These two big red wines from Oliver, BC’s Winemaker’s CUT are wonderful examples of wines that can be made in BC to drink now, has softer tannins, but can still age a few years in your cellar for your enjoyment. The two wines are the Winemaker’s CUT Bohemian Petit Verdot 2020 and the Bohemian Cuvée Rouge 2020. Both are vegan-friendly wines.
I was pleasantly surprised at the ripe fruit aromas and flavours for these wines as the south Okanagan had a very late start in the Spring with high rainfall events and cooler than normal temperatures. The summer was mild but the Fall was nice with above average temperatures. So the Fall, it seems in the Okanagan, is saving our vintages. Let me tell you about these two wines.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Winemaker’s CUT Bohemian Petit Verdot 2020 ($ TBD)
The grapes come from the Harfman vineyard in Osoyoos. Winemaker’s notes, “cold soaked for 1 day, organic yeast fermentation for 16 days, free run press, full malolactic fermentation, 10 months french oak, bottled unfined & unfiltered.“
Appearance: Deep, dull, almost opaque to the rim, garnet colour.
Nose: Enticing aromas of sweet spices, nutmeg and mace, in particular, black fruit and oak. Lighter aromas of mainly black fruit and oak after decanting.
Palate: Off-dry, soft, round and smooth. Medium body and medium-plus flavour intensity. Lower acid and fine tannins. Blackberry, black fruit, blueberry, plus touches of floral, oak, tarriness, and vanilla on the palate. Lighter body and mouthfeel with decanting. Same fruit flavours, but no floral.
Finish: Medium-plus length with lingering black fruit flavours of black fruit, some tarriness, floral, nutmeg and pepperiness. A soft finish with light tannins. The only changes with decanting are no floral but now some blueberries on the finish.
A deep, brooding wine once opened. I prefer the undecanted version as it has a fuller body and a touch of floral which I enjoy.
Rating: 
– 
Deep garnet colour. Enticing aromas of black fruit, sweet spices and oak. Medium body, smooth, soft and round. Light acidity and fine tannins. Blackberries and black fruit flavours. Some tarriness. Touches of floral and oak. Medium-plus length.
Winemaker’s CUT Bohemian Cuvée Rouge 2020 (BC ~$35)
A blend of 58% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Grapes come from the Chahal and the Quails Wayside vineyards in Oliver, BC. Winemaker’s notes, “cold soaked for 2 days, alcoholic fermentation for 18 days, full malolactic, 10 months in old american, french & slovakian oak, bottled unfined & unfiltered .”
Appearance: Opaque garnet in colour.
Nose: Light aromas of black fruit, plums, cinnamon and a touch of smokiness. Reminds me a bit of Christmas fruit cake. The aromas become lighter with decanting. There is some dustiness and it is mainly plums and black fruits on the nose.
Palate: Dryish, medium body, and medium-plus flavour intensity. Lots of what feels like effervescence on your tongue. Round with medium acidity and tannins. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, black cherry and black plum flavours. Touches of oak and bitter dark chocolate. Bright fruit flavours. Violets with air. Same flavours and body with decanting. YOu can maybe add a touch of leather on the palate.
Finish: Medium-plus length finishing with mouthwatering acidity and firmer tannins. Black cherries, cocoa, and dark chocolate on the finish. Black cherries, blueberries, and raspberries on the finish after decanting. No cocoa or chocolate.
I prefer the undecanted version of this wine as the aromas are more pronounced and varied.
Rating: – Opaque garnet. Light aromas of plum, black fruit, and cinnamon. Medium body, dry, round with an almost effervescent mouthfeel. Sweet spices, floral, raspberries, black cherry and black plum flavours. A touch of oak. Mouthwatering acidity and firmer tannins on the finish. Medium-plus length.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
You can order these wines online from the Winemaker’s CUT website:
Winemaker’s CUT Bohemian Petit Verdot 2020 is a Member’s Only wine, so you need to join the club.
Winemaker’s CUT Bohemian Cuvée Rouge 2020 <The 2019 is on sale on their website. The 2020 should come out soon.>
