Roche Wines 2019 Texture Pinot Noir 750ml

I love how this organically farmed Naramata Bench pinot from Kozier Organic Vineyard coats the palate with a silky smooth texture from front to back, thanks in part to ten months of ageing in neutral oak barrels. The fruit is equally interesting, with ripe plummy black cherry leading the way, underpinned by a savoury, scrubby BC herbal note that balances the wine in the finish. This is a welcome addition to the BC pinot noir clan that is growing and improving each year. The winery suggests matching this pinot with duck confit, or lamb ragout with root vegetables, but it has the finesse to complement halibut.

Score: 90 points -- Anthony Gismondi, gismondionwine.com, 2021