Article by Dick McDougall
I know it’s autumn but I didn’t get enough time to properly introduce you to all my favourite BC wineries of the summer and there is a new creation in West Kelowna that is very deserving of mention.
I have written before about my love affair with The Hatch, a charming farmhouse-style tasting room on Boucherie Road, but some wines have left the nest and flown up the hill to a spectacular new tasting room. Black Swift Vineyards opened in early July and is aptly self-described as “The Hatch in a tuxedo.” The setting is idyllic and from the outdoor picnic tables gives a stunning view across sprawling vineyards to the beautiful Okanagan Lake.
However, the wines are so memorable you might forget the majestic setting. The 2017 Vintoro Vineyard Chardonnay has Meursault-like charm and body but comes at a fraction of the price. The 2016 Stone’s Throw Vineyard Pinot Noir is robust and full-bodied and packed with black cherry goodness. It is developing nice tertiary character with hints of forest floor and leather. The 2016 Desert Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc also impressed. The vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench produced a powerful wine with notes of black currant, roast coffee and a smokiness on the finish.
There is another line of wines at Black Swift under the Screaming Frenzy label. They are great value wines and the 2017 Cabernet Franc stood out. Did you know that a screaming frenzy describes the sound of the black swifts’ yearly congregation in the BC skies? I missed it on my trip this year, but I will keep watching the skies…
Take flight to Black Swift! This is a first-class operation and our host Grayson, who we first met at The Hatch, is still the best show in town. His ability to engage and teach even makes a Calculus teacher a little jealous.
