Sandhill

As Okanagan wineries release the last of their 2005 reds, it is worth recalling that that was one of the valley’s finest vintages this decade – but it was a small vintage because rain at flowering reduced the fruit set. Like all other wineries, Sandhill has smaller volumes of wine available, as this wine shows. In the more bountiful previous vintage, Sandhill was able to release 6,000 cases of this wine.

The ripe quality of the fruit in 2005 enabled winemaker Howard Soon to tweak the blend, raising the volume of Cabernet Franc to 29 percent from 13 percent the year before, with slight reductions in both Merlot (46% in 2004) and Cabernet Sauvignon (41% in 2004). According to Soon’s notes, the extra Cabernet Franc “has produced a smoother, more fruit-forward Cabernet Merlot with a delicious nose.”

Indeed, the aroma is immediately inviting with jammy and spicy berry notes. On the palate, there are flavours of spiced plums with hints of chocolate, tobacco and cedar. The texture shows a chewy firmness, suggesting the ability to age well for three or four years. 88 points.

Reviewed October 20, 2007 by John Schreiner.