Syrah 2023

WHY IT EXISTS: We steward one of the last mature Syrah plantings in the Okanagan—vines in the ground since 2001, which counts as venerable in this young valley. When the January 2024 cold snap hit, we believe the lake, 350 metres away, gave these vines the few degrees they needed to survive. This is cool-climate Syrah in the European style—like the northern Rhône region, and not the bold, Australian Shiraz—and it over-delivers on aromatics, like black pepper, which is typical for the Trout Creek location. A 2025 Syrah is still hibernating in the cellar and will be released at the end of 2027.

IN THE GLASS: Red-berry jam and vanilla bean on the nose; blackberry, cassis, dried fig and Italian plum on the palate; a long finish of dark fruit, peppercorn and cocoa nib over fine, smooth tannins.

AT THE TABLE: Grilled lamb or steak first, hearty stews close behind, but it's equally happy with sheet-pan roasted vegetables or an aged-cheese board.

THE FACTS: 100% Syrah (30% Estate Summerland, 70% Naramata Bench grower) · 12 months French oak barrique, 30% new, unfiltered · RS 3.8 g/L · 14.1% ABV · TA 5.9 g/L · Lovely now with a 30–60 minute decant, but it will reward cellaring to 2027.