Black Sage Bench (BSB) is hallowed land in BC, an iconic sweep of sun-baked land in Oliver, at the narrowing top tip of the Sonoran Desert. When Sumac Ridge partner and founder Harry McWatters purchased the 115 acre fallow site in 1992 and planted to classic French vinifera, people thought the heat had finally gotten to him (it reaches mid-30’s Celsius—90+ Fahrenheit—in mid-summer). It has proven to be one of the Okanagan Valley’s premiere sites for late-ripening big reds. Black Sage Vineyards was once part of Sumac Ridge, but now on its own, this new brand is continuing with the sun-baked, ripe fruit style contiguous with the BSB. The bold 2011 Cabernet Franc is juicy, warmed cassis and toasted spice up front, with Franc’s characteristic bramble, green thistle, savory anise notes on the ripe and smoothed palate. A whack of spicy wood closes out the finish. Pair with herb-grilled lamb or porchetta.
