Two years ago, we decided to vinify the Chardonnay from our own Upper Bench Vineyard separately, producing another wine for our exclusive ‘Estate Grown’ series. As many of you will know, our Chardonnay has been our most awarded wine and this seemed like a natural progression.
This small batch Chardonnay was picked on October 5th, 2018 at 22.8 Brix then fermented, utilizing the natural yeasts present on the grape skins, in brand new French oak barrels. After fermentation, the Chardonnay was aged sure lie (on the now dead yeast cells) for 8 months in the same barrels. The result is 98 cases of this complex, balanced and textured wine. This is the most impressive Chardonnay we have made to date.
The 2018 Estate Chardonnay is a welcome addition to our ‘Estate Grown’ collection, along with Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
Now, we find ourselves at the end of summer facing a long winter at home, unable to travel to warmer climates and maybe even in isolation again, we at Upper Bench would like to assure you that we will be, as promised, continuing to offer limited time promotions through these troubling times to keep you all engaged with Upper Bench and make sure your cellars remain stocked.
2018 Estate Chardonnay
Only 98 cases produced
Price: $35 + tax
Club member price: $29.75 + tax
Nose: caramel, dulce de leche, gooseberry pie, lemon cream, tarragon
Palate: Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, pistachio, toasted marshmallow, seductive oak, Alpine flora
Click here to order yours now. Remember, we only made 98 cases of this wine and much of this has already been purchased by Club members so place your order now so you don’t miss out.
We are continuing to offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders within B.C. Simply enter the coupon code “freeshipping2020” when you check out through our website.
While our “Wine of the Year” winner, the 2019 Riesling, sold out almost immediately, we do still have very limited quantities of our two silver medal winners: the 2016 Estate Merlot and the 2016 Altitude.
2016 Estate Merlot
236 cases produced
Price: $40 + tax
Club member price: $34 + tax
Our Estate Merlot is a wine that you will want to have in your cellar. This is a perfectly balanced, premium red wine that you can keep for a special occasion or enjoy on any given Tuesday.
Nose: plum, black cherry, mincemeat, blueberry and molasses
Palate: clove, cedar, cassis and vanilla on the palate, all rounded out nicely with smooth tannins
2016 Altitude
320 cases produced
Price: $40 + tax
Club member price: $34 + tax
Altitude is our most premium wine. It is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, which has been aged for 20 months in 30% new French oak giving it a very rich and full mouthfeel. This is definitely one for the cellar. Or, if you just can’t wait, we recommend decanting it for an hour or two before enjoying, you’ll be glad you did!
Nose: black cherry, cassis, Damsun plum, cocoa, milk chocolate
Palate: black cherry, cocoa nibs, velvety tannins, cordial cherry and a well-rounded finish
We are continuing to offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders within B.C. Simply enter the coupon code “freeshipping2020” when you check out through our website.
Not in B.C? We are happy to offer complimentary out of province shipping on all orders of 6 bottles or more.
In addition, all orders of 6 or more bottles will receive a complimentary Upper Bench reusable cloth wine bag.
If you live locally, you are welcome to stop by the shop and pick up your wine. Our shop is open daily, 10am-5pm. Give us a call from the parking lot, and we can bring your order out to your vehicle for you. We also offer free local delivery within Penticton and Naramata.
Club members, please email Sarah directly to place your orders so she can ensure your 15% Club discount is applied.
As always, we want to sincerely thank you for your continued support of Upper Bench.