Rigour & Whimsy 2023 Gamay Noir 750ml

Rigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. From a young Kaleden vineyard, en route to becoming organically certified, this gamay was destemmed, punched down by hand, and barrel aged for 5 months. Bright and peppery wild plum, tayberry, perfumed raspberry, fragrant black tea teems on the medium bodied palate, pinned with long, fine tannins, and buzzing with a stony underlay. Lovely finesse and energy here.

Score: 92 points -- Treve Ring, gismondionwine.com, 2024