2022 Big Fork Red

Vineyard: Good Earth Vineyard, Margaret Vineyard & Turnbury Vineyard, 4 Mile Creek (Cab Franc), Margaret Vineyard, 4 Mile Creek (Merlot)

ABV: 13.1%
RS: 2 g/L

The Vintage:
2022 began with a very cold start, with extreme cold temperatures throughout January across the province. June was relatively warm and dry, followed by intense heat in July and August. September was dry and reasonably warm creating ideal ripening. With the cold winter, crop size was the main story for 2022, but fruit quality was excellent.

Winemaking:
Blend of 60% Cabernet Franc from 2 vineyards and 43% Merlot from a 30-year-old planting, all vineyards are 4 Mile Creek subappellation. Grapes were hand-picked and sorted on different dates in late October, then de-stemmed and left to cold soak on skins prior to fermentation. Grape varieties were seperately fermented in small open-top fermenters with the skins being puncheddown twice per day. Post ferment, the wine was gently pressed and aged in seasoned French oak barrels for over 16 months. Bottled September 2025.

Description:
Very ripe aromas of blackberry, raspberry and plum on the nose, mingled with toasty oak, caramel and baking spices in the background. blackberry, plum and mulberry fruit, with a bit of smokey, mossy background. Well balanced and smooth, with both weight and tannic structure. Good balance of grip and softness.Drinking well now, can age gracefully into 2033.