Okanagan Festival 2009 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Wines

Winemaker Sandra Oldfield was trained at the University of California, Davis and her American style is reflected in the character of some of Tinhorn’s wines. The tasting room at Tinhorn Creek is bright, stately and staffed by a very knowledgeable team whom we found very accommodating. While we were there we purchased Merlot $19.09, Cabernet Franc $18.09, and Pinot Noir $19.09. I found their red wines flavorful with light pepper and oak taste but not bold. I would classify these wines as easy to drink fruity wines where the tannins do not overwhelm you. This can be attributed to their fermentation process where they pump the juice from the bottom of the tank to the top of the tank and allow the grape juice to soak through the grape skins and settle gently to the bottom of the tank several times. A much better process than crushing the grapes, seeds, and stems together. I was actually able to taste the difference between the grapes without being overwhelmed by tannins. The only reason we did not buy their Gewurztraminer or Chardonnay was that we were focusing on red wines. Both their Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay are great white wines. Tinhorn Creek was the first winery in Canada to bottle its entire portfolio with Stelvin screw-cap enclosures ensuring consistent aging and a guarantee that the wine will be enjoyed as it was intended. Do not let the screw-cap fool you; these are premium wines ready to drink. The screw-caps are perfect for people like me. You know, those who buy wine to drink and not as an investment to hoard. Give me a hearty red wine and a steak with baked potato in the company of a beautiful woman and that is my perfect moment. Keep It Simple Sweetheart (KISS).