black cherry, and smoked meat, with black and white pepper notes. Smooth tannins and a long finish. 93 Points.
To purchase these premium wines please go to the High Note Estate Winery Website.