Tantalus 2020 Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir 750ml

This, their classic pinot noir, mixes estate and neighbouring (grafted off their home estate) clones of 114, 115, 667, 777, 828, 37, 943, all native fermented by block, often with foot treading to assist, and with 30-50% whole bunches in the mix. After 18-35 days on skins this was pressed into oak barriques (20% new) where it remained for 16 months' rest prior to blending. The final blend rested over winter in neutral oak, and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Silken black raspberry, plums glide across the palate, dusted with fine white pepper and nutmeg, and framed with lightly sticky, black tea lined, well placed tannins. Lovely structure, freshness, and charm, and an easy choice to crack into now or over the short term.

Score: 91 points --Treve Ring, 2022