Très jeune à l’âge de 12 ans et 14 ans j’ai commencé pendant les vacances à travailler avec mon père.
Naturellement je me suis tourné vers des études viticoles à Beaune, et par des rencontres et des stage j’ai pu goûter et ce qui ce ferais de mieux en France.
Et bien sûr de rencontrer les meilleurs vignerons.
Quelle est la partie la plus gratifiante de votre métier ?
Notre métier est formidable cas c’est l’un des rares métiers produisons, transformons et vendons nos produits.
C’est le métier aux mille métier, il faut savoir tout faire.
Parfois, le matin, nous sommes dans les vignes et la soirée, nous sommes dans un restaurant prestigieux à faire la promotion de nos vins.
A chaque fois je trouve ça incroyable…
Pouvez-vous décrire la philosophie du domaine et comment elle influence les vins que vous produisez ?
Notre philosophie est de rester au plus proches des vignes et de la cave afin d’obtenir une grande qualité de nos vins. Il y à pas de mystère dans notre métier, le travail et la volonté de faire le mieux possible doit rester le moteur des motivations.
Quel est, selon vous, l’aspect le plus difficile dans l’élaboration d’un vin ?
Quand ont veux mettre en avant les terroir comme nous, le plus difficiles est de bien comprendre nos terroirs et le millésime et de tout le long du processus de vinification et l’élevage de rester fidèle à cette idée.
Avez-vous un cépage préféré avec lequel travailler ? Qu’est-ce qui le rend spécial pour vous ?
Évidement j’adore le pinot noir il est notre ADN, et cela nous rapproche de la Bourgogne. Mais notre cépage c’est le sauvignon qui peut être facile ou difficile selon notre exigence. Ce que j’adore dans ce cépage c’est que nous n’en avons pas encore fait le tour. Nous pouvons encore aller plus loin et offrir des vins plus complexes avec ce cépage. Il est spéciale cas en fonction de la philosophie du vigneron il peux donner tout et son contraire. En tous les cas, ce que j’aime c’est que nous pouvons avoir la fraicheur et la complexité avec de belle texture de bouche.
Pouvez-vous partager un millésime mémorable ou un vin dont vous êtes particulièrement fier ?
Je trouve que le millésime 2015 nous donne une belle leçon. Millésime très chaud, nous avons vendange des raisons très mur avec des degrés de 13,30 et 14%vol
Au début nous avons été un peut dessus, presque trop mûr, maintenant ce vin est exceptionnel de fraicheur. La leçon est la suivante, je pense: quand on travaille bien les sols, les vins, on plus de minéralisé et donc plus de fraicheur, on pourra récolté plus mur et avoir un vin équilibré.
Qu’est-ce qui rend votre région et votre vignoble uniques par rapport aux autres ?
Sancerre est déjà magnifique visuellement et ça, c’est important pour moi.
La magie de Sancerre tiens dans son terroir et sont climat qui fonctionne superbement bien avec le sauvignon.
Et ça c’est unique.
Si vous pouviez faire du vin n’importe où dans le monde, en dehors de votre région actuelle, où serait-ce et pourquoi ?
Sur ce point je vais pas être original, j’adore la Bourgogne je trouve que la aussi le mariage du terroir du climat, cépages est évident.
La structure petite des domaine est aussi quelques choses propice à la qualité.
Mon parcours personnel est intimement lié à l’histoire de ma famille, ancrée en Médoc depuis cinq générations. Tout commence avec mon arrière-arrière-grand-père, Jean Cazes, né en 1837 en Ariège. Comme beaucoup de ses compatriotes, il descendait chaque hiver dans le Médoc pour des travaux saisonniers, notamment ceux liés à la replantation du vignoble bordelais après la crise du phylloxéra. En 1875, il s’établit définitivement à Pauillac.
Son fils, Jean-Charles Cazes, mon arrière-grand-père, était boulanger. En 1925, un incendie ravage sa boulangerie, l’obligeant à se réinventer. Il prend alors en fermage deux propriétés viticoles : Château Ormes de Pez à Saint-Estèphe et Château Lynch-Bages à Pauillac. Ses premières vendanges ont lieu en 1933 et, en 1939, il saisit l’opportunité d’acquérir ces deux domaines. Après la guerre, mon grand-père André Cazes rejoint la propriété en parallèle de ses fonctions de maire de Pauillac, qu’il exercera pendant 42 ans.
C’est en 1974 que mon père, Jean-Michel Cazes, ingénieur de formation, décide à son tour de revenir à Pauillac pour prendre en main la destinée familiale. Visionnaire et pionnier dans le monde du vin à Bordeaux, il comprend très tôt l’importance de la promotion et du rayonnement international des grands vins. À une époque où peu de vignerons voyagent, il parcourt le monde pour faire connaître les vins de Lynch-Bages et du Médoc.
Grâce à son charisme, sa curiosité insatiable et sa grande générosité, il noue des relations uniques avec les amateurs de vin du monde entier, contribuant ainsi à bâtir une notoriété sans précédent pour nos crus. Il joue un rôle essentiel dans l’ouverture de Bordeaux à l’international et dans la modernisation du secteur, insufflant une dynamique dont nous bénéficions encore aujourd’hui.
Son empreinte dépasse largement notre domaine. Dès les années 1980, il pressent également l’importance de l’œnotourisme et initie un projet ambitieux de revitalisation du village de Bages, en créant Cordeillan-Bages, un hôtel Relais & Châteaux, et en ouvrant la brasserie Café Lavinal, ainsi que d’autres commerces, offrant ainsi aux visiteurs une véritable immersion dans l’art de vivre médocain.
Aujourd’hui, mon frère Jean-Charles est à la tête des propriétés familiales, et à ses côtés, dans les traces de mon père, je m’efforce avec passion de faire rayonner nos vins sur les marchés internationaux.
Ayant grandi à Lynch-Bages, j’ai découvert très jeune la vie d’une propriété viticole. Adolescente, je participais aux vendanges, à la mise en bouteille et même à la cuisine pour les vendangeurs. Dès mes 14 ans, j’accueillais les visiteurs pour des visites et dégustations, bien avant que l’œnotourisme ne devienne ce qu’il est aujourd’hui. Dans les années 1980, j’ai également eu l’opportunité de travailler chez Seagram Château & Estate à New York et chez Robert Mondavi dans la Napa Valley.
Mon parcours m’a menée hors du Médoc pendant quelques années, notamment chez AXA, d’abord à Paris puis à New York, où je me suis installée en 1996, rencontré mon mari, Farzine, et fondé notre famille. Nos trois filles, Sara, Afsaneh et Nour, nées aux États-Unis, portent en elles cette double culture franco-américaine.
J’ai vite réintégré le métier familial, qui est une véritable passion pour moi, et j’ai mené des missions de représentation en Amérique du Nord, qui s’étendent aujourd’hui à l’ensemble des marchés où nous sommes présents. Je suis très attachée au village de Bages, où j’habite désormais en alternance. Cela me permet de poursuivre le développement de nos activités œnotouristiques, en prolongeant l’élan insufflé par mon père, pour offrir aux visiteurs une expérience unique à la découverte de notre belle région viticole.
Quelle est la partie la plus gratifiante de votre métier ?
Tout d’abord, je n’ai jamais vraiment l’impression de « travailler ». Mon métier est avant tout une passion, une opportunité unique d’aller à la rencontre de personnes qui partagent un amour pour le vin et la gastronomie. Chaque échange est une nouvelle découverte, une occasion de tisser des liens et de créer des émotions autour d’une bouteille.
Le vin est bien plus qu’un produit, ll rapproche les gens, raconte des histoires, évoque des souvenirs et accompagne les moments les plus précieux de la vie. Faire partie d’une famille qui produit du vin depuis plusieurs générations est une chance inouïe : cela me permet d’aller à la rencontre d’amateurs du monde entier, d’échanger avec des passionnés et de partager avec eux tout ce qui fait la richesse et la singularité de notre terroir.
Ce qui me touche particulièrement, c’est de voir comment nos vins voyagent, comment ils sont reçus et appréciés aux quatre coins du monde. Savoir qu’une bouteille de Lynch-Bages peut être le témoin d’un moment spécial, d’une célébration ou d’un simple plaisir partagé entre amis, donne un sens profond à ce que nous faisons.
Enfin, il y a une dimension de transmission qui me tient particulièrement à cœur. Transmettre l’histoire de notre famille, l’héritage de mon père, la passion du terroir et du travail bien fait… Et peut-être, un jour, voir nos enfants prolonger cette aventure avec la même ferveur.
Pouvez-vous décrire la philosophie du domaine et comment elle influence les vins que vous produisez ?
Notre philosophie repose sur le respect du terroir et la recherche constante de l’excellence. Chaque parcelle de nos vignobles est travaillée avec précision pour révéler tout son potentiel et exprimer pleinement les qualités intrinsèques de notre terroir. Nous considérons que le vin est le reflet de son environnement, de son sol et du climat qui le façonne. Ainsi, chaque décision que nous prenons, que ce soit dans la vigne ou au chai, vise à préserver cette authenticité et à valoriser notre patrimoine viticole.
Château Lynch-Bages incarne l’équilibre entre tradition et innovation. Notre approche viticole intègre les avancées technologiques les plus pointues tout en respectant les savoir-faire ancestraux qui ont façonné notre renommée. Par exemple, notre projet de rénovation entrepris en 2016 nous a permis de rebâtir entièrement nos installations, en les dotant d’équipements à la pointe des nouvelles technologies. Ce nouvel outil de vinification ultra-moderne optimise chaque étape de l’élaboration du vin, tout en offrant un cadre de travail ergonomique et fonctionnel. Conçu par l’architecte Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, le nouveau chai est à la fois un outil performant et un cadre moderne pour notre production.
Nos vins se distinguent par leur opulence, leur richesse aromatique et leur grande capacité de garde. Généreux dès leur jeunesse, ils gagnent en finesse, en profondeur et en complexité au fil du temps. Nous cherchons à élaborer des vins qui conjuguent puissance et élégance, avec une signature reconnaissable parmi les grands Pauillac.
Cette même philosophie guide également notre travail au Château Haut-Batailley, acquis en 2017. Ce domaine, qui s’étend sur des terroirs d’exception, bénéficie de la même attention méticuleuse afin de préserver son identité et d’exprimer pleinement son potentiel. Depuis notre acquisition, nous avons entrepris d’importants efforts pour révéler la finesse et l’élégance qui caractérisent ce vin, dans le respect de son histoire et de son terroir.
En somme, notre engagement est de produire des vins qui procurent un plaisir immédiat tout en offrant une capacité de garde remarquable, perpétuant ainsi l’héritage d’excellence qui fait la réputation de Château Lynch-Bages et de Château Haut-Batailley.
Quel est, selon vous, l’aspect le plus difficile dans l’élaboration d’un vin ?
Je pense que l’aspect le plus difficile dans l’élaboration d’un vin aujourd’hui réside avant tout dans la gestion du vignoble. La qualité d’un millésime est essentiellement déterminée par les actions menées dans la vigne, car c’est là que tout commence. Faire face aux éléments naturels, comme les conditions climatiques changeantes, est sans doute la partie la plus complexe. Bien que les nouvelles technologies nous offrent des outils précieux pour maîtriser la vinification de manière plus précise que nos parents ou grands-parents, il reste un facteur important sur lequel nous n’avons pas de prise : la nature elle-même. Cela représente à la fois une difficulté, mais aussi un véritable défi, car c’est ce qui rend chaque millésime unique et nous pousse à constamment nous adapter.
Avez-vous un cépage préféré avec lequel travailler ? Qu’est-ce qui le rend spécial pour vous ?
Le Cabernet Sauvignon occupe une place centrale dans notre vignoble, représentant près de 75 % de notre superficie à Lynch-Bages. Il n’est donc pas surprenant qu’il soit notre cépage de prédilection. Il est difficile de ne pas être un peu subjectif lorsqu’on parle de ce cépage, car il a façonné mon palais au fil des années, étant à l’origine des vins que j’ai dégustés tout au long de ma vie. Ce cépage est remarquable par sa résistance, sa capacité à produire des vins puissants, riches en tannins, parfaitement équilibrés, et possédant un excellent potentiel de vieillissement.
Château Lynch-Bages
Pouvez-vous partager un millésime mémorable ou un vin dont vous êtes particulièrement fier ?
Lorsque je pense à des millésimes mémorables, ce sont souvent les événements qui y sont associés qui me viennent à l’esprit. Le millésime 1982, par exemple, a une place particulière pour moi car il a été servi lors de mon mariage. Le millésime 1989, quant à lui, était le préféré de mon père. Après son décès, il nous avait demandé de boire un 1959 en pensant à lui, et l’ouverture de cette bouteille, pleine de souvenirs familiaux, a été un moment très émouvant. Plus récemment, le millésime 2022 restera gravé aussi dans ma mémoire : j’ai eu l’occasion de participer aux vendanges aux cotés de quelques amis… l’expérience fut courte mais intense et contribuer à ce grand millésime restera un grand souvenir.
Qu’est-ce qui rend votre région et votre vignoble uniques par rapport aux autres ?
Chaque région viticole possède une identité propre, façonnée par sa géographie, son climat et son histoire. En Médoc, nous cultivons la vigne depuis des siècles, et notre terroir a été enrichi par les vagues successives d’immigrations qui ont contribué à son caractère cosmopolite. Les Hollandais, puis les Anglais et les Irlandais, ont marqué notre histoire, notamment avec la famille Lynch, installée à Bordeaux dès 1691 et à la tête de notre propriété pendant 75 ans. Plus tard, des Montagnols venus de l’Ariège, comme mes propres ancêtres, ainsi que des Portugais et Espagnols dans les années 60 et 70, ont apporté leur savoir-faire et enrichi notre culture viticole.
La singularité de Lynch-Bages réside aussi dans sa situation géographique exceptionnelle, au cœur du Médoc. Cette presqu’île avancée vers le Nord est influencée par deux grandes masses d’eau : à l’Ouest, l’océan Atlantique qui tempère le climat, et à l’Est, notre rivière, l’estuaire de la Gironde qui protège nos vignes des vents froids. Ces conditions naturelles uniques confèrent à nos vins une identité remarquable. Et puis, au-delà de tout cela, c’est aussi la terre de mes racines. Subjectivement, c’est unique à mes yeux, car c’est tout simplement la plus belle région qui soit… !
Si vous pouviez faire du vin n’importe où dans le monde, en dehors de votre région actuelle, où serait-ce et pourquoi ?
Je vais tricher un peu pour répondre à cette question, car nous avons déjà la chance de produire du vin dans l’une des plus belles régions viticoles du monde : la vallée du Douro, au Portugal. Depuis 2002, en collaboration avec la famille Roquette, propriétaire de Quinta do Crasto, nous élaborons Xisto, un grand vin portugais dont le nom évoque le sol de schistes typique des grands terroirs du Douro.
Pour moi, c’est une région absolument fascinante, avec ses vallées spectaculaires couvertes de vignes en terrasses, façonnées par l’homme depuis des générations. Chaque fois que j’y vais, je suis émerveillée par ces paysages. C’est un lieu qui me touche profondément, où l’on ressent à la fois la force de la nature et l’empreinte du travail humain. Mais au-delà de sa beauté et de son histoire viticole, elle a aussi une résonance particulière pour moi : étant portugaise par ma mère, c’est l’autre terre de mes racines. Produire du vin ici, c’est un peu comme renouer avec une partie de mon histoire familiale. C’est aussi une aventure humaine extraordinaire. Collaborer avec la famille Roquette, une famille amie avec qui nous partageons la même passion du vin, donne encore plus de sens à cette expérience. Après tout, notre métier est avant tout une histoire de partage et de passion, et c’est cela qui nous anime chaque jour.
Purcari Winery is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producers in Moldova, with a history that dates back to the 19th century. The winery is located in the Purcari village, in the southeastern part of the country, in a region that has been renowned for winemaking for centuries. Purcari Winery is famous for its high-quality wines, which are made from traditional grape varieties and aged in oak barrels. The winery’s flagship wine is the Negru de Purcari, a red wine made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Rara Neagra grapes.
This wine is considered one of the best wines in Moldova, with a rich aroma of blackberries, spices, and vanilla, and a long, elegant finish. The Negru de Purcari has won numerous awards and accolades, including a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. It’s a gem of a wine that not only succeed in showing the potential of the region in term of quality but also express Moldovan authenticity and style. In addition to the Negru de Purcari, Purcari Winery produces many other high-quality wines, including high-quality, traditional methods, elegant, and precise sparkling wines. All of the winery’s wines are made from grapes grown in the Purcari vineyards, covering over 250 hectares. Purcari Winery is also renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in winemaking.
The winery uses modern techniques to ensure the highest quality of its wines, while also preserving the traditional methods of winemaking that have been used in Moldova for centuries.
Castell Mimi has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The winery was originally founded in 1893 by Constantin Mimi, a prominent politician and winemaker in the region. Mimi was passionate about wine and wanted to create a winery that would produce high-quality wines that could compete with the best in Europe. The winery thrived under Mimi’s leadership, and his wines quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional quality. Castell Mimi’s wines were served at royal courts and were awarded numerous prizes at international wine competitions.
However, the winery’s success was short-lived. In 1940, Moldova was annexed by the Soviet Union, and Castell Mimi was nationalized. The winery was renamed “Kolhoz 1 Mai” and was run by the state for several decades. During this time, the winery’s production methods and quality suffered, and its wines lost their reputation. In 1991, Moldova gained its independence from the Soviet Union, and Castell Mimi was returned to the Mimi family. However, the winery was in a state of disrepair, and much of its infrastructure had been destroyed.
. Constantin Mimi’s great-grandson, Constantin Vinohodovschi, took on the daunting task of restoring the winery to its former glory. Vinohodovschi invested heavily in the winery, rebuilding its facilities, replanting its vineyards, and implementing modern winemaking techniques. He also commissioned the construction of a stunning new winery building, inspired by the traditional architecture of the region.
Today, Castell Mimi is one of the most successful wineries in Moldova, known for its exceptional wines and beautiful surroundings. The winery has won numerous awards and has gained a reputation as a leading producer of high-quality wines in Eastern Europe. Castell Mimi remains a family-owned business, with Vinohodovschi’s daughter, Anastasia, and General Manager Adrian Trofim now leading the winery into the future. Castell Mimi’s diverse range of wines caters to different tastes and occasions. The winery’s wines can be grouped into several distinct ranges, each with a unique character and flavor profile. One of their premium range is called the Governor. The Governor is a premium range of wines that are made in limited quantities and are only released in exceptional vintages. These wines are complex, and layered, and offer a higher level of refinement and sophistication. On another note, the Animaliens wines are young wines with fresh and persistent characters. Wines that express the lively and abundant nature of the Moldovan land. Each label depicts the image of an animal from local Moldovan folklore and legends. The colorful symbols represent wine bouquets, and patterns from traditional Moldovan carpets and pay homage to historical places, beliefs, and events. A simple way to discover local varietals such as Saperavi or Fateasca Alba.
The touristic offer of Castell Mimi is the most tailored in the whole country. Castell Mimi offers a range of touristic activities for visitors to experience the winery and the beauty of the Moldovan countryside. From winery tours, to visit the vineyards and beautiful barrel room to wine tastings and Moldovan elevated culinary offers, there are lots to do. Castell Mimi has also a beautiful event space that can be rented for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions as well as several guest rooms and suites that are available for overnight stays. The rooms are beautifully appointed and offer views of the winery with luxury comfort. The establishment was included in the list of the top 15 most beautiful wineries in the world, for its historical and architectural properties.
Moldova is an ancient winemaking country rich in unique traditions and discoveries. I’m sure when you think about wine, the first thing that comes into mind might not be Moldova, but the truth is, this country could literally be described as a sea of wine. The scale of Moldovan winemaking is so great that it is considered the biggest industry in the whole country and it has it has the highest number of vines per capita worldwide as well as some of the world’s largest cellars. No wonder, when you speak to a Moldovan about wine, they will show you the most genuine pride you’ll ever see.
The next step in history involves a prohibition era. On May 16, 1985, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued a Decree on measures to eradicate drunkenness and alcoholism and the production of homemade spirits, quickly followed by a by massive destruction of vineyards. Now, it’s easier to understand why a country that has a bigger proportion of its land covered with vineyards than any other country. is not better known for its wines. It was only in 1991, after gaining its independence, that the Moldovan wine Industry was able to rebuild itself. Even then Russia remained the biggest export market and wines were made to favor the Russian palate, with sweeter wines mostly. Until another event hit the market. In March 2006, the Russian Federation imposed an embargo on the import of wines from the Republic of Moldova, valid for almost two years, which led to the loss of access of Moldovan winemakers to the Russian wine market, representing 80% of Moldovan alcoholic beverages.
The producers were forced to either look for other export markets or go Bankrupt, which many did. Devious work and investments were put into updating winemaking materials and learning more about the international market. While they may appear late to the game, Moldovan producers are incredibly dynamic and show know-how and passion. Their roots run deep and winemaking is still one of the priorities for the country. Probably even more now than ever. Today Moldovan counts 50 different export markets and a total of 338 wineries. The Republic of Moldova has an area of 112 thousand ha of vineyards, planted with over 50 technical grape varieties. Now, the country wine industry is working hard to sell its wares around the world, with a new generation of winemakers focusing on quality, not quantity. As well as the classic international grape varieties, Moldova is rightly proud of its indigenous varieties such as red grapes Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra, and the white variety Viorica.
While on land you can see vines as far as the eye can see, perfectly straight-aligned, state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, gigantic steel tanks, and bottling lines that could make any small winemakers jealous, dare to step underground, and it’s another world. The biggest estates in Moldova are the two state-owned Cricova and Milestii Mici. They both have impressive underground wine cellars. These are actually ancient stone quarries that were turned into “wine factories during the Soviet period, in the 1960s. These hundreds of kilometers of tunnels have won the title of the biggest wine collection in the world.
Visitors and tourists come in masses to visit these collections. You actually have to take a train to do the tour because it would be too long on foot and maybe a bit too creepy in the dark. While these are the bigger versions, all wineries have some sort of remnants of another time. At Asconi Winery, they have old bottles stored at the estate and no way of knowing exactly what they contain. Rare and unique relic of a different past such as handled-shaped bottles of 1994 mystery wines. Other special finds are hidden in the spectacular secret cellar of Castel Mimi, one of the most beautiful and modern estates.
in Moldova. When you go down underground, the secret cellar hides the oldest wine collection in the country, you can also fount centuries-old precious Rose Oil flasks that have been perfectly preserved. The beautiful stoned wine cellar was once covered in tiles, from the soviet era, communist decisions didn’t always make sense and they needed the time to use these tiles so they did layers of it for nothing in the cellars. It took a lot of time and labor to find out these tiles were ruining the whole environment and aeration of the cellars and had to be taken all out. Often a harmony of incredible finds and rarities as well as the soviet residue of the past, underground Moldova is vast and rich in discoveries and exciting finds.
Martin’s Lane Winery may be a newcomer to the winery scene in Kelowna but it’s already making waves. With their intimate production (only 2000 cases/year) focused exclusively on Riesling and Pinot Noir single-varietals, they’re pushing back boundaries in the Okanagan Valley in terms of showing quality potential and site-specific character. The six-level, state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery is quite breathtaking with attention to detail and modern design that is quite exquisite and artistic. The first vintage was launched in 2014, but it already has so much personality and depth.
Winemaker Shane Munn is an artist in winemaking who shows precision and passion in every detail of his work. With a world-class gravity-flow facility in his hands and sustainability in his sight, he’s able to craft wines that display complexity, texture, and elegance as well as depicting the rugged and freestyle of the Okanagan. With his determination and skills, Martin’s Lane will surely bring Okanagan’s international recognition to another level. This is an exciting project for the Van Mandl Group, with a dynamic approach and a creative, forward-thinking vision.
SIMES VINEYARD RIESLING 2017
This wine comes from the North-facing, Granite-based Simes Vineyard located in East Kelowna. This is quite the cool, northern location, and it shows in the character of the wine. This Riesling made of clone 49 is vibrant and bone-dry with a very bright chiseled energy. It’s lemon-focused with very integrated minerality and an acidity that leads & lingers for days.
DEHART VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017
From the Dehart Vineyard in East Kelowna not far from the Simes Vineyard but planted to just two Pinot clones, 777 and 667, this site is west-facing, high elevation, and warmer in comparison to Simes. Precise expression with stern & tart fruit character and subtle oak spices. The palate is chewy and plush with softly-grained tannins but an overall gentle mouthfeel.
SIMES VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017
The cool Simes site is actually Pinot Noir dominant using clones. Fresh and appealing, this wine has finely detailed aromas of cherry fruit, underbrush, and cedar, along with plum, savory herbs, and baking spice. The palate is medium-bodied, rich, and firm in an effortless way.
NARAMATA RANCH VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017
When talking with Shane Munn, he mentioned “Pinot likes to grow in beautiful places.” Naramata Bench’s graceful landscape and parcelled land surely apply to this. This is a textured,
bold, and pure expression with velvet-like mouthfeel. Sowing earthy tones very mature fruit, and clove, this wine shows its true strength in its memorably soft and laced palate.
CedarCreek is committed to providing guests with an intimate and educational experience in an exceptional setting. With their new aspect house building dedicated to private, exclusive tasting areas for club members, they provide a very intimate and committed tasting experience. Impressive wines in an impressive setting. They were one of the first 8 pioneering wineries of BC with their first wines produced in 1987, after having purchased the property in 1986. After 27 years in the Fitzpatrick family, the von Mandl Family, owners of Mission Hill Winery took the reins. CedarCreek’s 50-acre estate features organic, single-vineyard wines from 30-year-old vines.
In fact, their Pinot Noirs are made from some of the oldest vines in British Columbia! Located on the shores of Lake Okanagan, you can enjoy award-winning Okanagan wine with beautiful lake views. They also benefit from another site down in Osoyoos of 53 acres.
ASPECT BLOCK 3 RIESLING 2020
Block 3 is an aged planting dating back to 1991. This wine was kept on the skins for 12 hours and aged half in stainless, and half in German oak. Ripe and deeply aromatic riesling this wine is definitely characterized by its intensity. Bright lime dominates with floral and candied citrus to follow. The palate has a bit of grip and a perfectly balanced sugar-to-acidity ratio.
ASPECT BLOCK 3 RIESLING 2019
Block 5 is at the top of the Kelowna-based Home Block Vineyard. This Chardonnay is built on a ripe foundation with bright and clean acids as well as a creamy texture. Notes of apricot, starfruit, and mango, with a persistent flint hint and moderate oak presence. The palate is light and pure with moderate volume and fresh acidity.
ASPECT BLOCK 2 PINOT NOIR 2018
The fruit is clone 115, fermented in concrete tanks, aged 14 months in French oak (18% new). This is a seductive wine, beginning with floral and strawberry aromas. On the palate, there’s a silky touch with fruit-forward flavors and a savory finish. A classic Pinot Noir layered with elegance.
ASPECT BLOCK 4 PINOT NOIR 2018
This wine is a tribute to the unique blend of clones planted on clay, silt, and stone. Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in French oak for a year to allow the different expressions of Pinot Noir from three different clones (115, 667, and 777) to marry into this intricate wine. The style is very savory with forest floor, dark, rich black fruits, game and mushroom flavor. The palate brings texture and soft spices. Overall a bold and voluminous Pinot Noir.
Summerhill Pyramid might be one of the most visited wineries in South Kelowna, but it doesn’t stop it
from offering a tailored & welcoming experience. Expect one of the best views overlooking Okanagan
lake, dedicated staff, and amazing food offer mostly from their own garden on-site as well as their
organic wines with bright expression terroir-driven profiles and just a quiet elegance that makes them
stand out.
Winemaker Michael Alexander is dedicated to Summerhill’s cellar and views organically and
biodynamically grown grapes as fundamental to its award-winning wines. Whether it’s from their own
vineyards or sourced from passionate grape growers with which they are very closely linked, fruits are
always handled with the utmost respect. Don’t let the touristic popularity fool you, the team really put
everything in place to extract the grapes’ true nature and nurture integrity, wines that can come from
nowhere but the Okanagan.
Summerhill’s passion runs from vine to cellar and from garden to plate. Their seasonal bistro will have
you drool over flavorsome plates. Especially their cheese & Charcuterie boards.
CIPES ARIEL 2000
Made of 60% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Meunier, this aged vintage sparkling is showing
great maturity. Creamy, zesty, and opulent with a very fulfilling mouthful. It’s fully developed with aromas
of biscuits, brioche, Meyer lemon, lees, and toasted hazelnuts. The effervescence is smooth and
delicate with bright acidity and a lifting finish.
ESTATE GROWN BIODYNAMIC CHARDONNAY 2020
From their certified organic and biodynamic Kelowna estate vineyard, this chardonnay was taken
off blocks 10 and 19, naturally fermented in a mix of stainless (75%) and new 500L oak. This
creamy chardonnay offers a great balance between volume, texture, and freshness. Ripe orchard
fruits, peach skin, spices, and zest are melting together with a mellow palate and pleasant acidity.
SPADEFOOT TOAD SANGIOVESE 2017
Made in partnership with grape grower Ron Firman at his Spadefoot Toad Vineyard in Oliver, BC,
along with the legendary Canadian artist and activist Robert Bateman, who has drafted an original
illustration especially for the labels, this Sangiovese really follows Summerhill’s vision. With
concentrated flavors of fresh cherries and blueberries with aromatic herbs, this wine shows
character and a great concentrated flavor profile.
SPADEFOOT TOAD SYRAH 2016
Firm and grippy Syrah from the same Oliver Vineyard and aged 35 months in mostly neutral oak
barriques. Aromas include ripe blackberry, cedar, and minimal pepper presence. The palate is
muscular and bold with full-body and scabrous tannins. Very concentrated and dark syrah but still
feels quite balanced.
ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC 2019
85% organic Cabernet Franc, 15% organic Cabernet Sauvignon grown in southern Okanagan
vineyards. The Cabernet Sauvignon portion was fermented in oak foudre before joining the
Cabernet Franc for 12-18 months in oak barrels. Notes of cherry, cassis, cocoa, cedar, and a hint of
smoke. This is a rich and smooth expression of this varietal with brightness and a final cinnamon
taste.
Anthony von Mandl, founder of the Mark Anthony group in 1972 surely become a powerful
advocate for the Okanagan valley and played an important part in the development of the
region. It is from the success of the Mark Anthony brand, that allowed him to create state-ofthe art,
meaningful wineries in the region. Mission Hill dates back to 1965, on the top of a
gorgeous hill. It was in 1981, after various failures from previous owner, that von Mandl
purchased the estate with big plans and major renovations for it. Now, this audacious project
has proven to have a deep commitment to the region, and a relentless passion to produce
world-renowned wines. Today, mission Hill is a masterpiece in itself, with breathtaking
architecture and a touristic offer that surpasses any. Chef Patrick Gayler’s harvest lunch is one
to remember and his dedication to uses ingredients in close relationship with the wines terroir is inspiring.
JAGGED ROCK SAUVIGNON SEMILLON 2020
Jagged Rock Vineyard, surrounded by steep rocky cliffs at 1,400 feet
elevation, is a remarkable spot. This Sauvignon, Semillon blend offers great
freshness as well as a delightful mix of white stone fruits, lemon confit, and
passionfruit on the palate.
PERPETUA 2019
Harvested from their eastern Osoyoos vineyard estate, this chardonnay
comes from historic French Burgundian Dijon clones. This is a rich, powerful
and toasty wine. Aromas include ripe orchard fruit, zest, brioche, and
crackers. On the palate, french oak is highlighted with also a malolactic
influence but the boldness is well-integrated thanks to the striking acidity.
JAGGED ROCK SYRAH 2019
Dark and deep syrah, this wine was aged14 months in French oak barriques
(20% new). Generous in style with bountiful spices and pepper notes. It has a
rich and concentrated style with great elegance, a voluminous palate, and
drying tannins.
QUATRAIN 2016
A quatrain is a poetic stanza of four lines, especially one having alternate
rhymes. It represents the four varietals of the blend, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet
Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose opens on fragrant notes and has a
very opulent intensity. This is a wine with dimension and plushness. Very
mature, jammy black fruits rub shoulders with cedarwood, licorice, and oak
spices. The palate is lengthy and fleshy with density and volume.
Owned by the Stewart family, Quail’s gate is a pioneer in the region. What started as a nursery
business, when when Richard Stewart Sr. first established in the region in 1908 as set up the
family for decades of history in the wine industry. Quail’s gate was for the first 30 years of the
company, wine growers, to eventually become wine makers for the rest of their existence.
The first grapes to be planted was Chasselas in 1962, while they taught it was Riesling at the
time, it became even today, one of their best sellers in their Chasselas, Pinot blanc blend.
They now have 15 grape varietals planted all around the Okanagan. While they do have a
good amount of vineyards right around the winery, 85 ha, they actually own 250 ha in 6
different spots from North to South of the valley.
The modern and beautiful wine shop overlooking the vines was built in 2007 and makes for
the perfect tasting setting.
WEST KELOWNA
Quail’s Gate’s Chardonnay
Quails’ Gate is known for its ideal site for growing varietal grapes, especially
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In short order the Stewart Family realized the
potential for premium wines from these varietals which have become the
main focus of the winery. Other varieties include Riesling, Merlot,
Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc,
Pinot Blanc, Marechal Foch and Chasselas.
STEWART FAMILY VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2019
Composed of clone 95 exclusively this is the estate’s flagship white, grapes
are grown on the volcanic slopes of Boucherie Mountain just above the
winery. The Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed
and 100% barrel fermented in new and neutral French oak. Full malolactic
fermentation was carried out to enhance the mid-palate, with aging on lees
and regular battonage. It shows a rich creaminess that relates its new world
style. It’s fragrant an opulent with a mature orchard fruit aromatic profile.
Deliciously rounded.
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2019
Situated on the north side of Boucherie Road at Quails’ Gate’s Estate in West
Kelowna, Rosemary’s Block has a pristine view of Okanagan Lake and is
recognized for the quality of its grapes. Part of the founder’s reserve series,
these are limited release. Clones 76, 809 and 277 planted in 1996, wholecluster pressed and 100% barrel fermented in a mix of new and old French
oak. It’s a very elegant, graceful expression, showing a perfumed style,
delicate finesse as well as some phenolic bitterness that gives it length. It’s a
gorgeous wine with tension and freshness.
CHENIN BLANC 2019
A fresh, lively and stony Chenin Blanc. It shows floral notes, as well as crisp
acidity and a mellow volume on the palate. Very recognizable as it is varietal
accurate and simply pleasant. Honeysuckle and citrus are shining as main
aromas, but also pear and saltiness.
Quail’s Gate’s Chenin Blanc
CLONE 220 CHENIN BLANC 2020
Clone 220 originates from Loire valley and is characterized by its thicker skin.
Mostly fermented in concrete eggs for 9 month, this is a top-tier expression of
this varietal. Fully concentrated, it shows classic quince, honeydew,
elderflower and candle wax aromas with also some savory notes of sage. It’s
definitely one of the most complex and flavorsome Chenin in the valley.
CHENIN BLANC 2019
A fresh, lively and stony Chenin Blanc. It shows floral notes, as well as crisp
acidity and a mellow volume on the palate. Very recognizable as it is varietal
accurate and simply pleasant. Honeysuckle and citrus are shining as main
aromas, but also pear and saltiness.
Quail’s Gate’s Pinot Noir
ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2019
Quail’s Gate estate pinot noir profile shows very mature fruits, plum, and figs
as well as an empyreumatic style with tar and coffee aromas. The lively
acidity brings all the freshness and character to the juicy palate. It’s aged 9
months in neutral oak, giving it some welcomed volume.
STEWART FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2019
Sourced from our finest blocks on the Boucherie slopes just across from the
winery with some vines dating back to 1970. This wine is made in limited
quantities and shows great elegance and finesse. Opens very delicately to
black cherry, truffle, plum, licorice, with vanilla oak presence. The palate is
firmly structured with rich, concentrated volume and a slight bitterness to the
finish.
DIJON CLONE PINOT NOIR 2019
This wine is an exclusive blend of the best and oldest Dijon Clones in the
estate. Blended from 16-year-old Dijon clones 115 and 667, aged in gross
lees in French oak for 10 months of which 60% are new and 40% are 1 year
old. Only 55 cases of this wine were produced. It is very Burgundian in style
with earthy tones, forest floor, mushroom, and beautiful violet aromas. It’s a
very aromatic and fragrant wine. The palate is rich and supple, very elegantly
soft.
History
