Drink now through to 2030. No need to decant before serving.

Hypothesis is a big and beautiful Bordeaux-style red crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a dash of Cabernet Franc from the estate’s Arise Bench vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. The fruit is harvested in October when it reaches full ripeness and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The young wine then spends 16 months maturing in new and used French oak barrels before bottling.

Dark cherries, cassis, sage and smoked meat notes define the nose while the first sip reveals a full body, fine tannins and intense dark berry, wild herb and tobacco leaf flavours. The well-built structure and rich flavour profile make this a great wine to keep in the cellar for another decade or so, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside a prime steak, barbecued meats, game or rich stews.

Culmina founders Don and Elaine Triggs have worked in the wine industry for over 40 years and in 2006 they took the decision to start a brand-new project and found their very own boutique family winery. Meaning “peak” or “apex” in Latin, Culmina references both their extensive experience and their ambition to create something magnificent from the estate’s exceptional virgin terroir.