By Chris Herbert
I’d bet a shiny new King Charles coin that if we meet on the street, you’ll ask me the question I hear to often these days.
“Is there going to be a shortage of B.C. wines?” The short answer is yes. At least in some cases. Yet, if you are willing to expand your horizons you needn’t suffer from a lack of fine B.C. wines.
Well documented climate events have affected almost every wine region in the province.
Some regions, vineyards and grape varietals having taken the brunt of it. With reduced harvests came reduced incomes. While tourism and the dollars that follow along were reduced to a dribble. Topped off with higher costs of bottles, shipping, wages and taxes. While simply tired from it all, some winegrowers have retired.
But some are continuing to walk on the sunny side of the road. Winemakers who despite having had everything including the kitchen sink thrown their way see the opportunities going forward. Among them is Mark Hopley and the team at Hester Creek.
“We’ve seen new opportunities in using the varietals that did well in the 2023 season. Additionally, you will see some earlier vintages which are currently in barrel to be released during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.”
While some of our favourite Hester Creek wines won’t be immediately available, I’ve made a short list of their red wines you might like to try.
Hester Creek’s 2021 Syrah/Viognier blend is aged for 14 months. It’s full-bodied with flavours of berries and spice. Syrah fans will want to pair it with red meats or strong cheeses.
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The 2021 Old Vine Cabernet Franc abounds with flavours of ripe plum, cherries and vanilla. Toasty, with some oak that carries through to a signature peppery finish. Enjoy it now with roasted lamb or set aside a bottle or two.
Here are two Hester Creek classics. The 2020 ‘The Judge’ is a blend of five varietals. The Old Block Merlot is fermented on its own in Ganimede tanks before a second malolactic fermentation and blending with co-fermented Malbec and Petit Verdot. A final blending with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is followed by 24 months of aging before bottling.
Mark’s 2020 Garland is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. These three Noble grapes are cold soaked and gently pressed offering up sophisticated aromas and flavours of ripe blackberry that carry through to the long finish. Enjoy it now and put a bottle aside.
Before you ask, the second question I hear regarding possible B.C. wine shortages is: “will Hester Creek’s Cabernet Franc Rosé be available in 2024?”
Yes. You can find it now at your favourite wine shop.
A resident of Qualicum Beach, Chris Herbert is a wine enthusiast who enjoys sharing everything that B.C. wines have to offer. He looks forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments via email at spillthatvino@gmail.com.