From a warmer, more unpredictable vintage marked by forest fires and dramatic summer weather, the 2023 Home Block Pinot Noir shows impressive clarity and structure despite the challenges. Picked earlier to retain freshness, this single-vineyard wine from Dijon Clone 115 delivers vibrant cherry, wild herbs, graphite, and a distinct Black Sage nuance, reflecting the unique terroir of the sage-lined amphitheatre-shaped vineyard above Lake Okanagan. 25% whole cluster fermentation, a four-day cold soak, and 18 days on skins build depth and fine tannic grip, while 9 months in (28% new) French oak enhances structure without overpowering the generous fruit. Unfined and unfiltered, the purity and concentration shine through, making this a precise and cellar-worthy expression of Naramata Pinot. A step up in intensity from 2022’s elegant frame, this vintage blends power with restraint—an exciting evolution from this emerging Okanagan Cru. Highly recommended. Tasted July 2025. 93+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: 1 Mill Road Home Block Pinot Noir 2022, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Beautifully integrated fine grained tannins highlight both the vineyard characteristics but also the winemakers touch in capturing the best expression of this Pinot through mindful winemaking practices including delicate pressing and use of large oak vessels (2100 L Foudres) to appropriately frame without masking the wine.
wine review: 1 Mill Road Rosé 2023, East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
May 2024 Matt's review: 1 Mill Road's second vintage of their single vineyard 100% Pinot Noir Rosé from the recently minted East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI. This impressive Rosé boasts an elegant copper color, exuding sophistication even before you take your first sip. The nose reveals delightful notes of tiny wild field strawberries, cherry, Black Sage... Continue Reading →
wine review: 1 Mill Road Chardonnay East Kelowna Slopes 2022
1 Mill Road's newest offering in their small portfolio of premium wines is their 2022 Chardonnay from the East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI (Okanagan's newest sub-GI which became official in 2022). Clean, crisp, and elegant, the nose revels citrus, delicate pear, wet stone, subtle spice, and a hint of melon. The palate is bright and lively with an elegant creamy texture. Exceptionally well balanced, the finish is long and bright with delicate orchard fruit and minerality persisting. Enjoy with pan seared halibut with a lemon butter sauce. Tasted October 2023 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: 1 Mill Road Black Pine Pinot Noir 2022
Ottawa, ON October 2023 Matt's review: 1 Mill Road's newest offering in their small portfolio of premium Pinot Noir is Black Pine Pinot Noir 2022 - a single vineyard Pinot from the Black Pine Vineyard at the northern tip of the Naramata Bench. This single vineyard Narmata Bench Pinot incorporates clones 667, 777, 115, and... Continue Reading →
