HERBERT: The newest member of the Origin Wines family

Published 5:30 pm Thursday, February 19, 2026

As recently as the 1970s, Bolgheri in the Tuscany region of Italy, then the Rodney Dangerfield of wine regions was looking to find a little respect from Italian wine devotees.

Their Sangiovese wines being labelled as Vino di Tavola, (table wines). That began to change with the introduction of Sassicaia from Tenuto San Guido, a Bordeaux-style (Meritage) blend of locally grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Other winegrowers followed suit, in some cases blending Noble grapes with Tuscan Sangiovese. While the Italian government was slow to recognize this new category of wines, lovers of Italian wines clamoured to get their hands on what we now know as Super Tuscans.

Their 2022 Undici, a nod to Hester Creek’s legacy and the south Okanagan’s unique terroir, is born into an already highly respected wine family of Origin Wines.

Mark Hopley their head winemaker, tells us: “While strictly a south Okanagan wine, Undici reflects the Italian influence Hester Creek has embraced since its early days.”

Situated on the East Bench of Osoyoos Lake in the south Okanagan their 60-acre vineyard boasts an extremely warm location, sandy soil and southwest exposure combining to make it ideal for growing Sangiovese along side other hot weather varieties.

“With its harvest of 2022 it has already shown why it is recognized as a high-quality vineyard. It is an 11 out of 10,” said Hopley. Thus, the name Vineyard 11.

I have mentioned in previous columns that the south Okanagan’s 2022 growing season started out cool and wet before turning into a sizzling summer with a long warm fall. Red wine grapes hung on the vines into November, producing riper, redder, more flavourful grapes.

This limited production, newest member of the Origin Wines family, Undici (11) is predominately Sangiovese, nearly equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon at 19 per cent and 16 per cent, three per cent Petit Verdot and one per cent Malbec. “At 61 per cent, we really wanted Sangiovese to be the driver of this blend, allowing the character of the South Okanagan to shine through.” Says Mark. Cold soaked, with a gentle fermentation in Ganimede tanks, the grapes were separately pressed before aging for a total of four years in the best oak barrels, then blended.

The 2022 Undici is already showing its promise. Alongside the aromas of ripe, dry fruits I detect savoury Sonoran Desert sage. Already smooth, with a lively mouthfeel, it boasts of layered flavours of rich, ripe, red Okanagan fruits on top of the tartness reminiscent of Montmorency cherries. The finish has a slightly spicy, nutty flavour.

Earlier I suggested that the 2022 Undici is meraviglioso and it is. I’ll add that with age it should become fantastico! Undici 2022 and other Origin wines are available @ Hester Creek.com.

A resident of Qualicum Beach, Chris Herbert is a wine enthusiast who enjoys sharing everything that B.C. wines have to offer. He looks forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments via email at spillthatvino@gmail.com.