Maverick's new releases showcase the 2022 vintage

Photo: Winemaker Andrew Windsor (courtesy Maverick Estate Winery)

Since taking over Maverick Estate Winery early in 2020, winemaker Andrew Windsor and winery president Jan Nelson have built effectively on the winery’s excellent reputation for quality. Four current releases showcase the 2022 vintage, which Andrew and numerous other winemakers believe is one of the best yet in the South Okanagan.

Andrew and Jan are backed by Bob and Barb Shaunessy, the former majority owners of Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery. Andrew and Jan had met the Shaunessy couple at Tinhorn Creek, where Andrew, with a master’s degree in oenology from the University of Adelaide, spent several years as chief winemaker. The Shaunessys are backing a strong team. Maverick was already an outstanding winery under the original owners. Now, the winery has the additional investment to advance it to another level both in volume and in quality.

The original estate vineyard, where planting began in 2009, has 7.4 acres under vine. Under its new owners, Maverick acquired 77 acres on the side of the mountain south of the winery and is developing additional vineyards there. The first 15 acres, at an elevation of 520 to 600 meters, were planted last year. Another 10 acres will be planted this year at elevations of 370 to 410 meters. “We planted the bulk [of the upper vineyard] to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc,” Jan says. “We added in a half-acre each of Vermentino and Tempranillo. This may be the only Vermentino in BC.” The lower vineyard will be planted to red varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and a half-acre each of Tempranillo and Petit Verdot. The winery also leases three vineyards in the South Okanagan. With these and the new plantings, Maverick is positioned to expand significantly from the 3,900 cases it produced in 2019.

Here are notes on the four wines from 2022.

Maverick Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ($23.98). This wine was fermented in both stainless steel and French oak, and aged for six months. It is an excellent expression of the varietal, with aromas of guava, lime and pineapple leaping from the glass. On the palate, tangy flavours of lime mingle with savoury herbal notes. The finish is bright, refreshing and very long. 94.

Maverick Pinot Gris 2022 ($22.98). This wine was fermented and aged six months in stainless steel. A small portion was fermented in neutral French oak to achieve a rich texture. The wine begins with aromas of pear and spice. The wine has flavours of pear, nectarine and apple. The finish is persistent. 92.

Maverick Rosé 2022 ($26.98). This wine is made with Syrah and had 12 hours of skin contact to give the wine a vibrant coral hue. The aroma is delicate and floral but the flavours are assertive: pink grapefruit, cherry and citrus. There is a pleasing hint of pepper on the long finish. 92.

Maverick Carbonic Syrah 2022 ($34.98). This wine is whole-clustered fermented. The point of carbonic fermentation is to encourage fermentation within each berry, accentuating aromas and flavours. This wine begins with intense aromas and flavours of pepper mingled with tapenade. There is an impression of fizz on the palate. The texture is soft. I would recommend drinking this young and lightly chilled. 91.