In 2009, brothers Michael and Don Bartier formed the company Bartier Bros. to work two vineyards in the southern Okanagan, and in 2015 they opened their own winery, where they now produce 3,000 cases a year. They kindly sent me the following wines to taste:
Bartier Bros. Muscat 2019 ($17.99)
Pale straw in colour; aromatic, spicy, orange blossom nose; light-bodied, dry, elegant and perfumed, tangerine and white peach flavour with a hint of bitterness on the finish for added interest. (90)
Bartier Bros. Gewürztraminer 2019 ($18.99)
Very pale straw with a lime tint; somewhat muted nose at the moment (needs time) of grapefruit, ginger with a light floral note; medium-bodied, lychee and peach flavour; nicely balanced and fine mouth-feel. (89)
Bartier Bros. Chardonnay Cerqueira Vineyard 2019 ($22.99)
Pale straw in colour; minerally, apple and lemon bouquet; medium-bodied, dry, apple and white peach flavours with mouth-watering acidity; well-balanced and lingering. (90)
Bartier Bros. Semillon 2019 ($19.99)
Pale straw colour; waxy, lanolin nose with a grassy note; medium-bodied, dry, green plum flavour with a floral uptick; lovely mouth-feel and great length. A beautifully balanced wine. (91)
Bartier Bros. Semillon Cerqueira Vineyard 2015
Pale straw colour; waxy, apricot bouquet with a note of dried white blossoms; just off dry, mature, custard apple flavour. A touch of oxidation on the finish, but still delicious, with great length. (89)
Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyard 2018 ($22.99)
Deep ruby in colour; lightly cedary nose of plums with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, savoury, earthy plum flavour; firmly structured with ripe bitter chocolate-flavoured tannins and lively acidity. (89)
Bartier Bros. Cabernet Franc Cerqueira Vineyard 2018 ($25.99)
Ruby coloured. Cedary, spicy, leafy nose of red berries; medium-bodied, dry, slightly herbal redcurrant flavour; well-structured, medium-and fresh on the palate. Beautifully balanced. (89)
Bartier Bros. Illegal Curve 2018 ($25.99)
(93.5% Merlot/6.5% Cabernet Franc)
Medium ruby in colour; lightly cedary, plum and pencil lead on the nose with a note of dried herbs; medium-bodied, dry, tart red fruit flavours with zesty acidity and ripe tannins on the finish. (88)
Bartier Bros. Syrah Cerqueira Vineyard 2018 ($22.99)
Deep ruby in colour; spicy, cedary, vanilla, blackberry and black pepper bouquet with a lick of licorice and dried herbs; medium to full-bodied, dry, savoury, black olive and blackberry flavours; well-balanced and lingering. (90)
Bartier Bros. The Orchard Row 2018 ($36.99)
(17% Cabernet Franc/16% Merlot/33% Gamay Noir/33% Pinot Noir)
Deep ruby colour; savoury, tobacco leaf and plum bouquet with a thread of minerality; medium-bodied, dry, cherry and plum flavours with firm but ripe tannins. Well-structured – an interesting blend. (89)
Bartier Bros. The Goal 2018 ($36.99)
(50% Merlot/50% Cabernet Franc)
Ruby colour; cedary, spicy, woodsy nose of plum and cherry with a floral top note; medium-bodied, dry, elegant, St. Emilion style; firmly structured and well-balanced with well-integrated oak. Red and blackcurrant flavours. Lovely mouth-feel. (91)
Other wines tasted:
The Pavillion Chenin Blanc 2019 ($11.95, LCBO #281311)
Bright, straw colour; citrus and guava nose with waxy notes; medium-bodied, dry, quite elegant for the price with a lovely mouth-feel and great balance. (90)
The Pavillion Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Boschendal, South Africa, $11.95, LCBO #222299)
Ruby colour with a purple rim; cedary, slightly spicy, blackberry nose with a herbal, licorice note; medium to full-bodied, dry, savoury blackberry flavour with fresh acidity. Good value. (89)
Bartier has a Advent program prior to Christmas that is smart marketing and fun to be involved with. Try it; it makes a great Xmas present!