I had the pleasure of visiting Tantalus at the end of August. It was just the beginning of veraison. I got to walk the vineyards and pick out the few berries that had started to turn red. It was clear that the Okanagan valley had gotten an early start on their growing season. While I was on a mission in BC looking for some amazing Red wines I was impressed with the White wines in the portfolio at Tanatalus. I started in the North and moved South during my trip. I will admit that even after my visit to the Okanagan the Red wines will always have a place in my heart, my glass and my wine rack. But, after visits to Sperling, Tantalus and Oak Bay and St Hubertus I do need to keep in mind that BC is still cool climate viticulture.
Here’s a few reasons to visit Tantalus.
2013 Blanc De Noir – $27.74 – **** – The nose is raspberry over lemons. There is a solid mineral note that runs from the nose right to the finish. The flavours bring raspberry, citrus but also we get a bit of the orchard with golden delicious apples.
2013 Old Vines Riesling Sparkling – $34.70 – ****+ – The vines for this wine were planted in 1978. The depth to this wine is amazing. The nose is floral and honeyed. The flavours are bright citrus and mineral. Even with a bright, crisp and clean finish there is a nice floral flourish that lingers.
2013 Old Vines Riesling – ****½ – $30.35 – The story behind this wine is one of balance. The mineral note on this wine goes from nose to finish. Citrus and apple are what you will find on the palate with just a hint of sweetness on the finish. There is bright acidity, but the mineral note is what really lingers.
2015 Riesling – **** – $19.91 – This wine is soft on the nose and soft on the palate. This wine is balanced but the acids do leave a little bit of sweetness on the palate. In the glass you will find Peach, Apples over Lemons and Limes.
2013 Chardonnay – ****+ – $26.00 – Vanilla, Apples and a slight Orange aromas. Let’s face it, this almost smells like a perfect creamsicle. This has hints of warm climate Chardonnay as the fruit on the palate is a bit more tropical. This is roasted pineapple and hints of smoke. There is nice acidity to this wine but the vanilla notes linger.
2015 Rosé – ****+ – $19.04 – This is a very interesting pink wine. I should start by saying that this is a dry wine… It’s dry on the palate and it finishes dry. I need to say this because it’s like drinking liquid candy. The nose and palate are just like fruit roll up (or fruit snacks depending on what your mom packed in your lunch). There are citrus notes that poke out over the candied fruit and this wine has a creamy mid-palate. The finish on this wine is very clean and crisp.
2014 Syrah – ****+ – The nose is violet and raisin. The fruit is super ripe and fills your whole mouth from cheek to cheek. It’s hard to not fall in love with BC Syrah. Black Currant, Plum, Blackberry and Smoky on the finish. There is nice acidity to this wine which makes it dangerously easy drinking.
