It's hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since the first vintage of Osoyoos Larose. A project like it had never been seen in BC before. It was a joint venture between Canada's Vincor International and Group Taillan of Bordeaux, co-owner of Chateau Gruaud Larose in Saint-Julien, which was classified as a Deuxieme Cru Classe in 1855.
 Together they created the Osoyoos Larose estate on an 80-acre semi-arid bench overlooking Lake Osoyoos in the south Okanagan Valley.
To make their iconic Bordeaux-inspired red they hired French winemaker Pascal Madevon.
 Several years back Madevon moved on, and the wines are now under guidance of Caroline Schaller.
I'll admit I've struggled with Le Grand Vin's Ponderous style from the onset. I do respect that these are wines meant to be aged; I've had a few opportunities to taste some back vintages and age does soften the edges.
However, the 2017 (Merlot 61%, Cabernet Franc 14%, Cabernet Sauvignon, 12%, Petit Verdot 7.6% and Malbec 5% aged 12 months in a 60/40 split of new and one-year-old French barrels) is more harmonious than previous vintages.

The nose depicts charred cherries and Ribena, toasted baking spices, vanilla, orange peel, liquorice and dark chocolate aromas. It has concentration and depth, a supple mid-palate and sooty cocoa finish. Nice balance here, a full-bodied red that will coalesce more with time, but is drinking nicely now.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Canadian Chedder & Chive
 
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 5th, 2021