Top Wine Picks! Flat Rock Cellars
Over the last fifteen years, Flat Rock Cellars has been carving out a reputation on the Jordan Bench, primarily with the grapes Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. They've also managed to keep things interesting by releasing new bottlings based on blends or specific blocks from their 80-acre vineyard. For example, the rich and spicy 2013 Seriously Twisted, a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer (the Pinot juice is pressed off the skins before any contact to make a white wine), or the Rogue, a bottling that changes vintage to vintage and is used to showcase something unique. The Rogue from 2011 is a savoury and spicy Syrah vinified in an old-world style. Last October, I had a chance to sit down and taste the Flat Rock wines and write about them on My Wine Canada. This week, I was excited to revisit the wines nearly one year later and see what's new. Here are a few of my favourites:
Riddled is a sparkling wine made from a blend of Chardonnay (92%) and the balance of Pinot Noir in the same method used in Champagne (the Traditional Method), and aged for four years. It's toasty with brioche notes, green apple and lemon. The high acid makes for a fresh and vibrant sparkler. ($30.15, 12% alcohol.)
2) Flat Rock Cellars 2014 'Nadja's Vineyard' Riesling
A favourite of mine last vintage, the Nadja's Vineyard Riesling is a star again. The grapes come from a one-hectare plot, planted in 2001. It's off-dry with racy acidity that lingers long after each sip. You'll find white floral aromas and characters like green apple, lime, peach, and unripe apricot. Delicious and only 9.5% alcohol. ($20.15).
3) Flat Rock Cellars 2012 Red Twisted
The 2012 Red Twisted is a harmonious blend that exhibits fruit characters from all three grapes, particularly the savoury notes of Syrah like black pepper, dried herbs, and steak rub. You'll also find the cherry and blackberry notes lent by the Pinot Noir and Merlot. I love the lifted aromatics and the freshness on the palate. ($23.15, 13.5% alcohol.)
And don’t forget – buy six or more wines from Flat Rock Cellars via My Wine Canada and receive free shipping when you enter the FREE15 coupon code at checkout. Free shipping runs until September 20th at midnight.
Jake Skakun is a writer and sommelier from Vancouver, currently living in Toronto. He can be found most days pulling corks and twisting caps at the Black Hoof. He Tweets and Instagrams @jakeskakun.
