If you've ever driven the Naramata Bench, odds are you saw Moraine. They have a stunning, relatively new winery, smack dab in the middle of the Bench. It wasn't until a year ago that I finally tried the wines, and I wish I had much earlier.
Moraine does a bit of everything. You'll find Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a number of Bordeaux reds. But the vast majority of the wines come from the Naramata Bench. It makes for a fascinating exploration of the Bench through the lens of a single producer.
Most importantly, the wines are just really good. Consulting winemaker Dwight Sick oversaw the 2020 vintage, and he's produced a line-up of exceptional wines that are true to the Naramata Bench.
-GM
Tasting Note
The Reserve Pinot Noir is typically reserved for Moraine's club members, but we talked our way into getting a few cases. This wine shows why the 2020 vintage is so exciting. The fruit is concentrated and expressive, showing lively red berries that are complemented by violets, herbs and harmoniously integrated oak. What stands out is the purity of the fruit as well as the supple, fine texture. This is what Naramata Pinot Noir is all about.
Food Pairing
Pan-fried duck breast with beets