2020 Ella Gamay

Technical Notes

Single Vineyard – Huebel Trillium Vineyard - 33 year old vines, VQA Four Mile Creek, NOTL.
Harvest date:  2 October 2020
Brix Average: 21.1
Residual Sugar: 4.7 g/L
Total Acidity:  6.1 g/L
Alcohol: 12.5%
Fermented in: Jacketed stainless steel
Malolactic fermentation: 100%
Élevage: 2 years seasoned French Oak, 1 year bottle
Cases: 100 cases

Production Notes

The 2020 vintage offered near perfect conditions to creative a rather complex, age-worthy medium-bodied Gamay. It was especially exciting since the phenolically ripe fruit was sourced from a single, lower-yield  33 year old vineyard. This allowed inspiration to be drawn from the expressions of Beaujolais Cru-Villages which Vladimir embraced while living in France. The ultra-clean fruit was first cold-soaked in closed stainless steel tank for 12 days to extract additional flavour and structure. Limited carbonic maceration took place in the anaerobic atmosphere. To counter excessive spiciness often noted in local Gamay, focus was to elevated fruit aromas, ripe berry and floral characters with the use of a select Burgundy yeast. Extended maceration prior to pressing added texture, complexity and colour. To encourage  a supple, balanced character the wine was transferred to seasoned French oak barrels for two years of aging. After a final racking and filtration it was finally bottled. An additional 18 months of bottle élevage assured additional maturity and smooth tannins before release.

Tasting Notes

Presents an alluring ruby colour that promises something more.  Welcoming aromas of red and some darker berry fruit, small field flower perfume, perception of anise and, surprisingly,  a hint of something meaty. In the mouth, supple and round with some weight, a finish of lingering fruit (not sugar) sweetness wrapped in fine tannins. Dry, supple, fruit forward, medium-bodied red wine