Imagine driving the other half to downtown Toronto and heading back after the drop off to buy ¾ of a tank of gas for $90. Then a package at the doorstep from Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine district. Unexpected as if Santa was pleased at me for being such a good boy not uttering a word by me being robbed by Big Gas!
The first delight (hopefully) was a 2021 Syrah Rosé. Stag’s Hollow arguably crafts some of the best Syrah in Canada so their rosé should follow right?
In the glass it has a copper colour. On the nose some sweet red cherry, raspberry, strawberry persimmons, cedar, banana and fresh baked cinnamon buns. On the palate the first thing I notice is a long finish with a tad of heat and an undercurrent tinged with a wisp of white pepper. It is light on its feet but the undercurrent buffs up its sneaky muscular nature. It has a great bod! It’s tight and not flashing its fruit. Due to its tight structure best with food or on its own on a hot day. I would pair with a summer tomato salad with tomatoes from the Douro in Portugal but given the geographical distance made with the sweetest field tomatoes Canada can produce. There is enough acidity to match tomatoes but not enough to demean and cheapen the wine. It would also suit some grilled baby goat. There are a multitude of nondescript rosés on the market. This is not one of them.
It is so interesting that this is so light on its feet whilst the Stag’s Hollow Syrah’s are so robust. There is no oak involved and the grapes were hand harvested and destemmed before pressing. Removing the stem prior to pressing reduces the tannins.
Only 180 cases were made. The winery thinks it has ageing potential over the next three years. I won’t argue with that. Would it suit salmon? That’s a hard one. Farm raised for sure but wild salmon I am not certain but worth a try. 1% Viognier in this. I wonder what 5-7% Viognier might do?
(Stag’s Hollow 2021 Syrah Rosé, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA, Stag’s Hollow Winery, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, $25 (or $32 for 4 x 250 mL cans) 750 mL, 13%, RKS Wine Rating 91/100).
Given the scant production best to order from the winery at www.stagshollowwinery.com
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