David Scholefield and Michael Bartier are not new to wine in BC. Michael Bartier was born and raised in the Okanagan and worked in the past for Hawthorne Mountain (See Ya Later Ranch), Township 7, Stag’s Hollow and most recently Road 13 Vineyards. He joins the team at Okanagan Crush Pad Winery as winemaker, where he and David produce their wines. David Scholefield had a long career as a senior wine buyer for the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch. His knowledge earned him a global reputation for the ability to acquire allocations of the world’s finest wines for the BC liquor stores. He has deep knowledge of the wine trade here and abroad. In addition, Alberto Antonini is their internationally renowned traveling winemaker working with Michael Bartier. Alberto has earned an international reputation for creating some of the top wines in the world. He was a senior winemaker at Antinori and Frescobaldi in Tuscany, and at Robert Mondavi, Au Bon Climat and Qupé in California.
Bartier Scholefield Wines Tasted
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Bartier Scholefield White Table wine 2010 Bartier • Scholefield White Table Wine 2010 ($22) is a blend of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay, all grown in the Oliver area. No barrels were used, just stainless steel tanks. There was a short lees contact for added wine complexity (my note). I am not sure of the percentages of each of the grapes. This wine was light lemon in colour with a youthful bouquet of peaches, pineapple and lemon. The lees also shows up on the nose. On the palate the wine is dry with medium plus acidity. Some roundness but supported by an acidic backbone. Medium plus body and intensity. Pineapple, peach, lemon, cherries, and almond flavours greet your tongue, with a bit of steeliness too. Medium plus length. This wine is a nice sipper. Try with a lightly cooked fish with lemon sauce or some shellfish.
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Bartier Scholefield Rose Table wine 2010 Bartier • Scholefield Rose ($20) is 100% Gamay Noir from the Wise Brothers’ vineyard in Oliver. This wine was medium salmon colour in the glass. Light, youthful aromas of strawberries, red cherries and other red fruits. It is dry on the palate with medium plus acidity. Medium body. I get fresh summer fruits like raspberries, red currants, strawberries and red cherries, and a lingering watering mouthfeel on the finish. Another good sipper. With the higher acidity in this rose, you might try with a pork or chicken dish that has a cream sauce.
You can find more about Bartier Scholefield on their website, or about the Okanagan Crush Pad winery here. Enjoy!
