Robin Ridge Winery Gamay Noir 2009

Robin Ridge Winery
Gamay Noir 2009
Similkameen Valley, BC
$22-25 Available at winery and select private liquor retailors

www.robinridgewinery.com

In 1996, Tim Cottrill and his wife Caroline purchased their rocky, weed-ridden ridge in the Similkameen Valley and after couple of years clearing and working a former hayfield, planted grapes. They sold their fruit to other local wineries for years before deciding to go out on their own. In 2008, after training with winemaker Lawrence Herder, Tim released his first vintages under the name Robin Ridge Winery.  In a time when wineries are turning towards restrained, leaner styles, Robin Ridge takes full advantage of the heat trap of the Similkameen. Their wines tend to be big, jammy and rich Californian-esque , with higher alcohol and power balanced by acidity.

Also setting Robin Ridge apart is the fact that they are the only ones in the area to train their grapes to a Geneva Double Curtain (GDC). Developed by Nelson Shaulis in New York State in the 1960s, this downward growing, split canopy system increases protection from frost, allows more light into the fruiting zone while at the same time increasing the surface area of the canopy. It can produce excessive yields but Tim keeps yields very low, increasing intensity in fewer grapes. Quality over quantity is always a very good thing in winemaking.

If you only think about Gamay like you think about Beaujolais Neauveau, think again. This full bodied, juicy plum and black cherry red is dense with ripe fruit and structured with cedarwood spice. Soft tannins and bright succulent fruit boost drinkability now.  Short ribs, thick pork chops or fall meat braises and rustic stews would suit.

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Robin Ridge Winery Gamay Noir 2009

If you only think about Gamay like you think about Beaujolais Neauveau, think again. This full bodied, juicy plum and black cherry red is dense with ripe fruit and structured with cedarwood spice. Soft tannins and bright succulent fruit boost drinkability now.  Short ribs, thick pork chops or fall meat braises and rustic stews would suit.