Painted Rock Syrah

The Syrah is 100% estate-grown Syrah, drawn from two dedicated vineyard blocks. Block J is planted to Clone 100, while Block M is planted to Clone 99; Block M was originally planted in 2005.

For the well-documented 2021 vintage, the grapes were handpicked beginning October 25 and the finished wine matured for 18 months in oak. Thirty percent was new oak—80% French and 20% American—while the remaining 70% matured in second-fill French barrels. This gives the wine additional vanilla and spice while allowing Syrah’s fruit, pepper, and floral character to remain prominent.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep, saturated ruby-purple to nearly opaque crimson, reflecting the wine’s concentration.

Nose: Classic Syrah aromatics of violet and white pepper lead into blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry. Depending on vintage, additional nuances of cracked pepper, eucalyptus, almond, cassis, and savoury herbs emerge with air.

Palate: Rich and concentrated, with blackberry, plum, dark cherry, and cassis supported by velvety, integrated tannins. Peppery spice provides lift while subtle vanilla from barrel maturation adds roundness and depth. Recent vintages can also reveal savoury notes of blackberry leaf and cured meat, giving the wine an appealing Northern Rhône-like dimension beneath its ripe Okanagan fruit.

Finish: Long and structured, with lingering blackberry and plum, cracked pepper, savoury spice, and subtle vanilla. Despite its concentration, the Okanagan’s cooler nighttime temperatures help retain acidity and keep the wine balanced.