Meyer's red wine inventory is abundant

Photo: Mayhem winemaker Ajay Chavan (photo courtesy Mayhem Wines)

Fans of Meyer Family Vineyards will be pleased to learn that this Okanagan Falls winery has a good inventory of Pinot Noir to help bridge the production shortfall caused by the 2024 winter freeze. “We have plenty of BC reds in our portfolio, including our 2021 and 2022 Cabernet Merlot plus the Anarchy Merlot 2022,” writes Angela Grant, a sales representative for both Meyer and Mayhem, a sister winery. These, she adds, “will carry us through this year [2024] and next.”

However, the inventory of white wines is not so deep. Last fall, Meyer sourced both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Rosé in Washington State. Angela continues: “Mayhem welcomed some white wine and a small amount of Merlot for rosé from a reputable winery in Washington. Our winemaker, Ajay Chavan, was excited about this opportunity and confident of producing the bright, lively and aromatic wines that Mayhem is renowned for. This was a temporary solution for us to supplement some white wines in our portfolio for the next season. We look forward to continuing our partnership with our BC growers again next vintage.” In the spring, Mayhem plans to release Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, rosé and cans of sparkling wine, all made from Washington grapes.

Here are notes on current releases from these two wineries.

Meyer Gewürztraminer 2023 ($19.22). This is a straight-forward take on a varietal that has fallen out of favour from its glory days in the 1990s. This wine has classic aromas and flavours of spice, orange blossom and citrus. The dry finish makes it well-suited as a wine with food. 88.

Meyer Okanagan Valley Chardonnay 2023 ($21.83 f0r 350 cases). The fruit for this wine was sourced from the estate vineyard as well as from a Naramata vineyard and the Anarchist Mountain vineyard. It was fermented 50% in older French oak barrels and 50% in stainless steel. The aromas of apple and citrus are echoed on the fruit-forward palate. The wine’s lightly golden hue presents well in the glass. 89.

Meyer Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir 2023 ($25.30 for 1,822 cases). This wine, which was aged six months in seasoned French oak barrels and puncheons, is excellent value. It is rich in texture, with aromas and toasty flavours of cherry mingled with chocolate. 90

Meyer Pinot Noir 2023 “B” Field Blend ($31.39). This wine, which was aged in oak for 11 months, has aromas of cherry leading to flavours of cherry mingled with mocha notes. The texture is silky and full. An appealing wine. 92.

Mayhem Anarchy Merlot 2022 ($45 for 295 cases). This is an excellent Merlot from a great vintage. The wine begins with aromas of cassis, spice and black cherry. The palate is rich with flavours of plum, black cherry and spice. The finish is long. 92.