I am blessed with a family of great cooks. We tend to get together for the holidays and Family Day Weekend was no exception. Dinner for 10, included six adults and four kids. It was the usual chaos and fun that we have when we all get together. Most occasions include a big family dinner.
Seeing I was not one of the cooks for this time I offered to bring the wine. On the menu was Potato and Leek Bisque followed by Beef Bourguignon and I knew exactly which wines were going to pair perfectly with the dish. I brought both the Vasanti Cabernet Sauvignon and the Vasanti Merlot, just to cover all the bases.
It’s always interesting when you get a few wine lovers together to explore and savour the wines. Paired with a great dinner, even better. Everyone had their own opinion on which wine made the best pairing. In this case it was a really tough call because both of these wines were nothing short of superb. There were of course, diverse opinions, so this review features my personal favourite. The first review I picked the favourite of one of the other red wine lovers at the table. Read the review of the Vasanti Merlot here. Spoiler alert: everyone loved both the wines!
Vasanti Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Nestled on the east-facing slopes of our West Bench Block in Osoyoos, B.C., the moderated heat and even sunlight foster the growth of exceptional grapes. This unique growing site yields a Cabernet Sauvignon that is truly distinct.
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Okanagan Valley
Tasting notes:
Nose: Ripe Dark Berries, Black Plum, Warm Spice, Cedar, Leather, Hint of Mint
Palate: Succulent Berries, Black Plum, Clove, Cedar, Black Currant, Leather
Body: Full
Sweetness: Dry
Tannins: High & Velvety
Acidity: High
Finish: Very Long
Serving Recommendations:
Serving Temperature: 16-18C / 60-64F
Decanting Time: 60 minutes
Serving Glass: Oversized and/or Bordeaux
Cellar Recommendation: 0 to 10 years
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
- 100% of the grapes used to produce this wine are from the West Bench block at Monarch Vineyards in Osoyoos, B.C.
- Growing Characteristics:
- Even the distribution of heat from the morning and afternoon sunlight
- Mild Eastern-facing slope that arcs towards the lake and mitigates some of the burning heat typical to the region
- Sandy soils with traces of granite deposits offer great drainage to help develop a strong root system for the vines
Production Notes
- All of these grapes were harvested at 24 brix
- Fermented in stainless steel tanks with 3 pump-overs per day
- Aged for 19 months in 50% new American Oak and 50% Neutral Oak barrels
It really was difficult to pick just one of these wines as my favourite, but I diligently persevered tasting the wines, comparing and savouring. In the end it was the Cabernet Sauvignon by a nose.
Beautiful scents of dark fruits tantalize and tease the nose. For me the aromas of the wine speak volumes about the quality and taste to come. I like to take time to just enjoy identifying those moments as the complexity of the wine shows through.
Initially ripe blackberries, followed by Italian plum, a hint of rosemary. As it swirls in the glass the more subtle aromas emerge, although less prominent still distinctive. Leather and hints of allspice.
On the palate the essence of richness gives way to the luscious ripe fruit, wild blackberries fresh from the vine, some cranberry, and dark cherries in their juice. The tannins are delicate, the wine like velvet in the mouth.
Of the two wines I would deem this one to be the more sophisticated, slightly finer depending on the individual palate. For me it was smooth and rich with ripe fruit flavours prevalent.
This wine is so delicious it is tempting to enjoy it now, and you should, but this is also a wine to save. A cellar-worthy wine that will only improve with age.
A wine club exclusive.
Join Our Wine Clubs – The Zephyr & Aurora Clubs Await You
At Vasanti Estate Winery, we’re excited to offer two distinct wine club memberships –
each tailored to provide you with a unique wine experience.
The Zephyr Wine Club
Customizable Selections: Choose from 6+ wines every 6 or 12 months, tailored to your taste.
First Access & 10% Discount: Get priority access to new releases and events, plus a 10% discount on future purchases.
Free Shipping on Cases: Benefit from free shipping on full case orders (12+ bottles) and a $20 flat rate for other orders Canada-wide.
Flexible Membership: Freedom to cancel or skip shipments anytime, ensuring convenience and satisfaction.
Annual Complimentary Tasting: Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting each year at our winery.
JOIN THE CLUB
The Aurora Wine Club
Enhanced Selection: Receive 6+ handpicked bottles, including exclusive limited releases and reserves, with flexible frequency options (1-4 months).
Exclusive Access & 15% Discount: Enjoy first access to limited and library wines, and a generous 15% discount on all future purchases.
Comprehensive Free Shipping: Free shipping on all orders Canada-wide (minimum 6 bottles) with a discounted flat-rate on smaller orders.
No Long-Term Commitments: Ultimate flexibility with the option to skip shipments or cancel orders whenever desired.
Exclusive Experiences: Invitations to a private tasting room, priority event booking, and an annual private vineyard tour, plus a complimentary tasting for you and a guest.
JOIN THE CLUB
Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, our clubs offer the perfect way to explore, savour, and celebrate the world of fine wine. Discover new flavours, enjoy member-exclusive benefits, and become part of a community that shares your passion for wine.
Cheers to new beginnings and memorable wine experiences!
Vasanti Estate Winery
Family Owned & Operated.
Nestled in the heart of Oliver, BC, Vasanti Estate Winery is a family-owned gem in the Okanagan. Our dedication to handcrafting wines is evident in every bottle, reflecting our family’s commitment to the rich traditions of BC wine
Quality Focused.
At Vasanti Estate Winery, quality is our signature. From the sun-kissed vineyards of Oliver and Osoyoos, BC, to the bottle, we focus on quality grape and wine production. Each wine is a testament to our dedication to setting the bar for premium BC wines.
The Sidhu Family – Deep Roots
Deep-Rooted Tradition.
With over 40 years of farming experience in the Okanagan, the Sidhu family has deep roots in Oliver, BC. Our wines are a celebration of our deep-rooted heritage and our commitment to producing premium quality Okanagan wines.
Read more of the MyVanCity.ca reviews of the Vasanti wines here.
Tasting notes, wine profiles, wine club info and about Vasanti courtesy of the winery. My notes (in bold italics). Images: MyVanCity. I received complimentary wines to facilitate this feature.
