SpierHead Winery Vanguard 2009

SpierHead Winery

Vanguard 2009

Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, BC

$35-40 available at winery & select private stores

www.spierheadwinery.com

One of the newest kids in the Okanagan Winery schoolyard has done ample homework in preparation for opening.  Site, team, equipment, facilities, packaging – check.  And it has paid off, as SpierHead is off to a strong start right out of the gate.

The winery and vineyards are located along Spiers Road, on the south east Kelowna benchlands and part of the recently branded East Kelowna Wine Trail. This wine area is much closer to town than most – SpierHead’s tasting room is less than 9km from downtown Kelowna City Hall.  Promising early signs: Planted in 2008, the vineyard is farmed sustainably and yields are held low. The energy efficient winery facility was finished in 2010, nestled into a slope and designed with the barrel cellar to be kept cool and calm underground. And perhaps most tellingly, owner Bill Knutson has enlisted the services of well known and experienced BC winemaking consultant Tom DiBello (ex-CedarCreek) to oversee operations.

I tasted 3 of their first releases – a bright Riesling 2010, subtle Chardonnay 2010 and a newly bottled 2009 red Bordeaux Blend named Vanguard. Even though just a baby, the Vanguard impressed – like an elementary school honour roll student. The grapes for this wine came from southern Okanagan’s Black Sage Bench, and the blend is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (45% each), spiced up with Cabernet Franc (10%).  Plush and soft ripe plum and cassis flavours flow throughout, with polished smooth tannins, sweet vanilla and a dusting of dark chocolate on the finish. Nice balance, and well handled use of French oak is evident. Vanguard is young, but its future is bright – much like SpierHead. Duck breast (bonus points for a fruited sauce) would make a nice match with this smooth dark berry wine.

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Spierhead Vanguard 2009

The grapes for this wine came from southern Okanagan’s Black Sage Bench, and the blend is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (45% each), spiced up with Cabernet Franc (10%).  Plush and soft ripe plum and cassis flavours flow throughout, with polished smooth tannins, sweet vanilla and a dusting of dark chocolate on the finish. Nice balance, and well handled use of French oak is evident. Vanguard is young, but its future is bright – much like SpierHead. Duck breast (bonus points for a fruited sauce) would make a nice match with this smooth dark berry wine.