When it comes to convenience in touring wine country, there is hardly a winery that is easier or more convenient to access than C.C. Jentsch Cellars. Located right on Highway 97 south of Oliver, owner Chris Jentsch has placed a landmark that is difficult to miss when traveling from Oliver to Osoyoos – a massive oak tank.
And there is really no reason to miss out on this winery experience. The awards list for C.C. Jentsch over the past two years have been nothing short of astounding, and not just for one particular wine. The Syrah 2013 won Decanter Asia Gold medal and Regional Trophy for Best Red in North America, the Small Lots Chardonnay 2014 won Best White at Whistler Cornucopia 2015, and most recently the Viognier 2013 and Cabernet / Merlot 2014 both picked up Gold medals at the Okanagan Wine Festival’s Spring Best of Varietal awards this past May.
2015 Quest – $17.90
A new release to look for in the summer, this beautiful white blend has an equally beautiful story to go along with it (ask them about it at the tasting room). The wine has aromas of guava and white peaches and has a briskly refreshing acidity that will make it a perfect match for summertime afternoons in the Okanagan.
2014 Cabernet Merlot – $15.90
Aromas of cherries, plums, earth, and spice leads to similar flavours wrapped in soft tannins and balanced acidity and alcohol. At $15.90, there is simply no better value out there than this wine. It will not last long so if someone offers it to you at a party, just say thank you.
2013 Viognier – $22.90
Aromas of peaches, apricots, and flowers, it is a rich, smooth, and elegant wine. There’s a good reason why this wine won a Gold medal at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.
(pictured: Winemaker Amber Pratt)
~ Luke Whittall