The devastating January 2024 cold event dramatically reduced British Columbia’s grape crop, leaving many wineries without enough fruit to produce some of their most cherished wines. Pinot Noir was among the hardest-hit varieties, making exceptional examples from the vintage especially rare.
One of those rare success stories is Bottega’s 2024 Pinot Noir.
Sourced exclusively from the highly regarded Tractor & Vines Vineyard in Summerland, this tiny release comes from just half a ton of pristine fruit that survived the freeze. The vineyard yielded enough grapes for only 40 cases, making it one of the most limited BC Pinot Noir releases of the vintage.
Crafted entirely from Dijon Clone 667 and aged for eight months in second-fill French oak, the wine is a testament to both careful vineyard management and restrained winemaking. Rather than allowing oak to dominate, the élevage enhances the vineyard’s character while preserving the purity of the fruit.
Vineyard & Winemaking
The fruit was harvested from the renowned Tractor & Vines Vineyard in Summerland, a site known for producing premium Pinot Noir. The wine was matured for eight months in seasoned French oak barrels, adding texture and complexity while allowing the vineyard expression to remain front and centre.
Technical Data
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir (Clone 667)
Vineyard: Tractor & Vines Vineyard, Summerland
Oak Aging: 8 months in second-fill French oak
Production: 40 cases
Price: $78
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with earthy notes of forest floor and violet, layered with aromas of black currant, crushed raspberry and a subtle hint of tobacco. The palate is rich and beautifully structured, delivering impressive concentration while retaining freshness and finesse. Flavours of dark currant and black plum lead the attack before evolving into vibrant raspberry and sour cherry across the mid-palate. Savoury forest-floor nuances mingle seamlessly with well-integrated French oak spice, while bright acidity provides precision and lift. Fine-grained, grippy tannins frame the wine through a remarkably long, layered and complex finish. Drinking beautifully now, this Pinot Noir has the structure and balance to reward several more years in the cellar. 93+ Points.
Food Pairing
I paired the wine with pan-seared lingcod accompanied by Julia Child’s classic eggplant, tomato and cheese gratin. While Pinot Noir isn’t the first wine most people associate with white fish, the richly flavoured Provençal-style side dish transforms the pairing. The roasted tomatoes mirror the wine’s vibrant acidity, the earthy eggplant complements its forest floor character, and the savoury cheese and herbs draw out the Pinot Noir’s subtle spice and oak influence. Together, the combination promises to highlight both the delicacy of the fish and the complexity of the wine.
The Pinot Noir would also pair beautifully with duck breast, cedar-plank salmon, wild mushroom risotto, roast chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 vintage will be remembered as one of the most challenging in recent history in British Columbia wine. Producing a premium Pinot Noir under those conditions is an impressive achievement in itself. That Daniel Bontorin was able to craft a wine from such a tiny parcel of surviving fruit makes this release all the more special.
With just 40 cases produced, this is less a seasonal release than a collector’s bottle, a rare opportunity to experience one of the few premium BC Pinot Noirs born from an extraordinarily difficult vintage.
Where to Buy
The 2024 Bottega Pinot Noir is available directly from Bottega Wine Studio while supplies last.