Seven Stones owner George Hanson is extremely pleased with the way his wines have tasted over the past years. 2013 was an excellent year in the southern Similkameen Valley and the vineyards at Seven Stones took advantage of it.
This season will start off with the release of the 2013 Rosé. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, it had just over 30 hours of skin contact before running off, giving it a complex flavour profile and bright colour. “The flavours are unreal for 2013,” says George. “It was a spectacular vintage.” Intense and complex flavours are the hallmark of Seven Stones’ portfolio and are achieved through extremely careful vineyard management. This sometimes means that George must decide to prune off part of the crop before it is ripe (sometimes as much as 60%), a process known as green harvesting. “It’s a tough decision to make,” he explains.
Leading off the season will be the annual Sip Sip Syrah on May 4th held deep in the Wine Caves (often referred to by George as the ultimate Man Cave). Guests will get a preview of the 2012 Syrah straight from the barrel while enjoying a catered luncheon in one of the most unique wine cellars in BC. On May 10th, George will be hosting “Watermark in the Caves Winemaker’s Dinner.” Tickets for these events and any other events held in the caves are available by calling the wineshop at 250-499-2144.
2012 Syrah (barrel sample)
Dark black plums, blackberries, game meats, vanilla, violets, and perfume give just a hint of the many possible aromas available in this as yet unfinished wine. The palate yields flavours of plums, blackberries, vanilla and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering. It is the ultimate preview for the Syrah lover!
~ Luke Whittall