Field Collection Red 2017

What it is
A barrel-aged blend of Merlot and Zweigelt.

Where it was grown
Arrowleaf Estate, Lake Country, BC (87%)
Ritchie Farm, Lake Country, BC (13%)

When it was grown
The 2017 vintage started with a cool and wet spring that delayed the onset of bud break in the vines. The melting snowpack and spring rains caused flooding in the valley bottom and a lot of ground water in the vineyards.

Once the weather warmed in June, the vines responded with vigorous growth. The summer was hot and dry which caused many forest fires in the mountains around the valley. The conditions in the vineyards remained favourable and ripening of the grapes started in early September. The fall remained dry and warm, allowing the grapes to fully ripen despite the late start in the spring. The quality of the grapes was excellent with lower than average yields and smaller berry size.

How it was made
The grapes were harvested in late October and vinified separately. Both lots were fermented on the skins for 10 days before being pressed, racked and moved to oak barrels for 12 months. The barrel program consisted of 75% American oak and 25% Eastern European oak (20% new). After barrel aging the wine was given a coarse filtration and was bottled in the spring of 2019.

Technical Details
Residual Sugar 1.5 g/l
Acidity 5.3 g/l
Alcohol 14.5%
Cases Made 990