Signature Series JEP Icon Red XXII 2022 VQA

WINE MAKING – THE STORY
The combination of four generations of family history, older lower yielding vines producing outstanding quality red grapes from our own Carlton Vineyard, and a deep desire to create an “Iconic Red” for Peller Estates, the dream has come true with the XXII (2022) bottling of JEP Red. This wine blends six unique red vintages (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016) and three classic varietals (40% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon). Katie Dickieson, Winemaker: “I love that our Peller brand is so strongly tied to the family itself and I wanted a wine that spanned vintages and, in a way, generations of the Peller family.  The longevity of the family within the industry and making wine in Canada is something I’d really like the wine to speak to - only the best barrels, from great vintages from our very best sites. The idea for a blend of vintages was really the result of tasting some aged barrels from our Carlton Vineyard…the complexity the wines carried with age was appealing, even more than their varietal character…I wondered what even more age might do and with the added freshness of a newer vintage the multi-vintage concept started. The wine will always have some freshness which I think is important for a cool climate classic blend…by adding some of a more recent vintage there is nice structure from less developed tannin but also some acid backbone to give the wine longevity.” 

FLAVOUR PROFILE
Deep garnet in colour. An aromatic wine that is begging for extra attention as you swirl the glass. The lovely bouquet shows enticing notes of dark plum and cherry fruit, along with ever-changing, complex notes of smoky oak, cedar chest, spice box, black pepper, sweet tobacco, and licorice. JEP is full-bodied, extra-dry, silky, and round, with an interesting savoury note, and bright acidity for freshness. Flavours of dark plum and cherry, mix beautifully with sweet spice, oak, and vanilla bean. The long lingering finish shows notes of black cherry, spice, oak, coffee bean, and dark chocolate.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve at a cool room temperature of 17 to 18°C in large-bowled glasses. Serve with grilled medium-rare red meats; grilled lamb chops; leg of lamb; roasted pheasant, quail, or duck; beef or mushroom stew; grilled Portobello mushrooms; 2 to 4-year-old Canadian cheddar and walnut breads. Best enjoyed now through 2031.