Cedar Creek Winery, part of the Mark Anthony group, is significant in the Okanagan Valley wine scene, which also includes renowned names like Mission Hill and CheckMate. Recently, the winery experienced a change in leadership as new winemaker Andrés Gálvez Pizarro, originally from Chile, took the reins from Taylor Whelan, who transitioned to overseeing winemaking across the entire group.
In 2024, Cedar Creek faced unusual challenges, receiving no grapes from their traditional Okanagan vineyards. They sourced 150 tons of fruit from Oregon instead, a stark contrast to their average harvest of 600 to 900 tons. Meanwhile, the Mark Anthony vineyards in the region had to undergo extensive replanting due to adverse weather, with hopes pinned on improved yields for 2025.
Despite the setbacks, Cedar Creek’s wine offerings have not diminished in quality. The winery released several standout wines during a recent tasting:
-
Cedar Creek Platinum Sauvignon Blanc 2023: This estate wine showcases vibrant citrus fruits and herbal notes, characterized by high acidity and a complex finish. Rated 94/100.
-
Cedar Creek Aspect Collection Riesling 2022: This vivid Riesling features concentrated lime and tropical fruit flavors, complemented by a complex texture from wild fermentation in large-format oak. Rated 94/100.
-
Cedar Creek Platinum Chardonnay 2022: Hailing from a cool, rocky site, this Chardonnay balances bold citrus and pear flavors with an intricate reduction and spice notes, earning it a rating of 95/100.
-
Cedar Creek Platinum Pinot Noir 2022: Combining fruit from two distinct vineyards, this wine displays floral aromas and a rich textural profile, balanced with a spicy frame, rated 95/100.
-
Cedar Creek Aspect Collection Block 4 Pinot Noir 2022: Noteworthy for its complexity and silken mouthfeel, this Pinot Noir promises to age beautifully and is rated 96/100.
-
Cedar Creek Platinum Haynes Creek Cabernet Franc 2022: This elegant red, showcasing cherry and strawberry notes, exhibits a velvety structure and is renowned for its varietal character, rated 95/100.
Overall, Cedar Creek demonstrates resilience and innovation, maintaining impressive wine quality amid challenges. Visit their website for more details on their offerings.