The New Blue Grouse with Winemaker Stacy Hornemann

Photo of property

Two Words – Blue Grouse

Two More – The Cowichan.

Last Two – Stacy Hornemann.

stacy-hornemann-blue-grouse-winery

When the legendary Jackson Family in Santa Rosa, in the heart of Sonoma County, California

decided to add two Canadian wineries to their portfolio, they chose two on Vancouver Island. Unsworth and Blue Grouse. Both, in the Cowichan Valley. (South of Duncan)

Happy to report that both wineries are planting and replanting, ordering and installing new equipment and in the case of Unsworth, building a grand new winery, tasting room and restaurant.

Blue Grouse has a wonderful new winemaker, Stacy Hornemann, who was working for the Jackson Family when she was offered this adventure.

I have had the pleasure of tasting her new wine releases at home and at the winery.

Blue Grouse

Very impressed with the intensity, the balance and aromas of these 2024 wines. There is one 2023 and it’s a very special Pinot Noir. It promises to be popular and award winning. It is, in two more words, wonderfully yummy.

Due to the maritime influence on the Island, it keeps the vineyards warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer. The very slow ripening season develops a natural acidity. These wines will invite very positive change in the Cowichan. The future looks bright.

Here’s our conversation on the patio behind Blue Grouse, with the Cowichan spread out before us. The new releases we’re talking about are –

Charme De L’ile White Blend $29.99

100% Island grapes. Estate grown.

Ortega, Schonberger, Pinot Gris, Bacchus. 12%.

Charme De L’ile Rose $29.99

Estate grown. Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir and Pinot Gris. Grown separately. After blending, wine undergoes a second fermentation in stainless steel. 12% Delicious!!!

2024 Blue Grouse Pinot Gris

Again, all island grapes. Vinified separately. Fermentation and ageing in concrete and neutral French oak. A portion underwent “malo” bringing texture and wonderful balance.

Unlike Chardonnay, the cooler Spring and slow ripening works wonderfully for Pinot Gris. Some of these vines are the oldest in BC.

Wet stone on the nose, palate is citrus and minerality. Impressive.11.5%

2024 Rose $29.99

4 different varietals. 63% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Gris, 12% Gamay 10% Chardonnay

Each harvested separately, then a final blend. Aging in Stainless Steel and new French Oak. Some concrete tanks as well. Part malo.

11% Take a bottle for a visit to the neighbors. They’ll be impressed.

2024 Chardonnay. $32.99

Chard loves heat but 2024 wasn’t a hot year for Vancouver Island. Tracy earns full marks for this beauty. New and used French Oak – 13% new. 10 months on lees. Full malo. 11% abv. Chardonnay is in the future of Blue Grouse and The Cowichan.

2023 Pinot Noir $39.99 (Stacy gives us the clones)

Fermentation in amphorae and S. Steel. 18 months in new and used French oak barrels and puncheons. 100% Pinot Noir from the estate and select growers. Great growing conditions despite the famous cold snap inland. Delightful structure, vibrancy, and intriguing aromatics. One of the best from any region. Pinot Noir is in the future of the Cowichan. (And possibly Gamay.)