We have been fortunate to enjoy Clos du Soleil wines since the 2019 vintage.
Clos du Soleil Winery, located in the Similkameen Valley, is best known for its Bordeaux-style wines. The winery crafts complex, age-worthy red blends, particularly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc varieties. Their wines are celebrated for their balance, elegance, and ability to reflect the unique terroir of the Similkameen Valley. The Signature wine is one of my favourite BC Bordeaux-style blends.
Clos du Soleil is also recognized for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices, which contribute to the quality and character of its wines. Their portfolio includes high-quality white wines, notably Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends.
Clos du Soleil Winermaker’s Series Syrah 2021
Harvest 2021
2021 was a difficult time for grapes to grow in British Columbia. The sweltering summer, with late June temperatures as high as 47 C, meant the BC Harvest was started and completed several weeks earlier than usual.
Despite the heat and wildfire challenges of the growing season, 2021 turned out to be a super vintage. The reds show great concentration, while the whites offer beautiful aromatics with balanced acidities.
Winemaking Notes
The Similkameen Valley grapes were picked from two vineyards: the Syrah from Blind Creek Vineyard, Cawston, and the Viognier from La Côte Vineyard, Keremeos.
“Hand-harvested at peak maturity, this wine’s grapes were gently de-stemmed, lightly crushed, and then fermented in our concrete fermenters. Destemmed Viognier grapes were co-fermented with the Syrah. Fermentation lasted for approximately 3 weeks before pressing in a basket press. The wine was then aged 16 months in French oak barrels (15% new). As in all Clos du Soleil wines, the focus was on attention to detail, minimal interventions, and the expression of terroir.” Michael Clark, Managing Director and Winemaker.
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier. 534 Cases produced.
Alcohol 14% / pH 3.75 / TA 6.22 / RS 0.1 g/L
Tasting Notes
An elegant Syrah with a gorgeous nose of violets, black plum, blackberry, a hint of pepper and sagebrush. The palate is medium-bodied, with medium acidity and silky smooth tannins. A melting pot of red and black fruit, pepper, dark chocolate and baking spice on the finish. 92 Points.
National Wine Awards of Canada Silver Medal. Alberta Beverage Awards – Judges Selection.
You can purchase this outstanding wine from the Clos du Soleil website.
About Clos du Soleil Winery
For background information on the winery, see – Clos du Soleil – Old World elegance … New World Edge!