Martin's Lane Riesling 'Simes Vineyard' 2022

Simes is a cooler, steep, north-facing vineyard in East Kelowna. Its granite-based soils sit just a few kilometres south of the 50°N mark. The northern aspect adds a rare distinction to this site that remains cool even as climate change is warming up the west coast. It is the perfect home for the small amount of riesling that joins a vineyard predominately planted to pinot noir. The riesling fruit (Alsace clone 49) was hand picked using selective passes through the block on October 6. At the winery, it is meticulously hand sorted at the top of the six level, five movement winery. The juice is cold macerated for 24-48 hours, followed by stainless steel and ceramic fermentation that lasts one to two weeks before it ages on its lees for a minimum of six months. The ageing is in a mix of stainless steel and 1200 litre German foudres. The result is a knockout lemon-led riesling that, in the end, is bone dry, sporting a hum of electricity and minerality that speaks to East Kelowna riesling dusted in Okanagan desert scrub.