I’ve reported extensively on the wines from Okanagan standout Haywire. Winemaker Matt Dumayne, alongside owners Chris Coletta and Steve Lornie, have crafted a reputation for producing exceptional Okanagan wines with a focus on lower-intervention techniques, favoring concrete elevage over small oak aging.
Recently, I returned to Garnet Valley, where a remarkable vineyard has taken shape. My initial visit was in July 2014, shortly after the vines were planted. Fast forward 11 years, and the vineyard has matured impressively, despite the challenges posed by a recent winter frost.
During my visit, we tasted several outstanding wines from Haywire:
-
Haywire Double Bub 2016 (magnum): A traditional method sparkling wine featuring notes of toast, spice, and citrus. It’s lively and complex, with stony citrus fruit and fine toast, earning a score of 93/100.
-
Haywire Freeform Blanc de Blanc 2019: This wine is beautifully balanced with a fresh, linear profile. It exhibits a nice citrus drive and precise acidity, also receiving 93/100.
-
Garnet Valley Ranch Chardonnay 2022: Sourced from a 600 m elevation vineyard, this chardonnay shows delightful freshness with linear citrus fruit and a touch of richness, scoring 94/100.
-
Haywire Chardonnay King Family Vineyard 2022: Displaying lovely detail with lemon and white peach notes, this wine has great acidity and a hint of nutty complexity, scoring 93/100.
-
Haywire Free Form Riesling 2022: With a vibrant appearance, this riesling is powerful and lively, marked by citrus flavors with crystalline depth. It has complexity and intensity, earning a score of 94/100.
-
Haywire Gamay Rosé 2022: This rosé offers sappy wild herbs and juicy citrus and strawberry fruit, stylishly balanced with a score of 91/100.
-
Haywire Gamay 2022: Comprising 75% whole bunch, this wine is energetic with stony minerals and concentrated strawberry notes, garnering a score of 93/100.
-
Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir 2022: Primarily from the 828 clone with 50% whole bunch, this pinot noir is juicy and expressive with cherry and plum fruit, showing a stony edge and scoring 94/100.
Each of these wines reflects the dedication and craftsmanship of the Haywire team, solidifying their place in the Okanagan wine scene.
For more details, visit Haywire Winery.