Should I feel a bit like Jed Clampett from the “Beverly Hillibillies” wandering about them infernal goings on in Hollywood when I see Stag’s Hollow Winery in the Okanagan bottling Albariño. I mean that grape is big in Spain and in Portugal’s Vinho Verde but in British Columbia?
Hand picked, hand sorted and destemmed before pressing. Fermented in both stainless steel and older French oak.
Aroma: The peach and apricot has me thinking seriously this may be a Viognier but it isn’t. Perhaps that is the next Euro grape refugee Stag’s Hollow masters. Secondary notes of pineapple and guava.
Palate: My big fear of white wines is that they may be flinty and overly acidic but no such fear rises from the glass here. There is some very fine acidity complimenting the wine. Tangerine, sweet white grapefruit and some citrus. Minerality yes. A battle amongst fruit and minerality/acidity is like a debate between Donnie Trump and Donald Trump.
Personality: You might think me a bit rich and lush when you nose me but taste will dissipate any such thoughts. I make a statement without being flashy.
Food Match: More of a wine meant for food than for sipping. Simply prepared ocean fish like Orata, Spigola or Porgy. Being an Okie Panokie I’d say deep fried possum with peanut butter a la Elvis. Given my bizarre tastes in that regard the winery suggests pairing with a wide range of seafood. Right on.
Cellarbility: As I think of this as a fresh and vibrant wine consume by the end of 2024.
Price: $26 (CDN).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 89/100.
(Stag’s Hollow 2022 Albariño, Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, B.C. VQA, Stag’s Hollow Winery, Okanagan falls, British Columbia, 750 mL, 12.5%).
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