Vasanti Estate Winery is back with a refined lineup of new releases from Oliver’s East and West Bench vineyards. The 2022 reds show depth and structure, while the 2023 Gamay and Cabernet Franc highlight freshness and precision—each wine a true reflection of Vasanti’s modern Okanagan style.
Read more about the exceptional 2022 Vasanti harvest conditions.
🍷 Vasanti Estate Winery – New Fall Releases
2023 Gamay Noir
Crafted from Gamay Noir grapes grown in Vasanti’s Paradise Vineyard in Oliver. A cool start and short growing season gave this wine a unique character. The Gamay spent 15 months in French and European oak (15% semi-neutral).
13.3% alc | TA 7.0 g/L | RS 5.5 g/L | 525 cases
A lively, medium-bodied Gamay with energy and finesse. Fresh aromas of cherry, raspberry and peppercorn. On the palate, cranberry, baking spices and dark chocolate. The tannins are soft and supple with a hint of minerality. 91 Points
2023 Reserve Gamay Noir
The top seven barrels from Paradise Vineyard were blended to create this structured, age-worthy Gamay. The wine spent 15 months in 57% semi-neutral and 43% neutral French/European oak.
13.3% alc | TA 7.0 g/L | RS 5.5 g/L | 147 cases
Inviting aromas of cherry, wild raspberry, and sweet cedar spice lead into a beautifully layered palate. Juicy and vibrant, it bursts with flavours of ripe red cherry, crushed berries, vanilla, and a touch of peppery spice, wrapped in subtle oak and a whisper of smoke. The texture is silky and refined, carrying through to a fresh, lingering finish. A well-balanced, polished Gamay Noir that shines when served lightly chilled. 92 points.
2023 Cabernet Franc
From the Neighbour’s Vineyard adjacent to Paradise Vineyard. Aged 18 months in 50% new American/European oak and 50% neutral oak.
13.9% alc | TA 5.6 g/L | RS 0.03 g/L | 196 cases
It opens with a beautiful red fruit aroma and a hint of violets. The medium plus-bodied wine has a beautifully rounded mouthfeel with complex flavour layers of red cherry, leather and ripe raspberry, velvet smooth tannins and vanilla on the lingering finish. 92 Points. Elegant and balanced, showcasing the cooler 2023 season.
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
From both East and West Bench Vineyards. Aged for 30 months in neutral French & European oak barriques.
14.3% alc | TA 6.6 g/L | RS 0.09 g/L | 96 cases
A stunning garnet-hued Cabernet that commands attention from the first swirl. Aromas of ripe black cherry, cassis, cedar, and worn leather rise from the glass, laced with a whisper of eucalyptus and dark chocolate. On the palate, it’s plush and full-bodied, bursting with layers of black fruit, earthy undertones, and savoury spice. The tannins are smooth yet structured, leading to a velvety, lingering finish that speaks of both power and grace. Elegant now, and destined to evolve beautifully with time in the cellar. 92 Points.
2022 Syrah
Sourced from East Bench Vineyard. Aged 24 months in 100% new American oak.
14.5% alc | TA 6.5 g/L | RS 0.04 g/L | 88 cases
A captivating Syrah that opens with a swirl of violets, exotic spice, black cherry, and ripe plum. On the palate, it’s bold and fruit-forward, layering black plum, blackberry, and black cherry with hints of caramel, licorice, and cracked pepper. The silky tannins glide into a long, powerful finish that lingers with savoury depth. 93 Points. Built to evolve beautifully in the cellar.
Vasanti Canvas 2022 (Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah Blend)
Born down under 🇦🇺, I’ve always had a soft spot for this bold Aussie-style blend — the same combo that made legends like Penfolds Bin 389, Yalumba The Signature and Wolf Blass Black Label household names.
A 50/50 Vasanti blend is from East and West Bench Vineyards, highlighting standout barrels of each. Cabernet aged 30 months in neutral French/European oak; Syrah 24 months in new American oak.
14.5% alc | TA 6.6 g/L | RS 0.09 g/L | 96 cases
Deeply coloured and intensely aromatic, this bold red bursts with layers of black plum, black cherry, menthol, vanilla, and cedar. The palate is full-bodied and opulent, unfolding notes of ripe black fruit, pepper, dark chocolate, and a touch of saline minerality. Rich, structured, and lingering on the finish. 93 Points.
Final Thoughts: Six Wines, One Clear Vision
Vasanti Estate Winery continues to impress with a lineup that balances boldness, elegance, and a distinct sense of place from the East and West Bench vineyards. Whether it’s the finesse of their Gamay Noir, the structure of their Cabernet Sauvignon, or the expressive Syrah and Canvas blends, each wine showcases precision, thoughtful barrel work, and a modern BC winemaking style that’s quickly earning attention.
If you’re exploring BC reds and want a curated experience across varieties and vineyard sites, this six-wine lineup delivers exceptional value and craftsmanship. These wines are drinking beautifully now, yet each bottle offers enough depth and structure to reward short- to mid-term cellaring.
For other 2022 Vasanti red wines, please go to the notes for Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Please note that 2023 Gamay Noir ($32.99) is now available; however, the release of every other wine is scheduled for next year. All but the 2023 Gamay Noir and 2023 Cabernet Franc will be exclusive to the wine club, as they are limited to a small case production.
Where to Buy Vasanti Wines Online
You can explore and purchase all the featured wines directly from the winery’s online store
👉 Shop Vasanti Wines: https://vasantiwines.com/collection/all-wines
Author’s Note: ChatGPT helped streamline parts of this article. All tasting notes and final thoughts are my own.