Friday, February 12, 2016

Pinot Trio

SpierHead has come a long way with their handling of Pinot Noir since their first vintage of estate grown fruit in 2010. Now 6 years on, the East Kelowna winery is making a name for itself with multiple Pinot Noir labels in their portfolio. The 2014 vintage yielded a trio of excellent Pinots ranging from light, bright and full of might to rich'n'supple. Pinophiles will enjoy tasting all three, side-by-side-by-side, picking out the differences and similarities between the labels which I've tried to capture below.


2014 Pinot Noir - $23
A bright and fresh Pinot Noir with juicy-tangy red fruit prominent on the engaging nose and the mouth-watering, (mostly) dry palate. Cherry nibs, vanilla, mild oak and mineral notes add complexity throughout. Light spice and chocolate-covered cherry flavours linger on the moderate-plus finish.

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2014 GFV Saddle Block Pinot Noir - $27
The Momma Bear of the Pinot Noir trilogy on offer from East Kelowna's SpierHead Winery. Falls right in the middle on the richness scale between the other two. The "GFV" (for Gentleman Farmer Vineyard) is feminine and well-balanced, hosting a range of red fruits on the inviting nose and the concentrated, spicy palate. The finish is long with lingering wild berry acidity.
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2014 Pinot Noir Cuvée - $32
Lives up to its billing as the winery's flagship Pinot Noir (they make 2 others), this micro cuvée is blended from select barrels and produces a beautiful wine, rich in complexity and texture. The loving embrace of French oak is felt on the vanilla-kissed, cherry-raspberry nose and on the vibrant, medium-plus bodied, red fruit and tea leaf palate. Structure is solid with silky-smooth tannins and huckleberry acidity. The finish is long and spicy with lingering dark cherry and Black Forest cake flavours.
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