Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

Posted: September 18, 2016/Under: Vineyards/By: Alanna Hulko

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

Join me as I take you through a tasting at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver, BC. We arrived just after 10:00 AM, early to start a tasting but your palate is actually at it’s best in the morning. The tasting room is huge and showcases a private room that you can do a full professional series tasting in.

This is a stunning vineyard with views of the vines, river and mountains beyond. We arrived as they were setting up for their concert finale of 54/40, I wish I had known. Sadly it was too early to enjoy a lunch at the on site Miradoro Restaurant but that simply means a return visit is in order.

Pinot Gris 2015:
It had lovely aromas of melon, citrus and stone fruit on the nose hinting at the minerality in this wine. A strong representation of BC Pinot Gris with higher acidity that you would expect, flavours of grapefruit , stone fruit and a hint of Vanilla. Grab this wine, chill it and get the last of the fresh fish of the season to pair it with. Prawns would be a perfect pairing.
Gewürztraminer 2015:
Aromas of lime and lychee on the nose with a hint of minerality. Tastes of acidic lime and melon with a nicely balanced lingering finish that is slightly floral with citrus herbs. 
 
Cabernet Franc 2014:
Strong blackberry, cherry and black pepper on the nose with hint of milk chocolate. dry, cigar, pepper and black cherry with hints of cassis with a tannic smooth finish. This wine is young and will improve with age, cellar for 2 years, if you drink it now decant it and enjoy.
 
Oldfield Series Merlot 2012:
My top pick for the wines tasted at this vineyard. Rich notes of plum and cassis with a hint of caramel on the nose. The merlot base makes the addition of cabernet franc pop with peppery spice, plum and dark red fruits with a smooth lingering caramel finish. This wine can be enjoyed now with decanting but is dense enough in structure to cellar for up to 5 years.
 
Oldfield Series 2Bench Red 2012:
This bold red blend will get better and better. Blueberry, cassis and spice on the nose.  A dense mouthful of dark red fruits, pepper, mocha and vanilla. Try this with a rich dark chocolate to get more of the mocha notes from the wine.