Fresh, savoury, approachable.
Naramata Bench's Red Rooster Winery is sporting a much needed new look these days with labels which capture various stages of the winemaking process.
The 2019 Cabernet~Merlot suggests dusty plums and wild herbs, dry earth, pencil shavings, toasted spice and tangy red berries. It has texture on the palate, is balanced and savoury, approachable and fresh. The finish trails coffee cocoa and tobacco flavours.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2021

Fresh, dry, juicy.
Whole-cluster Malbec grapes were dumped into the fermentation tank first, then the lightly crushed Merlot grapes were gently added on top (the Malbec underwent carbonic fermentation, fermenting from the inside of the grape, and the Merlot was inoculated). The wine saw careful punch downs for cap management of the Merlot only such that the Malbec was not disturbed. The Merlot provided protection for the Malbec from the air. Once fermentation was complete the blend was sent to press, then aged in 100% French oak barrels, 13% new, for 10 months before filtering and bottling.
Cherry and hi-toned red berries, vanilla, sweet spices, carob and tea leaf aromas lead to a juicy and dry palate. It show nice levity but also good structure along with flavours of black chocolate, espresso and red berries. Good intensity here with soft tannins and a medium-length finish.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2022

Muscular, grip, toasted.
Harvested from Osoyoos, this tannin-rich red was aged French oak. Expect Italian plums, cocoa dusted bramble berries, star anise, vanilla, baking spice and cedar aromas. It has grip and is brooding, extracted and quite muscular. Acidity adds brightness and trails charred chocolate flavours.
Incorrect image of label.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2022

Approachable, fleshy, easy.
Naramata Bench's Red Rooster Winery is sporting a much needed new look these days with labels which capture various stages of the winemaking process.
The 2020 Pinot Gris suggests aromas of apple juice and banana peel, peonies and honey. It's approachable and fleshy and easy to drink. The finish trails flavours of grilled yellow apples.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 23rd, 2021

Fresh, dry, woven.
Naramata Bench's Red Rooster Winery is sporting a much needed new look these days with labels which capture various stages of the winemaking process.
This rose is made entirely from Malbec harvested from around Osoyoos and the skins were left in contact with the juice for two-four hours to achieve its pale pink blush.
The nose is delicate offering whiffs of tangy red berries, white grapefruit, sagebrush and a hint of wildflowers. It's dry and juicy with a slick texture and light flavours of citrus and red berries. Nicely woven with a lively finish it's a wine that's just as good for sipping as it would be for seafood, salads, cheese and charcuterie.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 26th, 2021