Shedding a Light on Four Shadows : 2023 Release
Two years ago, I featured Four Shadows winery (article here), who at the time were only in the fourth year of their winery business. They came out with a bang, and have been holding steady on the Naramata Bench ever since. In the past couple of years, I have been lucky enough to meet Wilbert and Joka in person and be a guest at their winery in Penticton, B.C. There is something special - heartwarming even, about their wines, just as their is about their family. If you don’t know the story, here is a recap on how they came to be “Four Shadows”:
Four Shadows Vineyard and Winery is owned by Joka and Wilbert Borren. A couple that originally came from Holland, and began farming in Alberta where they raised their family. The Borren family grew and eventually sold their farm when they decided to dive in to a new farming adventure in 2011 by buying 17 acres of vineyard property in Penticton, British Columbia. After growing and selling their grapes to other wineries for seven years, they took the leap and started making their own wine with grapes from their 2017 vintage. With the help from Lindsay O’Rourke from Tightrope winery, Joka and Wilbert produced their first estate wines with Merlot and Pinot Noir.
The Four Shadows label reflects the Borren’s strong family values, as it depicts a photograph of their four sons during a family vacation in Mexico. They claim that each of their wines has unique characteristics and personality, just as their sons do. The importance of family reaches further than the label on the bottle. Joka and Wilbert have created a winery to feel like an extension of their home. They want visitors to experience a place of comfort and fun, regardless of whether they are wine novices or experts.
“There is something special - heartwarming even, about their wines, just as their is about their family.”
The latest release portrays all estate wines of the 2022 Naramata Bench, Okanagan, British Columbia. A vintage that started with late bud break but saw a warm, extended fall. The 2022 vintage was the first for Joka and Wilbert in using their new crush pad that allowed them to crush and press their own fruit. I think this release is a good representation of what they do best, but also what makes them unique.
I was thrilled to see a bottle of the 2021 Zweigelt from Four Shadows in the package sent to me by my friends and winery owners Wilbert and Joka.
We only grow a tiny amount of this Austrian native grape here in Canada and I love the Canadian expressions I’ve had of this varietal.
Zweigelt 2022
This Zweigelt from Four Shadows displays playful, summertime aromas of cherry candy blueberry compote, roses and bubblegum. The palate is light bodied but executes significant structure with bright acidity and a slight suede-like tannic grip. Cranberry, strawberry and earth notes lead to an impactful finish.
A juicy red to enjoy chilled this summer season! $25.99
I truly love Four Shadows Riesling ! There’s something romantic about BC Riesling to me as a whole, and Four Shadows is dialing in on that specialty. With the Okanagan Valley’s sandy loam soil types and diurnal range, they can produce Riesling with distinct flavours and vibrant, refreshing acidity. They’re typically full of floral and ripe green tropical and stone fruit notes, with starfruit, lime and kiwi being standout notes of the region.
Riesling Classic 2022
This is Four Shadows flagship wine, and it’s clear to see why! It displays bountiful aromas that include peach, mango, kiwi and wildflowers. The palate off-dry, and gentle at only 9.9% abv. Bursting with ripe, fleshy tropical notes and balanced with zesty acidity. This Riesling is a hard one to put down! $24.99
Riesling Dry 2022
Seducing aromas of ripe peaches, mango, guava, and lime. A medium-bodied, citrusy palate of lemon drop and grapefruit that rush in on ripping acidity. Green apple and starfruit notes on a fashionable chalky finish. A riesling lovers dream! $23.99
“I truly love Four Shadows Riesling ! There’s something romantic about BC Riesling to me as a whole, and Four Shadows is dialing in on that.”
Pinot Blanc 2022
Pinot Blanc is a fabulous addition to the Four Shadows portfolio as another Alsatian style, crisp white.
This Pinot Blanc is supplemented with a touch of BC Chardonnay and Riesling for balance. It delivers a ripe, fruity nose of pear, and a summertime meadow essence. The palate is mineral driven, with steely notes intertwined elegantly with pear, peach green apple, and river rock notes. Crisp and fresh with bracing acidity. Some vegetal flavours add depth on a long finish. $22.99
Rosé 2022
A blend of Four Shadows estate Okanagan Pinot Noir and Merlot create this crushable, fruity rosé. Summery notes of strawberry jam, candied cherry, and ruby grapefruit. Luscious, yet delivers balanced acidity and some noteworthy minerality on a persistent finish. The ultimate summer wine! $24.99
Merlot 2020
Another one of my favourites (and owner Wilbert’s!) from Four Shadows is their Merlot. It opens with alluring sweet tobacco, blackberry, sage, violets, and leather aromas. These rustic notes are on found on the palate and backed by fresh acidity and a firm tannin structure. Juicy, dark scrumptious fruit wrapped in a black leather jacket of cool. Long finish. $28.99
Two things can’t go without mentioning, and the first is that Four Shadows winery offers exceptional value. All of the wines featured above ring in under $30/bottle. Secondly, their Burgundian grapes - Chardonnay and Pinot Noir ( reviewed in my previous Four Shadows article) are exceptional and can’t be missed. They both provide nuances that are so expressive terroir, but most importantly, are entirely delicious.
My visit to Four Shadows was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Standing at the winery with a mountain view that includes the Okanagan Lake, and stunning south sloping vineyards would inspire any wine lover, and Four Shadows truly translates its’ beautiful heavenly surroundings in to bottle.
I am so grateful to Joka and Wilbert for my visit and already can’t wait to go back!
