Thursday, March 3, 2011

Hester Creek's New Look

The origins of Hester Creek Estate Winery date back to 1968 with the first planting of Trebbiano grapes in their home vineyard in the Southern region of Okanagan Valley were made amidst the absence of a strong winemaking industry. Today, more than 40 years later, the industry has grown and much has changed, including ownership, new plantings of popular Bordeaux varietals, a modern production facility and a Mediterranian-styled Villa where guests can enjoy the vineyard lifestyle in the lap of luxury. Some of the original Trebbiano vines remain, producing one of their signature wines, but like all successful businesses, Hester Creek has embraced change and have recently announced the launch of a re-branding effort which updates the look and feel of its labeling.

Gone is the inconsistent branding of the past which offered little connection between the winery's two ranges of Classic and Reserve wines. Personally, I always liked the simple blue label of the reserve wines, but there was no continuity to the rest of the product line.

The new labels are modern, attractive and most importantly, display a consistency across the portfolio that was sorely lacking in the old labels. This attention to detail is happily reflected in the new releases under the direction of winemaker Robert Summers who joined the winery in 2006 and who has been working to upgrade and modernize its equipment.

New Releases include:

2009 Pinot Blanc - $15.99
The hot 2009 growing season produced amble sugar in the grapes which for this Pinot Blanc has been mostly fermented, leaving only a touch of residual sugar and loads of juicy, citrus fruit flavours.
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2009 Semillon-Chardonnay - $15.99
Folks looking for an off-dry white that offers decent complexity and pairs well with rich food need look no further.
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2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc - $25.99
Hester Creek consistently produce one of the Provinces top Cabernet Franc each year and the 2008 vintage is no exception.
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2007 The Judge - $45
Hester Creek's first foray into the land of premium Meritage wines results in a well made and easy drinking blend of Bordeaux varietals.
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 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

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