Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Rosé Cabernet Franc is a wine to please the senses. A vibrant ruby colour greets the eyes, followed by a hint of white pepper on the nose with aromatic notes of ripe stewed rhubarb and strawberry. Lively and fresh, the palate has an initial tart, fruit-forward entry. This is followed by concentrated cranberry and dried cherry flavours with a lingering, mild tannin on the finish. Enjoy this wine on any occasion as an aperitif or paired with a charcuterie board, complete with cured meats, smoked salmon and an assortment of fine cheeses.
Vineyard Notes
The 2022 Rosé Cabernet Franc was crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes hand picked from four vineyards in the South Okanagan: Star Vineyard in Osoyoos, Pandher Farms Vineyard south of Oliver, the Chahal Home Vineyard and the Gill Vineyard on Road 8. The grapes were hand sorted, destemmed and cold soaked on the skins for three days to extract the notably vibrant pink hue. Once the desired colour was achieved, the juice was pressed off the skins in preparation for a long, cool fermentation. The fermentation was interrupted just prior to dryness to retain the expressive aromatic nose of the Cabernet Franc. The lots were then cross blended and allowed to age on fine lees for four months. This refreshing and luscious Rosé was bottled in early 2023.ng season at Hester Creek will be remembered as one of the most challenging, yet productive years on record. With the addition of new vineyards, the 2022 harvest yielded a larger crop than average. Due to cooler-than-expected spring temperatures and more rain than is typical of the South Okanagan, the season was off to a late start. Growing degree days reached 1676, with summer temperatures rising and lasting into the autumn. This extended the growing season with the warmest September and October on record. The lengthened season led to longer hang times for the fruit as they developed phenolic ripeness. Harvest began on September 9th with our Ti Amo and finished on December 1st with our Old Vine Cabernet Franc. For the white varietals, longer hang times resulted in delicate aromatics. The red varietals hung on the vine throughout November allowing the grapes to concentrate their colours and flavours. The 2022 vintage will be remembered as a milestone year for producing exceptional, fruit-forward and age-worthy wines.
Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Rosé Cabernet Franc was crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes hand picked from four
vineyards in the South Okanagan: Star Vineyard in Osoyoos, Pandher Farms Vineyard south of Oliver, the
Chahal Home Vineyard and the Gill Vineyard on Road 8. The grapes were hand sorted, destemmed and
cold soaked on the skins for three days to extract the notably vibrant pink hue. Once the desired colour was
achieved, the juice was pressed off the skins in preparation for a long, cool fermentation. The fermentation
was interrupted just prior to dryness to retain the expressive aromatic nose of the Cabernet Franc. The lots
were then cross blended and allowed to age on fine lees for four months. This refreshing and luscious Rosé
was bottled in early 2023.
Other Notes
90 Points ~ Julian Park, 90 Points ~ Deborah Podurgiel, 91 Points ~ John Schreiner
