NK'Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep) is North America's, first Aboriginal owned and operated winery. Qwam Qwmt (pronounced kw-em, kw-empt) as spoken by the Osoyoos Indian Band translates to "achieving excellence" and is their premium tier of wines. The winery and vineyard are located in town of Osoyoos (160 kilometers from the US border and the state of Washington) in Southern Okanagan Valley, Canada's only dessert with 1450 Celsius degree days and 8 inches average annual rainfall.
I have enjoyed many of NK'Mip wines in the past and still have their Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2008 and Mer'r'iym 2008 (Bordeaux blend) in my cellar. As you may know by now, I prefer cooler climate Pinot Noir (PN) which are lighter and more delicate. This wine opens up with aromas cherry jam, pepper, tobacco and dried earth notes. On the palate, the texture feels a little bit heavy with concentrated flavours, low acidity and firm tannins. I am not sure you could make a pure delicate Pinot Noir in Osoyoos, its just to warm. This PN is definitely a more muscular style which would appeal to fans of most California Pinots. In the future, I will stick with their delicious full bodied Merlots, Syrah and Bordeaux blends Score 88 points.
Purchased at the Wine Barrel in Victoria BC July 18, 2011 for $30.10
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