Spring releases from Orofino and Poplar Grove’s 1st Pinot Noir
THE SHOW
John Weber – co-founder/winemaker Orofino Vineyards (Similkameen)
John Weber
Welcome to our series of specials on BC Spring Wine Releases.
We return to the Similkameen Valley to John & Virginia Weber’s Orofino Vineyards.
Orofino
The whole valley, situated right on the US Border, was caught in 2 winter deep freezes over the last couple of years. Vines and vineyards do not do well in temperatures at -25 below or worse. For the next couple of weeks every farmer, grower and winemaker will be walking the vineyard rows looking for signs of life.
Are the buds breaking? Are the stalks green? Have we lost our vines and grapes?
At the same time, previous great growing seasons have found themselves harvested crushed and cellared in bottles now being released.
It’s good news amid bad.
Orofino is an outstanding, award-winning winery in Cawston. Whatever John and Virginia send to taste and talk about is well worth my time.
This Spring I was delighted to try only two wines. Both were outstanding.
The first was
2023 Rose MagBag. 1.5 L Rose in a terrific carry bag.
Two things! One, it’s great for camping, fishing, hiking, the beach, picnics and backyards.
Two, the rose is the same highly acclaimed rose they’ve been putting in bottles for years. It’s not made with Cab Franc. This rose is made with pinot noir.
It’s just so yummy. They also make a Pinot Gris Mag Bag
$43.30 on their website.
The other Spring release is Orofino 2022 Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling Clone 239. A German clone developed in the 1950s. This Riesling loves the Similkameen Valley.
Riverstone wet rock, lime, tropical citrus, acidity and minerality. A Silver medal winner at the 2023 All-Canadian Wine Championships. $26.95 at winery. Can cellar to 2033. Bone dry.
FYI – Virginia Weber has created three fabulous guest suites on the property. All surrounded by vines. Wonderfully comfortable. Highly recommended by yours truly.
Virginia Weber
Tony Holler – Co-owner of Poplar Grove Winery (Naramata Bench)
Tony and Barb Holler
Joined by Poplar Grove Asst. Winemaker Dan Marshall, Exec Winemaker Stefan Arnason and Exec Chef Stacy Johnston
June 21st Poplar Grove releases it’s first-ever Pinot Noir. The 2022 Pinot Noir. An impressive blend of 6 clones that has already won Double Gold at the Great North West Wine Competition and several more awards. (FYI Clones are 091/114/115/667/777/828
The vines and fruit survived the deep freeze of 2022, in part due to the “lake effect” at the 13-acre Hudson Vineyard on the Naramata Bench.
Each clone was hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard prior to moving to their Pinot House, a separate winemaking facility specifically designed for Pinot Noir.
Poplar Grove. Naramata Bench
The nose is earthy and ripe red fruit and spice. The palate is round cherry, ripe plum and raspberry. Tannins are such a delight with a mile-long finish. This first Pinot from Poplar Grove has the skill, style, craft and future promise of an instant classic. To the team – well done!!
The wonderful Poplar Grove Exec Chef Stacy Johnston steps in with pairing suggestions. Truly enjoyed talking to everyone involved.
Seek, taste and enjoy!!
Stories we are working on:
Painted Rock
Mayhem
The Hatch etc
Winemaker’s Cut
Anthony Buchannan
French Door
Noble Ridge
