Jump into Spring as Township 7 releases four wines for BC Wine Month: Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Reserve 7 red blend. Before going to the wine notes, here’s the background on the fabulous 2022 vintage.
2022 Vintage
“The 2022 vintage was another year of extremes in British Columbia. The weather was unpredictable, with an unusually cool spring (one of the coolest springs ever on record in the Okanagan), followed by a remarkably warm autumn. The winter was very cold in December of 2021 causing some bud damage as temperatures dipped to below -20°C. The cool, wet spring particularly in April, May and June led to late bud break. Flowering in some cases was almost 4 weeks behind average, while in Langley we were 5 weeks behind normal. In addition, there was high disease pressure from powdery mildew due to the damp spring as well as leaf hoppers, which seemed to explode with the moderate temperature.
As things began to heat up in late July, hail in Naramata damaged leaves and left some bruising on fruit. However, the warmer temperatures throughout August, September and October allowed the grapes to come to optimal ripeness. Fortunately, by fall harvest, the fruit was in excellent condition with good acidity and balance, and with higher yields than the previous 3 years. In summary, although the year started with an impending sense of doom, it dramatically improved by season’s end to become one of the best vintages in recent decades.” Mary McDermott – Township 7 Winemaker
Township 7 Benchmark Series Gewürztraminer 2022
“Crafted from handpicked fruit sourced from the esteemed Wheelers Family Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, this vintage was fermented using a combination of stainless steel and three neutral French oak barrels. The stainless steel fermentation, maintained at a cool 14°C over three months, preserved the wine’s vibrant aromatics, while the warmer barrel fermentation contributed depth and richness to the palate. To further enhance complexity and balance, batonnage was carried out to increase lees contact in the barrel-fermented portion. The result is a beautifully harmonized wine that seamlessly integrates aromatic intensity with elegant texture and depth.”
14.6% Alcohol | pH 3.61 | TA 5.5 g/L | RS 8.8 g/L | Vegan
This exquisitely aromatic Gewürztraminer captivates with a bouquet of rose petals, ripe lychee, zesty orange, and spicy ginger. On the palate, this off-dry wine unfolds with vibrant flavors of Mandarin orange, juicy yellow peach, and succulent apricot, all wrapped in a velvety, rich texture that lingers gracefully. 91 Points.
Township 7 Benchmark Series Viognier 2023
“Crafted exclusively from 100% Viognier, this wine originates from the esteemed Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos. This warm, sun-drenched site allows for optimal ripeness, enhancing both the wine’s expressive aromatics and its vibrant, fruit-forward character. Fermented in seven neutral French oak barrels, the wine develops a refined texture, while controlled fermentation between 16-18°C imparts a beautiful roundness into the finished wine.”
Alcohol 14.2% | pH 3.51 | TA 6.2 g/L | RS 8.2 g/L | Vegan
This off-dry Viognier captivates with delicate floral aromas, weaving together vibrant pink grapefruit, zesty key lime, and subtle honeysuckle accents. On the palate, it bursts with lively stone fruit, juicy passion fruit, and crisp citrus flavors. Beautifully balanced, it offers a refreshing interplay of bright acidity and a whisper of light, invigorating bitterness. 91 Points
Township 7 Benchmark Series Reserve 7 2021
“Our Reserve 7 is crafted from an array of South Okanagan vineyards for a beautifully layered wine. We began with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the rocky soils of our Blue Terrace Vineyard in Oliver,added Merlot from the Front Yard Vineyard in Naramata, and rounded it out with Cabernet Franc from Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos, creating a true blend of diverse terroirs. A 10- to 21-day fermentation with punched cap management ensured balanced fruit extraction.
After 12 months of aging, we crafted the final blend, which returned to barrel for an additional 12 months to develop depth and complexity further. The wine aged in a combination of 94% French and 6% American oak barriques (22% new) and puncheons, adding nuanced layers to this Reserve.”
53.5% Merlot, 35.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.8% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol 14.2% | pH 3.8 | TA 5.9 g/L | RS 0.1 g/L | Vegan
This quintessential ‘Right Bank’ Bordeaux-style blend opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe blackberry, juicy blueberry, and tart black currant, interwoven with subtle notes of vanilla, smoldering woodsmoke, and a dusting of warm spices. Full-bodied and robust, the palate bursts with concentrated flavors of black cherry, plump blackberry, and rich plum, accented by a whisper of polished cedar. Velvety tannins provide structure and balance, promising excellent aging potential for 5+ years. A refined and harmonious red blend. 92 Points.
Enjoy the premium red blend with any grilled steak, pork tenderloin with roasted plums and rosemary, or pasta with eggplant, tomato, and Parmesan.
Township 7 Provenance Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($33.97)
“This vintage is crafted with 59% Cabernet Sauvignon from Blue Terrace Vineyard in Oliver, 36% from Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos, and 5% Merlot from Blue Terrace for added softness and balance. The Raju Vineyard, situated near the U.S. border and Lake Osoyoos, benefits from a slightly tempered climate, producing textured, balanced wines with rich tannins. Blue Terrace contributes a lush fruit profile, creating harmony with the structured tannins from Osoyoos. A 21-day maceration with varied cap management techniques enhanced fruit and tannin extraction, while gentle pressing and malolactic fermentation in French and American oak barrels softened the mouthfeel.”
Alcohol 14.2% | pH 3.61 | TA 6.4 g/L | RS 0.3 g/L | Vegan
This robust Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a deep, dark profile paired with remarkable smoothness—decanting is recommended to unlock its potential fully. The nose reveals a rich tapestry of dark fruit and caramel, accented by a subtle whisper of cigar. On the palate, expect vibrant flavors of blackberry and black cherry, interwoven with notes of leather and a delicate touch of tobacco. Its juicy mouthfeel is complemented by velvety tannins, culminating in a lingering, polished finish. 92 Points.
Here is the link to purchase these excellent-value BC wines from Township 7 Vineyards & Winery and more information on Township 7’s sparkling wines—a trio of seven-star sparklers from Township 7.