No exaggeration it was a celebration. At first I thought “somehow I’ve interlopped on the A-list party”. The Laughing Stock and Culmina Meet the Makers celebration was one of the premier events of the fall wine season showcasing some outstanding wines from both wineries. We were entertained with the sounds of Christmas by a string quartet as we strolled about the room tasting wine and enjoying the panoramic views from the elegantly, seasonally decorated Oceanview Suite of the Pan Pacific Hotel.
The cocktail style wine tasting was matched by delicious offerings to pair with the wines; everything from a charcuterie and fromage board to some tasty, Asian inspired appetizers.
Nevertheless I was not deterred or distracted, even by the beautiful holiday decor, I was on a mission to systematically taste the wines from Laughing Stock and Culmina, starting with the white wines not in any particular order. Of course my palate knows what it likes so without further delay I started with the LFNG 2021 Viognier.
LFNG 2021 Viognier
The Viognier grows at our Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos and BullPine vineyard. An hour south of the Naramata Bench winery site, this vineyard is hotter and provides the extra heat units that Viognier requires to ripen fully.
Insider Tip: The trick with Viognier is to get optimal ripeness without losing acidity, thus choosing the right day to pick is critical.
winemaking notes
The grapes were whole cluster pressed and fermented in 50% neutral French oak, and 50% concrete eggs, and aged sur lie for 6 months.
Our winemaking team has been using concrete eggs since 2011, however they have been used in winemaking for centuries. Concrete fermenters are slightly porous thus allowing the wine to breathe, while the egg shape keeps the wine in constant movement.
vintage notes
The 2021 growing season is one that will be remembered for a long time. The season was marked by intense heat in the Okanagan. The resulting budbreak gave us berries that grew to a small size and the clusters were loose. These small berries had a high concentration of flavour, colour, and tannins. The vintage started slow but by mid summer the vines were progressing well. The crop was light in general which allowed the quality to really shine. Loosely formed bunches with smaller than average berry size, allowed for full sunlight penetration with resultant development of intense fruit flavours.
The Viognier is from of our Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos and Bullpine and Thomas Ranch in Okanagan Falls.
Opening with beautiful notes of fresh stone fruits with aromas of Barlett pear. Floral notes and scents of Peace roses linger in the wine glass.
Some light oak on the palate but light and refreshing with excellent acidity and minerality. I found it pleasantly herbaceous. Very enjoyable. 50/50 oak and concrete
$27.99 available online
LNFG 2020 Chardonnay
Making a well-balanced Chardonnay is a challenge that requires both a level of judgment and restraint to fully showcase the fruit characteristics, together with fullness and finesse.
The 2021 growing season is one that will be remembered for a long time. The season was marked by intense heat in the Okanagan. The resulting budbreak gave us berries
that grew to a small size and the clusters were loose. These small berries had a high concentration of flavour, colour, and tannins. The vintage started slow but by mid summer the vines were progressing well. The crop was light in general which allowed the quality to really shine.
wine profile
This vintage of Chardonnay offers aromas of ripe pineapple, lemon meringue, burnt sugar and ripe Williams pear. The palate is bright and juicy with mouth-watering acidity. The mid-palate adds notes of warm brioche with lemon zest. The wine is light on its feet and balances the fruit and oak with a long mineral finish.
winemaking notes
This year’s Chardonnay grapes were sourced from some of the South Okanagan’s best sites, ranging from Okanagan Falls to Osoyoos. The grapes were fermented 78% in barrel and 22% in concrete egg with 20% being new French oak. The wine was aged 9 month sur lie and stirred, with a partial malolactic conversion allowed to occur.
vintage notes
The 2021 growing season is one that will be remembered for a long time. The season was marked by intense heat in the Okanagan. The resulting budbreak gave us berries that grew to a small size and the clusters were loose. These small berries had a high concentration of flavour, colour, and tannins. The vintage started slow but by mid summer the vines were progressing well. The crop was light in general which allowed the quality to really shine.
vineyard
Thomas Ranch & Hawthorn Mountain Okanagan Falls, Darkhorse Vineyard Oliver
With a mix of 10% concrete, 30% new French oak, 30% second use French oak and 30% third use French oak it is obvious great care is taken to produce a Chardonnay that is a standout.
The wine exhibited a lighter but classic oak scent, yet at the same time I would describe it as subtle, clean and fresh, finishing with scents of pear.
A very approachable Chardonnay for those that are either new to the varietal or lesser fans of a heavily oaked, buttery style. This wine is light and crisp. Although personally I can find Chardonnay to be challenging this one was very nice and an enjoyably drinkable example of good winemaking.
$31.99 available online
Culmina 2020 Decora Riesling
Latin for pretty or fine, Decora is a vibrant expression of Riesling. Floral and fruity with underlying notes of chalky minerality.
VINEYARD SOURCE
100% estate grown Riesling from Margaret’s Bench
WINEMAKING
Fermented in stainless steel (100%).
TASTING NOTE
Finely scented with daisies, dried apricots, toasted almonds and yeasty aromatics, Decora showcases delicacy and complexity. The verve and brightness of the palate are balanced by creaminess, with notes of starfruit and fuzzy peaches. The terroir of Margaret’s bench shines through on a finish marked by flinty minerality.
FOOD PAIRING
Slow-roasted pork belly with gooseberry chutney served over sautéed watercress
Excellent scents of diesel prevails with a bit of gentle almond, subtle with some oak and floral notes.
Initially just a hint of diesel on the palate followed by good acidity, some oak, vanilla and tropical flavours of pineapple and coconut with stone fruit accents.
$23.00
Wine Club Exclusive
Culmina 2021 Unicus
VINEYARD SOURCE
100% estate grown Grüner Veltliner from Margaret’s Bench
WINEMAKING
Fermented in a combination of concrete egg (40%), concrete amphora (30%), and Neutral French Oak (30%)
TASTING NOTE
Bright straw yellow in colour, white grapefruit aromatics burst from the glass followed closely by notes of white pepper, pineapple and freshly cut grass. The custardy texture of the palate is marked by herbaceous pine resin and Key lime pie flavours. Lively acidity is balanced by spiciness on a lingering finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Kaffir-lime leaf and coconut scented Panang curry garnished with peanuts
Aromas of a fruit salad with pineapple, coconut. So tropical with fondant, marshmallow and meringue followed by citrus and Mandarin orange.
The palate mirrors the nose with fruit as it teases with perfect acidity and dense minerality. Lingering and spicy with a citrusy finish.
Superb, smooth and mellow. So very drinkable.
$29.00 available online
Culmina 2018 Dilemma Chardonnay
A well-balanced palate provides savoury, rich notes of brioche, toasted almonds and roasted chestnuts complimented by lively acidity.
VINEYARD SOURCE
100% estate-grown Chardonnay from Margaret’s Bench
WINEMAKING
Fermented in 30% Stainless Steel, 30% new French Oak, and 40% 1-2 yr old French Oak
TASTING NOTE
An expressive nose displays ample amounts of bright pineapple, lemon curd and citrus notes with hints of chamomile. A well-balanced palate provides savoury, rich notes of brioche, toasted almonds and roasted chestnuts complimented by lively acidity. Dilemma’s interplay of richness and liveliness provides the structure for a long and intriguing finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Ricotta gnudi with spring vegetables and smoked steelhead trout
Scents of oak, grass, some petrol and faint diesel on the nose. Some fruit notes and overall subtle aromas.
Spicy with vanilla notes and some slightly tropical flavours. Warm and mellow on the palate. A wonderful lingering acidity with intense minerality. Another excellent Chardonnay, and especially for those new to Chardonnay exploration.
$35.00 wine club exclusive
Now moving onto reds after enjoying a plate, or two, of delectable goodies while taking a pause to listen to the harmonious sounds of the quartet.
Culmina 2019 Malbec
Our single-varietal expression of Malbec comes from our Arise Bench vineyard along the Golden Mile Bench. Well-balanced with rich fruit offset by supple, silky tannins and oolong tea flavours. Rich mulberry and plum linger on the deep, intriguing finish.
VINEYARD SOURCE
100% Malbec from two micro-blocks on Arise Bench.
WINEMAKING
Matured for 16 months in a combination of 23% new, 52% 1-year old and 25% 3-year old French Oak.
TASTING NOTE
Complex and expressive, the nose evolves from lavender to roasted plums and Mission figs to spicy notes of allspice and cinnamon. The palate is well-balanced with rich fruit offset by supple, silky tannins and oolong tea flavours. Rich mulberry and plum linger on the deep, intriguing finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Farro salad with roasted beets, pistachios and pomegranate topped with crumbled ricotta salata
Ripe plum tantalizes the nose with passion, exhibiting lovely deep floral scents of roses, blackberries and leather. A deep rich ruby red colour in the glass.
On the palate ripe fruits with pronounced tannins, medium body with good acidity finishes with tobacco and spice. Would be a good wine for pairing.
$42.00 wine club exclusive
Culmina Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of ripe blackberry, cassis complimented by well integrated oak spice. The refined palate is mouth-coating with a supple texture. Flavours of black currant, clove nd cocoa powder build in intensity throughout the long finish.
VINEYARD SOURCE
100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from Arise Bench.
WINEMAKING
Matured for 16 months in a combination of new (25%) and 2-3 year-old (75%) French oak barrels.
TASTING NOTE
Rich cassis and black cherry notes are layered with cigar box, black pepper and cedar aromatics. The structured palate balances fine-grained tannins with generous dark fruits and cloves. Classically -styled and elegant, the finish balances power and finesse.
FOOD PAIRING
Rosemary, sage and mint crusted lamb loin with charred shishito peppers
Dark, ripe cherries, fresh picked blackberries, brioche. Hints of cinnamon and hard candy scents on the nose.
Delicious! Medium to somewhat heavier tannins. Big and bold with ripe fruits. Very smooth with excellent density and complexity.
Culmina 2017 Hyp0thesis
Bordeaux-style blend
Cassis, sweet tobacco, and wild sage aromatics greet your nose with notes of rose petals and Bing cherry. This complex bouquet hints at the intricacies of the palate with fresh juniper, black plum, and dark chocolate. The finish is both long and mouthwatering balancing sweet fruits and oak spice.
With scents just slightly more subtle than the Cabernet Sauvignon. The colour is a deep and rich ruby in the glass. Aromas are fresh and clean, blackberry mixed with raspberries and a touch of cranberry.
Light tannins introduce a refined, almost delicate density, delicious. The richness of the scents follows on the palate with cherries, cognac and brandy notes. Very drinkable and would be a good pairing.
LFNG 2020 Pinot Noir
vineyard
The fruit is 100% sourced from Thomas Ranch, Okanagan Falls.
wine profile
Also known as ‘the heartbreak grape’, Pinot Noir has been a fun challenge. BC’s cooler climate is showcasing Pinot Noir that is world class. The fruit is 100% sourced from Thomas Ranch, in Okanagan Falls. This region is known for growing Premium Tier 1 Pinot Noir. This vintage was barrel aged for 14 months in French oak barrels.
This is a classic interpretation of Pinot Noir. Filled with aromas of red cherry and black currant with cloves and sweet herbs, the nose keeps you coming back for more. On the palate, the velvety tannins are balanced by black tea, anise, and blueberry with a hint of fresh mushrooms.
The silkiness of this wine will pair nicely with roasted pork with fresh herbs. This will also stand up to richer dishes, like a baby rack of lamb served with Cipollini Onions and a red currant coulis.
INSIDER TIP: Small Cap release with just 600 cases produced.
winemaking notes
After hand picking, we double hand sort the grapes followed by whole berry fermentation. The whole berry fermentation was done in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then barrel aged for 14 months in French oak barrels.
vintage notes
The 2020 growing season started slow but by mid summer the vines were progressing well. The crop was light in general which allowed the quality to really shine. Loosely formed bunches with smaller than average berry size, allowed for full sunlight penetration with resulting development of intense fruit flavours. Cold weather and snow starting on Oct 22, which put a dramatic end to the growing season, but due to the light crop, grapes reached full flavor maturity.
Wines from the 2020 vintage are full-bodied with excellent flavours and harmonious balance. Overall, the wines are showing very balanced acidity with great fruit flavours, lush rich palates, and excellent fruit intensity.
$39.99 wine club exclusive
The scents of fruit are lighter, the wine has a clarity in the glass, with hints of tobacco, spice and plums.
Delectable ripe, ripe fruit abounds. Blackberries are prevalent. This one was to good to spit! A pinot style I love, love, love. Also worth noteing that when it comes to reds, hubby and I seldom agree, except this time when it was a hit for both of us.
LNFG 2019 Syrah
vineyard
The Perfect Hedge Vineyard on East Bench, Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley .
wine profile
Syrah has become a powerful varietal for BC winegrowers, both in terms of its success in growing well in the south Okanagan, and for what it has been delivering in the glass. Estate grown on our Perfect Hedge vineyard in Osoyoos, the style is inspired by Cote Rotie in Northern Rhone, blending 96% Syrah with 4% Viognier. This classic technique gives the nose a floral lift and softens the pepper note ever so slightly.
As you swirl the deep purple of the Syrah it reveals its violet edge. The nose has hints of salami and wild blueberries. The palate has an undertone of dehydrated berries, red licorice, and finishes with some pink peppercorn. This plush wine is rich and textured, with a long finish. It can easily be tucked away in the cellar for 5-7 years
INSIDER TIP – 100% of this wine was fermented as whole berry, which slows down the release of tannins imparting a silkiness to the tannins and a lush roundness to the Syrah.
winemaking notes
The Syrah was co-fermented with Viognier in stainless steel. All the fermentation happened as whole berries. After pressing, the wine was barrel aged for 20 months in 35% new French oak, 18% puncheons and the remainder in older French Oak barrels.
vintage notes
In 2019 Mother Nature hit us with many curve balls. The winter started off mild, even warming to above 0°C in January, however this would not last and in February we returned to more normal chilly temperatures. Spring began cool, but as summer approached the temperatures warmed, giving us a beautiful Okanagan summer with optimal temperatures in the vineyards. September started beautifully, but in the second week, the rain came and kept persistent throughout the month. October gave us some reprieve, until the frost hit the valley October 10th, causing ripening to shut down in many vineyards.
Harvest commenced September 25th with Pinot Gris from OK Falls. Shortly after, the Pinot Noir and Merlot started coming in and things did not slow down for the next month with the last grapes arriving November 5th. Despite the myriad of weather events, you can expect the wines to be fresh and vibrant with complex flavour profiles and balanced acidity.
A medley of berries and maraschino cherries on the nose.
Ripe berries with intense flavour, smooth, rich, and mellow. Blackberry jam with the slightest of tannin. A pleasure. Nice acidity with a spicy finish with hints of leather, tobacco and black pepper lingering on the palate.
$39.99 available online
LFNG Blind Trust Red 2020
vineyard source
Fruit is from multiple sites in Osoyoos including from the Perfect Hedge Vineyard.
wine profile
A blind trust is a financial trust in which the executors have full discretion over the assets, and the trust beneficiaries have no knowledge of the holdings of the trust. In this case, our Blind Trust is a wine in which the winemaker has full discretion over the blend, so you’ll just have to trust us.
The Blind Trust is the second label of our big Bordeaux inspired blends. Its robust taste profile and affordable pricing make it a solid investment.
Always a secretive blend, the 2020 vintage has a savory and sweet mix of fresh herbs and ripe fruit on the nose. This wine has notes of lavender and dark chocolate with hints of sweet vanilla on the finish. The palate balances juicy red cherry and cranberry notes with black plums. the wine has tension and offers structure with approachability. Drink now through 2028.
INSIDER TIP: Blind taste the Blind Trust and try to guess the varietals before disclosing the assets which are kept under wrap and seal of the capsule.
winemaking notes
Grapes are handpicked and hand sorted both by cluster and berry upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation is done mainly in stainless steel, with some oak fermenters and extended maceration on some lots. While both Blind Trust and Portfolio, our flagship blend, are treated exactly the same for the first 15 months, the selection process is about making Portfolio the best it can be, while making the Blind Trust approachable and better suited for drinking early-on. Tough decisions indeed, especially when each vintage has hundreds of barrels with 5 varietals from a dozen vineyard blocks.
If you want to blind taste the Blind Trust, read no further. Spoiler alert: 66% Merlot, 21% Malbec, and 13% Cabernet Franc, to create a multi-layered, complex wine.
vintage notes
The 2020 growing season started slowly but by mid summer the vines were progressing well. The crop was light in general which allowed the quality to really shine. Loosely formed bunches with smaller than average berry size allowed for full sunlight penetration with resulting development of intense fruit flavours. Cold weather and snow starting October 22, which put a dramatic end to the growing season, but due to the light crop, grapes reached full flavor maturity.
Wine from the 2020 vintage are full-bodied with excellent flavours and harmonious balance. Overall, the wines are showing very balanced acidity with great fruit flavours, lush rich palates, and excellent fruit intensity.
Lightly scented with dark fruits, blackberry, almonds and candy.
Fantastic! Light to medium tannins that tickle the palate with acidity and just the right amount of minerality. Smooth, mellow and a bit lighter than the Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Like being enveloped in a warm hug.
$32.99 available online
LFNG 2019 Portfolio
vineyards
Sourced from 3 sites in Oliver and from the Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos.
wine profile
Just like a finely balance stock portfolio, putting together a blended wine takes finesse and judgement so that the experience of the whole will be greater than the sum of the individual parts. Our Portfolio is a wine that marries the art and science of winemaking with a blend of Bordeaux varietals. For the past decade, Portfolio has routinely won top accolades from wine competitions and wine critics alike: a proven chart-topper.
Dark fruit, herbaceous notes, and sweet tobacco meet your nose first. On the palate this wine has some black cherry, cigar box, and cassis. This full-bodied blend has big tannins and a long finish with lots of aging potential. This wine could cellar for up to a decade.
winemaking notes
The 2019 vintage combines the five classic varietals: 49% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot to create a multilayered, complex wine.
Using double sorting tables to sort grapes first by cluster and then by berry allows us to put meticulous attention on using only the best grapes in our wines. The whole berry fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks as well as in oak. Portfolio sees 20 months in French oak barrels with 41% new French oak (20% of which were puncheons) and 59% second fill French oak.
vintage notes
In 2019 Mother Nature hit us with many curve balls. The winter started off mild, even warming to above 0°C in January, however this would not last and in February we returned to more normal chilly temperatures. Spring began cool, but as summer approached the temperatures warmed, giving us a beautiful Okanagan summer with optimal temperatures in the vineyards. September started beautifully, but in the second week, the rain came and kept persistent throughout the month. October gave us some reprieve, until the frost hit the valley October 10th, causing ripening to shut down in many vineyards.
Harvest commenced September 25th with Pinot Gris from OK Falls. Shortly after, the Pinot Noir and Merlot started coming in and things did not slow down for the next month with the last grapes arriving November 5th. Despite the myriad of weather events, you can expect the wines to be fresh and vibrant with complex flavour profiles and balanced acidity.
Scents of ripe plum and cinnamon combined with stewed fruit.
This was an extremely well balanced wine with approachable tannins and good acidity. Subtle dark fruit on the palate, not too heavy and lighter than the Syrah but equally mellow and smooth. A complex wine for those that appreciate the finer things.
$52.99 available online
Wine profiles, notes and bottle shots courtesy of the wineries.My notes (in italics). Images MyVanCity. With thanks to Kelm Communications for inviting me. I received an invitation to attend at no charge for myself and a guest, as well as complimentary wines to facilitate this feature. All opinions are my own.
