Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tinhorn Creek 2010 Spring Release

The 2009 growing season in the Okanagan Valley (see the 2009 Vintage Report) was a phenomenal one, especially for the white varietals. A warm September and October gave the wineries and growers the ability to allow the fruit to ripen to their specifications rather than the weather dictating the harvest. A great position to be in. The result is a fantastic line-up of 2009 white wines from BC wineries that are slowly being released this Spring.

Tinhorn Creek's 2009 vintage whites are available now, but you may have to go direct to the winery to get them. Perusing the shelves at your local BC Liquor Store you may find mostly 2008 vintage whites taking up valuable shelf real estate. Could be the BCLDB is waiting for the 2008's to sell out before stalking their shelves with the new releases. If so, consider this a preview of what you have to look forward to or get a jump on the liquor store and order direct from the winery (either in person or online).

The Tinhorn Creek 2009 line-up is full of fruit-forward, food-friendly, professionally finished, nicely acidic, quality wines that are very well-priced. We were pleasantly impressed.

2009 Gewurztraminer - $16.99
Aromas of sweet citrus, lychee, honey, pears, rose blossoms and the spice of crushed cardamom shells on the nose. The oily textured, full-bodied palate offers youthful flavours of tropical acidity, lychee, stone fruit, spice and minerality with excellent balance and a long finish.  87pts
Full Review

2009 Pinot Gris - $16.99
A quality wine with excellent concentration and a balanced, moderate-plus finish offering good value for the price. 88pts
Full Review

2009 Chardonnay - $16.99
Classic aromas of luscious melons, buttery ice cream and orchard fruit with quiet herbaceous notes. Flavours of pears, apples, sweet pineapple and light toasted oak spice and with piquant, lemony acidity; very refreshing. 87pts
Full Review

2009 Oldfield Series 2Bench Wine - $22.99
Overall this wine is complex and refreshing with fantastic minerality as one might expect from an estate grown Chardonnay driven blend. There is a lot going on in this wine. 89pts
Full Review

To learn more about Tinhorn Creek wines and winery events, including their fun concert series, visit their website: http://www.tinhorn.com/
 - Liam Carrier

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