Tasting Note – From organically grown pinot in the coolest part of the Home Block Vineyard, this is a tight, razor’s edge sparkler, with all kinds of acid grip. It pours pale lemon-gold with a tiny, active bubbles. The nose took about 30 minutes to open as the wine warmed from fridge temperature, showing still gentle well meshed lemon loaf, fine toast, almond and a wisp of honey. It is light bodied at 12% but feels very firm, tight and racy. The 100% pinot component lays down a rail of rigidity. The finish is bone dry, tart and mineral with 8.6 g.l. total acidity.  Flavours are very focused on what the nose offers, and the length is excellent. Needs to be matched with salty shellfish, oysters.

Backgrounder – This a small production sparkler designed for members of CedarCreek’s Aspect Club. The winery does not make a lot of sparkling wine, so this is a rare glimpse into 100% pinot bubbly from the South Kelowna Slopes. (Note that Okanagan Valley is on the label, made before the South Kelowna Slopes became an appellation). Vintage is less important for sparkling but 2021 brought unprecedented midsummer heat that increased growing degree days leading to an early harvest. And the pinot noir for this was harvested even earlier to ensure plenty of natural acidity.  Primary fermentation was carried out in concrete and large-format oak to lay in some texture and weight while preserving fruit aromatics. Following secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine aged on lees for three years before disgorging.