“As with our 2020 Carmenere, the volume of Cabernet grapes in our home Shady Lagoon vineyard was small. After a long-wet spring, first half of July continued with cooler than average temperature. Fortunately, August was hot reaching temperature of 40 degrees C. Fall continued with ideal ripening temperatures and was thankfully void of fires.

As with our previous vintages, all three varieties of grapes were fermented separately including the Syrah grapes we source from Red Brick vineyard on the east side of Lake Osoyoos. Our 2020 proprietary blend was assembled mid September 2021 and aged in barrels further 8 months until bottling at the end of June 2021.

Our blend is always Cabernet dominant, so that the robust dark blue and rich black fruits waft out of the glass first. There are further spicy, peppery, and herby aroma contributions from Syrah and Carmenere which are this vintage 20% of the blend, respectively. Additional flavours of blueberry skins and licorice continue to round out and persist on the palate. Concentrated and grounded length with already supple tannins provide a subtle lift on the finish.

With later cooler fall temperatures, a pairing of a classic Italian bean/pasta soup with sage comes to mind. We suggest cellaring all our red wines for at least a decade. However, they are to be enjoyed at release and beyond.”

~ Senka Tennant, winemaker