The sun-drenched, west-facing Golden Mile Bench has been home to Oliver's Hester Creek Estate Winery鈥檚 Old Vine Vineyard for more than 50 years.
With its distinct terroir, long growing season averaging 1,484 growing degree days, The Bench consistently produces complex-flavoured wines. The valley鈥檚 excellent air flow keeping the vineyards virtually frost free in spring and fall, but sadly the vines couldn鈥檛 abide the sudden cold snaps in 2022 and 2024. We鈥檒l cover the effects of these climate events on their vineyards in an upcoming column. Meantime, through it all a winegrower's life goes on.
Having returned from last fall鈥檚 World Triathlon Championship in M谩laga, Spain, Team Canada member Brooke Jesus, Hester Creek鈥檚 assistant winemaker, found herself immersed in the 2024 vintage.
鈥淚 am particularly excited about the 2024 Ros茅 Noir and the 2024 Riesling," said Jesus. "The Ros茅 Noir has big shoes to fill, with our 2023 vintage winning Ros茅 of the year. But I personally think that the 2024 vintage is the best yet! Crafted in a Provence-style offering delicate notes of wild strawberries and cream with a hint of orange blossom. Our 2024 Riesling bursts with vibrant notes of green apple, juicy pear, and a touch of zesty lime. It鈥檚 bright acidity and subtle minerality create a refreshing, balanced wine with a crisp, clean finish.鈥�
But let鈥檚 not get ahead of ourselves as it will be some months before we can enjoy the 2024 crop of wines. In the interim, here are a couple of my favourites from Hester Creek.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and flavourful, with bold fruit aromas of black and blueberries, rich cassis, cedar, mocha and warm dried spices. Full-bodied, the ripe, dark berry and spicy flavours accompany a mouthwatering acidity on the palate. It pairs nicely with a roaring fire, a good book and Hard Bite Potato Chips.
Following on the footsteps of the highly lauded 2020 vintage of Hester Creek鈥檚 The Judge, the 2021 (heat dome) vintage is Merlot dominant, blended with nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. As always, this fine wine is treated with proverbial kid gloves before a malolactic fermentation in Italian Ganimede tanks and 24 months aging in French oak. It boasts of chocolate, ripe fruit and herbs on the nose, bold flavours of ripe dark fruit and the signature earthy finish. Let it breathe before serving with your favourite winter comfort food.
Thinking of a trip to Oliver? Kimberly Plyatuk, Hester Creek鈥檚 public relations co-ordinator, has some good news
鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to welcome our loyal guests back to the refreshed Villa for the 2025 season beginning Valentines Day, Feb. 14," said Plyatuk. "Encompassing stunning panoramic views, a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival and a gourmet breakfast for each morning.鈥�
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
