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VISIT TO RIVER STONE WINERY
I had the pleasure of finally stopping at River Stone Estate Winery to visit with Ted Kane, Winemaker, Winery Owner, Home Builder/Carpenter, etc. and taste some of his new wines. As you drive up the driveway flanked by row upon row of vines on either side, River Stone Estate Winery and the Kane homestead come into view, perched on a hill overlooking their lush vineyards with beautiful views all round, including that of McIntyre Bluff. A very idyllic peaceful setting.
You can see by every little detail in the winery, the vineyards and the Kane home, that Ted planned his little piece of heaven very meticulously, down to even how the grapes were planted to meander and follow the river at the bottom. As you walk from the parking lot down the slope and around the corner you'll find the winery below the home where it is cool. You can follow the vineyards down to the river – what beautiful views and a perfect walk with glass in hand.
Ted's careful and thoughtful planning has resulted in some delicious wines and its no wonder that the 2009 Cab Franc is sold out. Our tastings included the River Stone 2010 Pinot Gris which was grown at the River Stone site with a small amount harvested from a neighboring vineyard. It is 100% stainless steel fermented, allowed to rest on fine fermentation lees post-ferment to develop complexity and length. A bouquet of honeysuckle, peach, citrus and melon tones rounded with a long lingering finish. The acidity is balanced by a hint of residual sugar. A great summer wine with cellaring potential of 3 years.
River Stone 2010 Malbec Rose 100% malbec fruit and 100% estate grown the fruit was 100% de-stemmed and allowed to cold soak for 5 days to set color. The grapes were pressed post cold soak, then fermented in 100% SS to optimize fruitfulness. This wine is a vibrant rose petal red with a bouquet of raspberries, strawberries, rose petals. It is soft and supple with juice fruit on the palate.
River Stone 2009 Corner Stone , a varietal of 49% Merlot, 29% Cab Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 4% Cab Franc and 100% estate grown on the site. After 100% de-stemming and small batch fermenting it was aged in 50% new French oak puncheons. Hand plunged to optimize structure. This fabulous lush wine is dark ruby red with a bouquet of blackberry, black currants, black cherry, concentrated berries and nuances of French oak. The fruit is supported by fresh acidity and fine juicy tannins that linger and give it great length while layered and dense. Cellaring potential is 7 to 10 years.......I loved this wine!
I don't think there is no job – too big or small that Ted Kane would not tackle – his thoughtful attention to detail and enthusiasm shine through in the wines that River Stone is producing – this boutique winery will enjoy much success. Salute!
Riverstone is located
on a small knoll in the middle of the valley, just south of the well recognized McIntyre Bluff and just north of Oliver, BC, the Wine Capital of Canada.
Dee's Photography can be found on our Photograpers Page and in our gallery
Spring 2011
Winter 2011
Aug 2010
Summer 2010
June 2010
May 2010
March 2010
