Culmina Family Estate Winery Hypothesis 2014

Deborah Podurgiel WSET IV Candidate rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

From Culmina, Hypothesis is an estate grown blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc from Arise Bench on the Golden Mile Bench. Lovely, rich, full-bodied and dry, the 2014 vintage is harmonious with dark cherry compote, dark plum, blackberry, chocolate, dried fine herbs, cloves, pepper spice with a hint of mint finishing long, supple and smooth on the palate. Drinking beautiful now. Tasted September 2021 with a filet mignon topped with blue cheese.

Matured for 16 months in a combination of new, one-year-old and 2-year-old French oak barrels.

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Culmina's Hypothesis showcases the impressive high quality wines Canadian wine industry icon and pioneer Don Triggs and team have been creating from their estate vineyards perched up high along the Golden Mile Bench in the heart of the Okanagan Valley.  Hypothesis 2014 is blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cab Sauvignon, that highlights Clumina's strength of blending both art and science to create wines of excellence.

Hypothesis 2014 shows great complexity on the nose and palate with loads of dark fruit, plum, Black Sage, menthol, dark chocolate, graphite and sous bois. Full bodied, concentrated with great freshness and balance, this impressive Bordeaux-blend highlights the fresh and structured Golden Mile Bench fruit with support from 16 months in new and second fill French Oak. Hypothesis is a Canadian icon in the making - ideally suited for starting a vertical in your cellar. Tasted May 2020. 92+ points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Jon Steeves rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Rich, robust, full bodied, highly concentrated. Inky, big grippy tannins. These tannins will settle down with further aging 5-10 years out. Long finish with persistence of blackberry, cassis, savoury, baking spices. Paired well with rare filet mignon and roasted root vegetables. Tasted 2014 vintage in February 2020, not decanted. 92 points

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Wow! Bold and flavourful Bordeaux blend. Aromas of currant, eucalyptus, mint, tobacco, and leather. Full bodied, with some structured tannin and medium acidity. Save this for a special steak night, decant for an hour before serving.