Perched on the hills of the Golden Mile Bench, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is a must stop for every wine lover. Established over fifteen years ago, Tinhorn Creek consistently delivers a top drawer wine experience. From the exquisite dining at Miradoro Restaurant, under the expert hand of Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest, to the concerts in the amphitheatre, this is a winery that you'll want to visit often and plan to spend some time. "We like our visitors to feel that they are really part of the whole experience," says Lindsey White, Marketing and Sales, "we've designed a self guided tour to explore our cellar, the barrel room, and a demonstration vineyard with a row of everything we grow, so that you can taste a Chardonnay grape and a Pinot Gris and see the difference. People are welcome to bring a picnic lunch for the amphitheatre, or enjoy a glass of wine and the view on the patio." Five times a year the Canadian Concert Series brings the best of indie Canadian bands to Tinhorn Creek (Sloan on September 8) and during the Fall Wine Festival there is the Chef vs Chef Winemakers Dinner, the Crush Club Fall Pick Up party, the popular "Let's Talk Gewürz” hike and lunch with Proprietor Kenn Oldfield and the “Search for a Perfect Pairing”, also at Miradoro. Check their website: www.tinhorn.com for details and dates.
One of the recent focuses for Sandra Oldfield, Proprietor and Winemaker, is small case lots reserve wines. This year saw the release of only 250 cases of the 2008 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir, aged in French Oak barrels for 12 months and bottle aged for 3 years. This extra time in the cellar has provided a stellar Pinot Noir.
Oldfield Series 2 Bench Red $34.99
The 2008 Oldfield Series 2Bench Red is densely extracted and ruby in colour. It is powerfully concentrated with black cherries, blackberries, black currant and notes of leafy tobacco, and menthol aromas. This wine has flavours of racy black fruit and delicate herbs. Firm tannins and refreshing acidity ensure that this wine will stand the test of time.
Oldfield Series 2 Bench White $22.99
Highly aromatic, this wine is a blend of 5 different varietals – 52% Chardonnay, 31% Sauvignon Blanc, 11% Viognier, 3% Semillon, 3% Muscat. It’s like a ‘party in the mouth’ and is delicious and crisp served on its own, or pairs well with food.
~ Terry Meyer-Stone