The Magic of Ripe Fruit

Teahouse Tasting in the Park- Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011, Hosted by Painted Rock Winery

One thing can be said of both men and of grapes… A little charm goes a long way.

Add a blast of passion, a bold sensuality, a little patience and profound respect, and not only might you have found the perfect man… but perhaps, as well, the perfect vineyard.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending another of the Teahouse’s ‘Tastings in the Park’, (which is fast becoming one of my favourite mid-week escapes) - this time hosted by one of the Okanagan’s most up-and-coming vineyards du jour… Painted Rock Winery.

Not only did we have the pleasure of tasting four beautiful wines, but it was a real treat to be guided through our sipping journey by the winemaker and owner himself, Mr. John Skinner.

John was as charming and engaging as his award-winning wines as he took us through the tasting notes, the history of the land, and the process of his “journey of discovering Okanagan wine.”  Painted Rock maintains a passion for quality wine that should be shared with friends and family, mixed with an unpretentious and well-planned strategy. They work with a consultant who visits from Bordeaux five to six times a year as well as a resident viticulturalist, Valerie Tate, upon whose advice and guidance they rely devotedly.  Although the family-owned vineyard was only established in 2004, it is clear that its humble, hands-on approach and dedication to excellence has earned Painted Rock a solid reputation and a promising future.

[Read the story of Painted Rock here.]

  

John took us on our own journey, beginning with the 2009 Chardonnay.  We heard the story of how this second vintage came to be and the flavours virtually appeared in our minds and mouths… a unique combination of tropical fruit and citrus suddenly made sense as we learned of how the rootstock was planted and played with, evolving into a wine layered with a buttery but light fullness that made it ingeniously drinkable.  Paired with a Dungeness crab cake and lime aioli, it was a perfect introduction to the magic that is Painted Rock.

Next up was the 2008 Syrah, a solid tone of deep flavour and complimented perfectly with the BBQ lamb chop with a rosemary crust.  There was a spiciness to this pairing that was both accessible and refined, and made me wish I was sitting at a campfire beside Lake Skaha, overlooking the glimmer on the water.

Top that, John Skinner.

And so he did…

A smooth mouthful of a velvety 2008 Merlot followed by the 2008 ‘Red Icon’ blend, and I was ready to curl back beside my imaginary fire, invest in a truckload of cases, shares in the company, or maybe even a vineyard of my own.  These wines were elegantly simple, but layered, flavourful and smooth; Excellent food wines, but very drinkable on their own.  They definitely exemplified the value of the company’s adopted mandate of using “ripe fruit at all costs”.  Their patience has definitely paid off.  With a tease of warm brie and cherry compote and a skewer of grilled, balsamic vegetables, my taste buds were definitely tempted for more.

Sadly, though, the tasting had come to an end.  Luckily, there was a still a patio, a beautiful sunset and some great company.  So we thanked John, (knowing that I was simultaneously planning out my trip to Penticton to visit the vineyard and dreaming of my next glass of that Red Icon) and moved outside for some more nibbles.  

As the sunset waned and the laughter continued, I couldn’t help my thoughts from wandering over to those ripe, magical, Painted Rock flavours... pure charm.  I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. If these wines were meant to be drunk with family and friends, they were truly at home at our table.