Before going to the tasting notes for the two Vasanti Estate Winery 2021 vintage Red wines, here is some background information on the two vineyards that produced the grapes.
The Vineyards
Paradise Block, Monarch Vineyards, Oliver
Paradise Block comprises silt from the Okanagan River and its floodplains. Pockets of this vineyard show gravel, sand, and glacio-fluvial soil. Flatter land allows a more balanced day for sunlight. The vines include Merlot, PinotGris, Gamay Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
West Bench Block, Monarch Vineyards, Osoyoos
West Bench receives an even distribution of heat from the morning and afternoon Okanagan sun. The lake’s proximity also helps cool the vines at night. This vineyard yields remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon single varietals, blends, and rosé.
Vasanti Merlot 2021 ($34.49)
The grapes are grown at the estate Paradise block of Monarch Vineyards in Northern Oliver and harvested at 24 brix. The juice from the crushed grapes was fermented in Stainless Steel tanks with three daily pump-overs. The wine was aged for 19 months in 25% new American Oak barrels and 75% Neutral Oak barrels (a combination of French & American)
13.6% Alcohol. The colour is dark and inky. Vibrant aromas of black fruit with floral notes of violet and sage. Flavours of black cherry, dark plum, leather, cigar and black pepper. A medium to full-bodied Merlot with grippy tannins that add depth and complexity. The wine will age well and impress more with time. 92 points.
Vasanti Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Wineclub Members)
The grapes used to produce this wine are from the West Bench block at Monarch Vineyards in Osoyoos and harvested at 24 Brix. The juice from the crushed grapes was fermented in Stainless Steel tanks with three daily pump-overs. The Cabernet was aged 19 months in 50% new American Oak and 50% Neutral Oak barrels.
Alcohol % 13.6 / pH 3.92 /TA 5.33 / RS 3.53
Smooth and well-rounded with a beautiful garnet colour. Aromas of dark fruit, cedar, leather, and a hint of mint. The full-bodied juicy Cabernet has black cherry, cassis, leather, earth flavours, and a velvety long finish. It’s an age-worthy wine. 92 Points
Please visit the Vasanti Wines Website to purchase these premium BC wines.
For information on Vasanti’s other wines, go to Vasanti Wines’ First Release.
