Jul
8
Written by:
John Gerum
7/8/2008 12:37 PM
I had the privilege of visiting with one of the owners of Little Straw Vineyards, Rick Slamka, on a recent trip to the valley this spring. Construction of a comfortable new tasting room is completed and is welcoming visitors. I always enjoy wineries that produce rare and exceptional wines, such as Little Straw.
The Wine Maker, Peter Slamka, produces the only Auxerrois Icewine in the world. This wine is produced from some of the oldest Auxerrois vines in the valley. The
2002 Auxerrois Icewine reveals a candied apricot, nectarine and burnt caramel nose. On the palate it displays butterscotch and spice with a soft clean and lingering finish.
The
2007 Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best I have tasted lately, and it displays lovely undertones of lemon, grapefruit and fresh cut grass aromas. Medium bodied with brisk acidity a perfect match for halibut or sole.
Another unusual and rare offering is the
2006 Sparkling Pinot Noir. Peter has added a tiny amount of CO2 to this wine. Easy drinking with hints of cherry and raspberry, this dry and earthy sparkler would be ideal as a salmon match this summer.
Pinot Noir has always been a strong suit for Little Straw and the
2005 Pinot Noir is no exception. The 2005 vintage was ideal for Pinot Noir and the wine displays darker colour than the 2004 and more fruit extract. Cassis, dark cherry, spice and smoke lead to a slight hint of moist earth. Beautifully balanced this wine is priced well compared to other high end Pinot Noirs' in the valley.
Next time you are near Westbank, Kelowna, stop by the gently slopping vineyards near Mount Boucherie and sample a few of the rarest wines in the valley.