Tasting Note – Following on from the smash success of a Platinum Medal for the 2022 at the National Wine Awards, the 2023 is not far behind. We hope to see it in June at the next awards. There is something going on here in the fruit quality and its expression through the winemaking. This is unmistakably south Okanagan cab franc with some weight and power from 14.7% abv. But it is vibrant, even refreshing, with exacting, classic cabernet franc aromas of raspberry/redcurrant, all kinds of herbal sage/thyme, tobacco and well moderated oak. It is medium-full bodied and powerful, but not ‘heavy’. It remains focused through the finish, which hits excellent length.
Backgrounder – Tinhorn Creek, founded in 1993, was a pioneer of the Golden Mile Bench in the South Okanagan, with former part owners Sandra and Ken Oldfield working to establish it as B.C.s first VQA sub-region in 2015. It was purchased in 2017 by Andrew Peller Ltd. Tinhorn also owns the Diamondback Vineyard across the valley in the Black Sage Bench. In 2021 winemaker Leandro Nosal was hired as head winemaker, and in my view the quality of cabernet franc and other reds improved. He grew up in Mendoza, Argentina, was schooled in both Mendoza and Montpellier in France, and worked with Group Penaflor and Pernod Ricard in France, Argentina and New Zealand. He brings a low intervention approach and a certain warmth and energy to his winemaking. The Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022 is also highly recommended at $45.00
