I was privileged to be one of the first journalists to taste the new vintage of Le Grand Vin. I was also privileged to get to visit the estate. This winery has no tasting room and the facilities in the vineyards are quite literally a working farm. When I met vineyard manager Benoit Giroussens he seemed to apologize for the rustic conditions. Anyone that knows me, understands that I believe the biggest disconnect right now is between the farmers who make great wine and the people who drink it. Le Grand Vin, simply put, is one of the best and most consistent bottles that come from any Canadian vineyards. What is interesting about Osoyoos Larose is the wines are made with Bordeaux in mind. Most other Bordeaux varietal wines I tasted in the Okanagan straddled a fine line between old world and new world in style. Osoyoos Larose is very much tipping its hat to Bordeaux. The delivery on this style has always been spot on and we end up with wines that are ageable and exceptional value. The 2013 vintage is no exception, and to be honest, this winery has delivered the finest vintage of this wine I have ever had the chance to taste. Osoyoos Larose has a reputation of making wines that need patience before they will deliver their maximum potential. The 2013 Vintage offers something much more approachable from the onset, while at the same time staying very cellar worthy.
2013 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin – ***** – This wine is an essential for me every vintage. It always over delivers on price and quality. This vintage is something that is a leap above what has come before it. The blend consists of 57% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is pencil shaving and cocoa powder over black currant and raspberry. When you take your first sip le Grand Vin enters your mouth with Cherry and Strawberry. This wine then moves to Black Currant, Blackberry and Dark Plum. When the wine starts to finish it blooms into subtle Violet. The floral note on this wine lingers as it moves to cocoa powder. This wine is quite tight and closed if you open it now, but it will start to open up with an hour in a decanter. While this will be approachable young I anticipate this wine will age for 10-15 years with ease in a proper cellar.
