Spring releases from Clos Du Soleil and Cowichan Wines (Part One)
THE SHOW
Michael Clark Winemaker Clos Du Soleil (Similkameen Valley)
Michael Clark
Its Spring Time in BC Wine Country!! (Just writing the line brings me joy!)
After a Canadian Winter that included freezing temperatures for a second Winter in a row, growers, viticulturists and winemakers in BC are walking the vineyards right now. They’re all looking for bud break and signs that the vines either survived or need replacing. It’s a 2024 Springtime that has brought crisis, major changes AND renewal.
There’s much to talk about in the coming weeks. Almost 30 interviews.
We’ll talk to the winemakers in the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island and Naramata Bench above Penticton.
Everyone has an opinion and Spring wines to talk about.
We start with one of the very best. Michael Clark winemaker at Clos Du Soleil in the Similkameen.
The winemaking vision at CDS is “to treat our grapes gently and with respect, in order to produce complex, age worthy wines that showcase the very best expression of the Similkameen Valley Terroir”.
The hard soils/shales of the valley can break planting machines but when roots are grown down into that same land, the valley can produce sensational wines.
For example, Michael takes us through his Spring releases:
2023 Rose – Pinot Noir grapes grown specifically for this wine in Kaleden. Cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
As always, handling was kept to a minimum. No oak. Aromas of ripe fruit, floral notes and what I thought was spice became white pepper.
THIS is a keeper. Find this Rose for your Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Retail $28.90
2022 Chardonnay – Wonderful golden glow in the bottle and glass.
Highly recommend to open and let it breathe for 20 minutes. The rewards are Granny Smith notes, lemon and tropical fruit, floral touch.
Taste is a magical weave of the above notes, minerality and spice. There’s a delicious oak roundness due to its fermentation in older French puncheons.
From their La Cote Vineyard in Keremeos. Find this beauty.
Retail &29.90
2021 Syrah – Part of the much admired Winemaker’s Series. The Syrah was grown and harvested at Blind Creek Vineyard in downtown Cawston and the 3% Viognier came from their La Cote Vineyard in Keremeos.
Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels – 15% new.
Single Vineyard. Very complex on the palate. With raspberries, ripe dark fruit, blackberries, currants, chocolate and a hint of spice.
Bottled a year ago – today!!
Heads up – limited production. Well worth the seek.
Retail – $39.90
2020 Signature. Clos Du Soleil’s flagship blend. Produced by hand. 16 months in French oak barrels. Only the most complex, elegant barrels were used.
Memorable growing season in 2020. The long hang time shows itself.
So you shouldn’t be surprised by the nose and palate on this complete wine.
Raspberry, blackberry, wood box plus cherry, fig, ripe berries abound. Minerality down the middle and on the finish. Think wet river stones, graphite, pencil and forest floor.
Merlot 34%/Cab 33%/Cab Franc 21%/Malbec 9%/PV 3%
Impressive, passionate and complete winemaking. Congratulations to Michael and the Team.
Retail – $55.90
Cowichan Wineries pour for wine trade in Victoria
A Springtime tradition. The Cowichan Wineries drive in to Victoria to pour for the wine trade. Wine and liquor stores, restaurant wine buyers, Sommeliers, etc.
We had much talk about. Freeze in the Okanagan, helping wine friends who had lost crops, how the spotlight is shining on the Cowichan wineries and new owners/winemakers introducing themselves.
These are the first of a dozen interviews done last week. Each pouring multiple wines.
Mike Nierychlo – co/founder and winemaker at Emandare (celebrating 10 years) www.emandarevineyard.com
Robin and Mike
Dan Wright – winemaker at Unsworth www.unsworthvineyards.com
Dan Wright
Brent Rowland – Winemaker at Averill Creek and Joue www.averillcreek.ca
Tricia Huebner – New owner of Cobble Hill Wines. www.cobblehillwinery.ca
Tricia Huebner
STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON
The rest of Cowichan Wine Pour
The Naramata Bench Trade Pour in Vancouver.
Mayhem
Pinot from Polar Grove.
