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Sep 23, 2015
No TIME For Retirement
Last week, legendary British Columbia wine champion, Harry McWatters, introduced his new winemaker.
(Photo right: courtesy of ENCORE Vineyards Ltd.)
McWatters, who not only pioneered vinifera vine growing on arguably the most famous of all Okanagan Valley sites, the Black Sage Bench, was also instrumental in developing Canada’s Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA).
He founded Sumac Ridge Estate Winery (1980) and See Ya Later Ranch Estate Winery (1995), which he later sold to Vincor (now Constellation Brands).
 In the past handful of years (after retiring), McWatters has launched TIME Estate Winery, McWatters Collection and more recently Evolve Cellars. All under the new umbrella, ENCORE Vineyards Ltd.
On August 1, 2015, McWatters, President, Founder and CEO of ENCORE Vineyards Ltd., brought winemaker Lawrence Buhler from Niagara’s Peller Estates Winery on board to take over the winemaking for all properties.
Buhler, who moved his family to the Okanagan, seems delighted with the opportunity and new responsibility.
“The fruit out here is incredible. So is the community”
Buhler also worked at Niagara’s Angels Gate Winery and Colio Estate on Lake Erie.
The wines are made in a leased winery in Summerland.
Once the company completes the new TIME Estate Winery on Sundial Vineyard (formerly part of Black Sage Vineyard) in 2016, the wines made from Sundial fruit will be produced there.
I tasted the wines at Blacktail Restaurant + Lounge in Gastown alongside beautifully partnered dishes by Chef Geoff Rogers.
Evolve Pinot Blanc, 2014
Interesting nose - it is smoky and flinty with focused citrus and crunchy white fruits. It boasts good weight and has a dollop of sweetness. Expect good concentration with honey and bright fruit in the mouth with an attractive tangerine character.
Paired: Mixed greens in honey thyme vinaigrette.
TIME Estate Winery White Meritage, 2014
Made from 68% Semillon and 32% Sauvignon Blanc this significant wine offers aromas of lemon curds, toasted buttered nuts, wild honey and spice. A citrus focus on the palate. The mouth appears fresher than nose - more livliness and crunchy fruit with a nice core/background of butter and spice.
An attractive weighty palate has just enough oak to flesh it out.
Paired: Mixed greens in honey thyme vinaigrette.
Evolve Cabernet Merlot, 2013
Expect spicy black currents and plums alongside vanilla, toasted spice and licorice aromas.
It’s obviously a made in a modern and approachable style. Supple and chocolaty with vanilla and plenty of sweet, ripe fruit flavours.
Paired: Crispy smoky tofu with roasted spicy shoshito peppers, tomato sauce and pea shoots
McWatters Collection Chardonnay, 2013
Attractive notes of butterscotch and tropical fruits alongside buttery toasted nuts with oak spice. Buttery on the palate as well, with tropical fruit caramel and spice.
Showy and unapologetic in its ripe flamboyant style.
It spent 14 months in barrel, a blend of 60/40 American/French oak.
Paired: Crispy smoky tofu with roasted spicy shoshito peppers, tomato sauce and pea shoots
McWatters Collection Red Meritage 2012
Plush chocolate and sweet spice on the palate, layered with vanilla and mocha generous fruit.
A concentrated and generous palate of cassis and molasses.
Smooth and succulent.
Paired: Mushroom & Parmesan house made pappardelle with Parmesan cream, black truffles and crispy organic kale
TIME Estate Winery Syrah 2012
Lovely and fragrant spice and blackberries licorice and pepper atop earthy notes. Plush palate with impressive power balanced with bright acidity.
Impressive for Syrah only on its third leaf (year).
Paired: Mushroom & Parmesan house-made pappardelle with Parmesan cream, black truffle and crispy organic kale.
~Daenna Van Mulligen
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