2019 Phantom Creek Cuvee
- Vintage
- 2019
- Region
- Okanagan Valley
- Country
- Canada
- Alcohol Content
- 15%
- Grape Variety
- 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Petit Verdot, 15% Malbec, 7% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot
WINE TASTING NOTES
The 2019 Phantom Creek Cuvée is a balanced, complex, and incredibly structured wine. The nose presents strong and intense aromas of red cherry, red bramble with lovely hints of Okanagan Valley desert sage sandalwood. On the palate, boysenberry, cherry, and red currant intertwine with vanilla, cedar, graphite and earthy notes. This Cuvee has well-integrated tannins with a fresh balanced acidity leading to a long-lasting finish. A true expression of our namesake vineyard.
WINEMAKER NOTES
A cooler April in 2019 was quickly followed by warm conditions in May and June resulting in perfectly timed bud break in the vineyards. Summer brought more warmth to the valley but temperatures were average and this allowed the vines to fully develop. Harvest started with warm and dry conditions and the early ripening varieties were harvested on schedule. However, by the end of September, a slight change in weather conditions brought cooler temperatures and small amounts of rainfall to the valley. October was warm and had minimal rainfall allowing for more flavour development and acidity retention in the grapes. Harvest 2019 was challenging and required extremely precise vineyard management, however the result of all that hard work is well balanced wines with vibrant fruit characters and freshness.
VINEYARD NOTES
Established by pioneering viticulturist Richard Cleave in 1996, Phantom Creek Vineyard is located on the lower terrace of the Black Sage Bench just above the warm valley floor. The tiny, eight-acre parcel is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the early 2000s, fruit from the property has been used for single vineyard bottlings, a tradition we proudly honour and continue today at the winery.
Wine Specs
Vintage: 2019
Acid: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.7
Residual Sugar: 0.1 g/L
Alcohol: 13.8%
Harvest Date: October 3rd-12th
Bottling Date: August 24th, 2021
Maturation: 19 months in French oak, 50% new
Aging Potential: 10+ years
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 36% , Petit Verdot 34%, Malbec 15%, Syrah 7%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Merlot 2%
