2017 La Sophia
La Sophia IN 7 WORDS
Cassis Forest Leathery Vanilla Singular Voluminous Power
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
We celebrate the fact that we make wine in a region where vintage variations play an important role. Atypical growing seasons are a nightmare for commercial wineries interested in making consistent but boring wines. For us, however, it defines our interest in wine. We look forward to seeing what Mother Nature gives us to work with each year. It is the effects of each vintage on the finished wine that urges us to start verticals of our favorite wines then follow their evolution and discuss their merits at tastings with friends.
La Sophia is our small lot 100% Cabernet Sauvignon bottling. Akin to the great examples of Cabernet Sauvignon from the coastal areas of Tuscany: Maremma and Bolgheri. Similarly, La Sophia draws a comparison to the great cabernets from Washington State rather than the plusher and fatter examples from Napa Valley.
2017 La Sophia is hailing from a very structured vintage and is best left in your cellar for the mid term. None of the “green mean leafy” notes from underripe or overcropped Cabernet is found here. The colour is deep purple and opaque. La Sophia presents a great nose of cassis and elderberry mingling with cigar box, dusty pottery studio notes, dry sauna, grilled Anaheim peppers and cured tobacco leaves. Whispers of aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme weave in and out. On the palate, there is great weight, firm and chewy tannins with a balanced natural acidity. Decant for an extended time or keep your hands off and let this jewel of a Cabernet slumber in the cellar for at least a few years. A monumental Cab.
Please note prices do not include applicable taxes or bottle deposit (PST 10% and GST 5%)
PAIRINGS
Di Carne
The higher acidity and firmer tannins in this wine than our Merlots benefit from pairing with fattier cuts of meat and from dishes that are higher in acidity. Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Rack or a New York Steak perfectly grilled are clear winners too.
Vegetariano / Vegano
Braised Broccoli Stems, Lemon-Cashew Puree and Toasted Almonds is a vegetarian or vegan course that helps offer the fattiness and acidity that this wine requires.
| Region: | North Oliver |
|---|---|
| Soil Type: |
Glacio Fluvial: Silt and Gravel mix, Alluvial deposit and Sand |
| Age of Vines: | Mostly 30 year old vines. Some of the vines are from late 70s and 80s |
| Yield: | 3.1 tons per acre |
| Production: | 100 cases |
| Alcohol: | 14.8% |
| Aging: | 17 months in French oak barrel, 50% new oak, 25% neutral |
Accolades
91 Points
This is an enticing small lot cabernet sauvignon whose style was founded on the savoury gems of Bolgheri and Maremma, Italy. The savoury part is easy in the south Okanagan. The round tannins are more of a challenge for this late-ripening variety. Still, winemaker/winegrower Severine Pinte has a handle on this wine's texture that presents as round, warm, spicy, and very Bolgheri. The fruit comes off mostly plus 30-year-old vines with others that date back to the 1980s and the late 70s. Just a baby, but it will be even better down the road.
