Tasting Note The winery website says this is inspired by New Zealand, Sancerre and California, which charts a wide scope. But, in its way, it does capture them all, in a firm, serious, dry and almost lean but not austere style. If I had to pick one style it would be Sancerre for the sense of minerality, but also the lifted fresh herbs, nettle and spruce evergreen. But there are also hints of NZ passion fruit, grapefruit, cucumber and elderflower, making it aromatically complex and intriguing. It is medium weight with 13% ABV, firm crunchy acidity, and a certain squareness mindful of Mondavi’s Napa sauvignons. Then comes the dry, slightly bitter grapefruit and mineral finish. This is a very complete, detailed and well-structed sauvignon, the likes of which Canada has seldom seen, but is getting more frequent. The length is excellent. 

Backgrounder Le Vieux Pin, under the skilled hand of France-born and trained winemaker Severine Pinte, has gained a huge reputation for syrah (which we will review in the weeks ahead) and whites inspired by the south of France. But she also has an excellent track record with sauvignon blanc, revealing that winemaking and terroir — not heritage — are key. Drawing fruit from the cooler Golden Mile and west side of Osoyoos, this was made with partial skin contact prior to pressing, fermentation then six months élevage on lees in stainless steel and neutral oak.