Platinum Block 2 Pinot Noir

Kelowna, Canada

CedarCreek Estate Winery's single-block prestige pinot noir from the Platinum series, drawn from a specific block in the home estate vineyard on the east bench above Okanagan Lake. Since CedarCreek's acquisition and reinvention under the McWatters family, the Platinum program has become the benchmark for BC single-vineyard pinot noir: precise, Burgundy-focused in style, with more structural discipline and less confected richness than many Okanagan examples.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Duck confit's rich fat and caramelised skin need acidity to cut through and fruit to bridge the orange. The single-block Pinot's concentrated cherry and spice meet the duck's richness while the wine's acid lifts the orange gastrique.
• starter: Blue Mountain Pinot Noir's classic restraint and red-fruit elegance are ideal for a mixed cheese-and-charcuterie board — structure enough to cut through aged cheese, freshness enough to complement lighter cured meats.
• main: Alder-smoked salmon is the most PNW-specific food-wine pairing possible. The low, slow smoke adds phenolic aromatic compounds that bridge with Pinot Noir's earthy and red-fruit character. The wine's Van Duzer-preserved acidity cuts the salmon fat and the crème fraîche richness. Pickled sorrel's brightness matches the wine's acidity. This is a regional pairing in the deepest sense.
• main: Navarin's slow-braised lamb and spring vegetables are perfectly weighted for a Pinot Noir that can hold its own against the meat without overwhelming the delicate pea and mint. The wine's red fruit bridges the lamb's mild richness.
• fish course: An elegant BC Pinot Noir pairing with delicate white fish — the wine's silky tannin and red berry character contrasts the beurre blanc's richness without overwhelming the halibut's delicacy.