Reviews and Awards for the Young & Wyse Collection
- Young & Wyse Collection rated "excellent" by travellers
The Young & Wyse Collection has been very well received by our valued customers and wine reviewers - we're pleased to share some of these reviews with you.
2013 All Canadian Wine Championships
2013 All Canadian Wine Championships
Silver Medal
We are extremely pleased that our wines have once again received silver medals at the recent All Canadian Wine Championships. Our 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Blend were each silver medal winners for their category. The 2009 Blend is sold out but we have our new Blend has just been released.
2012 All Canadian Wine Championships
Silver Medals
We are extremely pleased that two of our wines have received silver medals at the recent All Canadian Wine Championships. Our 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Merlot were each silver medal winners for their category. Both these wines are available for online purchase.
Anthony Gismondi ~ Collectibles List
May 23, 2012 - Anthony Gismondi
If an Okanagan Valley road trip is on your to-do list this summer, make sure you have a plan of attack when it comes to visiting the ever-expanding list of British Columbia wineries. Young & Wyse Collection Merlot listed as a "Collectible" for the Oliver - Osoyoos - Similkameen region.
Wine Diva ~ 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
May 10, 2012 - Daenna Van Mulligen
An impressive addition to the Young & Wyse Collection, this Cabernet offers aromas of sweet summer berries - rapsberry, cherry and currents, plush chocolate and just a hint of dried herbs. It has fantastic concentration in the mouth - dark fruit is layered with roasted coffee, dark cocoa and spice. Very good balance of acidity with nice density on the finish.
Wine Diva ~ 2010 Merlot
February 3, 2012 - Daenna Van Mulligen
A very enjoyable Merlot, which offers black cherry, raspberry and plummy notes sorrounded by vanilla, sweet black coffee, dried herbs and cocoa. The palate is smooth and fresh with similar cherry, vanilla and coffee flavours spiked with licorice, the finish is lengthy.
A red you could pair with burgers and wings or with a round of creamy Camembert.
Best White Wines of 2012
January 1, 2012 - Vancouver Magazine
2010 Amber - VQA ~ Best Rich White Wines Category
Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards 2012After three days of swirling, sniffing, and sipping over 850 entries our expert judges have chosen the top 100 best-value wines
Young & Wyse Collection releases 2010 reds
December 17, 2011 - John Schreiner
"Judging from the taste of the Merlot and the Cabernet Sauvignon from Young & Wyse, there was impeccable viticulture in the winery’s 10-acre Osoyoos vineyard and in that of its growers."
Young & Wyse Collection Merlot 2010 ($19.90 for a production of 1,400 cases). The wine still has the firmness one expects of a young wine; decant it if you don’t have the patience to cellar it. The wine begins with spice and berry aromas (raspberry, blueberry, cherry). On the palate, the wine has good concentration with flavours of plum and black currant, with a long finish. 89.
Young & Wyse Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($26.90 for a production of 1,848 cases). This is a late-ripening variety but the grapes were fully ripe when picked at the very end of October and into the first few days of November, yielding a wine with 13.3% alcohol. The aromas begin with an intriguing note of spearmint (to the expected in an Okanagan Cabernet), along with nutmeg and red fruit. On the palate, there are flavours of black currant, blueberry and blackberry. The texture is concentrated with ripe tannins. Even though the wine is drinking well, it will definitely reward anyone who cellars it for about five years. 90
"HOT SIX" Best New Okanagan Wineries
October 11, 2011 - Western Living Magazine
YOUNG & WYSE
No, the name's not a boast; it's a collaboration between partners Michelle Young and Stephen Wyse—and if that last name sounds familiar it's because the Wyse family owns and runs the esteemed Burrowing Owl. And Stephen's familial experience shows: for a new winery this inaugural offering shows amazing maturity.
BOTTLE TO TRY: 2010 Amber, $20
Refreshing, light white wines for Sunday brunch
August 9, 2011 - Jurgen Gothe - The Georgia Straight
Young & Wyse Amber 2010 ($19.90)
A superb new blend (named for the daughter of winemakers Stephen Wyse and Michelle Young) built mostly from Viognier, with Pinot Gris and a dash of Gewürztraminer; tingly, tart, herby and lively. There’s a big bite of green (but not underripe) fruit, a little gooseberry, some linden flower, and white currants. Another one for spiced fish or samosas, from appies right through to dessert.
Wine Young & Wyse Collection Amber 2010 Appellation South Okanagan Grape Varietal Viognier (47%) Pinot Gris (38%) Gewurztraminer (15%) Alcohol % 14 Price $19.90 Quantity 589 cases Where to get it Winery online; Landmark Selections agency Point score 90
PLAN IT BC ~ SPOTLIGHT WINE
July 5, 2011 - John Schreiner
In a charming bit of branding, Michelle Young and Steve Wyse have named their winery’s first white blend after their daughter, Amber. To the best of my recollection, this has only been done twice before in the recent history of B.C. wine. Last year, the owners of SouthEnd Farm on Quadra Island named a botrytized dessert wine after their daughter, Miwa. Several years ago, Le Vieux Pin’s rosé was named Vaïlla after a vineyard manager’s daughter. Perhaps it does not happen often because not many young couples have started wineries lately.
Amber has an outstanding wine named for her. It begins dramatically with aromas of pineapples, bananas, peaches and apricots. On the palate, the wine is a tropical fruit bowl, with ripe flavours of apricots, pineapples and papayas. The rich palate weight of this wine is wrapped around the light spine of tannin from the Viognier. The fresh acidity gives the wine a crisp finish.
Wine of the Week
Michelle Bouffard & Michaela Morris - House Wine - May 17, 2011
Tired of the rain? Nothing better than this dazzling aromatic white to bring a ray of sunshine to your day. A blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, the just released Young & Wise ‘Amber’ has vibrant juicy flavours of lime, white grapefruit and a hint of sage. Celebrate the local goods and serve with local spot prawns. A great prelude to the hockey game, as well as to our Support the Home Team tasting. Go Canucks Go!
WINE DIVA
May 2nd, 2011 - Wine Scores Reviewed - 91pts
This Young & Wyse Collection red is comprised of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the South Okanagan.
It presents black cherry and plum aromas, licorice and bell peppers, toasted spice and dark roast coffee. The palate entry is smooth, it has nice juicy berry flavours layered with peppery spice, espresso and tobacco. Powdery tannins, good concentration and firmness in the mouth with a long flavourful finish.After 10 years of working with his family at Burrowing Owl, Stephen Wyse and his partner Michelle Young embarked upon their own family winery, aptly named Young & Wyse.
2009 was a hot year and it comes across in this dark and somewhat brooding Merlot - smoked plums and black cherries, sunbaked rearth and toased oak, brown spices and leather with some wild herbs and tobacco leaf on the finish. On the palate, it folows suit, dark and earthy with some pepper and licorice with roasted/moacha flavours. There is nice acidity to balance and a firm finish.
EAT MAGAZINE
April 24, 2011 - Treve Ring, DRINK Editor
Great name, great packaging, great story. We’re on third base before we even taste this wine – always a good sign. Winemaker Stephen Wyse hails from legendary Burrowing Owl, where he’s been crafting his family’s cult wines for the past decade. Together with his partner, Michelle Young, Stephen is out to add another chapter to the Wyse wine dynasty with the launch of his handcrafted Young & Wyse.
Carrying on the family tradition, Amber is named for Stephen and Michelle’s daughter, and fittingly glows a deep lemon, mild amber in the glass. The unique blend, 47% Viognier, 38% Pinot Gris, 15% Gewurztraminer, comes together fluidly in this aromatic white. Sweet ripe peach, apricot and citrus aromas carry through to the crisp and dry palate, joined by tropical fruit and baked pear crumble. There is a whiff of white flowers throughout, adding emphasis to the medium body lingering finish. Stainless steel fermentation preserves the fresh fruit, but there is enough heft here (and alcohol – 14%) to take on poached chicken or fish.
WINE DIVA ~ AMBER
April 14, 2011 - Daenna Van Mulligen
One of the very popular multi-varietal blends I am seeing more and more of, the Young & Wyse version blends 47% Viognier with 38% Pinot Gris and 15% Gewurztraminer.
Named for their Michelle Young & Stephen Wyse's daughter Amber, this aromatic white offers stone fruits and honeysuckle, pear compote and tangerine oil with a hint of marshmallow. The palate is crisp, clean and dry with plenty of zesty citrus as well as a fruitcup of lightly spiced apple, pear and peach flavours. Great balance, simply delicious!
ICON WINES ~ AMBER
April 12, 2011 - Liam Carrier
The first white wine to be released by Osoyoos winery Young and Wyse Collection is a blend of 47% Viognier, 38% Pinot Gris and 15% Gewurztraminer. Rich in aromatic and baked fruit aromas on the medium intense nose followed by a dry palate bursting at the seams with succulent pineapple, grapefruit and ripe peach flavours. The balance is ever-so-slightly "hot", but the richness on the palate generally masks the alcohol. Crisp citrus acidity, in turn, balances the fullness on the palate resulting in a very tasty wine with a moderate-plus finish and excellent texture. Drink 2011-2014.
For many Okanagan wineries, a Meritage is their pride and joy.
March 15, 2011 - Jurgen Gothe - Georgia Straight
Young & Wyse 33.30.24.13 2009 ($26.90)
Why look for a catchy name when you can just list the grapes by percentage? The still fairly new Osoyoos winery sent this one out in time for last year’s best-of listings, and it’s still drinking beautifully: a gorgeous expression of the terroir and heady fruit of the South Okanagan. The label gets it right when it points to “licorice, espresso beans, and exotic spices”. Okay, so they’ve included Syrah (30 percent), which isn’t on the Bordeaux list, but it sure makes for marvellous mellowness, abundant fruit, and a glorious finish. Excellent value as a special-occasion wine, and one for the cellar. The blend is 33-percent Merlot, 30-Syrah, 24-percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13-percent Cabernet Franc.
A roundup of the year's best domestic reds
December 14, 2010 - Jurgen Gothe - Georgia Straight
Young & Wyse Collection “33•30•24•13” 2009 BLACK LABEL ($27.90) This is the fairly fledgling winery’s Meritage, and the number is the formula: in sequence, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. It’s a clever bit of naming for a beautiful blend; you’ll taste coffee and licorice, dark fruit and almonds, cinnamon and star anise. A rich wine and well priced amid the welter of 40-plusers. Based on its initial (red) offerings, let me make my first New Year’s prediction: this is shaping up to be one standout winery. Get in on it early.
ICON WINES
December 20, 2010 - Liam Carrier
Young and Wyse Collection 2009 Merlot (East Bench Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC
There is a sweetness to the nose of this well-priced Merlot from Osoyoos winery Young and Wyse Collection which is so very pleasant to quaff. Crushed dark berries dominate and provide the sweetness accompanied by warm stone aromas reminiscent of the desert-like conditions of Osoyoos itself.
The dry palate delivers good continuity from the nose with concentrated, but not overdone, flavours of dark berries. The oak treatment, 11 months, is more prominent on the palate but has contributed vanilla and spice notes to the nose as well. The result is above average complexity and a New World Merlot that tastes more like a blend than a straight varietal wine.
The tannins and solid and smooth and the acid is balanced nicely with lingering tartness on the moderate finish - great for food. With an aggressive get-to-market timeline, winemaker Stephen Wyse has managed to produce a very drinkable wine and one that offers good value. However, I do recommend cellaring for 6 months or longer before opening. Drink mid-2011-2014.
Edible BC
March 3, 2010 - Treve Ring, Editor
Winespeak - Young & Wyse Shiraz 2008
What – Shiraz 2008
Where – Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley
Why – This new Okanagan winery is also one of the most anticipated to come down the stretch in some time. And it’s not just the catchy name and striking label – it’s the parentage behind the product. Winemaker Stephen Wyse hails from legendary Burrowing Owl, where he’s been crafting his family’s cult wines for the past decade. Together with his partner, Michelle Young, Stephen is out to add another chapter to the Wyse wine dynasty with the launch of his handcrafted Young & Wyse. This Shiraz is evidence that this young winery is wise beyond its years. Rich dark berry, plum and wild cherry aromas lead to a full palate of dark chocolate, spice, berry, savoury meat and black pepper. Plush tannins and a lengthy cocoa-coffee finish make for satisfying drinking now – though there’s enough stuffing to warrant laying down for a couple of years. Fantastic value for price – especially for a big BC red.
When – Since it’s already BBQ weather in most of BC, try with grilled pork or beef with a cocoa rub.
How (much) – $23Winespeak of the Week – Young & Wyse released their inaugural wines, this Shiraz and a Merlot, late last year. Watch for Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Malbec and Zinfandel to follow. Gusty – I love it – and I can’t wait!
SAVVY INSIDER
February 25, 2010 - Rachel Goudreau
It's not often that I'm excited about a wineries first vintage release. More often than not, it takes a few years for a winemaker to really get the hang of things. However, in the case of Young & Wyse, I was hooked right away!
It's not surprising that winemaker Steve Wyse put out some great juice his first vintage. He had spent 10 years honing his craft at Burrowing Owl before deciding to leave the family winery and start his own with partner Michelle Young. They found a beautiful vineyard in Osooyos and got straight to work, releasing a delicious Shiraz as well as a great Merlot, both from the 2008 vintage. There are plans for more varietals in the future.
The thing that excited me most when I first tasted these wines was the price tag. The Merlot comes in at only $20, with the Shiraz being only $23. Though they are not available at B.C. Liquor stores, you can find them at specialty stores or order at www.youngandwysewine.com/purchase
The aromas of the Merlot are enticing, with notes of plum, tobacco, and cocoa butter. The palate is rich and mouth-filling. There is plenty of cherry, oaky spice, and vanilla up front. Though as the wine opens up in the glass, it starts showing more complexity with blueberry, violets and herbaceous tones.
Lately I have been serving a lot of this wine to parties who were looking for something affordable yet crowd pleasing and food friendly. It meets all of these criteria, however I think it would show best paired with beef. Thank goodness it is almost BBQ season!
Rachel Goudreau is a former pastry chef and now works as a sommelier at Provence Marinaside, one of Vancouver's best restaurants.
Ah, to be Young and “Wyse”
February 19, 2010 - METRO VANCOUVER - Anya Levykh (Urban Foodie)
What do you get when you plant a family of two young winemakers, by name of Stephen Wyse and Michelle Young, on a fertile plot in Osoyoos? Some lovely artisan wines, including a luscious 2008 Shiraz that was bold enough to convert me from my ever-so-slightly-disdainful attitude to this varietal. A deep berry and dark chocolate nose sits over a rich palate of herbs, cooked berries and a hint of coffee. $23 direct from the winery or at private wine store.
Your Guide to Pairing Medal-Winning BC VQA Wines with Your Favourite Winter Sports
January 18, 2010 - Nancy Greene Raine
Who better to suggest the best skiing wine than BC’s Ski Queen, Nancy Greene Raine:
“This February, Canada will be going for gold in Vancouver. Canadians will be waving the flag on the mountains, on the ice and also in the vineyards and cellars of our rich and diverse country. One of the newest entries into the “Grape Games” is the Young & Wyse Collection. Located in the sun-drenched town of Osoyoos in the South Okanagan, multi-gold medal winemaking winner Stephen Wyse and his family have charged out of the gate. The result, my new favourite Canadian wine, the 2008 Young & Wyse Collection Shiraz. If you want to paint the town red at a medal ceremony dinner, you should consider impressing your international friends with this elegant yet savoury Shiraz. Grown and produced in the South Okanagan and nurtured by one of Canada’s best winemakers, this is definitely a wine worthy of the podium.”
The Province
December 10, 2009 - James Nevison - The Wine Guy
Young and Wyse Collection 2008 Shiraz
If you're buying for a local wine lover, a fun gift idea is to surprise them with a bottle from a new Okanagan winery. With their inaugural release just last month, Young and Wyse is the proprietary project of longtime Burrowing Owl winemaker Stephen Wyse. The "Collection" currently consists of two red wines from the 2008 vintage, a Merlot and Shiraz. The Shiraz is opulent, with blackberry, plum, and roasted coffee bean aromas meeting smoky sausage and cracked black pepper. In the glass, the wine opens up to more gamey notes and an intriguing savoury, spicy finish of pepper and clove.