2020 Becker Cuvee

WINE TASTING NOTES

The 2020 vintage of this Cuvée is notably rich and dense, carefully harmonising lavish fruit ripeness with layers of savoury complexity. Kirsch, plum, and spiced blackberry are intertwined with dried sage, dark chocolate, and cedar, alongside an elegant accent of oak. Full-bodied and mouth-coating, the palate showcases the outstanding fruit weight of the vintage, effortlessly balancing it with freshness and finesse through to a long, refined finish.

WINEMAKER NOTES

2020 growing season was slow to start, with slightly higher than average rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the spring. Hot and dry conditions, typical of the South Okanagan climate prevailed from late Spring until harvest and were ideal for berry and tannin development. Fortunately, most of the harvest was completed before a sudden cold snap occurred towards mid October, ending harvest quite abruptly for the region. Although 2020 had a less than average harvest volume due to small berry size this resulted in more concentrated fruit flavours.

VINEYARD NOTES

Becker Vineyard was initially developed in 1977, as part of the pioneering Becker Project, which demonstrated that vitis vinifera could thrive in British Columbia. However, the property’s potential for late ripening red varieties was first identified in 1993, and was replanted to Cabernet family varieties that year. Tucked up against the Okanagan Highland mountains, Becker Vineyard produces finessed, elegant wines from the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench.

Wine Specs

Vintage: 2020
Acid: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.8
Residual Sugar: .25 g/L
Alcohol: 14.9%
Harvest Date: October 8th - October 19th, 2020
Bottling Date: September 23rd, 2022
Maturation: 22 months in French oak, 40% new
Aging Potential: 8-10 years
Varieties: - Merlot 51%, Cabernet Sauvignon 27%, Cabernet Franc 22%