Nichol Vineyard
Wine has always played a large part in Ross Hackworth’s life. His earliest summer memories are of times spent on outings into Napa-St. Helena wine country. These family outings brought him to the Okanagan Valley. While visiting relatives there, he and his family fell in love with the area and were soon part of the Naramata Bench.
In 2001, Ross began the transition back to the Bench and the rest, as they say, is history. Through a fortuitous meeting, Ross became aware that Nichol Vineyard owners, Alex and Kathleen Nichol, might be interested in selling their estate winery. In 2004, an agreement was reached to transition the operation and ownership of the winery. During the next couple of years, Ross expanded his knowledge of wine making under the watchful eye of Alex Nichol. Together they worked on the 2003 to 2005 vintages. Ross also spent long hours with Kathleen Nichol and learned the specific viticulture requirements for managing a premier site. Transition to full owner operator was completed in February of 2006.
The site’s 5.5 acres were originally planted in 1990 and became home to the first plantings of Syrah and St. Laurent in Canada. Syrah, originating in the Rhône Valley, had become a popular variety in Australia, California, and Washington. St. Laurent was still a rare variety and almost exclusive to Central Europe, specifically Austria and the Czech Republic.
The Syrah has since garnered numerous awards and accolades at the All Canadian Wine Competition, Northwest Wine Summit, and the Canadian Wine Awards and is frequently featured in Ontario’s prestigious Classics Catalogue.
Ross Hackworth knows that a winemaker merely assists the wine in expressing its natural traits and the unique characteristics of each growing season. He also believes in giving his wines an extra year to age.
From its inception to present day, Nichol Vineyard continues the hand crafted tradition of making premium, limited vintage wines. Ross’s focus is to continue as a small estate winery, striving to grow world-class wines.
Nestled below the rocky cliffs of the historic Kettle Valley Railway overlooking the sweeping majesty of Okanagan Lake … for over ten years, Nichol Vineyard has been creating hand-crafted specialty wines from estate-grown Okanagan grapes. All red wines are barrel-aged.
731404 - Gewurztraminer 2007
The 2007 Gewurztraminer is a bright pear in colour with aromas of rose petal, lychee and violet. Flavours follow along with those of mango and spice. This is a full wine with a crisp green apple and citrus finish. Wonderful on its own or paired with spicy seasonal dishes.
504159 - Pinot Gris 2007
The 2007 vintage is a light apricot in colour with aromas of peach, wild honey and apricot. Tangy flavours follow along with mineral notes, honey and a hint of spice. This is a full wine with good acid and a crisp, stone fruit finish. Ready to drink now, this wine will be full and sumptuous by year-end 2008.
630244 - Capriccio 2006
Passetoutgrains blend (Pinot Noir & Gamay) - The 2006 Capriccio is bright pomegranate in colour with aromas of plum and summer berries. Flavours follow along with those of prune and a hint of cherry. This is a crisp wine with soft tannins and a very smooth finish. The Capriccio can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite offerings to the barbeque. Serve slightly chilled.
823633 – Pinot Noir 2005
The 2005 Pinot Noir is dark ruby in colour with earthy aromas of mushroom, plum and berries. Flavours follow along with those of black cherry. Solid tannins are present while ripe plum lingers on the finish. This is crisp, full wine where solid tannins and ripe plum linger on the finish. 103 cases produced.
660720 – Cabernet Franc 2005
The 2005 Cabernet Franc is dark ruby in colour with earthy aromas of ripe peppers, cassis and plum. Flavours follow along with those of cherry. This is a mouth filling wine with prominent tannins and good acid. A hint of dark chocolate and cedar are present on the finish. Time in the cellar will further soften the French and American oak component. 181 cases produced.
57547 - Syrah 2005
The 2005 Syrah is dark byng cherry in colour. Your nose is greeted by aromas of cherry and hints of roasted meat. Flavours follow along with those of bright cherry and black raspberries. This is a crisp, mouth filling wine where ripe plum and bitter chocolate linger on the finish. A simple pairing of rich hard cheeses or lamb will nicely compliment this wine. As with all reds, time in the cellar will further mellow the prominent tannins. 451 Cases produced.
