Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
We were proud to feature Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in October 2018.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards was founded by Kenn and Sandra Oldfield and Bob and Barb Shaunessy in 1993 with a focus on growing the best grapes, making great wine, and having fun whenever we can.
Located just south of Oliver B.C., in the famed Golden Mile wine-growing district. As the number one winery destination evoking classic south Okanagan terroir, Tinhorn Creek proudly offers estate grown wines, growing grapes on both the Black Sage and Golden Mile benches. As the first winery in Canada to support carbon neutral measures, Tinhorn Creek continues their commitment to land stewardship, conservation and environmentally sustainable practices. Tinhorn Creek offers an unrivaled visitor experience along with wines that rank among the best in the world.
Tasting Notes
GEWÜRZTRAMINER, 2017
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Okanagan Valley Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, BC
Varietal: Gewürztraminer
Vineyard: Tinhorn Creek Vineyard (Golden Mile Bench)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 5,380
Appearance: Bright, pale straw colour.
Nose: Lychee, rose petal and ginger notes on the nose.
Palate: Medium-bodied, just off-dry, exotic, lychee, cardamom and rose water flavours and Turkish Delight. Rich and full on the palate with a long clean finish.
Quality: Outstanding quality. A seamless wine with true varietal character. Drink now – 2019.
Critic Rating: 91 points – Tony Aspler
Awards:
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Food Pairing: Thai curry dishes, Vietnamese-style jumbo shrimp on sugarcane skewers, smoked pancetta, beef satay with peanut sauce, Moo Shoo pork.
Comment:
Tinhorn Creek has long been known for producing outstanding Gewürztraminer – a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and entirely delightful. The 2017 vintage is the best in recent years. Light bodied, but with a nice backbone of acidity, and heavenly aromatics of lychee, citrus and floral notes.
Pair this graceful wine with lighter foods such as appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, spicy cuisine, or savour it on its own. Enjoy!
– Jackie McLachlan, Founder, My Wine Canada
CABERNET FRANC, 2016
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Okanagan Valley Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, BC
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: Diamondback Vineyard (Black Sage Bench)
Alcohol: 14%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 4,500
Appearance: Deep ruby-purple in colour.
Nose: Cedary, vanilla oak and plum aromas with a floral grace note.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, well-balanced, savoury, cherry and plum flavour with a firm tannic finish.
Quality: Outstanding quality. Drink now – 2022.
Critic Rating: 90 points – Tony Aspler
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Food Pairing: Crispy skinned trout with black lentil puree, grilled leg of lamb with goat cheese and fresh herb salad, chicken tomato curry, caprese stuffed Portobello mushrooms, cheese and spinach quiche.
Comment:
This bold, spicy Cabernet Franc is a treat! The wine spent 12-14 months in French, American, and Hungarian oak. Rich red fruit flavours, savoury green herbal notes of thyme and tarragon, and black pepper and baking spice notes abound. This wine is flexible enough to pair with almost anything, but will be a dream match with lamb dishes and pesto-based Italian food. Enjoy!
– Jackie McLachlan, Founder, My Wine Canada
CHARDONNAY, 2017
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Okanagan Valley Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, BC
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: Diamondback Vineyard (Black Sage Bench)
Alcohol: 13%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 3,022
Appearance: Bright, pale straw colour.
Nose: Lightly cedary, lemon meringue bouquet.
Palate: Medium-bodied, gently spicy with apple and pear flavour lifted with well-integrated oak. Lovely texture on the palate.
Quality: Outstanding quality. Drinking well now, but can hold 2-3 years.
Critic Rating: 90 points – Tony Aspler
Awards:
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Food Pairing: Mushroom risotto, creamy vegetable soup, avocado and tuna tapas, lobster ravioli, herbed pork tenderloin, chicken club sandwich.
PINOT NOIR, 2016
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Okanagan Valley Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, BC
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Diamondback Vineyard (Black Sage Bench)
Alcohol: 14%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 1,600
Appearance: Deep ruby in colour.
Nose: Spicy, cedary, black cherry and dark chocolate bouquet.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, cherry purée flavour with a raisiny note.
Quality: Very Good+ quality. Firmly structured with ripe tannins and a fine spine of acidity and a warm alcoholic finish. Hold 1 – 2 years.
Critic Rating: 89 points – Tony Aspler
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Food Pairing: Wild mushroom and burrata bruschetta, leek and pecorino cheese pizza, maple-glazed chicken breast with mustard jus, grilled salmon with olive butter and orzo, chargrilled asparagus.
OLDFIELD RESERVE 2BENCH WHITE, 2017
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Okanagan Valley Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, BC
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc (28%), Chardonnay (25%), Viognier (18%), Semillon (23%),Muscat (6%)
Vineyard: Diamondback Vineyard (Black Sage Bench)
Alcohol: 13%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 1,000
Appearance: Pale straw colour with a hint of lime.
Nose: Slightly grassy nose of lemon, green apple and forest floor with a light floral note
(Chardonnay dominates the blend).
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, rich mouth-feel, well-balanced with tangy acidity that
prolongs the citrus, peach and apple flavours on the palate.
Quality: Very Good+ quality. Drink now or within the next two years.
Critic Rating: 89 points – Tony Aspler
Awards:
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Food Pairing: Sashimi, butternut squash risotto, avocado toast with Halloumi cheese,
gnocchi with sage butter, herb-crusted cod with green pea purée.
MERLOT, 2016
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Okanagan Valley Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, BC
Varietal: Merlot
Vineyard: Diamondback Vineyard (Black Sage Bench)
Alcohol: 14%
Volume: 750 mL
Cases Produced: 7,899
Appearance: Dense purple-ruby in colour.
Nose: Cedary, spicy, black fruits on the nose with a floral flourish.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, richly extracted plum and cherry flavours with well-integrated oak, ripe tannins and balancing acidity.
Quality: Outstanding quality. Quite forward. Drinking well now but can hold 3 – 4 years.
Critic Rating: 91 points – Tony Aspler
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Food Pairing: Grilled flat iron steak with blue cheese and butter, pan-seared duck breast with blueberry sauce, honey-glazed roasted carrots, rustic tomato and olive tapenade, Mediterranean lamb burgers, pepperoni pizza.