Tasting Note:  The Farther Afield Series is an exploration varieties and regions beyond Tantalus’ East Kelowna core of pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling. This is a kind and gentle cabernet franc from Osoyoos shows its franc personality with calm confidence and depth. The dried herb/savoury notes and oak spice mesh effortlessly with the ripe raspberry fruit and red rose florality. It is medium-full bodied, smooth with low to moderate acidity, warming 13.8% alcohol with dialed back tannin. Whereas many are edgy this is quite refined and focused with excellent length this calm cool and collected. Chill a bit and enjoy now through 2030. 

Backgrounder: Tanatalus Vineyard’s first cabernet franc was sourced from an organic vineyard in Osoyoos, farmed by the Sekhon family.  With one of the highest growing degree day measurements in Canada, and the sandy, desert soils, this region ripens cab franc effortlessly. In 2023 a winter freeze event was less marked in the South. Many vineyards saw healthy bud survival and strong early growth and easy ripening.  Separate batches of fruit were vinified, each fermented at slightly different temperatures. Likewise, ferments took place over various lengths of time to both steps taken to build in layers and complexity. The wine was then pressed and settled to French oak (10% new barrels) barrels for ageing 15 months.  The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.