Currently Drinking...
Three Spearhead Winery 2022 Pinot Noirs
This is the first in a new series of articles called Currently Drinking that reviews and profiles more recent vintages of pinot noirs and other select wines from British Columbia. The first installment reviews three wonderful wines from one of the benchmark wineries for pinot noir in the province - Spearhead Winery.
Spearhead Winery (originally called Spierhead Winery) was established in 2008, a collaboration amongst three friends, Brian Sprout, William Knutson and Bruce Hirtle.
They began with purchased grapes and Bordeaux varieties but over the next few years, settled around an aim to create a range of distinctive pinot noirs.
The first few vintages (2008 and 2009) were made at Marichel Winery by its winemaker Richard Roskell during which time SpearHead built its own winery and planted its own vines. The estate winery opened in 2010.
The initial seven acre home vineyard planted mostly to pinot noir was originally known as the Gentleman Farmer Vineyard, in reference to the fact that none of its owners (a photographer, a lawyer and a businessman) had agricultural backgrounds. It later became the Saddle Block Vineyard.
In 2012 Spearhead hired Bill Pierson as their winemaker. Pierson had had winemaking experience at two other B.C. wineries with pinot noir in their lineup - Fort Berens and CedarCreek.
The tilt to pinot noir was further encouraged when the winery won a gold medal at a Canadian national award competition in 2012 for their inaugural 2010 vintage pinot noir from the Gentleman Farmer Vineyard. More pinot noir plantings were undertaken in 2014 and 2015, not only to increase volume but to diversify pinot noir clonal selection. The original plantings were of clones 115, 777 and 828. In 2014 more clone 828 was added as well as some clone 667. In 2015 the California heritage clone Mt. Eden was introduced.
Grant Stanley took over as winemaker 2017. Born in Vancouver, he trained at prominent wineries in New Zealand and Oregon, two epicenters of fine, New World, pinot noir. He subsequently had winemaking stints in B.C. at Quails’ Gate winery and 50th Parallel Estate.
His passion for pinot noir has raised Spearhead’s pinot noirs to an unprecedented level. At the 2025 National Wine Awards of Canada, Spearhead won 2 Platinums, 1 Gold, 4 Silvers, and 2 Bronzes for their pinot noirs. In 2024 they also dominated the pinot noir category and were judged Winery of the Year and Best Performing Small Winery.
The Wines
Spearhead Braided Hill Pinot Noir 2022
In The Glass
On the nose an expressive balance of ripe and savoury fruit that includes mulberry, beetroot and raspberry. The agreeable mingle of fresh and savoury carries through with plush loganberry, mulberry and black raspberry, precisely ballasted by beetroot, blackberry skin tinged tannins and some pomegranate molasses. The acidity is firm and the finish long and slow. B- ~ 90
In The Winery & Vineyard
Sourced entirely from vines planted in 2020 located in the East Kelowna Sub-GI, the clones here are Dijon 777 and 115. It spent 13 months in 100% new oak. This vineyard demonstrated remarkable resilience during the recent cold event, thanks to its gently rolling slopes and protective tree lines that shielded it from frost pockets and harsh winds.
Current Vintage & Availability
Spearhead Pommard Clone Pinot Noir 2022
In the Glass
Begins with a floating medley of blueberry, lilac, marionberry, raspberry and red plum. Pinot noir’s magic ability of not requiring over ripeness and/or big alcohol to achieve vivid complexity and intensity is much in evidence here. Balanced, focused fruit along with entwining, savoury embellishments of rose petal, tea and autumn leaves then deltas out to an echoing finish of raspberry and red plum skin. Stunning and haunting at the same time. B to B+ ~ 93
In The Winery & Vineyard
After a wild fermentation, the wine was stored in 25% new oak for 13 months. The 100% Pommard clone grapes were sourced from Summerland on the West side of Okanagan Lake.
Current Vintage & Availability
Spearhead Saddle Block Pinot Noir 2022
In the Glass
Named for its contours, this is Spearhead’s original pinot noir planting. Sadly, the Saddle Block vineyard vines, dating from 2008, were devastated by killer frosts in 2023, and had to be completely replanted.
This last 2022 vintage under the hand of Grant Stanley again shows the superb quality and consistency of pinot noir from this terroir. It initially displays entrancing aromas of pomegranate, beetroot, red earth, strawberries and raspberries. A precise, silky, complex fuse of savoury berry fruits, red currant jam, strawberry and pomegranate molasses are allied with earthiness, baking spices, a buoyant acidity and supple, moderating tannins. The long emanating ending shows Saddle Block’s typical dusty pomegranate finish. B+ ~ 94
In The Winery & Vineyard
From the East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI, the clones here are 115, 828, 777, and 667. After completing a wild fermentation, it was aged 13 months in French oak barrels (25% new).
Current Vintage & Availability
An enjoyable read, Brent. I had forgotten who the original winemaker was. Do you know where he is now?