Four more terrific wines from River Stone Winery. Ted continues to hit the BC Reds out of the park!
River Stone Merlot 2020 ($30.90)
The grapes for this single vineyard wine were grown in the estate River Rock Vineyard.
The 2020 Merlot was fermented in stainless steel tanks (2200, 2850, and 5000 litres) and small fermentation totes to maximize skin-to-juice contact. The wine received 2-3 punchdowns daily. After fermentation, the wine was pressed into tanks to settle sediment before transferring to barrels, where malolactic fermentation was completed. The wine was aged in premium French oak barrels (33% new) for approximately 18 months.
13% Alcohol / pH 3.74 / TA 6.53 / RS 1.87
The bold Merlot has aromas of black fruit and black pepper. On the palate, black cherry, blackberry, cassis, leather and plum with a hint of French oak. It has a full body, balanced acidity and smooth tannins. 91 Points
River Stone Malbec 2022 ($38.90)
All grapes were hand-picked, sorted, and gently destemmed. Approximately 80% of the fruit was left whole berry, uncrushed. The grapes were cold soaked for 3-5 days, then fermented in stainless steel tanks (2200 and 2850 litre) and small fermentation totes to maximize skin-to-juice contact. After fermentation, the wine was pressed and transferred to tanks to settle, then to barrels, where malolactic fermentation was completed. The wine was aged in French oak barrels (33% new) for approximately 14 months.
13% Alcohol / pH 3.74 / TA 6.53 / RS 1.87
The juicy, flavourful Malbec is a full-bodied wine with a deep violet colour. Aromas of violets and black fruit. Flavours of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, with a hint of cloves, leather, coffee, and toasted oak. Grippy tannins that will further soften with time and a long-lasting finish. Drink this food-friendly Malbec now or cellar for 7+ years. 92 Points.
Silver Medal Winner, National Wine Awards of Canada 2024
River Stone Stones Throw 2020 ($36.90)
Stones Throw is a premium red blend of Merlot (73%), Cabernet Sauvignon (11%), Malbec (12%), and Petit Verdot (4%). All varietals are grown in the estate vineyard within a “Stones Throw” of each other.
Each varietal contained in the blend was hand-picked, with the grapes hand-sorted prior to destemming. Approximately 80% of the fruit was left whole, uncrushed. The grapes were cold soaked for 3-5 days and then fermented in stainless steel tanks (2200 and 2850 and 5000 litre) and small fermentation totes to maximize skin-to-juice contact. The Cabernet Sauvignon and some of the Merlot were cofermented. The wine was transferred, following pressing, to tanks to settle and then transferred to barrels where malolactic fermentation was completed. The wine was aged in French oak barrels (33% new) for approximately 14 months. Following aging, blending trials were done, and final filtering and bottling resulted in the 2019 Stones Throw blend.
Alcohol 14% / pH 3.71 / TA 6.9/ RS 2.05
The wine opens with vibrant aromas of cassis, black cherry, and a hint of tobacco. A juicy mouthfeel with flavours of fresh blackberry, cherry, blueberry,cassis and savoury notes. The tannins are not as velvet smooth as Corner Stone but still a terrific Bordeaux-style red blend. 92 Points.
Silver Medal Winner, SavorNW Wine Awards 2024
River Stone Corner Stone 2020 ($46.90)
The River Rock vineyard was planted with this wine in mind. Corner Stone is the winery’s signature wine and is a Bordeaux style blend which includes Merlot (36%), Cabernet Franc (29%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), Malbec (12%), Petit Verdot (6%).
The grapes were harvested in late October. Each varietal was hand-picked and sorted before destemming. About 80% of the grapes were left whole, uncrushed. The grapes were cold soaked for 3-5 days and then fermented in stainless steel tanks (2200,2850 and 5000 litres) and small fermentation totes to maximize skin-to-juice contact. The Cabernet Sauvignon was co-fermented with some of the Merlot. All other three varietals were fermented separately.
Upon completion of fermentation, the wine was transferred to the press and then to tanks to settle before being transferred to barrels where malolactic fermentation was completed. The wine was aged in French oak barrels (33% new) for approximately 12 months. At this time, select barrels were chosen for the blend. After blending, the wine was returned to barrels and further aged for another six months, before final filtration and bottling.
Alcohol 13% / pH 3.7 / TA 7.05/ RS 1.8
Once decanted, the wine opens with vibrant black cherry and blackberry aromas. This is a bold, full-bodied red with fruit-driven flavours of black plum, dark chocolate, coffee, tobacco and a hint of smoke and savoury spices. The smooth, ripe tannins are well-rounded, and the finish is long. 94 points
Here is the link to buy these elegant BC wines – River Stone Estate Winery