Robert's Report

Fraser Valley Tour
2014

Chaberton Estate Winery

Chaberton Estate (originally called Domaine de Chaberton) became the first winery in the Fraser Valley, the year was 1991. Located in South Langley just 45 minutes from Vancouver, it is the region's most popular winery. The 55 acre property includes the winery, tasting room/gift shop and the famous Bacchus Bistro.

Winemaker Barbara Hall and General Manager Brian Ensor

I contacted Barbara Hall the Winemaker about bringing friends out for their first visit to the area. Barbara put me in touch with Brian Ensor, General Manger of the winery, Brian said he would arrange everything which he did providing a very enjoyable visit for my wife Barbara and myself along with our friends Jane and Ken.

Upon arriving at the busy winery we were greeted with enthusiasm by Brian and left in the capable hands of Barbara Hall who guided us through the winery tour.

Today, the winery produces in excess of 50,000 cases of wine a year, made not only from grapes produced on the estate vineyard, but also from the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

wines of the future

Lunch with authentic french cuisine in the Zagat rated "Excellent" Bacchus Bistro

 

Jana pours an excellent 2013 Reserved Bacchus

Our break for lunch in the Bristo was outstanding to say the least. The service was excellent and the food suburb. My french onion soup was exceptionally good, Ken and I chose stuffed crêpes - with ham, Swiss cheese and mornay sauce prepared to perfection.

Our wives had roasted red pepper and black olive tapenda paninis - with provolone cheese, pistou aioli and red onions - served with mixed greens.

Wine with the meal was an excellent 2013 Reserved Bacchus. Bacchus is one wine that helped put Chaberton on the map. The 2013 is especiallly good.

Wine Shop Manager Maurena

 

Fortified from our delicious lunch it was time to visit the very busy tasting room. Wine Shop Manager Maurena invited us to step up to the bar and taste the wines The winery provides quite a cellar which made for an enjoyable tasting experience. The numbers beside the descriptions below are my personal rating levels.

2010 Valley Cab Gold at the 2014 All Canadian Wine Championships, Ontario.   Don't pass this wine by, it is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, grapes this south Okanagan Valley wine has bold aromas of cherries, green pepper and sweet spices. 92

2008 AC 100 The AC series are all based on a Merlot platform with each label indicating what the percentage of Merlot is in the blend. AC are the initials of co- owner Anthony Cheng. This is an excellent wine with strong potiential. 92

2012 Valley Gamay very nice aroma, good flavours strawberry, vanilla and sweet spices. light body 88

2012 Valley Chardonnay unoaked, nice citrus flavours, a smooth wine 88

2012 Reserve Gewurztraminer Oh Yes! nice aromas of tropicall fruit, a fine summer patio wine 90

2011 Siegerrebe Dessert Wine This one is almost perfect, just the right sweetness lovely tropical fruit flavours 94

2013 Reserve Bacchus a nice off dry wine has flavours of peach, orange blossom and soft lemon notes with a long, smooth finish. Perfect for our hot summer SO good! 94

 

We will definitely be back, as will our friends. Update the winemaker 2015 Andrea Lee 

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