Six wines from Chronos

 

Photo: Chronos winemaker Lynzee Schatz (courtesy of Time winery)

The Chronos brand has emerged as a premium tier of wines at the Time winery in Penticton. Time was established in a former movie theatre in downtown Penticton by the late Harry McWatters. The new owners who took over after his death in 2019 have extended the portfolio under the able hand of winemaker Lynzee Schatz.

As well, the Time brand inspired not just Chronos but also the name for the winery’s restaurant, which is OROLO. Christa-Lee McWatters, the winery general manager, explains that “OROLO is named for ‘horology’ – the study of time.” The OROLO restaurant is adjacent to the Chronos tasting room. “Here, visitors move seamlessly from tasting to dining, or dining to tasting,” Christa-Lee writes.

Here are notes on six wines that you can taste.

Chronos Pinot Gris 2022 ($24.95 for 335 cases). The wine was fermented cool and stayed on the lees for three months, resulting in a crisp and fresh wine with generous texture. The wine has aromas of pear and citrus, leading for flavours of pear, peach and nectarine. The finish lingers. 91.

Chronos Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ($29.99). The wine begins with aromas of herbs mingled with citrus. On the palate, there are flavours of lime and passion fruit. 90.

Chronos Rosé 2022 ($25.99). This rosé is made with Syrah. Limited skin contact produced a delicate pink hue. While the aromas are a bit elusive, the wine is packed with flavour: pink grapefruit, red plum and watermelon. 91.

Chronos Merlot 2020 ($29.99 for 700 cases). Aged in barrel (20% new), this wine is immediately appealing with aromas of cassis, blackberry and plum. On the palate, it delivers flavours of blackberry, dark cherry and black currant. The wine’s firm backbone suggests this wine should be decanted for immediate consumption or cellared several years. 91.

Chronos Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ($39.99 for 476 cases). This wine was aged in French and American oak barrels (20% new). Dark in colour, it begins with aromas of dark cherry and black currant mingled with hints of oak. On the palate, there are flavours of black cherry, black currant, dark chocolate and cedar. The finish is persistent. 92.

Chronos Syrah 2020 ($39.99 for 403 cases). Here is another wine that exhibits the superb balance that the 2020 vintage produced in red wines. The wine, which was aged in both French and American oak barrels, begins with aromas of plum, dark cherry and spice. Rich on the palate, the wine delivers flavours of plum and blueberry with a hint of white pepper and cloves on the finish. 92.