Celebrations begin in May at Hester Creek Estate Winery as it marks the 50th anniversary of the estate vineyard with a distinctive addition to its portfolio — the Garland. Named after estate owner, Curt Garland, this classic Bordeaux-style blend is a small lot, premium red wine available exclusively at the winery.
With only 330 cases made, each bottle is individually numbered, like an original print. Crafted with 54 per cent Cabernet Franc, 32 per cent Merlot, eight per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, four per cent Petit Verdot and two per cent Malbec, it’s an expression of the historic vineyard planted in 1968. The wine is richly scented with aromas of cedar, blackberry and sagebrush, leading to a full palate of dark berries and cassis, with a round, long finish. Though delicious now, the Garland will cellar well for five to 10 years.
The Garland will make its debut on May 12 at the estate’s annual crush pad party held for its’ Bench Club members. Club members will also be introduced to another new release, this spring’s 2017 Terra Unica Sémillon.
Terra Unica — meaning unique earth in Italian — is a series of small batch wines crafted specifically for the club. Each spring the estate introduces a white, each fall a red. These limited production wines are crafted in small lots, taking advantage of select varietals typically not produced by Hester Creek. Club members can also look forward to a 2017 Terra Unica, Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend this October.
This season’s Sémillon has aromas of citrus rind, lemongrass, honey, tarragon and clover. It’s crisp on the palate with hints of Honey Crisp apple and a lengthy, full-mouth finish. Its vibrant acidity lends itself to pairing with sushi. Access to the Terra Unica series is just one of the multitude of advantages of becoming a Bench Club member. To learn more about becoming part of this select group visit: hestercreek.com.
On June 15, the estate is kicking off its summer season with a special weekend lineup. The Friday afternoon features a Tuscan BBQ lunch created under the expert guidance of chef Rod Butters, the talent behind the estate’s Tuscan-style restaurant, Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ. Lunch will be hosted by the estate’s senior winemaker, Rob Summers, and will showcase the estate’s award-winning wines. For a list of all the winery’s 50th commemorative festivities visit www.hestercreek.com/50th.
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HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY: COMMEMORATING THEIR VINEYARD