tony holler

May 25th, 2024- Spring releases from Orofino and Poplar Grove’s 1st Pinot Noir

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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.

Rosé MagBag 2023

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.

Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling 2022 Clone 239

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 Owner Orofino Winery

Virginia Weber

www.orofinovineyards,com

 

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

Pinot Noir 2022

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 Winery | MONTECRISTO

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!!

 

www.poplargrove.ca

 

 

Stories we are working on:

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Mayhem

The Hatch etc

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French Door

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