A product of winemaker Mark Hopley’s sixth vintage at Hester Creek, he focuses on the 50-year-old vineyard site just north of Osoyoos, British Columbia, for this Chardonnay harvested on Sept. 15. It spent eight months on stirred lees while being fermented separately, with 66% of the lot in stainless steel tanks and the remainder in French oak, 20% of those barrels being new. Chardonnay typicity shines through with enjoyable fruitiness of tangerine and Bosc pear behind a subtle notes of vanilla wafer and honey. The food-friendly finish of apple peel, lemon oil and starfruit will serve it well alongside fresh halibut and a turmeric cream or lemon beurre blanc sauce or the Puttanesca Mussels available at the on-premise Terrafina at Hester Creek.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 800 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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