THE ADVOCATE 527
VOL. 79 PART 4 JULY 2021
deeper end of the rosé colour spectrum. The wine was then fermented
slowly in stainless steel at cooler temperatures, stopping just short of dryness.
It has intense fragrant aromas of sweet strawberry, rhubarb and a bit
of white pepper spice. On the palate are the same strawberry and rhubarb,
ripe watermelon and sweet apple with an underlay of vanilla. The off-dry
finish is long and soft. The winery suggests pairing it with classic Mediterranean
cuisine such as olives, cured meats and medium to strong cheeses.
Good idea. Grilled salmon or steelhead are other good choices, as is just sipping
it on the patio.
HESTER CREEK TREBBIANO 2019
BC VQA Okanagan Valley, Golden Mile Bench #54031 $20.99 (plus taxes)
The vines from which this wine is sourced were planted first in 1968 after
Joe Busnardo somewhat snuck them back from Italy. The 2019 vintage has
resulted in one of the brighter and more vibrant renditions of this wine. The
fruit was handpicked and the whole clusters pressed, then the wine was fermented
at cooler temperatures for 21 days in steel and then racked and
aged another three months before bottling. It has a nose of light green apple
and lime with some tropical notes, and on the palate are strong citrus notes
including a touch of white grapefruit and some mineral notes, leading to a
bright finish. We had it with grilled prawns. It will work well with richer
seafood dishes, hard cheeses or roasted vegetable salads. It is available
online or in person from the winery or at BC VQA and other private wine
stores.
HESTER CREEK CHARACTER 2019
BC VQA Okanagan Valley, Golden Mile Bench #158311 $20.99
The blend here is of Italian Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc and Malbec and sourced mostly from the historic home
vineyard. It was fermented in Italian Ganimede fermenters, blended, taken
through malolactic fermentation and matured in French oak before bottling.
This is a rich and spicy wine. Its aromas are of black fruit (cherry,
plum) with white pepper and a bit of leather, and the flavours are the same
black fruit, blueberries, more of the white pepper along with other spices,
especially cloves and some notes of bitter chocolate. It finishes tart but full.
The winery suggests to try it with lamb, steak or smoky ribs. It will work
well with a summer BBQ of grilled meats and vegetables, or richer
casseroles like an osso buco.