This is my ninth year for tasting the new Dirty Laundry Winery releases, and the 2024 vintage is one of winemaker Mason Spink’s best. The grapes this year are from Washington State, crafted in BC and deliver crisp fruit-forward wines.
Dirty Laundry OK Sweetheart 2024 ($19.99)
“This unique blend is made from fruit sourced from Washington State vineyards due to the harsh winter conditions in 2024. Each grape varietal is fermented separately then blended to create this fun and fruity wine. All fruit is crushed and de-stemmed with no skin contact which helps us always make a light, fruity blend. We used predominantly Riesling and Pinot Gris in the blend, but it varies from vintage to vintage. Okanagan Sweetheart will always be the favourite wine people grab when heading out to the patio!” Mason Spink, Winemaker
Alcohol % 12.0 / pH 3.55/ TA 4.9 / RS 16
Delicate aromas of melon, citrus and honey unfold gently. The palate reveals vibrant notes of pink grapefruit, candied peach, and ripe Anjou pear, with a touch of mid-palate sweetness. A burst of freshness leads to a fruity, well-balanced finish, underpinned by crisp acidity. 90 Points
Dirty Laundry Hush White 2024 ($20.99)
“This blend has quickly become a fan favourite and was the second wine to join the Hush family. This wine was created to be fun, interesting and flavourful – a palate pleaser through and through! All portions are fermented separately, and the final blend is carefully chosen; all grapes are sourced from the Yakima Valley. A balanced blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay makes this an approachable, easy-drinking wine.”
Alcohol % 12.7 / pH 3.55/ TA 6.4 / RS 9.8
Discover enchanting aromas of white blossoms, zesty grapefruit, and tropical papaya. On the palate, a harmonious interplay of juicy apricots, lush yellow peaches, vibrant Meyer lemons, and a delicate honeyed finish unfolds. This 2024 blend, slightly sweeter than its predecessor, shines as a quintessential summer patio sipper, offering refreshing elegance and crowd-pleasing charm. 90 Points.
Dirty Laundry Riesling 2024
“The 2024 Riesling fruit was sourced from Yakima Valley in Washington State and is a beautifully fruit-forward, yet dry style of this versatile grape. Each block of fruit is picked and then fermented separately in stainless steel at cool temperatures to retain fresh aromatics.”
Alcohol % 12.1 / pH 3.09/ TA 6.9 / RS 2.1
This dry Riesling captivates with enticing aromas of crisp Granny Smith apple, delicate honey, and zesty lemon rind. On the palate, it unveils vibrant flavours of Meyer lemon, tart Key lime, and juicy pink grapefruit, underscored by a striking minerality. Perfectly balanced, this medium-bodied wine delivers lively acidity and a memorable, harmonious finish. 91 Points
Dirty Laundry Sauvignon Blanc 2024 ($21.99)
“Fruit sourced from Yakima Valley, WA, vineyards, fermented separately with various yeasts to give us some blending options. Fruit was destemmed and crushed, soaked on skins for 2 hours under CO2 in the press before gently pressing off skins into stainless tanks. Lees stirring in stainless tanks is performed once daily to build complexity and body. Fermentation temperatures were kept low to preserve the delicate aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc.”
Alcohol % 12.9 / pH 3.37/ TA 5.3 / RS 1.9
Pale lemon in hue, this wine captivates with vivid aromas of tropical fruit, zesty citrus, and fresh spring herbs. Its medium-bodied palate is crisp and fruit-forward, offering a harmonious balance of bright acidity and vibrant flavours, including gooseberry, lemon zest, lime, mandarin orange, passion fruit, and a subtle hint of grapefruit. Refreshing and elegant, it finishes with finesse. 92 Points.
Dirty Laundry Pinot Gris 2024($21.99)
“100% Pinot Gris sourced from vineyards in the Yakima Valley, one of the oldest AVAs in Washington State. To retain crispness and minimize colour, juice is pressed off the skins right away and cold settled in a tank for a few days before fermentation begins. Fermentation temperatures stay relatively low to bring out interesting fruity esters and retain bright acidity. This is a well-rounded representation of the most planted varietal in Yakima and a favourite in the Dirty Laundry Winery line-up.”
Alcohol % 12.0 / pH 3.43/ TA 5.9 / RS 2.1
This easy-drinking, medium-bodied Pinot Gris offers delicate aromas of tropical fruit and honeydew melon. On the palate, vibrant Mandarin orange takes the lead, followed by lush ripe pear and subtle floral notes. Well-balanced with a crisp, refreshing finish. 91 Points.
Dirty Laundry Hush Rosé 2024
“Hush Rose is a favourite in the Dirty Laundry portfolio and we are incredibly excited to be able to release our first single-varietal with the 2024 vintage. ln this special vintage, our winemaker Mason Spink used 100% Syrah grapes sourced from Washington State, juice was pressed with minimal skin contact, resulting in a delicate salmon-pink colour and bringing thoughts of long days spent lounging on a patio.
Juices were fermented at relatively cool temperatures, preserving aromatics, then racked off into stainless steel for settling. Our wildly popular Rose is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and one that our winemaking team looks forward to each year.”
Alcohol % 13.0 / pH 3.66/ TA 5.25 / RS 8.2
This radiant watermelon-pink rosé captivates with its electric hue and stunning clarity. Lively aromas of red currant, ripe strawberry, and tart rhubarb dance on the nose, while the palate bursts with juicy watermelon, bright cherry, and fresh strawberry. Light to medium-bodied, it offers crisp, well-balanced acidity and a refreshing, vibrant finish. 91 Points
To order these outstanding BC wines, visit the Dirty Laundry Vineyard site.
Here are the links to the tasting notes for previous vintages – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017 and 2016.