Stoneboat's low-key winemaking worth finding

Photo: William Adams, winemaker at Stoneboat

William (Bill) Adams, the winemaker at Stoneboat Pinot House, is one of the most low-key of Okanagan winemakers. He makes up for his low profile by making very solid wines. Here is his biography on the Stoneboat website:

“Bill began his winemaking career in Ontario where he completed a three year wine making program at Niagara College. Working under veteran winemaker David Hojnoski at Palatine Hills Estate Winery, Bill learned the fun side of winemaking and and developed impeccable winemaking practices. A visit to experience the Okanagan wine region in 2006 kept Bill here ever since. During his four years working with Pascal Madevon, a French viticulturist and winemaker, at Osoyoos LaRose, he met Stoneboat’s Jay Martiniuk and our friendship with Bill began. Bill joined Stoneboat after a year as cellar master at Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars. His sensitive approach to winemaking, and his experience with Pinot varieties in particular, make him the perfect match for Stoneboat’s approach to honest, expressive wines.”

The Stoneboat winery was opened in 2007 by veteran vine propagator Lanny Martiniuk and his family. In 2021, they sold the winery to Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff. With the backing of Rudy’s family, they already were establishing a companion winery called Valley Commons. Aside from cosmetic touches to the Stoneboat tasting room, they have continued to operate the winery as before, leaving Bill in charge of the cellar. Pinot Noir and Pinotage continue to be the signature varietals. That explains why the winery, once called Stoneboat Vineyards, has taken to calling itself Stoneboat Pinot House.

Here are notes on some current releases.

Stoneboat Pinot Gris 2022 ($24 for 885 cases). The wine begins with aromas of pear, nectarine and citrus. The palate is a fruit basket of peach, apple and pear. The finish is crisp and refreshing. 90.

Stoneboat Rosé 2022 ($24 for 1,008 cases). This is made with Pinot Noir. The wine, with a pale hue, is crisp and refreshing, with aromas and flavours of strawberry and raspberry. 89.

Stoneboat Pinot Noir 2020 ($32 for 1,509 cases). This wine was aged 15 months in barrel. The wine is full-bodied with the elegance and balance that characterized the 2020 vintage for reds. There are aromas and flavours of spice, cherry and blackberry. The texture is silky. 90.

Stoneboat Pinot Noir Reserve 2021 (100 cases). This wine begins with aromas of cherry and strawberry. On the palate, there are flavours of cherry, blackberry and spice. The texture is full and the finish is silky. 91.

Stoneboat Pinotage Reserve 2021 (253 cases). The exotic personality of Pinotage is appealing (at least to me). This wine begins with aromas of plum and dark cherry. On the palate, blueberry flavours mingle with cherry and pomegranate. The finish is both savoury and spicy. 92.

Stoneboat Heritage Winemaker’s Blend 2021 ($N/A for 98 cases). This is an unusual blend of 50% Pinotage and 50% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged 15 months in French oak (25% new). The wine begins with aromas of spice, blackberry and raspberry. On the palate, flavours of black currant mingle with dark chocolate and spice. The wine is full-bodied with a long finish. 93.