Tinhorn Creek celebrates 30 years

Photo: Winemaker Leandro Nosal

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has produced two exceptional red blends that will still be drinking well at the 40th anniversary and likely beyond that. The wines are labelled simply as Edition 93 and Edition 94. There are only 241 cases of Edition 93, from the 2020 vintage, and 245 cases of Edition 94 from the 2021 vintage. Each wine is priced at $60 a bottle.

Edition 93 marks the beginning of the winery in 1993. The winery was launched by Albertans Bob and Barb Shaunessy (as majority owners) in partnership with Kenn Oldfield, an oil industry consultant. Kenn went to the University of California at Davis to learn viticulture where he met a Rodney Strong winemaker, Sandra Cashman. She agreed to come to the Okanagan to make Tinhorn Creek’s wine; she and Kenn also married. Having an experienced California-trained winemaker enabled Tinhorn Creek to produce soundly-made wines from the start. When Sandra Oldfield, as she became known, was promoted to the presidency of Tinhorn Creek, the winery in 2014 recruited an Australian-trained Canadian, Andrew Windsor, as winemaker.

Andrew Peller Ltd. purchased Tinhorn Creek in 2017. Sandra resigned and, with Kenn, set up a wine industry consulting practice in the Okanagan. Andrew remained as winemaker until, with partners, he took over Maverick Estate Winery in 2020. Since 2021, the Tinhorn Creek winemaker has been Argentine-born Leandro Nosal. He would have finished Edition 93 and was fully responsible for Edition 94.

“Edition 93 celebrates the history of our winery, from its humble beginnings in 1993 to the present day,” the winery says in a note accompanying the wine. “Over the past 30 years, we have been committed to crafting exceptional wines that capture the essence of the Okanagan Valley’s unique terroir. Through hard work, dedication and a love for the land, we have grown from small beginnings to cultivating 150 acres of vineyards on the famed Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Bench. … Edition 93 is a blend of the best grapes from some of our oldest vines, which have been carefully nurtured over the years.” The winery continues: “Edition 94 celebrates our winery’s commitment to sustainable vineyard practices. … It is crafted from grapes that have been carefully tended using eco-friendly practices, resulting in a wine full of character that reflects the rich terroir of its origin.” Here are notes on the two wines.

Tinhorn Creek Edition 93 2020 ($60). This is a blend of 58% Merlot, 20% Syrah, 12% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine was aged 18 months in French oak. This is a bold, yet elegant, wine with aromas of cassis, dark cherry, plum and chocolate, all of which is echoed on the palate and the lingering finish. The tannins are long and polished. 95.

Tinhorn Creek Edition 94 2021 ($60). This is a blend of 27% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 19% Syrah and 10% Malbec. The wine was aged 18 months in French oak barrels. This is another big, ripe wine, beginning with aromas of dark fruits and chocolate. On the palate, there are flavours of cherry, currants, plum, dark chocolate and leather. The long ripe tannins lead to a persistent finish. 94.