At a glance

Producer

Hester Creek Estate Winery

Region

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Grape variety

Bordeaux-style Red Blend (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

CAD $55-80 (secondary market; rare back vintage)

Tasting profile

Notes of dried currant, leather, cedar, mocha, forest floor. Tannins are resolved; finish moderate.

Evolution: Fruit character receded, replaced by earthy, savory complexity and integrated oak.

At peak: Best enjoyed for complexity over primary fruit; expect depth but diminished freshness.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, providing some freshness

Tannins

Integrated, mellow and soft at this stage

Alcohol

13.5-14% ABV (typical for Okanagan Bordeaux blends)

Aging potential

Max 12-13 years in ideal cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2018 to 2021

Optimal window

2016 to 2022

Current status

Drinking at or just past peak

Current condition

Mature; expect softened tannins and tertiary notes, but still viable for drinking if well stored.

Premium Okanagan Bordeaux blends from strong vintages are typically best between 5–10 years from vintage. By 2024, this 2012 wine has surpassed its peak drinking window, but well-stored bottles can still show mature elegance and tertiary character. The structural elements are now fully integrated, and the wine should be drunk soon.

Food pairing

Braised short ribs, grilled lamb, roast beef, aged cheddar, mushroom risotto.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Hester Creek has adopted some eco-friendly practices (drip irrigation, responsible land stewardship). No renewable energy cited for the 2012 vintage. Packaging is standard glass, not lightweight.

While Hester Creek is recognized for land-conscious viticulture, the 2012 vintage predates the BC VQA Sustainable Winegrowing certification program and does not have organic or biodynamic credentials. Standard packaging and lack of detailed sustainability disclosures in 2012 reduce the score, though regional distribution within BC can keep the carbon footprint moderate. Newer vintages and the broader Okanagan region have increased sustainability focus in recent years, but this bottle reflects the earlier stage of those efforts.