Okanagan Valley
to Cabernet Franc. It’s a very savoury wine showing tobacco, dried herbs, pencil shavings and dark cherries. On the palate, it’s full-bodied yet with gentle tannins, and a generous concentration & Intensity.
Score : 16/20 (92/100)
Le Vieux Pin, AVA 2020
South Okanagan, Okanagan Valley
With deep white Rhône roots, this blend of Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne couldn’t represent the estate style better. Its very aromatic nature and rich structure gives it lots of personality. Apricot, fresh peach juice, fennels, and exuberant floral tones show the distinctive Viognier’s majority. The firm and dense volume is flattering.
Score : 16/20 (92/100)
Le Vieux Pin, Syrah Cuvée Violette 2019
South Okanagan, Okanagan Valley
Cuvée Violette’s aim is to showcase the elegance potential of Syrah in the Valley, and has succeeded this goal tremendously. All aspects of this wine are intricately laced, from the very accurate & complex cherry, cracked peppercorn, plum, sage, and violet notes to the masterly polished tannins and structure. This is a truly elegant and refined Syrah.
Score : 19/20 (98/100)
Le Vieux Pin, Equinoxe Syrah 2018
South Okanagan, Okanagan Valley
Equinoxe is the flagship Syrah of Le Vieux Pin. The 2018 Équinoxe Syrah is a fruit grown in various sub-appellations in the South Okanagan Valley. This cuvée is meant to combine elements of both old world and new world styles. It’s a bold and ripe expression of Syrah, with powerful, intense aromas of red & black fruits, petals, aniseed, spices, new leather, and olive tapenade aromas. It is fullbodied with soft, integrated tannins. Bold, but with restraint. Score : 18/20 (96/100)
Levieux Pin, Equinoxe Merlot 2018
South Okanagan, Okanagan Valley
Équinoxe Merlot is a single vineyard wine sourced from La Feuille d’or vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench from about 20 years old vines. This wine boasts of ripeness, with mature plums, blackberries, cedar, dark chocolate, and liquorice. The palate is structured and voluminous, with firm tannins and outstanding intensity of flavours.
Score : 16.5/20 (93/100)
La Stella, Fortissimo 2019
South Okanagan, Okanagan Valley
Merlot-dominant tuscan blend with supporting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Sangiovese Grosso. This wine is a stunning tribute to the super-tuscan movement that changed the Tuscan heritage forever. Flavorful and rich, the blend is complex and savoury with overripe cherries and earthy tones, tobacco and oak presence. The palate is silky smooth, yet full-bodied and concentrated. Overall, an effortlessly pleasant wine.
Score : 17/20 (94/100)
La Stella, Allegretto Pie Franco Merlot 2017
South Okanagan, Okanagan Valley
Single vineyard Merlot expression, from vines that are franc de Pied (Pie Franco) on the east bench of Osoyoos’ Le Faucon vineyard and its distinct sandy, white silica soils. This 2017 is quite expressive with a deeply aromatic nose and a firm structure. Dark-fruitted aromas are joined with aromatic herbs. The tannins are granulous, and the wine can seem tight at first. It will benefit from decanting to soften & open up.
Score : 17.5/20 (95/100)
La Stella’ Maestoso Solo Merlot 2018
South Okanagan, Okanagan Valley
Flagship wine of Lastella, Maestoso is epitome of the orchestra, the highest peak of the Crescendo. Sourced from Lumeno Vineyard in Osoyoos Lake District & La Feuille d’or on the Golden Mile, this wine is very dense-colored, almost pitch-black. It’s generous and powerful in style. It’s opulent, with complex notes of brambleberry, forest floor, dark plums, coffee and cigar box. The palate shows boldness, firm tannins and good length.
Score : 18.5/20 (97/100)