Perseus Winery | 2018

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Perseus takes their name from the Perseus constellation which hovers over their estate vineyard during harvest. This collection of stars overlooks their region, much in the way the winery covers the Okanagan Valley searching for the finest grapes.

Located in Penticton BC at the foot of the Naramata Bench, they are passionate about showcasing the diversity of the land through honest and delectable wines.

Most notably, Perseus produces their flagship red, ‘Invictus’. Recipient of a 2017 Lieutenant Governor’s award as well as several international Platinum wine awards, this Bordeaux style blend is indicative of the potential Okanagan wines can achieve.

Wines included this month

May 2018

PINOT GRIS, 2017
CABERNET FRANC SELECT LOTS, 2014
CHARDONNAY SELECT LOTS, 2016
CABERNET MERLOT, 2016
VIOGNIER, 2016
MALBEC SELECT LOTS, 2014

PINOT GRIS, 2017

Geographical Indication: Penticton, BC
Varietal: Pinot Gris
Vineyard: Estate – Star Vineyard
Alcohol: 12.9%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 1,200

Appearance: Clear. Bright. Light straw-coloured core, lightly blushed hue.
Nose: Medium aromatic intensity. Green apple, nectarine, tangerine, orange blossom, almond, and vanilla.
Palate: Medium acid. Medium body. Grapefruit, slate, nectarine.

Food Pairing: Fresh shellfish, seared white fish with garlic and butter sauce, romaine salad with cherry tomatoes, grilled halloumi cheese and honey mustard dressing, cream of mushroom soup, herb-crusted pork roast.

Comment:
Perseus Winery is perched on a hill at the foot of the Naramata Bench. With ideal climate and soil conditions, this winery produces sun-kissed, aromatic whites, fruit forward yet crisp rosés, and bold, spicy reds.

May is the perfect time to sample Perseus’ newest vintages, and the Pinot Gris doesn’t disappoint. It’s very good quality, with characteristic citrus and stone fruit notes and a hint of nuts and honey. A pleasant, medium length finish with a little bite at the end that will mellow with some ageing.

- Jackie McLachlan, Founder, My Wine Canada

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CABERNET FRANC SELECT LOTS, 2014

Geographical Indication: Penticton, BC
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: Desert Valley Vineyard
Alcohol: 14.4%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 380

Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Deep ruby core, lighter rim.
Nose: Medium aromatic intensity. Dark cherry, plum, blackberry, anise, leather, tobacco, black pepper. Green vegetal notes.
Palate: Medium acid, medium+ tannin, medium body. Black cherry, tobacco, leather, green vegetal notes like bell pepper, tomato leaf, herbal notes.

Food Pairing: Cocoa-rubbed short ribs, beef tenderloin with fresh herbs, glazed roasted duck with couscous and dried cherry stuffing, blue cheese buffalo burgers, herb and mushroom Stroganoff.

Comment:
Perseus Winery is perched on a hill at the foot of the Naramata Bench. With ideal climate and soil conditions, this winery produces sun-kissed, aromatic whites, fruit forward yet crisp rosés, and big, spicy reds.

This Cabernet Franc is nuanced and layered with personality. Rich fruit, bold spice, and smoke. Smooth and silky on the palate, but with enough tannins to make it sit up straight. Mellow, but with an experienced complexity.

- Jackie McLachlan, Founder, My Wine Canada

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CHARDONNAY SELECT LOTS, 2016

Geographical Indication: Penticton, BC
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: East Kelowna
Alcohol: 13.5%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 400

Appearance: Bright. Clear. Golden yellow core, lighter rim.
Nose: Medium aromatic intensity. Spice from oaking, sandalwood, nutmeg, vanilla. A hint of pineapple.
Palate: Medium acid. Medium body. Lemon, pineapple and banana. Baking spice
Quality: Very good quality. Medium length finish. Considerable oaking – while it is smooth and easy to drink, the wine would do well with 2-4 years of ageing.

Food Pairing: Roasted root vegetables, cream cheese & caviar blintzes, seared scallops in butter with fresh pepper and lime juice, creamy clam chowder, fried chicken and waffles, and grilled pork chops with rosemary.

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CABERNET MERLOT, 2016

Geographical Indication: Penticton, BC
Varietal: Cabernet Franc (62%), Merlot (38%)
Vineyard: Desert Valley Vineyard
Alcohol: 14.1%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 800

Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Dark ruby core, maroon rim.
Nose: Medium+ aromatic intensity. Black cherry, blackberry, licorice, leather, black pepper, menthol.
Palate: Medium acid, medium tannin, medium body. Black cherry, cinnamon, sweet tobacco, baking spice, black pepper.
Quality: Excellent quality. Could age another 3 years, but it’s drinking nicely now. A bold, deep wine that balances fruit and complexity perfectly. Stiffer tannins than expected, but not overwhelmingly so.

Food Pairing: Braised lamb shanks and garlic mashed potatoes, spaghetti with meatballs, roast beef with spicy horseradish sauce and root vegetables, veal chops with mushroom gravy, sausages and onions.

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VIOGNIER, 2016

Geographical Indication: Penticton, BC
Varietal: Viognier
Vineyard: Stone’s Throw Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.2%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 800

Appearance: Bright. Clear. Hay-coloured core, lighter rim.
Nose: Medium aromatic intensity. Apricot, nectarine, white flowers, pineapple, a hint of banana.
Palate: Medium body, medium acid. Grapefruit, nectarine, peach.
Quality: Very good quality. A nicely perfumed wine with a lingering finish. Could cellar up to 2 years. Refreshing, crisp, intriguing.

Food Pairing: Crab cakes, Mahi Mahi in St. Lucian turmeric and coriander bouyon, barbecued ribs with fruit-based BBQ sauce, spring rolls with plum sauce, sweet potato fries, and Chicken Satay.

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MALBEC SELECT LOTS, 2014

Geographical Indication: Penticton, BC
Varietal: Malbec
Vineyard: Hans Vineyard
Alcohol: 14.4%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 400

Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Deep garnet core, lighter rim.
Nose: Medium aromatic intensity. Dark cherry, plum, dried prune, stewed red fruits, tobacco, herbal notes.
Palate: Medium acid, medium+ tannin, medium body. Black cherry, plum, tobacco, vanilla, forest floor, green vegetal and herbal notes.
Quality: Good quality. Medium length finish. Slightly green on the finish, but pleasant on the palate and will do well with ageing for up to 5 years.

Food Pairing: Pulled pork tacos with cilantro and chipotle drizzle, salami pizza, skirt steak with Chimichurri sauce, polenta with Asiago cheese, barbecued hamburgers topped with a fried egg.

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ROSÉ, 2017

Geographical Indication: Penticton, BC
Varietal: Pinot Noir (70%), Pinot Gris (30%)
Vineyard: Sunrise Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.3%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 480

Appearance: Bright. Clear. Salmon-coloured core, light pink rim.
Nose: Medium+ aromatic intensity. Strawberry, raspberry, pear.
Palate: Medium acid. Medium body. Very light tannin. Strawberry, rhubarb, cranberry, red berry jam, baking spice.
Quality: Very good quality. Medium finish. Crisp, refreshing, a great summer sipper. Lovely and lots of fun.

Food Pairing: Prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe, chicken and turkey burgers, grilled salmon, spicy Deviled Eggs, tuna pasta salad, cheese and charcuterie plates, Quiche Lorraine, bacon-wrapped asparagus spears.

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