Osoyoos Larose ‘Le Grand Vin’ deconstructed from grape to grape with charismatic Winemaker

Looking forward to breaking bread and enjoying an evening of fine wine and fine food with the talented and very charming winemaker of Osoyoos Larose, Pascal Madevon. Taking place at the beautiful and buzzing Spencer’s at the Waterfront in Burlington, Ontario a small group of us were anticipating the Osoyoos Larose Dinner at which winemaker Madevon was promising a component sampling of varietals that make up the award winning ‘Le Grand Vin’. Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin is made from the classic Bordeaux varietals that are grown in the unique terroir of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Post the “deconstruction” a vertical tasting was to ensue including vintages 2004 through to 2007. Chris Waters, Alex Eberspaecher and Georgia Assemblage of wine writers and critics at Spencer’s On The Waterfront. The atmosphere was lively, the food was delicious and the star winemaker was passionate and engaging as he led us through the individual five varietal samples that make up the final wine. As he held up the slides of each of the wines, the component samples, we tasted, listened and learned what each wine had to offer. The wines were presented in the order, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and finally the Cabernet Sauvignon. We all sniffed, swirled and slurped, then did it again, constructing the Grand Vin in our minds, deliberating on the powers of each, what will the Merlot bring to the table, what of the Malbec? A few of the comments, the Merlot, was “big, you could smell the butter, it was picked at 26 Brix and was 14.4% alcohol. Some liked it very much thinking it could stand on its own. The big winner though, that really impressed the group was the Cabernet Franc, with its sweet vanilla, soft tannins and pure expression. Absolutely delicious! When it was time to sample ‘Le Grand Vin’ we all had a great appreciation of the master at work, our artist, our scientist, the winemaker. The wines were elegant, delicious, with great structure, with each vintage offering its own personality. The 2004 won over the majority of the group, while personally the 2007 was extraordinary on our palates! Asked if Pascal preferred younger or older wines, he didn’t really say, to each his own, trust your palate and enjoy! And indeed we will the Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2006 is the current release in Vintages ($44.95 #626325) while the ’07 will be released in Vintages April 30th. Alex Eberspaecher