Tinhorn Creek Winery on the Golden Mile Bench is celebrated for its Cabernet Franc. Their Merlot also enjoys a strong reputation among wine enthusiasts. The Merlot is consistently praised for its quality, structure, and expression of the South Okanagan terroir. If you can visit the winery, allow time to dine in the Miradoro Restaurant, one of our Oliver favourites.
Ownership
Andrew Peller Limited has owned Tinhorn Creek Vineyards since October 2017. This Canadian wine company, one of the largest in the country, purchased Tinhorn Creek as part of a $95 million acquisition that also included Black Hills Estate Winery and Gray Monk Estate Winery.
The founders—Kenn and Sandra Oldfield and Bob and Barb Shaunessy—sold the winery after establishing it in 1993 and growing it into a respected name on the Golden Mile Bench. Under Andrew Peller Limited’s ownership, Tinhorn Creek continues to operate as a premium winery within their portfolio, which spans British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. No changes to ownership have occurred since the 2017 sale, indicating a stable transition and ongoing commitment to the winery’s legacy.
Winemaker
Leandro Nosal is the current head winemaker at Tinhorn Creek. Hailing from Mendoza, Argentina, Nosal brings extensive international experience, having worked in France, New Zealand and with major wine producers like Pernod Ricard and Grupo Peñaflor. He holds an agricultural engineering degree from Universidad Nacional de Cuyo and a Master’s in viticulture and oenology from Montpellier and Torino. Nosal took over from Andrew Windsor, who served as winemaker from 2014 until approximately 2019 or 2020. Since stepping into the role, Nosal has focused on low-intervention techniques to showcase the South Okanagan’s terroir, particularly from the winery’s Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Bench vineyards. His approach aligns with Tinhorn Creek’s reputation for crafting high-quality, site-specific wines.
No significant shifts in ownership or winemaking leadership have occurred recently, suggesting continuity under Andrew Peller Limited and Nosal’s guidance. The winery remains a standout in the Okanagan Valley, balancing tradition with subtle innovation in its wine production.
2022 Harvest
The 2022 vintage began with a brisk, damp spring, heralding one of the Okanagan Valley’s most remarkable years in two decades. Summer followed with typical temperatures and rainfall. This combination led to an exceptionally late harvest, a rare event for the region. The resulting fruit boasted heightened acidity and vibrant, fresh flavours.
Tinhorn Creek 2022 Merlot $25
The estate’s Merlot grapes were hand and machine-harvested and then fermented in stainless steel tanks using natural yeast.
Aged in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak for 14 months before bottling.
Alcohol 14.7% / pH 3.8 / TA 6.2
Aromas of ripe plum, dark cherry, and blackberry unfurl with a delicate thread of vanilla weaving through the bouquet. The fruit commands attention on the palate —luscious plum, juicy blackcurrant, and a fleeting whisper of raspberry—cradled by velvety tannins that lend a refined backbone without stealing the spotlight. The finish lingers gracefully, marrying concentrated dark fruit with a subtle, spicy nuance for a poised and memorable close. 91 Points
Here is the link to order this excellent Merlot.
For information on other Tinhorn Creek wines, see – The Okanagan Valley’s Tinhorn Creek Vineyards & Miradoro Restaurant
Thanks for the recommendation – this sounds like a delicious Merlot with a friendly price point!
An excellent Golden Mile & Black Sage Merlot. Some reviewers had found the Merlot “hot” from the 14.7% Alc. but it was well balanced now for me.