Looking for a great red blend at a great price? Look no further than River Stone Estate Winery, where co-owner and winemaker Ted Kane continues to win accolades. The popular Stones Throw blend of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon was recently named Canada’s best Bordeaux blend under $25, winning a Double Gold Medal at the 2015 All Canadian Wine Championships. With only 383 cases produced of Stones Throw, the best advice is to stock up now!
Fans of Ted’s Cabernet Franc—and there are many—won’t be surprised to learn the 2013 vintage has been awarded an ACWC Gold Medal. New releases also have him excited, too. 2014 Splash, with a basketful of tropical notes, is a surefire summer pleaser.
Because production is increasing in the River Stone vineyard, this will be winery’s last year as a participant in the Garagiste North: Small Guys Wine Festival events in Vancouver and Kelowna (only under 2000 case producers allowed). But as the winery’s reputation grows, so does interest from tour companies, which are bringing more visitors to the stunning location just outside of Oliver on Tuc-el-Nuit Road.
With 7 vintages under his belt, Ted has kept aside small quantities of red library wines—2009 Corner Stone and Cabernet Franc and 2010 Corner Stone, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—which he will be offering on selected Saturdays this summer. For more details on the library releases, which will be in short supply, visit the River Stone web site and sign up for the email list. And, while you are there, check out their wine club, where members specify types of wine, amounts and delivery dates. It’s a great way to get the wines you want.
~Lorne Eckersley