Fresh, powerful, chewy.
Oliver's Phantom Creek Estates is owned by China-born Richmond-based businessman Richter Bai, who purchased the Phantom Creek and Becker (formerly owned by Harry McWatters who named it the Sundial Vineyard) vineyards in 2016.
From there a winery was erected, complete with guest center and restaurant. Kobau Vineyard on the Golden Mile bench sub-GI was purchased next and was followed by Everden Vineyard in Cawston in the Similkameen Valley, and recently a parcel on the Skaha bench sub-GI.
In 2021 Mark Beringer of Napa Valley joined the team as Director of Winemaking; he works alongside French consultant Olivier Humbrecht MW.
The cuvee is Cabernet Franc (15%), Cab Sauv (50%) and Merlot (25%) and splashes of Malbec, Syrah and Petit Verdot from estate Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Bench fruit; it was aged in French oak (23% new) for 20 months.
It's a brooding wine of soy sauce and dried cherry, balsamic, molasses, dried tobacco and espresso bean aromas. Good freshness here to launch an extracted and powerful wine with muscle. It has some chew on the palate and dominant flavours of black fruit, wild herbs, toasted spice and coffee.
Decanting recommended.
Rich Meats , Barbeque, Good First Impressions, Cellar Keepers
©copyright 2025 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - 2022-03-24 00:22:25.0
