Callaway takes on new challenge in Lake Country
Nikki Callaway is on the move again. From Mission Hill to Quails’s Gate to Laughing Stock, the talented winemaker has signed on at O’Rourke Family Estates in Lake Country.
Callaway has a great deal of experience, making both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in cool-climate locations and should be a perfect fit at O’Rourke.
“Nikki’s keen interest in both viticulture and winemaking combined with her passion for small-lot premium production make her a great addition to our state-of-the-art project and estate-grown fruit,” said Adrian Baker, director of winemaking.
Her first challenge will be the 2019 vintage that is currently struggling to the finish line due to inclement weather since early September.
Kudos to Ex Nihilo Vineyards in Lake Country and its customers for raising $26,800 to aid in bringing advanced heart-rhythm services/electrophysiology to Kelowna General Hospital.
The money was raised at a summer concert series featuring Barney Bentall and Jim Cuddy and all funds collected were donated to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.
If you haven’t dined inspired by local farms and gardens, you should and check out their interpretations of Neapolitan woodfired pizza, tapas and salads.
B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK
Stag’s Hollow Renaissance Grenache 2017, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $35.00 I 91/100
UPC: 626990195740 Winter kill is the only issue holding Grenache in check across Canada.
With climate change, it’s clear B.C. could be a home away from home for this fantastic European variety. The nose is all wild cherries this year with a dusting of white pepper, and it spills across the palate. Its red fruit is equally intense, again led by expressive wild strawberries and black cherries dusted in savoury dried herbs.
The finish is ridiculously juicy and peppery. Seriously good.
The oak is French but hardly noticeable amongst the silky texture. It has finished under a beautiful glass Vinolok closure, so it can never be corked.
WINE FOR THE CELLAR
Tinhorn Creek The Creek 2015, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada $55.99 I 91/100
UPC: 624802981321
The flagship Tinhorn red is a mix of vines from seven to 21 years old grown on the Golden Mile Vineyard site and across the valley at Black Sage.
The 2015 mix is 50/20/20/7/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, and is more complex than its predecessor.
The Malbec and Petit Verdot, grown on the Golden Mile Bench, bring acidity and spice, while the two cabs and the Merlot bring the weight and full flavours of the warmer Black Sage Bench.
The nose is fresh with blueberry and cassis. The palate similarly clean and tighter than is typical for Tinhorn, with a linear path of black fruits, spice and acidity to beat the band. Young and it will need some time in bottle, but this is going to be a great bottle of wine in five years.