Where there is mayhem, there is the chance for creativity and excitement. Mayhem Wines in Okanagan Falls offers fun wines that are meant to be enjoyed. I think the creativity and enjoyment of wine by the winemaker comes through. I tasted two white wines from their recent release, their Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc 2022 and their Mayhem Pinot Gris 2022. Let me tell you about them.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Mayhem Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (BC $20.97)
The grapes for this wine were specifically from the Naramata bench. Whole bunch pressed, then fermented in 93% stainless steel and 7% seasoned barrels. 358 cases produced.
Appearance: A bright, clear medium-minus intensity lemon with a green tint in the glass.
Nose: Medium-minus intensity aromas of lime, lemon and a touch of peach. The aromas are lighter after decanting and now I pick up some green fruit aromas.
Palate: Dry, medium-plus body and flavour intensity. This wine has medium acidity that leaves a light acidic prickle on your tongue. The wine is lightly round, but not mouth-filling. Lemon, lime, and orange blossom flavours, with a touch of peach. Green fruit flavours as well with some time in the glass. The wine becomes rounder and more mouth-filling with decanting. Same flavours.
Finish: A medium-plus length finishing with tart citrus, orange blossom, peach and some steeliness. No change with decanting.
Rating: – A Sauvignon Blanc that is not over the top with citrus and green fruit aromas and flavours, but they are there, bright and vibrant. I enjoy the orange blossom, acidity and steeliness of this wine.
Mayhem Wines Pinot Gris 2022 (BC $18.36)
Whole bunch pressed, then fermented in 84% stainless steel tanks and 16% neutral oak barrels. 305 cases made.
Appearance: Bright, clear medium intensity mix of straw and lemon colours.
Nose: Medium-intensity aromas of juicy stone fruits, and touches of citrus, apple, and grape stem. The wine has a slightly lighter aroma after decanting and there is now a distinct pear scent.
Palate: Dryish, fuller body, round and mouth-filling. Medium acidity leaves a light acidic prickle in your mouth. Bright vibrant fruit flavours; stone fruit, in particular pears, and citrus. Some grape stem bitterness and floral with air. Stony minerality transitions to steeliness on the finish. The wine becomes lighter-bodied and less mouth-filling after decanting. I also pick up a yellow apple flavour.
Finish: Medium-plus length finishing with pears and a mix of tartness, steeliness, and a touch of pepperiness. The same flavours after decanting plus apple.
Rating: Bright, fresh stone fruit aromas and flavours. Medium acidity with stony minerality and steeliness toward the finish. No need to decant this wine but it is fine to enjoy the next day.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
Both wines are available to order online from the Mayhem Wines’ website. The Pinot Gris is available at a single Everything Wine store at the moment.