Here are two holiday-worthy red wines from BC’s Township 7 Vineyards & Winery that you should consider. The first, under screwcap, is the Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2020; the second, under cork closure, is the Township 7 Benchmark Series Fool’s Gold Vineyard Syrah 2020.
What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between Township 7’s Provenance and the Benchmark series of wines?
The Provenance Series focuses on approachable, well-balanced wines made from estate and select vineyard fruit, designed to be easy-drinking and consistent. These wines are more affordable, offering good quality at a value-oriented price point.
The Benchmark Series highlights premium, terroir-driven wines crafted from select, high-quality vineyard sites with an emphasis on complexity and aging potential. These wines are more refined and structured, typically priced higher due to their quality and craftsmanship.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2020 (BC $31.97)
Winemaker’s notes, ” This vintage blends Merlot from our North Oliver Bench’s Blue Terrace Vineyard and Front Yard Vineyard in Naramata. The rocky soils of Oliver yield high-quality grapes, while those from Okanagan Falls lend added complexity and structure. A two-week maceration at warm temperatures, using remontage, pipeage, and pulsair techniques, achieved a rich fruit extraction with smooth tannins. The wine was then aged for 18 months in 67% French and 33% American oak barrels, adding layers of caramel and vanilla to balance the full-bodied mouthfeel and enhancing its structure.” The winery suggests pairing mushroom risotto and shaved parmesan cheese. Filet mignon or beef stew with fresh bread with this wine.
Appearance: A deep, dull garnet colour. Almost opaque.
Nose: Medium-plus deep aromas of black fruit, black plums, meatiness, plus a hint of sweet spices. Lighter fruit aromas with less meatiness after decanting.
Palate: Dryish with a smooth, soft, thicker mouthfeel. Black fruit, juicy berries, plums and raspberries, along with light oak and pepperiness. Light acidity and fine tannins. The wine tastes drier and has firmer tannins after decanting. No change to the fruit flavours.
Finish: Medium-plus length with an off-dry fruity finish. Juicy black fruit and medium-plus intensity chalky drying tannins. Same flavours but a drier finish after decanting.
Rating: 
This Merlot has a deep, dull garnet colour. Medium-plus deep aromas of black fruit, black plums, meatiness, plus a hint of sweet spices. Dryish with a soft, smooth, thicker mouthfeel. Black fruit, juicy berries, plums and raspberries, along with light oak and pepperiness. Light acidity and fine tannins. Medium-plus length.
Township 7 Benchmark Series Fool’s Gold Vineyard Syrah 2020 (BC $ Wine Club Exclusive)
From the winemaker, “An 18-day fermentation was performed in 2 oak fermenters and one stainless steel tank. Pigeage and delestage management of the grapes during fermentation enables rich fruit extraction. After pressing, the wine was aged for 24 months in French and American oak barriques for enhanced tannins and fruit. ” Their food pairing recommendation is grilled herb-rubbed lamb chops or a blackberry and arugula salad.
Appearance: A deep, dull garnet colour as well. Almost opaque.
Nose: Medium-minus intensity aromas of black fruit, black plums, toast, and touches of tarriness and violets. Lighter aromas and no violet aroma after decanting.
Palate: Dryish, with a lighter body, smooth, soft and round. Black fruits with touches of raspberries, black cherries, candied cherries and floral flavours. Deep flavours. Light tannins. Medium acidity. Medium-intensity body, feeling plush after decanting.
Finish: Between medium and medium-plus length finishing with light fine tannins. More acidity on the finish. Juicy black fruits, plus plums and touches of pepperiness and candied cherries flavours. More subdued black fruit flavour after decanting. Plush mouthfeel.
I don’t think there is a need to decant this wine. Decanting lightens the aromas but you get a bigger, more plush mouthfeel. Your choice.
Rating: 
– It has a deep, dull garnet colour. Medium-minus intensity aromas of black fruit, black plums, toast, and touches of tarriness and violets. Dryish, with a lighter body, smooth, soft and round. Black fruits with touches of raspberries, black cherries, candied cherries and floral flavours. Medium to medium-plus length.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
If you are a Township 7 wine club member you can order the Fool’s Gold Vineyard Syrah 2020 at this link. The Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2020 can be purchased by anybody on the Township 7 website. The website says 2021 Merlot, so the 2020 may be finished.
