Wine review: Poplar Grove Pinot Noir 2022

Ottawa, ON

July 2024

Matt’s review:

Pinot Noir from the Okanagan Valley’s Naramata Bench can be absolutely incredible as they have great terroir for producing expressive terroir-driven wines thanks to the mineral rich soils, varying elevations and west facing aspects, northen latitude with long days, significant diurnal temperature differences, and of course the moderating effects of Lake Okanagan. All of these contribute to creating wonderful conditions for producing premium Pinot that rivals those from other storied wine regions, such as those south of the border.

For the past two decades many of my top rated Okanagan Pinots have had a Naramata Bench provenance, which for me and many others has validated this unique part of the Okanagan Valley as a great area to produce premium Pinot.

Poplar Grove winery has just launched their first vintage of a Naramata Bench Pinot, from a 13 acre site along the Naramata Bench which is planted with six different clones (PN115, PN114, PN091, PN667, PN777, PN828). This inaugural vintage is a beautiful expression of Naramata Bench Pinot and shows the potential of this vineyard site.

Light ruby red, Naramata terroir jumps from the glass with desert herbs, sage bush, cherry, subtle raspberry, and graphite. The palate is dry and beautifully structured, with fine silky tannins. Refreshing and savoury cherry and desert herbs persist on the long finish. A great first vintage and one that will continue to shine over the next decade. Drink 2024-2032. Great value for under $40. Consider starting a vertical with this inaugural vintage. Tasted July 2024. 93+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available winery-direct