Township 7 wines for the holidays

Photo: Township 7 winemaker Mary McDermott

Like most Okanagan producers, Township 7 Vineyards & Winery made most of the wines for its 2024 vintage with Washington and California grapes. Look for them next year under a new tier: The Interlude Series. The devastation of the January 2024 freeze did not extend to the Fraser Valley where Township 7 has a satellite vineyard and winery. Mary McDermott, Township 7’s winemaker, writes: “We’re pleased to have harvested 4.6 metric tons of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from our Langley vineyards, soon to be crafted into our beloved seven stars sparkling wines.”

Currently, there are six sparkling wines in the seven stars series, an indication of Mary’s dedication to making sparkling wine. The current releases include Rigel, a traditional method sparking wine made with Riesling grapes from an Oliver vineyard.

Here are notes on the wines.

Township 7 Benchmark Series Riesling 2021 ($29.97 for 283 cases). The fruit, from the Fool’s Gold Vineyard near Oliver, was fermented slowly in concrete (a small portion was fermented in old barriques). It was en tirage for 12 months. This is a classic, dry Riesling with good texture. There is a hint of petrol on the aroma. On the palate, there are flavours of citrus and stone fruit. 91.

Township 7 Benchmark Series Syrah 2020 ($N/A for 539 cases). This is a wine club exclusive. The fruit is from the Fool’s Gold Vineyard. An 18-day fermentation extracted rich colour and flavour. The wine was aged 24 months in French and American oak barriques. The wine begins with aromas of dark fruits and pepper, leading to flavours of plum mingled with pepper and chocolate. The long ripe tannins give the wine a persistent finish. 92.

Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2022 ($N/A for 750 cases). Merlot from Oliver and from the Naramata Bench were blended for this wine, made in an excellent vintage. This is a concentrated Merlot aged 18 months in French (67%) and American (33%) oak barrels. It has aromas of dark cherry and spice leading to layers of cherry and plum mingled with spice, chocolate and oak. 91.

seven stars Rigel 2022 ($36.97 for 729 cases). This sparkling wine is made with Riesling. The wine is crisp, with bright acidity and aromas and flavours of lemon and apple. The active mousse lends the wine an attractive presentation in the glass. 91.