Our Further Afield Series has emerged out of a desire for our winemaking team to explore British Columbia’s most revered varieties, beyond our vineyard borders. Sourced from compelling sites but crafted with a Tantalus perspective.
We first introduced this series with a bold and lush Syrah from 2021, and now we are excited to welcome an expressive and buoyant Cabernet Franc Rosé to this tier of exploratory wines.
A delicate sunset pink in colour, the wine is awash with big notes of blackberry and fresh plum alongside herbaceous hints of sweet basil and fresh thyme. The palate is bright and lively, abundant with fresh strawberries and cream, tart red apple, and cranberry. Classically dry in style, the wine finishes crisp and lifted with lovely tension.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Cabernet Franc is so well suited for rosé, with some of our favourite examples to sip originating from the Loire Valley, not to mention from our own backyard here in BC. We knew when we secured this beautifully-grown fruit, that we would make two unique expressions from it: both a Rosé and a dry red (to come!). Sourced from an organic vineyard in Osoyoos, the terroir of this site is remarkably different from our East Kelowna estate, only two hours north. More growing degree potential, sandier soils yet with lower elevation, the fruit has the opportunity to gain complexity and reach full ripening potential effortlessly.
A delight to craft, the fruit was gently whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks with inoculated yeast, while the hard pressings of the juice were fermented wild in older, former Pinot Noir barrels. The wine was then combined and aged on fine lees for 3 months prior to bottling.
ACCOLADES
90 points - Chris Waters, The Globe and Mail
"The cabernet franc grapes used to make this stylish rose come from and organic vineyard in Osoyoos. The resulting crisp and refreshing pink wine offers a vibrant mix of plum and berry fruit with some herbal accents. Drink now to 2025."
90 points - Treve Ring, Gismondi On Wine
"Pouring a blush peach hue, this is packed with mirabelle plum, raspberry, and tart red currant, and scented with subtle florals and white pepper. Pretty, smart, and charming, enjoy this new pink this summer."
TECHNICAL INFO
100% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 12.3%
Residual Sweetness: .74 g/L
pH: 3.35
Total Acidity: 5.87g/L
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VINTAGE NOTES
2022 was a very challenging season, but it produced some exceptional quality grapes and resulting wines. The winter of 21/22 was harsh, with many vines exhibiting primary bud damage following a cold snap of -26.5 around Christmas. Above average rainfall in May charged the soil with water and gave the vines everything they needed to hit the ground running after a long winter and late bud break. The rain continued into June meaning no irrigation was needed for the vines till much later than average and allowed the cover crop to flourish.
Summer was mild though some hot spells in late July and early August helped push the season along. September and October were perfect for developing flavours in the grapes while not having too much sugar produced. This resulted in balanced wines with moderate alcohol. A cold snap in early November just after all the sparkling and still wines had been harvested and meant that we were able to produce our first icewine since 2017.
