With Ed and Vicki Collett’s retirement, Harper’s Trail Winery on the outskirts of Kamloops is for sale. The winery is now closed to the public.
In 2022, Harper’s Trail released another vibrant selection of BC wines, including, for the first time, a Carbonic Maceration rosé.
Here are the notes for the last release of Harper Trail’s wines.
Harper’s Trail Gewürztraminer 2021
Alcohol 12.7% | pH 2.97 |TA 6.975 | RS 7.52
The Gewürztraminer opens with light aromas of lychee and rose petals. Flavours of honeydew melon, pink grapefruit and Mandarin orange. The mouthfeel is textured and balanced with a hint of candied ginger. 90 Points
Harper’s Trail Field Blend White 2021 ($15.99)
Alcohol 12.4% | pH 3.01 |TA 7.50 | RS 7.61
Beautiful straw colour in the glass. This white wine is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and a dash of Gewürztraminer. Gentle aromas of citrus and ripe apple. Flavours of pear, white peach, pineapple, honeydew melon and hazelnut.
The wine has a full mouthfeel. The vibrant acidity in this vintage is due to the extreme heat of the 2021 growing season. The off-dry wine is perfectly balanced. 90 Points
2020 Field Blend White won silver at 2022 All Canadian Wine Championships.
Excellent standalone or with food. The wine pairs well with roasted pork tenderloin with Indonesian peanut sauce, grilled white fish, or any shellfish dish.
Harper’s Trail Pinot Noir Nouveau 2021
Alcohol 13.5% | pH 3.75 |TA 4.575 | RS 2.16
The 2021 Pinot Noir Nouveau underwent Carbonic Maceration to coax extra flavour and colour into the wine. The rosé is a unique and new addition to the Harper’s Trail portfolio this year. 42 cases were produced and only 10 cases are left!
The dry fabulously flavourful rosé has a lovely ruby-red hue. Aromas of wild strawberries and candied apples with floral notes. A vibrant mouthfeel with flavours of ripe strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate and watermelon and intriguing herbal background. The juicy wine should be enjoyed young and only slightly chilled. 92 Points
Harper’s Trail Rosé 2021
Alcohol 12.8% | pH 3.19 |TA 6.15 | RS 5.36
For the 2021 vintage, the composition of the Rosé is predominantly Pinot Gris with a hint of Pinot Noir. The wine is a very pale salmon colour with a red cherry nose and rose petals.
Flavours of cherries, apricots, watermelons and strawberries with a hint of orange. This is a lean, fruit-forward style of rosé with silky acidity and a long finish. 91 Points.
Pair extremely well with salmon, charcuterie, or aged cheese.
Harper’s Trail Pioneer Block Riesling 2021
Alcohol 11.3% | pH 2.76 |TA 10.80 | RS 24.24
A terrific off-dry Riesling with a beautiful golden hue and residual sugar to perfectly balance the acid levels. A complex nose marries aromatic notes of ripe peach, tropical fruit and Earl Grey tea. The palate is intense with ripe stone fruit, green apple and key lime flavours. An opulent mouthfeel and long finish complete this gem. 5+ year ageing potential. 91 Points
Perfectly paired with Brats and Sauerkraut or Steelhead Trout.
For information on wines released in previous years, see 2021 and 2020.