Noble Ridge celebrates its 20th vintage this year

Photo: Proprietors Leslie and Jim D'Andrea (courtesy of Noble Ridge)

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery is celebrating its 20th vintage in 2023 with as many celebrations as can be packed into a busy summer. Check the winery’s website to find an event that works for you if you are visiting the Okanagan Falls wine region this summer. Proprietors Leslie and Jim D’Andrea purchased a small vineyard here in 1986. The vineyard holdings subsequently were expanded to 24 acres, supporting a production growth from 540 cases in 2003 to 7,500 cases currently.

The portfolio now encompasses three tiers of Chardonnay along with other white blends; topflight sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and red Meritage blends. The surprise is that most, if not all, of the wines, are estate grown. The topography of the two Noble Ridge vineyards is such that the winery can mature Cabernet Sauvignon on one steep, south-facing slope and Pinot Noir and other Champagne varieties on a cool northerly exposure. A currently-released trio of wines celebrates the versatility of the vineyard. Here are my notes.

Noble Ridge Rosé 2022 ($24.99 for 460 cases). This delicately pink rosé is made with Merlot grapes that were given just two hours of skin contact. It has aromas of apple and rhubarb leading to flavours of strawberry and watermelon. The finish is crisp and refreshing. 90.

Noble Ridge Pinot Noir Reserve 2019 ($34.99 for 376 cases). This wine is made with clones 113, 114, 115 and 777. The bunches were destemmed, crushed and cold-soaked for five days before undergoing a warm ferment. The wine was aged 14 months in French oak (10% new). It is a dense, brooding wine with aromas of dark fruit. On the palate, there are flavours of black olives, plums and spice. The finish lingers. 92.

Noble Ridge Meritage Reserve 2020 ($42.99 for 900 cases). The blend is 74% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec. The wine was fermented warm and aged 14 months in barrel – 70% French, 30% American and, with 27% being new oak. The wine begins with aromas of cherry, blueberry and cassis. On the palate, there are flavours of black currant, plum and blueberry. The polished texture and the seamless balance are typical of the 2020 vintage. 92.