SpearHead specializes in Pinot Noir

Photo: Winemaker Grant Stanley

SpearHead Winery, based in southeast Kelowna, has established itself as one of the best Pinot Noir producers in the Okanagan since Grant Stanley took over as winemaker and general manager in 2017. Born in Vancouver in 1967 and trained in New Zealand, Grant previously spent 10 years at the Quails’ Gate winery and four at 50th Parallel Estate. Both specialize in Pinot Noir. Grant, who has his own Pinot Noir vineyard in West Kelowna, once told me: “I think about Pinot Noir 80% of the time.” I replied that his other wines never tasted as if they had been neglected. For the record, SpearHead’s portfolio also includes very fine Rieslings, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. However, the most recent release consisted of three single vineyard Pinot Noirs. Here are notes on the wines.

SpearHead Coyote Pinot Noir 2019 ($36 for 350 cases). On tasting this wine, it is easy to see why Clone 115 is such a reliable workhorse clone of Pinot Noir. The Coyote vineyard is in West Kelowna. This is a pretty wine with bright aromas and flavours of cherry and strawberry. There are floral and berry notes on the long and bright finish. The wine was matured 13 months in French oak (25% new). 91.

SpearHead Saddle Block Pinot Noir 2019 ($36 for 450 cases). This is the estate vineyard in South Kelowna. This is 67% Clone 115, 33% Clone 828. The grapes were fermented with wild yeast and matured 13 months in French oak (25% new). The wine is rich and full-bodied, with aromas of dark cherry. On the palate, the concentrated flavours include dark cherry mingled with hints of forest floor. The spice on the finish recalls black licorice. 93.