Gismondi Names CODE Pinot in Top 10

See tastings notes of Pinot Noir Clone Collection Dijon 777 below. 

92 Points-CODE Wines Pinot Noir Clone Collection Dijon 777 2020

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This new Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, the farmers and owners of this organic 5 acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah. Over the past 3 years they've made their wines at Naramata's Roche Winery, but have recently launched their own operation. One of 4 clonal pinot noirs from the 2020 vintage, this is entirely 777 planted in the middle of their sloping vineyard, cresting down the hill. It rested 1 year in French oak (2nd fill) and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Wild cherries, raspberries, crushed plums, floral forest notes glide along the elegant, medium bodied palate, with a beauty fine textural undercurrent. Tannins are long and finely grippy, studded with salts, guiding this to a crushed stone finish. Really exciting and impressive first impression. I look forward to trying the entire Clonal Collection family (all made same way) in future.

TASTED: 11 OCTOBER 2022  TASTED BY: TREVE RING

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This newer Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, the farmers and owners of this organic 5 acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah. Over the past 3 years they've made their wines at Naramata's Roche Winery, but have recently launched their own operation. One of 4 clonal pinot noirs from the 2020 vintage, this is an unknown clone, thought to be Germanic in origin, and planted on the crest of their upper block (block #4). Like the others in the collection, this was destemmed and whole berry fermented in open top containers before aging in 2nd fill French barrels for 10 months prior to bottling, unfined and unfiltered. A spice box nose opens this juicy, fragrant pinot, woven with dark cherry, mulberry, and lilac, and lifted with easy, bright acidity. Tannins are long and finely grippy, taking this through a stony finish. Really quite different, very pretty, finessed, and memorable. Certainly a project worth following. 22 cases made.

TASTED: 08 JANUARY 2024  TASTED BY: TREVE RING

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This newer Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, the farmers and owners of this organic 5 acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah. Over the past 3 years they've made their wines at Naramata's Roche Winery, but have recently launched their own operation. One of 4 clonal pinot noirs from the 2020 vintage, this is entirely Pommard clone 91, from the middle supper section of their vineyard (block #6). This was destemmed and fermented in open top fermenters before moving to 2nd fill French barrels for 10 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Pouring a lightly bricking hue, this teems with wild cherry, juicy plum, black team, and forest moss, gliding along a silken palate, and rimmed with slightly sticky bergamot tea tannins. There is a lovely fine texture and generosity to the medium palate, keeping this of interest through the cola finish. Very promising project, and one to watch for. 22 cases made.

TASTED: 08 JANUARY 2024  TASTED BY: TREVE RING