Pinot Noir 'Len's Cuvée' 2020

Artist: Marina Billinghurst

 

Vignerons: Roche Family

 

Vintage: 2020 Pinot Noir

 

Farming & winemaking: Organically farmed, hand-picked

 

 

When we first arrived in the Okanagan as a young winemaking couple, we didn't know many people. We met Len Kozier, who was then in his 70s, and his wife Marion, who had planted a vineyard as an ambitious retirement project. In 2012 he trusted us to make their beautifully farmed organic fruit into wine. Len and Marion were pioneers themselves; as a young couple, they carved a life for themselves from the forest near Terrace, clearing the land by hand, farming beef cattle and hay, building a timber home and barn, and taking care of their family in British Columbia’s northwest. We saw ourselves in them, aspiring to build a life for our family in a new place, and were grateful for Len and Marion’s kindness as we found our bearings in Naramata.  Much to everyone’s shock, Len passed away suddenly in 2013; however, our relationship continued with the Kozier family. After making wine from this organic fruit each vintage, we accepted the responsibility of farming the Koziers' vineyard in 2017. It has been one of the most important sources of Roche Wines grapes since. 

When we tasted this special cuvée, a small selection of Pinot Noir Clone 828 grapes planted in the Kozier vineyard, we knew we wanted to honour its exceptionnalité by naming it in Len's honour. The wine was aged in Burgundian barrels for 14 months, with just 15% new oak, to impart roundness and subtle hints of spice. Local Naramatian artist Marina Billinghurst created another amazing watercolour for the label (her stunning work is also on our Vig Pinot Gris). Len’s Cuvée 2020 is a gift, a coming together of sun, earth, wind, and rain, that, like our friendship with the Koziers, has resulted in long-lasting magic. We are delighted to share it with you. 

 

 

Marina’s career in art and fashion spans over two decades. Marina graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Fashion Design. She’s also designed and stepped into the Creative Director role for multiple leading fashion brands in Canada and internationally. In 2019, Marina launched her own line of distinct aesthetic of dreamy watercolors paired with luscious materials for a luxury collection of sustainable, wearable art pieces.  

Her happiest days are spent making art—and sharing it with others. Marina happily lives on the Naramata Bench in Beautiful British Columbia. Where she facilitates paint therapy watercolor workshops to help others unlock their passion and exceed their wildest dreams. And when she’s not advocating for the causes dear to her heart, she’s in her studio with a glass of wine, listening to music and painting a watercolor world.

To view Marina’s work visit: www.artofmarina.ca | @artofmarina