A fresh look at Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s 2024 white and rosé releases alongside a standout 2023 Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir.
Vancouver Island continues to sharpen its identity in BC wine, and Blue Grouse Estate Winery is leading the charge. The latest releases highlight what the Cowichan Valley does best: freshness, balance, and a distinct coastal vibrancy across both whites and reds.
2024 Harvest
The 2024 season started with a bit of warm weather around budbreak, but temperatures cooled, and canopy growth slowed. Warm, sunny days finally returned in late June and continued into July, not quite catching up to the cool spring, but the grapes ripened enough to produce a vibrant, racy Chardonnay.
Blue Grouse Chardonnay 2024 ($32.99)
Chardonnay from the Blue Grouse Estate Vineyard and Enrico Vineyard.
100% Chardonnay grapes for this Cowichan Valley blend were hand-harvested and fermented in new and used French oak barrels and puncheons, 10 months on lees, full malolactic conversion. New oak 13%.
Alcohol 11.5% / pH 3.20 / TA 7.7 / RS 0.4
A youthful, bone-dry Chardonnay with lifted aromas of Meyer lemon, yellow apple, and delicate marzipan. The palate is vibrant and precise, showing green apple, honeydew, and key lime, supported by crisp coastal acidity. Layers of creamy toast and chalky minerality bring balance and finesse. Expect added complexity with 3–5 years of cellaring. 91 Points
Blue Grouse Rosé 2024 ($29.99)
63% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Gris, 12% Gamay Noir, 10% Chardonnay
Grapes for this blend were sourced from both estate-grown and grower vineyards across the Cowichan Valley. Each variety was harvested and fermented separately to preserve nuance and balance in the final blend. Fermentation and aging took place in a mix of stainless steel, neutral French oak barrels, and a concrete tank. A portion of the wine underwent partial malolactic fermentation to enhance mouthfeel and balance the wine’s natural acidity.
Alcohol 11.0% / pH 3.20 / TA 8.2 / RS 1.9
Pale salmon in colour, this rosé opens with aromas of red grapefruit, rosehip, and fresh red berries. The palate is vibrant and layered, with citrus, wild strawberry, and watermelon supported by a subtle floral lift. A lightly creamy texture is balanced by crisp, refreshing acidity, capturing Vancouver Island’s signature freshness and energy. 90 Points
Blue Grouse Pinot Gris 2024 ($30.99)
100% Pinot Gris – Sourced from Blue Grouse Estate, Enrico, and Saison Vineyards
Each site was vinified separately to preserve nuance and complexity. Fermentation and aging took place in a mix of concrete and neutral French oak. A portion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to build roundness and balance the natural acidity.
Alcohol 11.5% / pH 3.34 / TA 7.7 / RS 1.0
Aromas of baked apple, Meyer lemon, and subtle caramel. The palate is vibrant yet layered, showing green apple, pear, honeydew, and a touch of butterscotch. A rich, creamy texture is balanced by bright acidity, leading to a refined wet-stone mineral finish. 92 Points
Harvest 2023
Despite a winter cold snap, the coastal climate protected the vines, leading to a normal to slightly delayed budbreak.. Warm spring temperatures encouraged early flowering, and a hot, dry summer created ideal ripening conditions to develop flavour concentration without compromising acidity. Grapes were harvested throughout October from the estate vineyards and grower vineyards. The 2023 vintage was exceptional for Pinot Noir, producing wines with structure, vibrancy, and intriguing aromatics.
Blue Grouse Pinot Noir 2023 ($39.99)
100% Pinot Noir from Cowichan Valley vineyards of the Blue Grouse Estate and valued Growers.
Fermented in amphorae and stainless steel before being aged for 18 months in a selection of new and neutral French oak barrels and puncheons.
Alcohol 11.5% / pH 3.74 / TA 5.3 / RS 0.4
A classic Island Pinot Noir from the Cowichan Valley. Transparent ruby colour with medium body and bright acidity. The pinot opens with vibrant aromas of red cherry, rose petals and baking spices. The flavours are led by sour cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate with a hint of earthy forest floor. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, adding to the flavour, complexity, and captivating long finish. 93 Points.
Buy direct from Blue Grouse Estate Winery
For more from the winery, see Blue Grouse Charme De L’Île Sparkling Wines.