The Fruit Wines of Elephant Island

The excellent wines of Naramata’s Elephant Island that seem to get better every year. B.C.’s fruit wine industry continues to flex its muscles, with more wineries springing up as time goes on.

Del and Miranda Halladay have always paid close attention to the quality of their wines, but a recent tasting unveiled a number of superb efforts. If fruit wine deserves more respect, Elephant Island is well on the way to guaranteeing it.

– Elephant Island Black Currant 2007

And you thought fruit wines were wimpy? Try this on for size, on its own or with a charbroiled steak, or hard cheese. The fruit’s immense and the tannins firm enough to appeal to Cab drinkers. Great structure, with vibrant, clean black currant and bell pepper aromas, followed by powerful, intense red and black fruit with a lengthy, dry close. PWS $15-$16.

– Elephant Island Cassis 2006

Focused fruit, true black currant flavours with appealing viscosity that seductively coats the tongue. Use a splash with sparkling wine to make very good Kir look-alikes, or just sip it after dinner with cheese, or on its own. $20-$22 PWS.

By: Tim Pawsy

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