tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69989692346061849412024-02-02T06:00:19.556-08:00Adventures in BC WineThe sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do. ~GalileoRussell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-23476079172967525062018-03-31T14:44:00.000-07:002018-09-22T15:07:35.782-07:00Collectibles: March 2018<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">A broad range of special wines made the grade for collectible status this month, centered around a pair of excellent Merlot that stood out in the recent </font><a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2018/03/bcwas-merlot-blind-tasting.html"><font face="Calibri" size="4">BC Wine Appreciation Society Blind Tasting</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4">. A duo of Pinot Noir from the central Okanagan join the fun, as do a couple tasty red blends, all with great cellar potential. Most of these collectibles are generally available, but my own membership in the clubs at several wineries has greatly facilitated acquisition, particularly for the fully allocated production of Blue Mountain. Increasingly, the most interesting BC wines can be exclusively sourced direct.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXrcA-f26h0FcPpfgWoQ-FjMwQ8GrLM5ULOCK21zJdNa_B2R4JxQ5_DqlGOQtn5teKm7Fdm-J9GXO6_2LNNVczxmdDH94gai-SVJVffwJSGDMvjYD7k3rPmDqUv16bFHouL5fOHGDtvgO/s1600-h/IMG_20180502_092051%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="401" title="March 2018 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="March 2018 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQVHdxf0wFgxL3_hybXajMTXWUlVDr_x2ddjyoPv4uhbdO-o2Qx0z0feB2Fij__QY7sdcq8I_64CBfzQYgSKUKlC74C1Bj5bY1TcaIU1gmhLPfKRZno9eH8C_2Rhu_2gK-CygK9xnJdnV/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.bluemountainwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Blue Mountain</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir:</font></strong> Practically the benchmark for Pinot Noir in BC (let alone at that price), the Blue Mountain Reserve has been going strong for decades, from Okanagan Falls vines up to 30+ years old. The Mavety family took everything 2015 threw at them and still produced a fine Pinot Noir from an unusually warm vintage. The grapes were harvested relatively early, in the first week of September, and the wine manages a moderate 12.5% alcohol after native yeast fermentation (and 16 months in French oak). David Lawrason praised the balanced presentation in his </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/106263-Blue-Mountain-Reserve-Pinot-Noir-2015"><font face="Calibri" size="3">93-point review on WineAlign</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, noting the complex profile and outstanding focus and length. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Meyer</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2016 McLean Creek Road Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The McLean Pinot is the core of Meyer’s portfolio, coming as it does from the home vineyard in Okanagan Falls. Production quantities are the largest of Meyer’s four vineyard-specific Pinot Noir: 650 cases should ensure availability through the summer. The McLean Creek Road vineyard is a complex plot that includes three blocks of Pinot Noir planted to five French clones. Standard practice after several years is to age the wine for 11 months in one-quarter new French oak before bottling the following summer. Anthony Gismondi and Treve Ring both felt 90+ points worthy earlier this month, complimenting “</font><a href="https://gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201803/meyer-family-vineyards-pinot-noir-mclean-creek-road-vineyard-2016/?note=27577"><font face="Calibri" size="3">another classic MFV wine</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">” with up to five years further aging possible. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.corceletteswine.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Corcelettes</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Merlot:</font></strong> I had a chance to taste an early sample of this finely valued Similkameen Merlot before release late last fall and was immediately hooked, particularly at this price point. It’s the first varietal Merlot from Corcelettes, and comes from rare own-rooted vines in the Keremeos Upper Bench home vineyard. The wine performed quite well recently against some strong and established competition in the BCWAS Blind Tasting, but only 322 cases were produced so it won’t last long; I made sure to get mine over the winter. John Schreiner got an early taste in September as well, and praised the powerful aromas and rich, concentrated texture in a </font><a href="https://johnschreiner.blogspot.com/2017/09/corcelettes-tasting-room-with-view.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">92-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Winery Direct $27</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.burrowingowlwine.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Burrowing Owl</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Merlot:</font></strong> This popular South Okanagan stalwart is probably Burrowing Owl’s cornerstone wine, yielding several thousand cases on an annual basis, distributed all across the country. By now, the mature vineyards and established winemaking practices ensure a consistent high quality, although some years stand out even further. The warm 2014 vintage brought the Wyse family a Gold medal at last summer’s National Wine Awards, alongside sterling accolades from the judging team: </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/100123-Burrowing-Owl-Merlot-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">all four reviews on WineAlign allocate 91+ points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. The wine’s long aging potential of up to a decade was emphasized, although it is “drinking very well right now,” after 18 months in barrel (French, American, Hungarian, and Russian). Early approachability is a characteristic that no doubt helped it place in the top three of the BCWAS Blind Tasting. Winery Direct $30</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Poplar Grove</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 CSM:</font></strong> Here’s a creative, alternative blend that differs from the more traditional Bordeaux stylings of the winery’s flagship Legacy red. </font><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/Wine-Club/Benefits"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> members typically get first crack at it, and I was more than happy to do so recently, although 1,200 cases should ensure sufficient availability in the tasting room for some time. The wine’s name comes from the combination of Cabernet, Syrah, and Malbec/Merlot, this year comprising 37% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, 11% Malbec, and 9% Merlot. Winemaking saw all five varieties fermented (naturally) and barrel aged for 21 months in French oak separately, before blending and another 20 months of bottle age. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed past vintages – in large part due to the Syrah component – and ensure CSM finds its way home with me every year. Winery Direct $35 </font><p align="justify"><a href="https://stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Stag’s Hollow</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Renaissance Meritage:</font></strong> Stag’s Hollow usually formulates minor blends for their varietal reds (e.g., 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon), but hasn’t produced a designated reserve Meritage in many years. As Anthony Gismondi pointed out in his </font><a href="https://gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201803/stags-hollow-renaissance-meritage-2015/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">90-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, this is the first one since 2005 – and only 100 cases were produced! With sufficient quantity and quality of estate fruit (Cabernets in particular) on hand in 2015, Winemaker Dwight Sick was able to blend 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc from the winery’s home vineyard in Okanagan Falls. After fermentation in one third new French oak the wine spent an additional 18 months on the lees before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The winery encourages further aging in bottle, and John Schreiner is in agreement: his </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.com/2018/02/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">93-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> recommends cellaring until 2025. Winery Direct $50</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-78664387510577221642018-03-24T20:28:00.000-07:002018-09-03T17:50:44.387-07:00BCWAS Merlot Blind Tasting<font face="Calibri"></font><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><p align="justify"><font size="4">For the past several years the <a href="http://www.bcwas.org/" target="_blank">BC Wine Appreciation Society</a> has hosted an annual double-blind varietal tasting, beginning with <a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2013/01/bcwas-syrah-blind-tasting.html" target="_blank">Syrah in 2013</a>, and in latter years featuring <a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2014/02/bcwas-cabernet-franc-blind-tasting.html" target="_blank">Cabernet Franc</a>, <a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2015/03/bcwas-pinot-noir-blind-tasting.html" target="_blank">Pinot Noir</a>, and Riesling. Having recently taken over as Society Cellarmaster I was given the task of organizing this year’s tasting, and settled on long-suffering Merlot. After <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sideways#Impact_on_wine_industry" target="_blank">taking a beating following the release of the film Sideways in 2004</a>, unfairly maligned Merlot deserves to be championed more often, particularly given its standing as BC’s most-planted red grape. I looked forward to the challenge of showing off some top local examples.</font></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlVKE-IVcWaJwtMFijLOxDGQ62YpQS32sXj9CvDmxfNdLwvB01qsbsnuN3jyphVh1LBIdyt6P6CbSz8rS6VpvrbD28nEpfT4b8w_NX0wCxEmYVqdy1emrruq9GqSs3QgC007qdRIHGYya/s1600-h/IMG_20180320_2154565"><img width="560" height="369" title="BCWAS Merlot Blind Tasting wines" style="display: inline;" alt="BCWAS Merlot Blind Tasting wines" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIeTiWPYvtspGSuX1giJ7i5jNUm_ps5CB-W83XJqCRmsk74EtpNa3_IVQ7pzjQjQTrEmBQ1Q27qiZ3tWHOflZoZPGPYDKi9-M8mGp3R4fPf6Qra25fWPsCBZ-4E3o_eLdUFB96L6F0388/?imgmax=800"></a></p><p align="justify">I was limited to only eight wines given the physical constraints of our venue, fewer than years past, so it was important to ensure variety and avoid overlap. I focused on regional distribution alongside important criteria such as quality and availability. Using what was on hand in the Society cellar allowed for a selection of vintages from 2012-2015, while geographic range from Naramata through Osoyoos and on to Keremeos yielded sufficient diversity. While I longed for some of the exclusive icons from <a href="https://lastella.ca/" target="_blank">LaStella</a> or <a href="https://www.checkmatewinery.com/" target="_blank">Checkmate</a>, price was another consideration, and so the wines remained within the $27-$40 range. Cost doesn’t always predict quality however, so prominent award-winners were in the mix to see how they stacked up. The wines were all poured blind, and <u>served blind in the following randomized order</u>:</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Painted Rock</strong></a><strong> 2012</strong>: The tasting’s oldest wine, coming from professional storage in the BCWAS cellar, it’s long since sold out, as the 2014 is currently available at the winery. The Merlot block on the west-facing Skaha Bench estate vineyard was harvested October 23, and the grapes were later aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak before just over 1,000 cases were bottled.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://stagshollowwinery.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Stag’s Hollow</strong></a><strong> 2014 Renaissance</strong>: The winery’s reserve tier Merlot was harvested from the Okanagan Falls home vineyard on October 27, before aging in 50% new French oak for 15 months. This wine was one of two minor blends in the tasting, having incorporated 10% Cabernet Sauvignon for additional complexity, before bottling of just 225 cases. A Gold Medal at the 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships made it one to watch.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.cassini.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Cassini</strong></a><strong> 2013 “Nobilus”</strong>: Bursting with accolades, Cassini’s example of Golden Mile Bench Merlot offered high expectations. The wine had returned a Double Gold (Best of Category) at the 2016 All Canadian Wine Championships, and a prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award last summer. Adrian Cassini entrusted his grapes to 100% new French oak for two years after harvest in the last week of October, releasing only 187 cases in the fall of 2017.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.corceletteswine.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Corcelettes</strong></a><strong> 2015</strong>: From the young winery’s relatively new home vineyard on the Keremeos Upper Bench, rare own-rooted vinifera vines were harvested early in September during this hot vintage. The grapes spent 16 months in a mix of French and American oak before 322 cases were released quite recently. At only $27 it was also the least expensive wine in the tasting.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Poplar Grove</strong></a><strong> 2014</strong>: Just north of the winery location at the south end of the Naramata Bench are the pair of neighbouring vineyards that yielded a thousand cases of this local favourite. The wine is actually a four-grape blend, harvested over a month-long period starting in early October: 88% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. Grapes were aged in used French oak (second- to fourth-fill) for 21 months.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.burrowingowlwine.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Burrowing Owl</strong></a><strong> 2014</strong>: Anchoring the winery’s portfolio means 6,500 cases of this money-maker come from expansive southern Okanagan vineyards. The Black Sage Bench home vineyard and another on the Osoyoos East Bench contributed grapes harvested over two weeks mid-October. Burrowing Owl’s trademark varied elevage spread the grapes across 65% French, 18% American, 10% Hungarian, and 7% Russian oak, one quarter of it in new barrels.</p><p align="justify"><a href="http://churchandstatewines.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Church & State</strong></a><strong> 2013</strong>: Another Black Sage Bench example, but this time from lower in altitude closer to the valley floor. The Coyote Bowl and Rattlesnake Vineyards adjacent to the winery were harvested October 23, before 22 months of aging in one third new French oak. Just 275 cases came about, and it’s long since been supplanted by the present 2015 vintage for sale.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://vanwestenvineyards.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Van Westen</strong></a><strong> 2014 “Vivre la Vie”</strong>: Rob Van Westen’s family vineyards can be found at the northern end of the Naramata Bench. The three small blocks that formed this wine were harvested from October 4-19, and spent 21 months in 25% new French oak before bottling of a mere 148 cases. The 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships awarded Double Gold to mark this bottle as category leader in the premium Merlot tier.</p><p align="justify">The fifty-plus participants at the sold-out tasting were all asked to rank order the eight wines on anonymous ballots, which I then tabulated using a Borda-count system (for all the voting-method geeks out there) to yield the overall crowd favourites. The clear champions emerged on top in short order, led by <strong>Cassini</strong>, <strong>Van Westen</strong>, and <strong>Burrowing Owl</strong>. The next level was dominated by Corcelettes, Painted Rock, and Poplar Grove, and demonstrating that vintage certainly was not a reliable predictor of appeal, given the full four-year range in that cluster.</p><p align="justify">Unfortunately, a couple of the wines seemed to have suffered from either faulty bottles or tainted stemware, as reports of off flavours harmed the chances of both Church & State and Stag’s Hollow, relegating them to the rear. My own servings seemed to have avoided any problematic bottles or glasses, as both Church & State and Stag’s Hollow found favour in my notes. Served second, Stag’s Hollow yielded a toasty, leathery nose with palate of blackberries and a pucker on the finish. Church & State, one of the older wines, offered a dusty nose before an aggressive palate of chewy tannins and tart fruit that finished long. It’s truly a shame some glitches may have prevented these two wines from achieving their potential.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxTkR0cfMqDqUQN0hWJqTdW2rjxO-Q-SnvE_fREf_7JVoImSmAJA2UEhP1tmqCLmrsW7oG3ayWsrEtunle2mTBtpoyy1fWL0EU2T9Hxy8mPJFnchGLuQjCkyT8lYs55t2IA16xQSurj0O/s1600-h/Merlot-Blind-Tasting-Champions5"><img width="560" height="764" title="Merlot Blind Tasting Champions" style="display: inline;" alt="Merlot Blind Tasting Champions" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1TlzS8rPxeMiJp__atoQjjmJzQK4w6feeaMwKNA_dI3SStI35oWbEAKyRUMbUnllsfLBuCXlcWJpENDjMVxnDKeB0K1ID0hRfNOSsEcC4TA0KPd058UrHuSqIPgl-r8JoX7QCTMydlRA/?imgmax=800"></a></p><p align="justify">The third wine served, top-ranked Cassini, made a particular impression – my notes reference the rich, creamy texture and profile of baked fruit and vanilla. Van Westen showed the winery’s trademark age-worthy tannins, with smoky hints but a well-balanced acidity that brought juicy fruit to the forefront. Burrowing Owl offered significant caramelization on the nose and palate – easy to like – with an accessible texture and ripe southern Okanagan fruit. Corcelettes revealed the freshness of youth, with a range of berry fruit flavours and hints of menthol, pleasantly elegant given the price point. Painted Rock’s Merlot always takes longest of John Skinner’s reds to come around, and even with the benefit of age it was still tight, showing floral character on the nose in time, while ripe, dark berries emerged on the palate. Poplar Grove belied its relative youth, presenting a surprisingly smooth palate of quintessential blueberry, along with deceptive spices that had me guessing Similkameen.</p><p align="justify">The entire experience was enlightening in the way that blind tastings so often are, and guests seemed quite pleased with the wines and information on offer. I myself was grateful my selections went over so well, and look forward to assembling future tastings of new varieties (or even blends). Thank you to the members of the BC Wine Appreciation Society for so diligently tasting and rating these wines – I hope you had as much fun as I did!</p></font></font>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-57536657770268379912018-02-28T21:49:00.000-08:002018-06-26T21:56:53.311-07:00Collectibles: February 2018<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">In years past the month of the </font><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Vancouver International Wine Festival</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> would be my shopping bonanza for both international and domestic bottles. Now, having significantly increased the frequency of my visits to tasting rooms in person, I no longer need to rely as heavily on the Festival store to fill my cellar with BC’s bounty. The Festival comes at an odd time of year, before most local wineries have bottled new vintages, so it can be a time to find the last reserves of some (saved for the Festival), or alternatively, advance access to those yet to be released. Festival purchases and a few recent winter treats make up this month’s collectibles.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLKXQIZhm2iMSE9GmjwQoegEeUbSWO8tbF3t6KPc6FzUXQMPfiDs1_a6X0xGxKvHwYsFYd_60EBfSV7P3aXbrSDIBg4cD8QT8ylKlJkc5uDQ44UQ8iAuGPNpocaG9QIGKJUT89ApqRL9X/s1600-h/IMG_20180530_084700%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="394" title="February 2018 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="February 2018 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCs0v-IHD6oSRenchhW6GurQIVRW2-08bxZMU1xunV2_vWwsmxPldVscnJxrRl4vKNoFfvmGNbDl9pWuqnCBUjPAmzLcaQ6Tfbhjuulbx6S8L7_nsVHwTK5FG01GzlnYNBlcAhTb2Ag4N/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.quailsgate.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Quails’ Gate</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2016 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir:</font></strong> I can often rely on the Stewart family to bring out the big guns for VIWF, and the fact they previewed this upcoming vintage of the winery’s flagship red speaks volumes. Not even mentioned yet online, the 2016 was being poured and purchased in the Festival tasting room, showing off a remarkably approachable profile at this young age. The highly expressive nose and rich palate were balanced and fresh, and will no doubt age well for many years, but made for easy enjoyment well before the official winery release. Winemaker Nikki Callaway brought in ideal West Kelowna fruit from an exceptional growing season to assemble 1,100 cases after ten months in French oak. The Stewart Family Reserve is a consistent benchmark for rich, New World Pinot Noir in BC. VIWF Store $60</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://vanwestenvineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Van Westen</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2016 “VD” Pinot Noir:</font></strong> Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Rob Van Westen’s petite Pinot project offers a much less well known example, and mightily hard to find at that. Repeat customers get first notification before Rob spends a mid-winter week stocking store shelves and hand-delivering new releases while the vines slumber. The good news is this niche collaboration between Rob and veteran winemaker Tom DiBello has grown in quantity by 25% since last year, now reaching a grand total of 105 cases. The grapes come from the Granite Ridge vineyard on the Naramata Bench, planted to the meaty Pommard clone, and aged nine months in French oak. The generous vintage has yielded another obliging bottle, with softly textured, ripe tannins atop the underlying structure. It may be tempting to crack that screwtop in the short term but here’s another good cellar candidate for those with patience. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://spearheadwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>SpierHead</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2016 Cuvée Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The East Kelowna winery on Spiers Road may be changing their name to Spearhead for the sake of convenience but the only change to the wine is it keeps getting better. Supervised by new General Manager Grant Stanley (via Quails’ Gate and 50th Parallel), the growing portfolio holds five Pinot Noir (six if counting the White Pinot) at present, with the Cuvée coming out on top. While Van Westen makes the exception for Pinot, Spearhead is all in on the variety, taking advantage of their ideal estate terroir and that of trusted partners. Cuvée 2016 is a 400 case blend of the best barrels from four clones (115, 667, 828, Pommard) following ten months in French oak. </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.com/2018/01/spierhead-releases-2016-pinot-noirs.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">John Schreiner noted the boldness</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> of intense, even jammy fruit flavours in January, while the GismondiOnWine team offered </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201802/spierhead-pinot-noir-cuve-2016"><font face="Calibri" size="3">90+ points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> (and recommended three years in the cellar) just last week. Winery Direct $44</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://lastella.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>LaStella</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Allegretto Merlot:</font></strong> A tiny “Pie Franco” logo on the label provides a hint of this wine’s special status. The single vineyard Merlot that sits just below the flagship Maestoso in LaStella’s portfolio is planted on its own rootstock in high drainage white silica sand. This “pie franco” accomplishment is rare in a global industry dominated by grafted vines seeking to escape </font><a href="https://winefolly.com/review/no-cure-for-grape-phylloxera/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">the ravages of phylloxerae</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. The estate Stagg’s Vineyard on the west bench of south Osoyoos has just over four acres of Merlot (alongside four more of Syrah), and provided for 275 cases in 2014, resulting in a wine reserved exclusively for </font><a href="https://lastella.ca/wine-clubs/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> members. The winery claims a certain purity in flavour is obtained from these own-rooted vines, offering a taste of Merlot in its most authentic form. Winery Direct $69</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Painted Rock</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Syrah:</font></strong> With their sole white wine (Chardonnay) sold out, the Painted Rock team placed particular emphasis on their several superb reds available at the VIWF. The Syrah from the Skinner family’s Skaha Bench estate vineyard south of Penticton has been a favourite in my household for many years. The effects of a warm vintage are apparent in what Anthony Gismondi describes as a “</font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201801/painted-rock-syrah-2015/?note=27611"><font face="Calibri" size="3">hedonistic nature</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">” sure to find many fans despite a bit less complexity than normal. Liam Carrier’s </font><a href="http://iconscores.blogspot.com/2017/12/painted-rock-estate-winery-2015-syrah.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">92-point review on IconScores</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> offers an intriguing description of blood orange, mint, and vanilla in a “mind-blowingly intense” wine worthy of supplanting the winery’s premier Red Icon. Fortunately 1,700 cases were produced, after 18 months in 30% new French oak, giving many a chance to try it for themselves and be the judge. VIWF Store $46</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.burrowingowlwine.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Burrowing Owl</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Meritage:</font></strong> In an age where every winery has a flagship red with a proprietary name Burrowing Owl has stayed with good old fashioned Meritage – straightforward and descriptive. A bottle goes into my vertical collection each year, making for a nice exploration of the vintage at one of the South Okanagan’s most noteworthy wineries. The blend of 32% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, and 11% Petit Verdot was bottled in August 2016, after 21 months in oak (18 months varietally independent), three quarters French. A near </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/100122-Burrowing-Owl-Meritage-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">endless stream of compliments</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> have come from the WineAlign judging team, yet despite unanimous 90+ point scores the same team awarded a moderate Silver medal at the 2017 National Wine Awards – an ode, perhaps, to the uncertainties of competition. Winery Direct $50</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-22711818578504209112018-01-31T21:47:00.000-08:002018-06-16T22:08:35.521-07:00Collectibles: January 2018<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">The hectic holiday season is behind us but there are plenty of stellar gift-worthy wines still on hand – and a gift to oneself is perfectly legitimate. Even though the tasting rooms in wine country are closed for the season, online stores are open year-round, plus the many fine wine retailers around home are always happy to help the cause. In the case of one collectible, it’s exclusively available at retail, as Chris Carson is nearly too busy making wine to sell it! This month’s selection features several marvellous, under-the-radar examples that will find a comfortable home in my cellar, in many cases building on multi-year verticals as I find myself coming back for another vintage.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR6vQbQtbuq88IJMV5qMhTmzcvFO0B9cr9W7sIFugpnpmXltrXSzED1BkCLB2iP2Tkbxajb8c_1ouiiZH2pjt5L6PZk2pIcI0HEzVG0VXxr-Qcai1XCoCJnaRxJa7Pcro-zmj0XOwFEbR/s1600-h/IMG_20180502_091642%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="378" title="January 2018 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="January 2018 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmo72chVNV9IJHkIvEe0eNARmpPdyskGFB-LkzcR3TrFbwXJEuADdQ2Vz_mREn6JN8PDjEuiK1-Vrb7xzulQ8emVexzaxfK7OY63h-gAa3PTr5b8Vt6pov9XeWyDjL41tQDkmCCmK8OH7S/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Carson</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Pinot Noir:</strong></font> For the past decade, the highly respected Pinot Noir of </font><a href="https://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Meyer Family Vineyards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> has been ushered into bottle by the talented Chris Carson, who also produces his own “</font><a href="http://www.garagistenorth.com/Event-Info/Meet-the-Garagistes"><font face="Calibri" size="3">garagiste</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">” wine with very little fanfare. A twenty-year-old 1.5 acre block of Clone 115 on the Naramata Bench yields a mere couple hundred cases that Carson vinifies at Meyer’s Okanagan Falls winery. The winemaking is described as “very traditional” and includes an indigenous yeast ferment followed by 11 months aging in one-third new French oak. Every year a sample bottle makes its way to Anthony Gismondi, who bestowed </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201710/carson-pinot-noir-naramata-vineyard-2015/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">another 90+ score</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> for the third year running in October: Carson’s “hedonistic” style serves up “juicy, red fruit with a savoury, spicy undercurrent.” Marquis Wine Cellars $50</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.quailsgate.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Quails’ Gate</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Syrah “The Boswell”:</strong></font> Four years after introduction as a (one-time) special edition anniversary series wine, Syrah has grown to become a notable component of the Burgundian-focused portfolio at Quails’ Gate. The Northern-Rhone-styled wine represents a rarity in that it hails from estate vineyards in West Kelowna, in contrast to the extensive plantings of Syrah found in the South Okanagan. Outsider status notwithstanding, The Boswell continues to garner serious accolades every year: Anthony Gismondi and Treve Ring had nothing but praise </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201710/quails-gate-syrah-the-boswell-2015/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">in October and November</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, John Schreiner conveyed his approval with </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/10/quails-gate-2015-reds-do-justice-to.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">93-points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, and WineAlign’s David Lawrason was similarly impressed with the </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/102901-Quails'-Gate-The-Boswell-Syrah-2015"><font face="Calibri" size="3">perfectly ripened fruit and impressive focus</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. After working through the last of the (equally good) 2014 the winery is finally ready to release the 580 cases bottled last June following 18 months in French oak. Winery Direct $63</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.corceletteswine.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Corcelettes</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Menhir:</strong></font> Named after marker stones found on the Baessler family’s original farm in Switzerland, the reasonably-priced flagship at Corcelettes eschews the typical Bordeaux blends for Cabernet-Syrah. The components hover around the same proportions annually, coming in at 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Syrah in 2015, mellowed for 16 months in French oak puncheons, to yield just 145 cases. Previous vintages were sourced from the winery’s original Middle Bench Vineyard in Keremeos, but since taking over the former Herder property on Upper Bench Road, the new home vineyard provides fruit from up against the sun-baked hills. </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/09/corcelettes-tasting-room-with-view.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">John Schreiner had an advance taste in September</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> and confirmed it remains a “round and generous wine” worthy of 93 points. Winery Direct $35</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Painted Rock</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon:</strong></font> One could say that every vintage of John Skinner’s Cabernet since that first Lieutenant Governor’s Award-winning 2007 has been sold out upon bottling. Ironically the winery’s recently introduced varietal Cabernet Franc is arguably more noteworthy, but, Sauv still sells. That’s not to say the Sauvignon is unworthy of the attention - this is one of the region’s finest, must-have versions for collectors - it’s just hard to find outside the winery! Production only reached 328 cases in 2015, after 18 months in 30% new French oak, and while some additional rows were recently planted, those younger grapes are going into the exciting </font><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/Wines/Syrah-Cabernet-Sauvignon"><font face="Calibri" size="3">new Syrah-Cabernet</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. The red hot 2015 sunshine seasoned this vintage with “savoury, black cherry fruit and warm, brown spicing,” in the words of Anthony Gismondi: his </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201801/painted-rock-cabernet-sauvignon-2015/?note=27205"><font face="Calibri" size="3">90-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> makes the case for patience however – if you can find a bottle hold on for even greater rewards in 2022. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://lastella.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>LaStella</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2014 La Sophia Cabernet Sauvignon:</strong></font> Painted Rock’s Cabernet is prevalent compared to the mere three barrels from LaStella in 2014. Just 75 cases are available from this excellent vintage, harvested from the famed U2 block of Inkameep Vineyard in the north end of the Black Sage Bench. Like the winery’s Maestoso Merlot, this super-premium bottle comes with a price to match, reflecting both the work that goes into it, and the wine’s status and prestige – at least the price slows down sales to give collectors a chance! Having tasted past vintages of La Sophia I’m willing to splurge for a bottle of this deliciously rich but focused wine; the winery suggests it “draws a comparison to the great Cabernets from Washington State rather than the plusher and fatter examples from Napa Valley.” Winery Direct $103</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://road13vineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Blind Creek Collective</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Consensus:</font></strong> After just one year the Similkameen project of Road 13 and partners has already been forced to rebrand when their original name, “The Similkameen Collective” fell afoul of regulatory authorities (appellation names apparently can’t be part of wine names). The change makes the inaugural vintage of their Bordeaux blend a collectible aberration, but for 2014 the name serves to better reflects the site anyway. The 100-acre Blind Creek Vineyard in Cawston has contributed stellar grapes to many of Road 13’s award-winning wines (and those of other wineries across BC). Consensus brings together 148 cases of 36% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec, recently bottled after 36-months in French oak. Seeing as BCC has next to no web presence and the premium-priced wines are currently sold on the side in the Road 13 tasting room, Consensus makes for the ultimate insider collectible. Winery Direct $60</font>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-89502502754586699862017-12-31T21:19:00.000-08:002018-01-30T21:16:30.051-08:00Collectibles: December 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">There’s no doubt that visiting BC wine country in the winter is a touch more challenging – every route from the coast takes you through remote mountain passes with threatening weather conditions. After an uncommonly harrowing journey, my safe arrival in Osoyoos over the holidays facilitated some acquisitions of the year’s final new releases. Few wineries remain open throughout the season, but the number is growing as more people enjoy the opportunity to witness a region transformed; and there’s always new wines to be had! While the temptation may be present to crack open some of these hefty red rarities, further time in the cellar will yield dividends to enjoy for many winters to come.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykytsz_wp-JCCE5loevNxH5xuc1OWRk2jDSvHzCA8DrQ2P0JOF6rg1uT5s6GfnFKePszNLUFf7tbi_p4fwM5gK3DV2WK7-2x_pxuTOaXuabUxRQo3sJYyyqpH5nQvWKJPPISZGTI3IXu-/s1600-h/IMG_20180130_205850%255B5%255D"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><img width="560" height="355" title="December 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="December 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMMURqFtUdtrnGBVN7_i_INQuR49KKX9jQeRSWYdzbk3wMej44GPLJFNew1s_dhWMpVy8UfqjLjAyK99QqT4sioaijGskzYMbBor5Zn8yzt90iVUweCUoMPYNdttJCYkvQAWa0gUdOxev/?imgmax=800"></font></a><br></p><p align="justify"><strong><a href="https://www.burrowingowlwine.ca/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Burrowing Owl</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> 2015 Cabernet Franc:</font></strong><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Just released, this ever-so-youthful wine has big shoes to fill, as the preceding vintage received a </font><a href="http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/lg/honours-awards/default.html#../../lg/honours-awards/wine-awards/default.html" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Lt. Governor’s Award</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> just this summer, the second one for Burrowing Owl’s Franc in just five years. The winery seems quite pleased with the vintage, calling it “a grape grower’s dream come true,” leading up to harvest in the latter half of October, before the wine spent 18 months aging. Barrels were three quarters French oak, with the balance American and Hungarian, slightly more than one third of it new or one-year-old. I intend to age mine further into the next decade and allow maturity to better express the complex profile, elements of which are touched on by WineAlign Judge Michael Godel in his </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/103753-Burrowing-Owl-Cabernet-Franc-2015" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">91-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Time will mellow “enough wood spice to smoke a shoulder,” and provide elbow room for the lengthy, expressive black currant, tobacco, and pepper. Winery Direct $33</font><p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://www.ccjentschcellars.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">C.C. Jentsch</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> 2015 Small Lot Malbec:</font></strong><font face="Calibri" size="3"> There are few (but growing numbers of) varietal Malbec from BC, and those that exist are always small lot productions, seeing as most grapes are incorporated into Bordeaux-style blends. The third vintage from Chris Jentsch and his talented Winemaker Amber Pratt continues their highly successful practice of reserving a few precious barrels to bottle independently, and they managed to eek out 100 cases in 2015 (double that of the inaugural 2013). Fruit was sourced from Jentsch’s Golden Mile vineyard near Road 13 and the winery home vineyard at Testalinden Creek, aged in American and Hungarian oak for 16 months. The Golden Mile property was sold this year however, so the challenge ahead will be to maintain sufficient production quantities given the growing demand. The wine has already racked up a pair of Gold medals in competition from both </font><a href="http://unisidea.ca/intervin/medals/index.php?year=2017" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Intervin</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> and </font><a href="http://www.winebc.org/press_room/awards/#OWFSF2017" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">this fall’s BC Wine Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Winery Direct $57</font><p align="justify"><strong><a href="https://levieuxpin.ca/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Le Vieux Pin</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> 2014 Equinoxe Syrah:</font></strong><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Recent releases seem dominated by the 2015 vintage, but there still exist a small proportion of bottle-aged earlier wines. The super-premium, icon wine at Le Vieux Pin experienced generous aging in French oak barrels and puncheons, and then in bottle, before its recent release on the cusp of 2018. More than half the oak was new, but the blend of low-yield Black Sage Bench and Osoyoos East Bench fruit can handle it with ease, especially from such a fine vintage. With barely two tons per acre harvested, only 242 cases were produced, but some of the country’s top critics have already tried it out to great acclaim. At WineAlign </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/97847-Le-Vieux-Pin-Equinoxe-Syrah-2014" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">numerous 94-point scores</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> sing praises for the wine’s elegance and outstanding length, with Michael Godel finding texture and acidity so balanced as to render it “peerless” in stature amongst BC Syrah. Winery Direct $103</font><p align="justify"><strong><a href="https://www.closdusoleil.ca/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Clos du Soleil</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> 2014 Signature:</font></strong><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><a href="https://www.closdusoleil.ca/wine-club/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> members received first crack at Winemaker Michael Clark’s newest flagship in their autumn equinox shipment. Grapes from the Keremeos home vineyard and elsewhere in the Similkameen were aged 17 months in French oak, and the best 29 barrels were selected to produce 725 cases, blending equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 14% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec. Signature has established itself in relatively short order as one of BC’s finest red blends, while still under the radar compared to cult wines of the Okanagan. Newly reviewed this month by Anthony Gismondi & Treve Ring, this vintage marks the third in a row to receive </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201712/clos-du-soleil-signature-2014/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">92-points of commendation</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> from GismondiOnWine, where it’s said to possess “elegance and authenticity throughout, with surprising depth at this youthful age.” Winery Direct $45</font><p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://www.mooncurser.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Moon Curser</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> 2015 Dead of Night:</font></strong><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Although several of this adventurous Osoyoos winery’s exclusive reds are presently sold out, the remainder have much to offer, chief among them being the newest vintage of a Syrah/Tannat blend found nowhere else in Canada. The hot and heavy 2015 season yielded Tannat at an impressive 25 Brix, but Proprietor Chris Tolley is quick to reassure fans it still retains bright acidity. The freshness found in a potentially brawny red is something noted by Anthony Gismondi, in his </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201711/moon-curser-dead-of-the-night-2015/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">90-point November review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> that found “much more elegance than we are used to here.” The smoky summer and subsequent disease pressure led Chris to drop fruit and aggressively thin the canopy, so production quantities are actually slightly decreased, with 317 cases available after 14 months in French and Hungarian oak, about one quarter new. The recent </font><a href="http://www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2017/10/07/pinot-gris-by-oregons-pike-road-tops-fifth-annual-great-northwest-invitational/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Great Northwest Invitational</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> awarded two of BC’s sixteen Gold medals to Moon Curser, for Dolcetto 2016 and Dead of Night 2015. Winery Direct $43</font><p align="justify"><strong><a href="https://www.quailsgate.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Quails’ Gate</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> 2015 The Connemara:</font></strong><font face="Calibri" size="3"> It’s starting to look like I’ll have to begin a new vertical collection, as the second vintage of this new icon red fashions itself a permanent spot in the Quails’ Gate portfolio. Although best known for Burgundian varieties, Quails’ Gate has been delving into a broader spectrum of reds with earnest since Bordeaux-trained Nikki Callaway took over winemaking duties in 2013. The inaugural Connemara 2014 received a Gold medal at the National Wine Awards this summer, although the judging team </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/102904-Quails'-Gate-The-Connemara-2015" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">had a taste of 2015 just last month</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. The blend has changed to favour Cabernet Franc with 40%, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal proportions, all aged for 18 months in French oak, but awaiting another decade in bottle. John Schreiner suggested just that while complimenting the wine’s “exceptional polish and elegance” in his </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/10/quails-gate-2015-reds-do-justice-to.html" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">94-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, alongside admiration for Nikki’s other 2015 reds. Winery Direct $69</font><p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Painted Rock</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> 2015 Red Icon:</font></strong><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Winery owner John Skinner could probably sit back and let his highly successful wine sell itself at this point, but he isn’t one to rest on his laurels. The newest release of Painted Rock’s flagship blend has already been distributed for wide review, and well publicized. Mid-November the WineAlign team looks to have shared a bottle, with </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/103578-Painted-Rock-Red-Icon-2015" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">the resulting reviews</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> coming to the same effusive conclusion in praise of the wine’s intense and quintessentially BC character: “there is a brightness and generosity here missing in many Canadian reds” says David Lawrason. Having settled on 30% new French oak, John and his team managed to push out a generous 1,500 cases from 2015, following a blend they’ve established with Merlot (45%) and Cabernet Franc (24%) in the lead, joined this year by 11% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, and a mere 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Don’t let the record-high quantity fool you, as the Icon easily sells out every year given the rock-solid track record it’s assembled. Winery Direct $55</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-76138849361299947722017-11-30T21:18:00.000-08:002018-01-04T21:32:45.985-08:00Collectibles: November 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Variety defines this particular collection of local libations more so than usual: my latest finds include four vintages, four varietals, three regions, two icon blends, and a great many sources for those unwilling to take “sold out” for an answer. These bottles come from as far afield as Kamloops and Lillooet in addition to the reliable Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, and include both recent releases plus resurfaced legends I never expected to find. New boutique shops rub shoulders with veteran wineries such as Burrowing Owl and Poplar Grove – all equally challenging to track down however! Considering everyone is looking for something special to either bring to the holiday table, or gift to loved ones in the coming weeks, my hope is that a few more of these bottles will find their way to another lucky cellar soon.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8sx28PfmrTWJ3eHekkhv4rhJuyVkO6MTjxOx4L_E-6Sl4EOgzT90m6UHtRI80n_b48qOk-vRN-7V7wxzIxSx3505vf2EHLcz8b1nRPn7tlNHHLOis0BEVNOpE53RDkWhE_sN-5qsdMHE/s1600-h/IMG_20171227_112456%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="357" title="November 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="November 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuUK1qPqWTx15cPBIpGOPwWRaHSVQWwqY0g3qVUSF_a3FHaHkw5Tt39YRdHudFbYi7r5unmGos01fub7mzd90Ua968Nv9KBufSdSqz5yiDsrlUObBOEroyO8JN4qKq10H_TdYXREw1lsa/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong><a href="http://privato.ca/" target="_blank">Privato</a></strong></font><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2012 Grande Reserve Pinot Noir:</font></strong> A couple of years ago the second vintage of Pinot Noir from this young Kamloops winery received a prestigious Best in Class Double Gold at the 2015 </font></font><a href="http://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">All Canadian Wine Championships</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Eight reserved barrels of that same wine, with additional age totalling 42 months, were bottled the following year to yield “one of the most powerful Pinot Noirs to date in British Columbia,” in the words of </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/06/privato-releases-grande-reserve-pinot.html" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">John Schreiner last spring</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. John’s 92-94 point review remarked upon the “intriguing tension” between dark fruit and oak influence, offering a wine with a decade ahead of it in the cellar. Unable to visit the winery at the time of release, I assumed I would never see a bottle, so imagine my surprise in spotting this unicorn at retail after all this time! Just this year the wine was named </font><a href="https://news.totabc.org/2017/05/05/bc-best-of-varietal-awards-competition-kicks-off-the-23rd-spring-okanagan-wine-festival/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Best of Varietal at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, garnering additional accolades a full five years later. </font><a href="http://www.suttonplacewinemerchant.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Sutton Place Wine Merchant</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> $57</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HenricssonVineyard/" target="_blank">Henricsson</a></strong></font><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 “Deux Hivers” Pinot Noir:</font></strong> In </font></font><a href="https://www.facebook.com/marquiswinecellars/videos/10155777615689339/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">welcoming Peter & Kajsa Henricsson to his store</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, Marquis Wine Cellars owner John Clerides suggested their Naramata Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to be the best BC iterations he had tasted “</font><a href="https://twitter.com/JClerides/status/911013848777396225"><font face="Calibri" size="3">in my 30-year wine career</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">.” While unable to muster the pure objectivity needed for a similar statement, I can certainly report them to be excellent and very memorable after a tasting at Marquis this month. I could readily distinguish between both 2015 Pinot Noirs on offer, considering the “Deux Hivers” (two winters) version saw twice as much barrel time - resulting in a richer, spicier profile. From 26-year-old vines of primarily “suitcase” (European) clones, the wine aged in 25% new French oak before 130 cases were bottled in July. Should </font><a href="https://www.marquis-wines.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Marquis</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> have been unable to source another case of Deux Hivers I did spot both Pinots and the Chardonnay at </font><a href="https://legacyliquorstore.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Legacy Liquor Store</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Winery Direct $90</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong><a href="http://www.mooncurser.com/" target="_blank">Moon Curser</a></strong></font><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Malbec:</font></strong> Small lots of Malbec are found in this adventurous Osoyoos winery’s “Contraband” class, and limited to even fewer than usual with just 197 cases in 2014. A strong showing at the National Wine Awards yielded a </font></font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/100902-Moon-Curser-Contraband-Series-Malbec-2014" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Silver medal</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> this summer and praise for the wine’s finessed depth and elegant richness from Judge Sara d’Amato. More recently the wine took home one of five Double Gold – considered the top 10% – in the “Other Red” category (home to varieties such as Tempranillo and Zinfandel) at this year’s </font><a href="http://sixnationswine.com.au/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Six Nations Wine Challenge</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in Sydney, a prestigious invitational competition for New World wines. The generously ripe (26.1 Brix) grapes originated from a three-acre estate block, and the eight barrels used for the single varietal bottling spent 13 months in 25% new French oak. The wine is now sold out at the winery, with any remainder reserved for future </font><a href="http://www.mooncurser.com/Wine-Club" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">wine club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> shipments (mine arrived this month), so store shelves are your best bet. Winery Direct $32</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong><a href="https://www.closdusoleil.ca/" target="_blank">Clos du Soleil</a></strong></font><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Syrah:</font></strong> The Bordeaux-styled Keremeos winery of Clos du Soleil has produced a series of small lot “Grower’s Series” wines over the years that occasionally diverge in style, most strikingly with Syrah, the inaugural vintage having been produced in 2014. The second vintage remains small in scope – only 200 cases – but bigger in every other respect, now bottled under cork to indicate greater aging potential. Winemaker Michael Clark is clearly becoming more familiar with a grape he rarely handles, and providing reason for the estate Cabernet and Merlot to grow a little nervous. Harvested from the Middle Bench Vineyard in Keremeos, not far from the home vineyard, the Syrah spent 16 months in French oak before bottling, but only one of eight barrels was new wood. A poetic and entrancing review by Treve Ring provides </font></font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201711/clos-du-soleil-growers-series-syrah-middle-bench-vineyard-2015/?note=26869" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">91-points of praise</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> for this special bottle – “a must buy for the cellar” – in which she compliments the rich elegance of its youth but encourages one to “make a date for 2025.” Winery Direct $33</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong><a href="https://www.burrowingowlwine.ca/" target="_blank">Burrowing Owl</a></strong></font><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon:</font></strong> This well known Black Sage Bench Winery has been playing fast and loose with their release dates in recent years: although finally being sold in the tasting room as a “new” release, this same Cabernet was briefly spotted in Vancouver stores a year ago for what I presume was a pre-Christmas preview. It wasn’t until this summer that the wine was submitted to competition, snagging a prominent Gold medal from the Nationals and </font></font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/96532-Burrowing-Owl-Estate-Bottled-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2014" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">wide praise from judges</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> for capturing a challenging grape at the peak of ripeness. The early-to-mid November harvest came after an ideal season, and the grapes further benefited from the support of Burrowing Owl’s complex barrel program: 83% French oak, 11% American, 6% Hungarian, with 29% new oak and 29% one-year old. Although acknowledging approachability at present, Nationals Judge John Szabo sees a long future for this wine, into the mid-2020’s. Winery Direct $38</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Poplar Grove</strong></a></font><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2013 The Legacy:</font></strong> Already scrubbed from the winery’s website, the newest vintage of the signature blend at Poplar Grove was there and gone in a flash. Special allotments were fortunately reserved for the popular </font></font><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/Wine-Club/Benefits" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">wine club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> – my only opportunity to continue a prized vertical collection. The blend is heavy with Osoyoos Cabernet Sauvignon from a warm vintage, leading 27% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 13% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot, all aged 21 months in French oak before two years in bottle before release. Production quantities vary significantly, but remain limited: recent vintages have ranged from 350-900 cases, so it’s a safe bet a mere several hundred were snapped up in a hurry. Although it may be absent at the winery, they seem to have sold a fair amount to BC Liquor Stores, who are carrying </font><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/520098#" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">hundreds of bottles across the province</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in anticipation of the holiday gift-giving season. Winery Direct $50</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong><a href="http://www.fortberens.ca/" target="_blank">Fort Berens</a></strong></font><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Red Gold:</font></strong> The second vintage of the new icon red from Lillooet ups production by 50% to yield a whole 150 cases this year. After discovering a handful of exceptional barrels from 2014 that mandated this special release, several made the cut again in 2015, from vineyards across the province. Cabernet Franc (43%) from Lillooet and the Black Sage Bench has joined Cabernet Sauvignon (31%) from Osoyoos, and Merlot (26%) from Blind Creek in the Similkameen. The inaugural </font></font><a href="http://www.winespectator.com/glossary/index/word/Appassimento"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Appassimento-styling </font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">is sustained, with two thirds of the Cabernet Franc grapes air-dried for a month before another month-long fermentation. The result pushes alcohol above 15%, contributing to John Schreiner’s recognition of the wine’s “power and heft” in his recent </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/11/fort-berens-releases-its-2015-vintage.html" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">94-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, mirrored by Treve Ring writing for GismondiOnWine: “The blend certainly has density, with a flush of sun-ripened red and black fruit, pipe tobacco, cherries and thorns on a plush, cushioned palate.” </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201712/fort-berens-red-gold-2015/?note=26931&ref=search" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Treve’s review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> is also sure to compliment the surprisingly light initial entry that belies the eventual heft, well mitigated by soft tannins and a finely dusted finish. Winery Direct $52</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-6723148564316197862017-10-31T19:52:00.000-07:002017-11-07T19:54:22.535-08:00Collectibles: October 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">A crush of fall club orders and some recent winery visits offered more than enough candidates for the cellar this month. These collectibles include some iconic BC blends and two pairs of classic varietals, in quantities ranging from petite to prodigious. Some will no doubt prove supremely challenging to track down outside their home range, showing once again the necessity of going straight to the source when seeking out the most intriguing bottles. With harvest underway and all hands on deck at this time of year, sales can take a backseat, meaning winery websites aren’t updated and rare new vintages are sometimes released with little fanfare. It’s up to aficionados to do the legwork in tracking down the best new drops.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4yrqh4JSePJbQootmLuurGpL6lYdUzjykJ_nG4aulFX2cR2r894hAACkMmJJepyemKZP5JKe4aPPeXJHLzsyBXv0P2Rny44AC3kznhawytcoeJcj4cgSm5z_JzQ7kRBlN4u-4PGwwboy/s1600-h/IMG_20171105_091344%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="345" title="October 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="October 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYn1fIpv6o3IiwzZZZ6rmq_mJZU8yb5-Z-zERd0k0V16sKlyHkykahbVyPu77oIbQAQ1iX_Rxla7GzmglR9TCc6ikBpJ6OC8kQx3Ty8ovA87gENTnqdwbHEPkJ7NwiV_68nfPMpXR2LXk/?imgmax=800"></a></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.cassini.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Cassini</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Cabernet Franc:</font></strong> I optimistically stopped by Cassini’s road-side tasting room outside Oliver just as this gorgeous Cabernet Franc was being released and opened for tasting. The rich, purple-fruited nose carried into an equally intense palate showing fine ripe tannins, juicy acidity, and lip-smacking milk chocolate – a fine follow-up to the </font><a href="http://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2016-results/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Gold-medal-winning</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> 2013. Even after tasting and purchasing, I could still taste the extra long finish minutes after departing! Like previous vintages the fruit comes from the west-side Bella Vineyard, and maintains the same production of about 300 cases, which include the addition of 5% Merlot. Adrian Cassini likes to age his reds a bit longer than most, so two full years in new oak (80% French) is the go-to strategy in this case; but of course it can easily mature in bottle for a few more years, just as mine will. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://vanwestenvineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Van Westen</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Vivre La Vie Merlot:</font></strong> Although the portfolio of wines crafted by Rob Van Westen have expanded over time, small production quantities are still the norm from his rustic Naramata winery. Several different small vineyards enable him to obtain the right varieties from suitable terroir, allowing for rich Merlot like the full-bodied “Vivre La Vie”, already almost sold out. Just 148 cases were bottled, but even before the late summer release the wine took home Double Gold/Best of Category honours at the spring </font><a href="http://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">All Canadian Wine Championships</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Later in the summer, judges at the National Wine Awards recognized a “textbook Merlot” when delivering a high </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/101513-Van-Westen-Vivre-La-Vie-Merlot-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Silver medal score</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. The firmly structured tannins and toasty oak influence will benefit from time in bottle – Rob’s reds are consistently prime cellar candidates. Don’t miss the mere 77 cases of 2014 Cabernet Franc (“Vulture”) that were released last month as well, to which the All Canadians awarded another Gold. Winery Direct $30</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Painted Rock</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Cabernet Franc:</strong></font> John Skinner’s Skaha Bench winery has developed an admirable, focused portfolio of red wines (plus a dynamite Chardonnay), but the recent addition of small lot varietal Cabernet Franc is turning heads even further. The stately Red Icon flagship and cult collectible Cabernet Sauvignon retain their status, but it’s about Franc that John is most excited. Now in it’s third vintage, the Franc – plus even smaller lots (I.e., 150 cases) of Malbec and new Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon – is made possible as the mature vineyards now yield sufficient fruit after blending the Icon. Revered consultant </font><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/Story/Team#Alain-Sutre"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Alain Sutre</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> is equally thrilled about Cabernet Franc, suggesting it is this variety above others in which Painted Rock will make a mark internationally. As the winery is quick to point out, </font><a href="http://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/canada/british-columbia/painted-rock-okanagan-valley-cabernet-franc-2014-13086"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Decanter magazine</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> has already featured the first vintages no less than thrice, and they’re only getting better each year as experience brings finesse. Winery Direct $52</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://road13vineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Road 13</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2013 5th Element:</strong></font> Restraint from Road 13 means the flagship red blend from the 2013 vintage was only recently released, offered to members of </font><a href="http://road13vineyards.com/club13/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Club 13</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> as part of their autumn shipment. Adding a bottle from the 852 cases produced fleshes out my six-year vertical, starting in 2007 (as no 2008 was produced), and showing the entertaining label changes over the years. The proprietary blend is intended to combine the traditional Bordeaux reds with stellar Syrah – 18% in this case, added to 45% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Nearly two thirds of the grapes originate from the extraordinary Blind Creek Vineyard in Cawston, with the remainder grown at the home vineyard on the Golden Mile. The structured </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/89438-Road-13-Vineyards-5th-Element-2012"><font face="Calibri" size="3">2012 received Gold</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> at this year’s National Wine Awards, but the newest vintage is more approachable in its youth: a ripe, stewed palate and long rich finish make it hard to justify cellaring but it certainly won’t hurt in the medium term. Winery Direct $49</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://lastella.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>LaStella</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Maestoso:</font></strong> I have to admit I’m late to the party, as this vintage is already sold out, but don’t let that discourage you from scouring retail shelves – I certainly would! The flagship “jewel-in-the-crown” from Osoyoos-based LaStella is the monumental Merlot on which the winery admits, “no expense is spared.” Just 217 cases were produced from Osoyoos Lake district and (11%) Golden Mile fruit that spent 18 months in French oak, one third new and half on its second fill. While </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201708/lastella-maestoso-solo-merlot-2014/?note=25897&ref=search"><font face="Calibri" size="3">admiring the dense structure and spicy fruit</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, Anthony Gismondi offered this vintage his highest score yet with 93 points. Another 91 points of praise came from co-author Treve Ring, herself already eager to cellar and try again in five years. At WineAlign, a </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/97837-La-Stella-Maestoso-Solo-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">pair of 92-point scores</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> this spring helped to remind readers Maestoso is “one of the top Merlots in the country to be sure.” Winery Direct $103</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.laughingstock.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Laughing Stock</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Portfolio:</font></strong> The benchmark red blend from Laughing Stock is rightfully one of BC’s most well-known cult wines, and the annual October release is cause for celebration. As usual, members of the </font><a href="http://www.laughingstock.ca/Wine-Club"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Preferred Share Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> get priority, so I knew to expect a small allotment in my mixed case. Pleasantly surprising me were a full three bottles, allowing an early peek at one I shared with Valerie Stride from </font><a href="https://demystifiedvine.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Demystified Vine</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. We were mightily impressed with the complex profile and silky texture belying the wine’s youth; smelling cedar, blackberry, vanilla, and dark chocolate before more striking blackberry flavours accompanied by plum, dark cherry, and hints of white pepper. My remaining two bottles are set for the cellar and a growing vertical, but honestly it’s very inviting at present. Fortunately, a full 2,500 cases were produced, but don’t expect it to last particularly long, especially not with the holiday gift-giving season approaching. Winery Direct $52</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.sevenstoneswinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Seven Stones</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 The Legend:</font></strong> George Hansen’s Cabernet-heavy blend from the south Similkameen Valley comes with significant aging potential, and the newest vintage continues construction on another vertical. Usually about half Cabernet Sauvignon, this year it’s 50% on the dot, with another 30% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and 8% Cabernet Franc, from the cellar’s best barrels. Unlike the larger quantities of very nice Meritage George puts out after lengthier bottle aging, his flagship red is released to loyal followers almost immediately, with the expectation they have their own self-control. It won’t sell out too fast, despite only 204 cases produced, as George’s varietal reds and well-priced Meritage are just so good it’s hard to upsell many to The Legend! The big, thick bottle can be a little intimidating, but it’s going to look great lined up with its brethren as they rest away the years. Winery Direct $50</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-52166490752413670352017-09-30T21:48:00.000-07:002017-10-02T22:26:27.035-07:00Collectibles: September 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Most of the exceptional BC wines amassed this month are brand new releases. That’s not to say they will be easy to find, as nearly all represent extreme rarities, but every one is well worth tracking down. They range from a single barrel of an experimental variety never before seen in Canada, to the first vintage of a long-awaited flagship for a winery about to make a major transition. The beginning of fall represents a chance to celebrate the harvest with past years’ finest, and a great opportunity for collectors. Not to mention every winery is now finding themselves in need of cellar room for another celebrated vintage!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ_ip4D8zgOqgh-mE9IiDF-q3FWeseX3aiVnO7ggniankwK8uJJJcNpVGJVnhMeAJr-l1p-Vg3TB_99yOhD_Muzgwf1ONzEDN5xtAQXEvRKcNHBvJhEB6FcLyS41GgnPg4Ettf91sw8bs/s1600-h/IMG_20171002_091528%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="315" title="September 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="September 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hDFQt85bZp-I9yUZiYnpUMY6-KcCkb7k2g0m-JKJdYZv_IM1VATUQrjYWj30LRTS3JLB537ckSDOgG-6ztICRdBC0cHQcyz0XDvcEjrVQ7LbufMG1sgGJDBDuWaQFQl2UyDmCdvLo101/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.liquiditywines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Liquidity</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Equity Pinot Noir:</font></strong> After some time in bottle, the inaugural 2014 flagship Equity was awarded a silver medal at </font><a href="http://www.mondial-des-pinots.com/en/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Mondial des Pinots</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> this month. Of course, that vintage is long since sold out, and this year’s sequel is approaching the same status. In lieu of clone 667 as per last year, the 2015 blends clone 828 with clone 115 from vines fruit-thinned to just one and a half tons per acre to yield 125 cases - prioritized for wine club members. After spending 15 months in (36% new) French oak the release this spring has left very little remaining in the Okanagan Falls wine shop. A pattern is forming at Liquidity, with the Equity being noticeably darker-fruited and more structurally intense than the Estate and Reserve tiers, immediately apparent upon tasting them side-by-side, and something </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201608/liquidity-wines-equity-pinot-noir-2014/?note=24568"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Treve Ring noted last year</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> as well. Winery Direct $64</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mooncurser.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Moon Curser</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Carménère:</strong></font> Although it is included amongst the traditional components of Bordeaux, few Canadian wineries bother to include this challenging grape in their red blends, and only a mere handful of single varietal examples exist. While Black Hills doesn’t even sell theirs outside the wine club, Moon Curser has managed to produce nearly 300 cases from a banner year for Osoyoos East Bench vines in their eleventh leaf. The wine was aged in a restrained 25% new French oak after malolactic fermentation, before bottling in March. For sale since early summer, this Gold Medal winner at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival provides one of the rare opportunities to sample Canadian Carménère; an exciting chance to test out Winemaker Chris Tolley’s impression of “plum, green peppercorn, ripe raspberry, and fennel seed.” Winery Direct $43</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.cassini.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Cassini</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Nobilus Merlot:</font></strong> Adrian Cassini’s 2013 Merlot is one of two wines for which he received the </font><a href="http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/lg/honours-awards/default.html#../../lg/honours-awards/wine-awards/default.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Lieutenant Governor’s Award</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> this summer, after it was named Best of Varietal at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival (and Best of Category at the 2016 All Canadian Wine Championships). Needless to say, the 2013 vintage is sold out, but fortunately the 2014 was quietly released last month, all 125 cases worth (it’s always a “Limited Edition”). Coming from what Cassini describes as an usually cold growing season it offers a very elegant nose and grippy but fully ripe tannins in the delicious palate, where 15% alcohol dwells despite the cooler temperatures. The grapes come from Oliver’s Bella Vineyard (not to be confused with Naramata’s </font><a href="http://bellawines.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Bella Winery</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">), and are said to have spent a full two years in new French oak before bottling, and then several months in bottle while fans patiently awaited their opportunity. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.orofinovineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Orofino</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Petit Verdot:</font></strong> While not nearly as rare as single varietal Carménère, Petit Verdot is still primarily reserved for blending, and not often seen on its own, anywhere for that matter. Cawston’s Orofino Vineyards last released a Petit Verdot from the 2010 vintage, preferring instead to integrate the small amount they receive from the neighbouring Hendsbee Vineyard into their Beleza blend. It would seem that aficionados got lucky in 2014, as enough remained after blending to allow for 75 cases to be assembled, introduced firstly this month to members of the winery’s </font><a href="https://www.orofinovineyards.com/collectors-club/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Collector’s Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. I myself was certain to pick up a bottle while present at the winery on the very day it was released! A bottle of the 2010 vintage enjoyed a couple years back was superb, with strong juicy acidity that should keep it lively for years to come, just as the 2014 is a prime long-term cellar candidate. Winery Direct $45</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.closdusoleil.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Clos du Soleil</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2013 Estate Reserve Red:</strong></font> While the more prevalent “Signature” is considered the popular flagship red at Clos du Soleil, the smaller lot Estate Reserve is crafted in an even more cellar-worthy style, and sourced exclusively from the organic home vineyard on the Keremeos Upper Bench. Just 200 cases of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec were aged for 18 months in French oak before extended bottle-aging (a year beyond that of the Signature). My bottle came on the fall equinox as part of my bi-annual </font><a href="https://www.closdusoleil.ca/wine-club/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> shipment, alongside a bevy of other brand-new reds. With a long life ahead of it the wine will need even more time to mature and knit together – perhaps why it “only” received a </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/100231-Clos-Du-Soleil-Estate-Reserve-Red-2013"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Bronze Medal at this year’s National Wine Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Nevertheless, Judge Michael Godel felt 90-points appropriate for what he saw as a Bordeaux ringer: “cool and minty, with espresso and dark bitter chocolate...well-positioned, purposed, and appointed.” Winery Direct $60</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.tinhorn.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Tinhorn Creek</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2014 The Creek:</strong></font> Just weeks after Tinhorn Creek President Sandra Oldfield </font><a href="http://scoutmagazine.ca/2017/08/24/tinhorn-creek-vineyards-introduces-new-flagship-wine-the-creek/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">introduced her winery’s new flagship wine</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> (23 years in the making) news emerged that she and her partners had </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/blog/andrew-peller-buys-tinhorn-gray-monk-and-black-hills/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">sold the winery to Peller and she was departing</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. With the upcoming sale undoubtedly being negotiated at the time, the launch party must have been bittersweet for Sandra. Perhaps it is apropos that new winemaker Andrew Windsor crafted the inaugural and subsequent vintages, having taken over the role from her in 2014 with Sandra’s blessing. In contrast to Tinhorn’s typical focus on Merlot, (Black Sage Bench) Cabernet Sauvignon leads “The Creek”, comprising more than half the blend with 19% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, all aged for two years in (40% new) French and Hungarian oak. Early reviews of the 1,475 case production at GismondiOnWine </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201709/tinhorn-creek-the-creek-2014/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">have been very positive</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, noting the balance and elegance in what is deemed to be an age-worthy wine with strong potential. Winery Direct $63</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Stag’s Hollow</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Teroldego:</strong></font> Honestly, unless you’re a member of Stag’s Hollow’s </font><a href="http://wineclub.stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, or are lucky enough to visit their (brand new) tasting room in the next week, you’ll never see this wine. Only a single barrel came from Winemaker Dwight Sick’s first harvest of this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teroldego" target="_blank">esoteric grape</a> planted in the winery’s young Okanagan Falls “Shuttleworth Creek” vineyard, where it grows alongside Dolcetto. </font><font face="Calibri" size="3">After sending the vast majority to Club members this month a few cases remain for sale in the Stag’s Hollow wine shop to celebrate the Fall Wine Festival. Impressively, Dwight feels it is the best wine on hand at present, despite having recently released </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201709/stags-hollow-grenache-2016/?note=26760&ref=notes&date=2017-09"><font face="Calibri" size="3">2016 Grenache</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, 2015 Syrah, and the highly anticipated 2014 Renaissance (Reserve) Meritage – so that speaks volumes! Subsequent vintages are expected to increase in volume, but not massively so, making it very much a prime pinch for wine geeks. Winery Direct $40</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-43757822572130724152017-09-17T22:44:00.000-07:002017-09-20T21:18:07.285-07:00Celebrating with Poplar Grove<p align="justify"><font size="4"><font face="Calibri">Penticton’s </font><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri">Poplar Grove Winery</font></a><font face="Calibri"> hosts a generous party for their many loyal </font><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/Wine-Club/Benefits" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri"> members each September, and for the first time since joining said Club I was in the Okanagan and available to attend this year. By design, the expansive Munson Mountain tasting room and grounds are a near-perfect event space, and so the facility closed early this Saturday to welcome hundreds of devotees and their guests. In past years, the “Member Appreciation Event” has taken the form of a barbecue, but with the </font><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/Contact-Us/The-Vanilla-Pod-Restaurant" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri">Vanilla Pod restaurant</font></a><font face="Calibri"> now firmly established, an even more diverse spread has become the norm. Although the winery kept expectations in check with a caveat they would only be providing “small bites,” I’m glad I brought my appetite!</font></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu0usJtkJtde98UwshFCequJ3SuEBL0HBnEIx4FbGpKcbEWAg2qmvTOMA5pX67-qR6cYqsRfzQelXsy_6HxfEr-b2y9vB9LRk4a1Ym_BHiVKOHMbYWZkYmgj-inlLuIxJHcK513529hK8/s1600-h/IMG_20170916_1838345"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><img width="560" height="420" title="The gathered throngs nibble and nosh on the patio." style="display: inline;" alt="The gathered throngs nibble and nosh on the patio." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ5lRN-D9MS0Bnxh7EJX8rNr6XTI1c2cGGR-_Snwh6MrXgllAGROrJtTqEffYKhrfUl6H1bJlE_QgkDFoAIOD4uNDmT7tsi1XdX4vBqgGChKykkfwl3Sr_Xq18tBrfOzjtNHs7axNd_sR/?imgmax=800"></font></a></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Upon arrival – dodging the many complimentary shuttle buses bringing in guests from Naramata to Summerland – we were treated to a glass of welcome bubbly. The winery’s inaugural Extra Brut 2014 was no doubt made with this party in mind, and members have had the chance to enjoy the crisp Blanc de Blanc since this spring. Knowing the Chardonnay was hand-picked by Proprietor Tony Holler from his personal home vineyard engenders a certain gratitude when he hands you a glass! Later in the evening, Tony revealed that the highly enjoyable sparkler will remain a member-exclusive wine for the foreseeable future, another one of several Club wines that serve to entice new members.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">A brief cold-spell in the central Okanagan prevented some of the sun-kissed photographs taken in previous years, but organizers were prepared for rain or shine conditions with tents should the worst come to pass. Fortunately, the occasionally-overcast skies stayed in check, and the tasting room itself provided a dash of warmth once a chill set in outdoors. The grounds included a triplet of food and wine stations in the lower picnic area, along with heartier fare on the restaurant patio, and well-refreshed snacks indoors. Although I kept a laser-like focus on the wine, an expansive non-alcoholic bar was highly visible and reflected well on our responsible hosts.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7tXpliEFtRLT1hk698uIRc1iU2iuLTltPu-o5bOdU9xWiet43raTP0ttpbJ1Us60Jd6ddNiQ7OoigRYWAK5nkhGtFc09Q07QlUMOGfIWnj2waM-DoxRMKjyQCYqm4wK24PowwkCdHgsx/s1600-h/IMG_20170916_19263817"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><img width="560" height="747" title="A blast from the past visible in the barrel room." style="display: inline;" alt="A blast from the past visible in the barrel room." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJcFbjs8WUejAvpsiE3gZcRyONn_Ft-LKsKEHqTVFOf32HA49kKGdoaZtsIyuSbP-4gVvc6oiWJQrf_Aeef4ckJA4eN7aGOdyQDSU93Uy23f3GXnKLWQefJF6-38Go8XMNqSnHDU1mzw5/?imgmax=800"></font></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Combined with coordinated wine pairings from across the portfolio, the many food stations dished out delicacies and hometown favourites. With a glass of Brut in hand one was invited to enjoy Pulled Pork Sliders alongside Vegetarian Chili while talented local musician </font><a href="https://www.nikitaafonso.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Nikita Afonso</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> serenaded the reception area. On the grass below long lines formed for Prawns and Tomato Cucumber Salad with the striking new 2016 Chardonnay – bursting with fresh peaches & cream and mandarin orange aromas. Maple Glazed Salmon matched the 2016 Rosé, a complex, lip-smacking Blanc de Noirs of Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, unexpectedly still available for sale on-site! The intensely-flavoured 2014 Syrah was superb with Grilled Fennel Sausage and Sweet Corn Hash; the rich new release is boosted by 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and was fermented with a small proportion of Viognier skins for added aromatics.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">In the tasting room itself a half dozen wines were available from the fully staffed “pods”, where sales seemed brisk as well. Opportunity to compare the 2016 Pinot Gris and single-vineyard Munson Mountain bottling of the same (another Club exclusive), showed off the home vineyard’s minerality with ease. The vivacious upcoming “Collectif” 2016 was also being showcased, a follow-up to last year’s delicious new white blend that brought together Riesling, Chardonnay, and Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne. Newly released 2014 Merlot and 2014 Cabernet Franc provided plenty on which to chew as well, with bright and juicy heirloom tomato flatbread emerging at a furious pace from the hard-working kitchen. For extra-hearty fare the patio was home to Beef Brisket, Baked Beans, and Cornbread, showcased by the much-loved 2013 CSM red blend, and the golden-hued, thought-provoking 2014 MRV white.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRz-byLlMwVT06pZfpdZQ7hzZEIeTFyvMdzd2dnLnAzFuooCj98vrFQXYFfzWq6FnU2afh9jyHldcbubabqBBRsJYQBqPnwnmUpPpioReL3c-UgsV_l4nMez1H5Yek9ak67RvtN3ftvVl/s1600-h/IMG_20170916_19292817"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><img width="560" height="747" title="Attractive magnums of Lt-Gov Award-winning 2009 Cabernet Franc on display." style="display: inline;" alt="Attractive magnums of Lt-Gov Award-winning 2009 Cabernet Franc on display." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkFdqIjM_2HHD0mfOClsTQKBMTBhJJUG3WNvZ3blJFiNtRn3ebYy6zTBptJoM2KV1942PVeZWHizmIo7f7CkcfopbLghyphenhyphentMAcsxAW6u_ZmG9bWt2Jc0EdCRitZ1pNNGUKhOcq-4mjy-Qz/?imgmax=800"></font></a></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Should the seemingly-endless array of food and drink somehow prove unsatisfying the on-site barrel hall was home to Winemaker Stefan Arnason and a pair of open barrels (plus a cloud of fanatic fruit-flies). The barrel thieves were dispending mouth-filling 2016 Syrah and fresh, juicy 2016 Munson Cabernet Franc (surprisingly approachable) to those looking for a glimpse into the future. Platters of Apple Sauce Cake and Chili-spiced Brownies offered a sweet treat on the room’s impressive long-table, just to cover all the culinary bases. After three hours of festivities there could not have been a hungry belly or thirsty palate left in the house; I certainly left merrily mellow. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, Poplar Grove has continued to provide added value for their Wine Club members – I’m happy to oblige!</font></p><p><font face="Calibri"></font></p><p><font face="Calibri"></font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-2917533726685766612017-08-31T14:25:00.000-07:002017-09-04T16:24:31.322-07:00Collectibles: August 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">The several special bottles I’m reserving this month are dominated by classic Cabernet, both parent and child versions in the form of Franc and Sauvignon, respectively. An early August trip to Osoyoos for several days helped in the hunt for some of the small lot exclusives: 400 cases is the largest production quantity amongst these wines. Chance finds at specialty wine stores closer to home rounded out the selection, but in both cases I consider myself very lucky to have nabbed bottles reaching sold out status. The summer’s national award season maintains strong representation, as four acclaimed Gold medal-winners are on the list for those who seek to hunt them down.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsDzLnn9jMUJECZ1OzbEIB_3RtA0x8CYUK-RTVNUd4IuqakH-W2qbMv_Lih2LXPbfuFFay78gtiQ4Mx2SWi0dVRnw0Zh33xsDCWxdY5jKKZTmvroDk2PCjy6ID7Qdw9Az6VCpSJTiMTP5/s1600-h/IMG_20170831_100619%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="341" title="August 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="August 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi45_qMNgvWTu0Vn0m097Pb79PXCBJ4FxJegxeIYsL8XSWw5ZF1LjWFHlI8oq5SNQpCZuPj-w5Q9HFBgqgbp34TF3KADelB5DKN0GoF9QceGUVVVUV2ekr9yaBfWcSY6L5oNrCQDK9zbP/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://anarchistvineyard.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Anarchist Mountain</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Pinot Noir:</font></strong> From the quintessential “small guys” winery, Anarchist proprietor Terry Meyer-Stone actually founded and runs the </font><a href="http://www.garagistenorth.com/About-Us"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Garagiste North Wine Festival</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Alongside her husband Andrew Stone the pair produce a mere couple hundred cases of wine from their vineyard above Osoyoos. The Pinot Noir they produce (at the winery of Terry’s brother </font><a href="http://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Jak Meyer</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">) has garnered impressive accolades over the years, and the newest vintage is no exception, with a </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/99944-Anarchist-Mountain-Wildfire-Pinot-Noir-2015"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Gold medal</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> from the recent National Wine Awards. Just 75 cases of the 2015 were produced, and it is long since sold out for direct ordering, but discerning private retailers often get a hold of some. The 2016 should be available soon, likely after undergoing similar wild yeast, whole berry fermentation in primarily neutral French oak. </font><a href="http://www.suttonplacewinemerchant.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Sutton Place Wine Merchant</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://harperstrail.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Harper’s Trail</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Cabernet Franc:</font></strong> Ontario Cabernet Franc had quite a run in this year’s National Wine Awards, garnering four Gold medals, while </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/awards/2017/07/24/2017-nwac-cabernet-franc"><font face="Calibri" size="3">the only Gold for BC</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> went to Kamloops, where Harper’s Trail made 200 cases worth on the banks of the Thompson River. WineAlign’s judges pointed out that cooler vineyards sites are producing “fresh, spirited, and ultimately crushable” iterations of the grape, and Kamloops’ first winery is leading the charge. The elegance elucidated in the tasting notes is reflected in judge Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson’s </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/100470-Harper's-Trail-Cabernet-Franc-Thadd-Springs-Vineyard-2015"><font face="Calibri" size="3">91-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, praising the balance and restraint on display in an exemplar bottle. Although still available in some stores, this vintage has been supplanted by the newly released 2016 at the winery, and the good news is that production has more than doubled from an excellent year. <a href="http://swirlwinestore.ca/" target="_blank">Swirl VQA Store</a> $33</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.lockandworth.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Lock & Worth</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Cabernet Franc:</strong></font> I acquired an earlier vintage of this Naramata Bench Franc </font><a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2015/07/collectibles-july-2015.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">a couple years back</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, and it still rests in the cellar; meanwhile I’m happy to bring another on board. Matt Sherlock and Ross Hackworth are excelling in their second venture, when they aren’t busy doing the same at </font><a href="https://www.nicholvineyard.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Nichol Vineyard</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. The twenty-year-old estate vines overlooking the lake are still going strong, expressing themselves well through low-intervention, natural winemaking. Seventeen months in neutral oak has yielded 160 cases that ensure, “you're getting a clear-lens view of the grape,” in the words of GismondiOnWine’s Treve Ring. Her </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201708/lock-and-worth-square-one-cabernet-franc-v4-2015/?note=26580&ref=search"><font face="Calibri" size="3">91-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> this month praised the wine’s rustic intensity and aging potential despite the temptation of present enjoyment. If I hadn’t found the last bottle on the shelf I would crack another one open immediately for some of that impressive “scratchy minerality.” <a href="http://www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com/" target="_blank">Firefly Fine Wines</a> $37</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.blackwidowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Black Widow</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon:</font></strong> The red-hot, lengthy 2015 season was one in which Cabernet Sauvignon had some of its best chances to fully ripen, even outside the South Okanagan. Although uncommon, there are a number of high-quality Cabernet vineyards in the Naramata Bench, one of them being the Pocaterra property directly beside Black Widow. From there, Dick Lancaster has obtained superb red grapes to complement the estate vineyard at his arachnid-absorbed winery. Only the second varietal bottling, 100 cases from four selected barrels have now gone on to win (the sole) Gold at the </font><a href="http://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2017-results/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">All Canadian Wine Championships</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> (following Double Gold last year for the 2014 vintage). Released this month alongside the other premium 2015 reds, it won’t last long in the highly visible roadside tasting room. Winery Direct $55</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.cassini.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Cassini</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2012 Godfather Red:</font></strong> In 2010 Adrian Cassini put together the first vintage of a new flagship wine for his namesake winery. The first blend of “The Godfather” added Syrah to the traditional Bordeaux reds of Merlot and Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc. After a departure in 2011 to one of just Cabernets, the wider blend has returned in 150 cases of the recently released 2012 – combining 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, and 8% Syrah. A rare taste at the winery offered me a rich, earthy nose and a dense but smooth palate of toasty dark plum and cherries before a lengthy, raisined finish. The 2012 represents the first in what should be a particularly promising series of vintages to come (Cassini’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot having </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/06/lieutenant-governors-2017-wine-awards.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">both received Lieutenant Governor’s Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">), but with Adrian having eschewed Syrah as of 2014, I expect further changes in composition to come. Winery Direct $70</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.culmina.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Culmina</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon:</strong></font> Since launching a series of single varietal reds in 2013 to complement the flagship Hypothesis blend, the Triggs family’s Golden Mile winery has taken full advantage of the excellent 2014 vintage as well. In the eyes of Anthony Gismondi, the second year of Cabernet Sauvignon is significantly improved: his </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201704/culmina-family-estate-cabernet-sauvignon-2014/?note=25877&ref=search"><font face="Calibri" size="3">89-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> this spring noted the increased finesse and perfect balance, offering aging into 2020. Tasting it myself this summer I noted a palate with enjoyable and ideal fruit focus - currants and Lapin cherries - plus lush tannins with less austerity than the same vintage’s Merlot. John Schreiner offered 93 points to the Sauvignon versus 92 points to Merlot in </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/06/culmina-doubles-up-on-gruner.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">his June review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> – either would be well suited for the cellar. About 400 cases were recently released at the winery after 16 months in (25% new) French oak and bottling last June. Winery Direct $45</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mooncurser.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Moon Curser</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2013 Tannat:</strong></font> I’m pretty sure this Osoyoos East Bench Tannat is still the only game in town, and there are few other locations in Canada that could even attempt the grape. Although blended with Syrah for the winery’s flagship “Dead of Night”, a few barrels are reserved for the single varietal bottling that resumed (after a brief absence) in 2012. Gone is the quirky “Tannant” nomenclature of that vintage, in which a typographical label error led the winery to embrace the </font><a href="https://offqc.com/2014/09/27/3-quebecois-french-usages-tanne-tanner-tannant-858/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Quebecois vernacular for “irritating”</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">; now the proper varietal name is in place. After bottling in early 2015 - following a couple years maturation in (30% new) French oak, more have passed before this summer’s release of 121 cases; coinciding nicely with the </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/100904-Moon-Curser-Tannat-2013"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Gold medal</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> recently received at the National Wine Awards. Even after four years there is little hurry to unleash the full-bodied character, as the winery suggests another decade in bottle (sealed under screwcap no less) is within reason. Winery Direct $43</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-67676195099143263292017-07-31T20:40:00.000-07:002017-07-31T20:55:15.165-07:00Collectibles: July 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Mid-year is always a particularly exciting time for BC wine enthusiasts and collectors: following the results of the </font><a href="http://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2017-results/"><font face="Calibri" size="4">All Canadian Wine Championships</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> and then the </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/06/lieutenant-governors-2017-wine-awards.html"><font face="Calibri" size="4">BC Lieutenant Governor’s Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> in June, July reveals results of the highly respected </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/awards/2017/07/17/2017-nwac-results"><font face="Calibri" size="4">National Wine Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4">. The Nationals follow from the previous Canadian Wine Awards: many of the contributors to the defunct host publication Wine Access launched </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com"><font face="Calibri" size="4">WineAlign</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> a few years back, and continued the awards process. Amongst the many prominent accolades for BC wine coming out of this year’s competition were seven of 20 Platinum medals, awarded to the top 1% of wines entered. Needless to say there are plenty of superb wines from which to choose this month!</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ7AutEVAbhEGB2IdD7qzcrB-JdBKRlJoovZz5HczNf66-0hlLCuiDHn-GE95K8i5R9QbIcxkF5-YmUGy8vvKWImbfXaKlFv1ZrDdSbOSyedni3SCI8UvJphM4fJ3E0E4wmGezp8iCgx9/s1600-h/IMG_20170724_090133%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="338" title="July 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="July 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTEj8rzMWOMVqdlyQtoBbfERSmlprJVg5-0Nj5QB4_eYkRs60zcE_rbotqF-BYMtn-mvqVJYsnKOTc07Grxp6k9Pu6qAEIvbiTGRX5LLna6fB9Xpw0crKaL8iba0OcKu4wLpAhWjLiyvO/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://privato.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Privato</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Woodward Collection “Tesoro” Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The reserve-tier Pinot from Kamloops’ Privato is as good as gold this summer, receiving matching medals from both the All Canadians and Nationals. With a </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/101069-Privato-Woodward-Collection-Tesoro-Pinot-Noir-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">91-point overall score</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> at the Nationals, and a trio of glowing reviews from judges praising its irresistibility, the wine must have been within inches of a prestigious Platinum medal. While I visit the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys on a regular basis, making it up to Kamloops has been unfortunately neglected, but rapidly becoming an important expedition to consider. Fortunately wineries like Privato understand the importance of reliable retail channels as well, so I was able to find this fine bottle in Vancouver before it sells out. $46 </font><a href="http://swirlwinestore.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Swirl VQA Store</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">.</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Stag’s Hollow</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Renaissance Pinot Noir:</font></strong> Another exciting new Pinot Noir came to me this month in my Stag’s Hollow </font><a href="http://wineclub.stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> package, which is always a mystery collection until it arrives. Although the winery is already selling </font><a href="https://stagshollowwinery.com/our-wines/current-releases/?wine=6704"><font face="Calibri" size="3">futures of the 2015 Renaissance Pinot Noir</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> (only their sixth reserve tier Pinot in two decades), the current vintage remains well on hand, albeit only what remains of about 200 cases produced. It’s described as a bold, Californian-styled Pinot Noir, black-fruited with abundant French oak (50% of it new); although WineAlign judge </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/89310-Stag%27s-Hollow-Renaissance-Pinot-Noir-Stag%27s-Hollow-Vineyard-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Remy Charest pointed out</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> “it has the stuffing to stand up to it,” in contributing to the Silver medal the wine received at the Nationals this month. With the winery suggesting aging through 2025 I’m in no hurry to crack mine open (and it’s secure under screwcap until that day comes). Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.thesimilkameencollective.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>The Similkameen Collective</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 GSM:</font></strong> Expanding out from their Golden Mile Bench origins, Road 13 has made a major bet on the Similkameen Valley, showing off Cawston’s exceptional Blind Creek Vineyard in their Similkameen Collective project. The first release last year of GSM and Syrah-Viognier returned Gold and Platinum medals, respectively, from the 2016 National Wine Awards. This year’s GSM surged to </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/101155-The-Similkameen-Collective-Gsm-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Platinum status</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> on the back of an excellent growing season that propelled the wine to “new heights,” in the words of WineAlign Judge Brad Royale. Despite the 100-acre size of Blind Creek, the grapes are spread thin across several clients, and only 126 cases of GSM have been produced (up from 104 last year though). The blend of 54% Grenache, 37% Syrah, 7% Mourvedre, and 2% Viognier found particularly strong favour amongst the judges this year, receiving a 92-point average score! Winery Direct $50</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.burrowingowlwine.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Burrowing Owl</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Syrah:</font></strong> Three Canadian Syrah were recognized with Platinum medals at this year’s National Wine Awards, and the pair of BC bottles include a surprising Naramata version (from </font><a href="https://lakebreeze.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Lake Breeze</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">), plus this southern Okanagan stalwart. The generous vintage has resulted in a “ripe, rich, and meaty Syrah” that caught the attention of judges: David Lawrason’s 93-point review praises it for being “lavish and engaging” with “gorgeous textures.” In typical Burrowing Owl fashion the 18 months in oak were a complex affair, using a mix of 70% French, 15% American, and 15% Hungarian barrels of varying ages (30% new). Despite having been released just last month (with a limited availability warning) it is reportedly already sold out in the tasting room, so be sure to scour the shelves of local retail establishments! Winery Direct $35</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://road13vineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Road 13</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Syrah Malbec:</strong></font> The friendly internal rivalry amongst Road 13’s various Rhone-inspired blends appears to continue this year as the contribution of 24% Malbec (and 3% each of Viognier and Gamay) has taken </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/101160-Road-13-Vineyards-Syrah-Malbec-2015"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Gold at the National Wine Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. A small lot Syrah blend with Mourvedre </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/89428-Road-13-Syrah-Mourvedre-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">took Platinum last year</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> while the Malbec inclusion only brought home Silver, now “redeemed” with a new vintage. Grapes from the winery’s extensive holdings in the south Okanagan and Similkameen valleys contributed to 347 cases of what the winery calls an “utterly hedonistic wine.” Tasting a sample at the winery while collecting my </font><a href="http://store.road13vineyards.com/Club13"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Club </font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">order I was readily persuaded to agree: the noticeable Malbec contribution provides for a darker and jammier profile than the excellent (and equally collectible) varietal Syrah I also obtained, with more tannin present in the rich and creamy palate. Winery Direct $37</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://fairviewcellars.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Fairview Cellars</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 The Bear:</font></strong> In the words of proprietor and winemaker Bill Eggert, 2014 was a “most awesome year,” allowing him to devote a larger percentage of the vintage than usual to his flagship red blend. The Bear has been an automatic purchase for many years given Bill’s veteran talent, hence providing me with a rotating six-bottle vertical that now yields a 2008 for current consumption. The wine is typically a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, including Merlot and Cabernet Franc, plus what Bill reports as “a small percentage of Malbec and an even smaller portion of Petit Verdot.” The grapes (with the exception of Malbec) come from the estate vineyard on the northern end of the Golden Mile Bench west of Oliver. The 650 cases assembled should last at least through the summer, but don’t dawdle! Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.lafrenzwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>La Frenz</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Grand Total Reserve:</font></strong> The icon wine at La Frenz is comprised of fruit from the Naramata Bench winery’s home “Rattlesnake” Vineyard, and their Golden Mile “Rockyfeller” Vineyard, which contributes Cabernets. Acquiring the newest release completes adds a sixth vintage to my collection, initiating another rotating vertical beginning with 2009. Having sampled all of those years (and beyond) at </font><a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2016/06/a-grand-decade-la-frenz-vertical-tasting.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">last year’s BCWAS-hosted vertical tasting</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, I look forward to what to the future holds. That anticipation includes this plush-textured blend of Merlot (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), and Cabernet Franc (25%), aged in (70% new) French oak for 22 months before blending and bottling of about 300 cases. Over at IconWines, reviewer Liam Carrier is equally confident in the wine’s future promise: his </font><a href="http://iconscores.blogspot.ca/2017/07/la-frenz-winery-2014-grand-total.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">93-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> strongly suggests more bottle age to “make the most of your investment.” Winery Direct $45</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-636924546762103222017-07-03T16:40:00.000-07:002017-08-06T16:54:47.940-07:00New Adventures: Bella Sparkling Wines<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font> <p align="justify"><font size="4" face="Calibri">Since Jay Drysdale opened his tiny Bella bubbly house to the public in 2014 I’ve longed to visit the winery he opened with wife Wendy on the northern Naramata Bench. It’s taken me three years to get there, past myriad vinicultural distractions on the route from Penticton, but I couldn’t be more pleased to finally make it. The northern Naramata tasting room is a working one, with far more space devoted to riddling racks than people. Despite the relatively remote location, the venue was hopping on the recent long weekend, with visitors choosing from amongst dozens of unique, vintage stems and coupes for tasting the lively list of wines before they sell out mid-summer.</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbtVqTpK3irrhe9nBM0TfIDM8g2Sjcjga8ZWlqJR-ZDMrTeO0a4OGttmv0I-XFkZhiKhDPIzSbAEb7IVUsMo-bmZxHCWbzo6Fm8h1DRlpObH-b_sjrwWwaCA6o89EPrLfAPn6FlVyAtwo/s1600-h/IMG_20170701_144041%255B5%255D"><img title="Taster's choice rules at Bella when it comes to drinking vessel." style="display: inline" alt="Taster's choice rules at Bella when it comes to drinking vessel." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p07lWHClH9eK4vnX2NReWaPOiw4jPTNnrRj5BcSGTYR66t_Wa88VX5MXlDyeSy4TO-YsO-j6NVV_QHTOufu_8D8GxmuafrclTJlE4tkkS0_fz-5Do-ylYCuZj8ZhNzilDIGWN4IVlUxl/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="420"></a></font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Jay & Wendy’s mantra of “Celebrate Today” was on point as Jay opened what seemed like countless bottles, so many that I honestly lost track of some! To keep at least some focus only Chardonnay and Gamay are used for a growing series of micro-lot (e.g., 50 cases) wines made all Brut Natural with no dosage. From the </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_method"><font size="3" face="Calibri">traditional method</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> “Vineyard Series” of 2016 three Gamay from West Kelowna and a pair of Naramata vineyards offered plenty of crunchy red berries and stone fruit, while Chardonnay showed varietal character from Keremeos and Kamloops. </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkling_wine_production#Ancestral_method"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Ancestrale method</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> wines in the 2016 “Natural Series” encompass the first estate fruit in a blend of Chardonnay & Gamay, plus a lime and spiced apple iteration of the Keremeos Chardonnay, and two more Gamay, including a re-visit to the Westbank vineyard source. A major treat was also on offer as the single Reserve Series was opened to reveal a luxurious 2013 Chardonnay from Oliver’s Secrest Vineyard, full of classical Champagne character after 42 months on the lees.</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GxuSfe1N6sF2JeZgyYJ-JzCcbAkQKGbQUfZ6LEujK0tmCtEeS3sOtLPhPpl2yI3C5nnVXpN56RW2dZYr4nu2-gj7nYeyoknOMvJIcc9zrtuz8MD0XUQiYNxlAAZ9mfjrRak8c6j4LUe0/s1600-h/Bella+Collage%255B4%255D"><img title="Riddling racks on display for a close look at the Bella process." style="display: inline" alt="Riddling racks on display for a close look at the Bella process." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZg-oIaSXOWvxpdS4fB__lcN77jtJjqnRuKlyMHzOWw7k9SiUcORwZnFa9W5bsGXlUvFopW8dmHPLvEDoCjVTFvskkgJMGLzxXNH5TQdujPszLr6UuW1NzN-3E8OiN3AwWCHFowZBdDmV/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="394"></a></font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4">Collectible: 2016 Chardonnay - Eastside (Ancestrale).</font></strong> In this case Eastside refers to the Southern Okanagan, and the grapes come from </font><a href="http://www.bartierbros.com/index.php/2013-09-24-20-50-29/cerqueira-vineyard"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Michael Bartier’s Black Sage Bench vineyard</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> (on the east side of the valley) outside Oliver. One of several ancestrales making inroads at Bella, the wine undergoes a single fermentation that concludes in bottle (instead of the typical tank-based primary and a more controlled secondary in bottle). The technique is riskier and makes for some natural cloudiness, but the results can be stunning, as Jay reports: “You will never taste a more intensely flavored sparkling wine than an ancestrale.” The nose of tropical and citrus fruits leads into a buttered popcorn palate that made this one an immediate purchase, and at only 9.1% alcohol one really can celebrate today, or any day - at least while the 50 cases produced remain available!</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-72203409603129162582017-07-02T21:33:00.000-07:002017-07-28T21:50:53.092-07:00New Adventures: vinAmité Cellars<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">The Coulombe family winery is two years young this summer, <a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2015/09/class-of-2015-vinperdu-cellars.html" target="_blank">since opening in 2015</a> (and <a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/07/vinperdu-changes-its-name.html" target="_blank">tweaking the name since</a>) with an enviable location on Highway 97 outside Oliver. Since having first tasted, and thoroughly enjoyed, the wines - presented by daughter Catherine Coulombe - at last fall’s </font><a href="http://www.garagistenorth.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Garagiste North Festival</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> in Penticton, I’ve been eager to visit the winery in person. A couple attempts in May fell through, but as it turned out the shelves were nearly empty at the time, with a full slate of new releases anticipated in June. Among those new wines I heard about through the grapevine was a special release varietal Petit Verdot that piqued my curiosity.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTWX4x89MvEUFctjoZRtN6MCYGMMAuWyVQ0_7m8xq-xOnCRMN_X1br5d6-k2XkjE_vXSeLVcV5vc6z0XmtI98LOj29AwEUaama0vn6ILeCVmNoHmVeT5pqXTgzib_ha05ww09HPAc1rPa/s1600-h/IMG_20170630_140808%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="747" title="Settle down for a while amongst original artwork and artisanal foods, including this selection from thesaltcellar.ca" style="display: inline;" alt="Settle down for a while amongst original artwork and artisanal foods, including this selection from thesaltcellar.ca" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSSKwFdRZr89K4u8w7GQj-Z7yD4LIYKtFyTw9txExhEA5pOc_iQtr2Zbz5zMNgUatF_qpvJcw6vKTEVOgv5djTUH8I7dXRs7DetLo_i9ywPmhCXpM5djZdNbKao_FbpYw3Hl4Ixl-x6mA/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Arriving at seemingly the perfect time, I was fortunate enough to be guided through the portfolio (from a vineyard-view table on the back patio) by the ebullient Catherine herself, who serves as both knowledgeable Tasting Room Manager and Assistant Winemaker. The <a href="http://www.vinamitecellars.com/wine-lounge.html" target="_blank">cozy lounge</a> is richly decorated with art from Catherine’s talented sister </font><a href="http://nathaliedenise.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Nathalie</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, and fine cheeses and charcuterie are available to enhance and extend one’s experience. All business, I delved straight into each of the eight wines on hand, all small lots of less than 250 cases. Highlights included aged Pinot Gris from 2015, richly textured with honeyed peaches; 2015 Chardonnay, lightly oaked for just four months and offering a pleasing popcorn profile; plus new 2016 Gamay, very pretty indeed with spiced cranberries and a fresh, silky, palate. Red blends from 2015 comprise “Petit Claret”, “Hidden Corner”, and “Compass”, a favourite with ripe berries, cocoa, and vanilla atop structured tannins from 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Malbec.</font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqQ6YAjHVHZqCQw70ioy1KyqHS2byPi4HKnoM0KtMvoR4diAsjQVQvBQE-qoBgjIK9PQZdH1GTZnM1ZnK0dVOiC07wRU492HGsSz29mTDxr_ISWh9Khntr2DYvzTqiQWDt3yJS3jWsBPR/s1600-h/IMG_20170724_201946%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="747" title="vinAmite 2015 Petit Verdot" style="display: inline;" alt="vinAmite 2015 Petit Verdot" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgUL8jtcoLp1-J2XXhxVzxrZChqBvRz-0eoe3jUKsd4j7qFcyBQK1whwNBwYHHByjWCye9wV-o-ikuRpXp18AmYh668GOsdLXH_F7cNMASdYdeberPWDXpMAMBLhjXwZktHWVuiEhym3E/?imgmax=800"></a></font><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4">Collectible: 2015 Petit Verdot.</font></strong> Used most often in small proportions for blends, varietal Petit Verdot is rare worldwide, so it’s always exciting to see a local example. In this case, Proprietor Ray Coulombe set himself on a “mission”, as Catherine puts it, to obtain these grapes from a local partner grower in the south Okanagan. Only three (French oak) barrels were produced of what is hoped to be an inaugural vintage (there is a larger lot of 2016 aging in the cellar, and plans for 2017), divided amongst one new barrel, a one-year-old, and a three-year-old, where the wine spent 14 months before bottling. Having a taste at the winery revealed near perfect varietal character, with all the inky, floral aromas and powerful palate one would expect; the ripe, dark fruit is nearly Port-like in its concentration. Needless to say I look forward to longer-term aging of this particular rarity. Winery Direct $55</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-3787192155669074182017-06-30T20:54:00.000-07:002017-08-28T21:32:02.735-07:00Collectibles: June 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Starting in the esteemed Naramata Bench and working our way south, four rare Pinot Noir represent the majority of this month’s collection of top-notch BC wine. One of those Pinots brings significant pedigree with a newly awarded <a href="http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/news-events/news/default.html#../../news-events/news/media-releases/2017/jun/mr_jun2217.html" target="_blank">Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in BC Wines</a>, joined by a second Award winner in the form of a hard-to-come-by Syrah I nabbed direct from the Osoyoos tasting room. The several wines featured this month span a range of vintages and releases, with older wines being both newly released or sourced from the last few cases. Each one has a story of place and time, and a spot in the cellar for the years to come.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK9XjHiRr9t7E4asxHq40m2lY7jSKP3Za_rqsmprUvr_Uht_EqE-UTT7nbQ_LCtCzwsDhNyjJ0IzTKs5ZZMHuXWzFcQ4gdIrA0NNPTXBj7Lkhxat5w0D2F6NywC4tudUXXP4X4r3rl6am/s1600-h/IMG_20170724_085946%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="343" title="June 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="June 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ9gMqi8DDYILP6wkjmOsT2Wr0mVyUHUEUODCqPAPw4Birx-1mikVw7d70XMsduwpLIcMpvpxYij0rC_2yVXAkqDT2481xf5ytYbwR0gXOPAIKg4URfzRhzmcevlfotmgRLapdE7SjAGL/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.laughingstock.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Laughing Stock</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The third year of Laughing Stock’s reanimated Pinot program ran headlong into the Okanagan’s hottest vintage on record, making for a big, bold wine in contrast to the elegant cool-climate Pinot Noir more common to the valley. The new estate vineyard the winery is cultivating on the Naramata Bench is supplemented by two nearby high-bluff properties at present, and the combination yielded 300 cases from an unusually early September 10 harvest. After 15% was fermented whole cluster in an oak tank (and rest whole berry), the wine spent 14 months in French oak, just 17% of it new and three quarters third use. Priority access for </font><a href="http://www.laughingstock.ca/Wine-Club"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> members guaranteed me a bottle during a recent visit, as the “Small Cap” release won’t last very long. Winery Direct $38</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.howlingbluff.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Howling Bluff</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2013 Century Block Pinot Noir:</strong></font> It will be a celebratory summer down the road at Howling Bluff, as Luke Smith proudly accepts his fourth Lieutenant Governor’s Award - and the third for Pinot Noir. This tiny lot of about 80 cases reserved from the estate vineyard’s Century Block went through a soft-release this spring as Luke tried to determine its fate after extensive bottle aging: lucky members of the </font><a href="http://www.bcwas.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">BC Wine Appreciation Society</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> enjoyed the wine with him during a </font><a href="http://www.bcwas.ca/latest-news/spring-winemakers-dinner-with-howling-bluff"><font face="Calibri" size="3">dinner at Glowbal</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> just last month. Upon my first taste it launched a striking aroma of orange pekoe tea before the juicy cherry palate brought a burst of fruit that grew over time. With the province’s most prestigious wine award in hand sales in the wine shop have opened up, with a price set to keep it in stock at least in the short term. Winery Direct $75</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.lafrenzwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>La Frenz</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The high heat of 2015 made for more powerful Pinot from Naramata neighbour La Frenz. Jeff & Niva Martin’s seven-acre Desperation Hill vineyard grows five clones, and the best blocks of the numbered four (91, 115, 667, and 828) were selected to comprise 400 cases of the Reserve tier in 2015. The winery clearly feels this “knockout” is a notable departure from the previous vintages, describing it as having a deeper concentration of flavours, dense palate weight, and plush mouthfeel. At this year’s</font><a href="http://www.dbiwc.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Dan Berger International Wine Competition</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in California, the Reserve Pinot contributed to </font><a href="http://www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2017/05/22/la-frenz-winery-in-naramata-dominates-top-california-competition/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">La Frenz’s domination</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, which included four Gold medals. The wine is also headed to the prestigious </font><a href="http://ipnc.org/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">International Pinot Noir Celebration</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in Oregon this July as BC’s only entrant, and (by exclusive invitation) to the </font><a href="http://sixnationswine.com.au/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Six Nations Wine Challenge</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in Australia come August. Winery Direct $35</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Meyer</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 McLean Creek Road Pinot Noir:</font></strong> At least five different Pinot Noir of different tiers are included in Meyer’s portfolio (six if you include the new varietal Rosé), so release dates are staggered, providing <a href="http://wineclub.mfvwines.com/" target="_blank">Club</a> members with the workhorse home vineyard version this month. Harvested in late September, the free-run juice spent 11 months in (25% new) French oak before bottling of 600 cases last fall. The winery feels this muscular version is suitable for long-term cellaring (2017-2024), and the deeper fruit flavour profile was observed by John Schreiner at this spring’s Okanagan Falls Tasting: </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/04/okanagan-falls-wineries-tasting-2017.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">his 91-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> speaks of “spicy black cherry and cloves.” It sounds a little heavier than last year’s </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/85198-Meyer-Pinot-Noir-Mc-Lean-Creek-Road-Vineyard-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">well received vintage</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, showing the warm, dry weather of 2015, but I’ve got patience to let the structure coalesce until at least 2020. Winery Direct $40 (and available in Norway as of July!)</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.maverickwine.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Maverick</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Bush Vine Syrah:</font></strong> Showing the southern Okanagan’s continued superiority in Syrah, both of those who received Lieutenant Governor’s Awards this year came from the region. While </font><a href="https://thehatchwines.com/product/crown-thieves-broken-barrel-syrah/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">The Hatch found favour</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in the Osoyoos East Bench, Bertus Albertyn’s experiments with unusual </font><a href="http://gavinhubble-wineblogs.blogspot.ca/2008/12/bush-vines.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Goblet-trained</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> (“Bush”) vines north-west of town got the nod as well. The small winery of the Albertyn family is a first-time winner for this small lot (185 cases) of whole-bunch, foot-stopped Syrah. Fermented in one large 3,400-liter vat, it then spent 18 months in older French oak before bottling last September. The meaty aromas lead into admirable intensity on the palate, where quintessential black, spicy fruit make their mark. Winery Direct $32</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Stag’s Hollow</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2013 Hawk’s Hollow:</font></strong> A pleasant surprise in my recent </font><a href="http://wineclub.stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> shipment from Stag’s Hollow came in the form of this uncommon Cabernet-Syrah. Although officially released last summer - to a </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/89316-Stag's-Hollow-Hawk's-Hollow-2013"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Silver medal</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> at the 2016 National Wine Awards - Club members were treated to some of the remaining bottles (only about 100 cases were produced). The blend sees 45% each of Osoyoos Syrah and Oliver-area Cabernet Sauvignon accessorized with 10% Osoyoos Petit Verdot. Having spent 15 months in French oak (40% new), it seems destined for even further bottle age to soften the full-bodied tannins and further develop the balanced palate. Despite being only the second vintage of this wine produced since the inaugural 2012, it is destined to be the last, as other directions take priority in Winemaker Dwight Sick’s packed portfolio. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.orofinovineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Orofino</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2014 Scout Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon:</strong></font> Having two different Similkameen Valley vineyard sources for Cabernet Sauvignon, John & Virginia Weber can release an enviable pair of wines each year. The Passion Pit Vineyard iteration was here and gone in short order late last fall, but this spring the 250 cases from Cawston’s Scout Vineyard were deemed ready for release after some aging (following bottling last September). Given the quality of the vintage I expect to relish this well-priced expression of Similkameen terroir in the years to come. While discussing Orofino’s growing vineyard sources and </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/orofino-adds-two-cabernet-franc-wines.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">new Cabernet Franc focus</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> this month, John Schreiner had nothing but praise for the Scout Sauvignon, polished and elegant after 20 months in French oak. Winery Direct $29</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-70724870652851440072017-05-31T20:45:00.000-07:002017-07-11T21:43:09.567-07:00Collectibles: May 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Three cheers for 2014: the rich, ripe reds of that superb vintage are seemingly everywhere one looks in the Okanagan these days. A recent trip to Osoyoos provided the opportunity to stock up on the latest and greatest from the cellar door, leaving me with a divine selection to fawn over this month. While it may seem odd to have focused on so many big reds in the summer, rest assured there were more than enough bottles of white and Rosé keeping these cellar-dwellers company on the ride home. And not every white is destined for immediate consumption, because locally legendary Riesling is just as age-worthy as the neighbouring collectible reds.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWRurNUX6gpZPUHTMwZMW0hbMSiyPinNjU4tvahWVbSt4kRULnKClcpiy3rGZKd17Xjm9RN9RF_bJ1JiDdKlj8qKPwdvhE6D9KhdL9JIqDI91eLMNeD3K7kJ02CfPrQwXS-GU4LeYPXbC/s1600-h/IMG_20170711_093927%255B5%255D"><img width="560" height="376" title="May 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="May 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGz8lpxoloZGU3vIp-LN4oLXzI8xxL4KAUJH1wP486HSgpnvA1ga6F9wqJwISY_HnVOgswvfWJ1Z465QHfc88HCjJUFOqEpRfK6VPb8VRxtgy-B39EUX6Svc9GYInyjTqomR-jw7EpKEvD/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.synchromeshwines.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Synchromesh</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2016 Black Label Storm Haven Vineyard Riesling:</font></strong> The 2016 vintage at Alan Dickinson’s Okanagan Falls </font><a href="http://www.synchromeshwines.ca/storm-haven-vineyard/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">home vineyard</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> was split into 182 cases of this Black Label, wax-sealed reserve plus a White Label for earlier consumption. While both wines host a generous 38 g/L of sugar, the bracing acidity is even higher in the Black Label version, providing for a stunning pH of 2.81 and a very long life ahead. The team at </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">GismondiOnWine</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> have tasted nearly every vintage since the inaugural 2010, culminating in a library tasting in mid-March that found even the “vibrant and youthful” 2011 (with 55 g/L) to have “so many years to go still”. Anthony Gismondi’s </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201705/synchromesh-riesling-storm-haven-vineyard-2016/?note=26220"><font face="Calibri" size="3">93-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> of the newest release praised the benefits of long hang time last fall, finding the purity of fruit to be “impressive to say the least.” Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://churchandstatewines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Church & State</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Merlot:</font></strong> Wrapped in the winery’s new Signature Series label, with varietally-unique calligraphy, 450 cases of Merlot come from a blend of Black Sage Bench and Golden Mile fruit from two vineyards, including the home Coyote Bowl property. One of several generous new 2014 reds, the Merlot has done particularly well for the winery, being named Best of Class (Double Gold) at this year’s</font><a href="http://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2017-results/"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> All Canadian Wine Championships</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, one of two (the other for Trebella 2015) in addition to a pair of Gold medals. Even before the All Canadians, February’s New World International Wine Competition in California bestowed the honour of Best Canadian Wine for this </font><a href="http://www.nwiwc.com/2017byclass.html#MER"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Best of Class</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> Merlot. Released just in time for the busy summer touring season, stocks are already growing low thanks to the intense roasted cocoa aromas and rich, round blueberry palate, followed by a sweet and savoury smoked finish to wrap it all up. Great for summer barbecue season no doubt, but secure under screwcap with further cellaring in mind. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://mtboucheriewinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Mt. Boucherie</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah:</strong></font> After a tumultuous couple of years in receivership, established West Kelowna winery Mt. Boucherie re-emerged this spring, as </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/02/mt-boucherie-estate-winery-is-back.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">John Schreiner detailed in a February article</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. Most important to consider from John’s detailed summary of the proceedings is that talented and committed Winemaker Jim Faulkner remained at the helm throughout. As the budgetary prospects improved Jim could finally acquire bottles and labels for reds that include this smoothly aged Similkameen Valley Syrah, after it spent an unexpected 22 months in oak. The resulting 381 cases of “full and rich” wine are felt well-worthy of a 92-point score in John’s experienced eyes. Later in the same month, a taste by David Lawrason at WineAlign yielded similar accolades, with another </font><a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/97091-Mt--Boucherie-Winemaker%27s-Reserve-Syrah-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">92-points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> for the “classic Syrah nose,” fine tannins, and elegant, rich palate. Winery Direct $40</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://churchandstatewines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Church & State</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Malbec</font></strong>: Having taken some time off after two consecutive Best of Class awards for 2011 and 2012 vintages the Malbec is back at Church & State. Sourced from the Rattlesnake Vineyard on the Golden Mile, 225 cases of what is always a local rarity snagged one of the winery’s aforementioned Gold medals at the All Canadians (and the only Gold-medal Malbec in the Single Red Varietal category). I was fortunate enough to enjoy a sample upon visiting the winery, and found black cherry and chocolate aromas hinting at what is another ripe and rambunctious red. Equally rich and intense as the Merlot, I briefly reminded of drinking chocolate upon tasting the full-bodied purple-fruited palate. Here’s another exciting candidate for the cellar if you can keep it closed in the meantime. Winery Direct $35</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.quailsgate.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Quails’ Gate</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 “The Boswell” Syrah:</font></strong> Since the initial 2012 release (intended as a one-time only anniversary wine) received one of the</font><a href="https://www.thewinefestivals.com/wine_awards/british-columbia-wine-awards/"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> BC Wine Awards’</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> new Platinum medals in 2014, Quails’ Gate has been one to watch for Syrah. While the winery’s focus remains Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, small amounts of winery exclusive Syrah (unexpectedly from West Kelowna) continue to impress: 570 cases of the latest have garnered universal praise in preview tastings last year. GismondiOnWine’s Treve Ring complimented the “haunting” complexity and finesse for </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201610/quails-gate-syrah-the-boswell-2014/?note=24848"><font face="Calibri" size="3">91-points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in October; John Schreiner paralleled his score of 2013 with another </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/12/quails-gate-revives-nouveau-wine.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">94-point</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> review in December; and Deanna Van Mulligen felt </font><a href="http://www.winescores.ca/viewwinereview?tuuid=TN7573262355864423540cb4&puid=d542c50f5541873c819f5b8bfa2ae1774d82c292_winescor&_usrctl=Quails%27%20Gate%20Estate%20Winery%20Syrah%20%27The%20Boswell%27,%20Okanagan%20Valley%20BC"><font face="Calibri" size="3">93-points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> was well worth it in February for the “amazing structure.” Over at </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/92154-Quails'-Gate-The-Boswell-Syrah-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">WineAlign</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> reviewers exalted the focus, length, and richness, with emphasis on its cellaring potential for enjoyment into the next decade - I’m more than happy to oblige. Winery Direct $61</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://www.littleenginewines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Little Engine</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Platinum Cabernet Franc:</font></strong> After opening last summer with high-end Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the fuller-bodied reds at Little Engine have now come into play, and the top tier Platinum series has supplanted Gold at the apex of their portfolio. John Schreiner was invited to </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/little-engine-winery-hosts-first-wine.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">preview the new releases</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> earlier this month and had nothing but good - and very good - things to say. I stopped by soon afterwards, with an eye to examining wines that garnered some of John’s highest scores ever. The 96-point Platinum Merlot was in my sights, but as good as it was, I was struck even greater by this powerful Cabernet Franc, still 95-points as far as John was concerned (and a complimentary </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201705/little-engine-cabernet-franc-platinum-label-2015/?note=26080"><font face="Calibri" size="3">89-points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> from Anthony Gismondi); the mouth-watering intensity had me excited to lay down a bottle. Of the three new Platinum reds, the Cabernet Franc is most rare, at just 49 cases produced - now minus one precious bottle. Winery Direct $86</font><p align="justify"><a href="http://covertfarms.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Covert Farms</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon:</font></strong> It’s been awhile since I tasted a barrel sample of this young and highly promising Cabernet alongside the </font><a href="http://www.bcwas.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">BC Wine Appreciation Society</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in</font><a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2016/03/bcwas-covert-farms-tasting.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> March of last year</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. In the meantime, it was bottled and apparently quietly released at the Oliver tasting room below McIntyre Bluff. Visiting the secluded tasting room amongst 650 organically-farmed acres provided the opportunity to get a bottle from the mere 48 cases produced. It’s become evident that 2014 was a well-above-average vintage for BC Cabernet Sauvignon, and Covert’s micro-lot is further testimony. A taste during my visit showed off dark and intensely ripe dried fruits, with age-worthy tannin to boot, and a mouth-watering selection of the winery’s descriptors that include red licorice, cocoa, vanilla, and baking spice. Winery Direct $59</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-66721193638030214402017-05-21T20:43:00.000-07:002017-08-02T20:47:58.491-07:00New Adventures: Lariana Cellars<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">The boutique Osoyoos winery of Dan & Carol Scott launched in 2013 with a portfolio of one wine (a “stunningly good” Viognier </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2013/05/class-of-2013-lariana-cellars.html"><font face="Calibri" size="4">praised by John Schreiner</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4">). After sufficient aging, a red blend from the inaugural 2012 vintage was eventually released, and last year an exciting varietal Carménère (from 2013) came along as well. Having followed Lariana’s progress thanks to </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2015/07/lariana-cellars-releases-entire.html"><font face="Calibri" size="4">John’s updates</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> I was particularly excited to taste the newest releases this spring at a </font><a href="http://www.bcwas.ca/latest-news/join-the-tweetup-and-sample-canadian-wine"><font face="Calibri" size="4">BC Wine Appreciation Society “Tweetup” in February</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="4"> - where the 2014 Carménère was my pick of the night and has been on my mind every since.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTXKmoTkpq_dPVLz2odKQfFn6LLulQshJS9Oce4VjuQ6255jEmk2VfghQ6MTcPmlZ0zYImrZHred-a4x9-krmzFbsuD53TJ2vxgKTkJdW_1XSl2L7uSqbvVMXCqIBwmPm4CcBi6mzlM9b/s1600-h/IMG_20170520_143849%255B5%255D"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><img width="560" height="420" title="Lariana's "tasting room" decor is spartan and charming - perfect!" style="display: inline;" alt="Lariana's "tasting room" decor is spartan and charming - perfect!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aFTkPO_l7hteep2blmJjLwmtRhClfCg8LbqwWI_X2k1zUAFfVaejMdsRIzZkxjOAvY86nqBVPzovxHVv71_oBlSHT4r2mtlarQ-7vhwmMhASvcB2SxwWVF_VTexpx-HPO0KhF8zHdFHv/?imgmax=800"></font></a></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">After a few mis-starts, I was finally able to visit the petite operation recently, finding myself literally steps from the U.S. Border in the Scott’s unassuming winery building. While a formal tasting room is absent, the tidy winery serves the purpose just fine, and Dan was present to show off his current bottles and a little sample of what’s to come. The tropical and delicately creamy Viognier 2016 has clearly benefited from five months on fine lees in a concrete egg, while retaining bright, clean citrus. The 2012 “Twelve” blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and 1% Carménère is still available, and a taste offered toasty, structured stewed raspberry. The follow-up “Thirteen” ditches Merlot for Cabernet, Syrah, and 12% Carménère to yield a complex nose of leather, vanilla, black cherry, and chocolate before the fine and approachable tannins unwrap impressive purity of fruit. On the way from 2015 will be a small lot of varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, and another vintage of Carménère just being bottled - an exciting barrel sample was deliciously fresh and juicy.</font><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4MnV571pCq25Nnevfl6xhuGvTPQPftGw8s1_QhN8E-JmT_3NhTB_Lvg4H1Lg2yFe1d1gtrKp77K0kkPyZUTYf7M50Wydh64A0cdLpoR8Rk-ohrkdb6c41iBkcqA2G5T9MoqAHcBZ3YzF/s1600-h/IMG_20170724_202108%255B5%255D"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><img width="560" height="747" title="Lariana Cellars 2014 Carménère" style="display: inline;" alt="Lariana Cellars 2014 Carménère" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiK_zxcl5XArewJtEJiwFV9twJAf7buxr5evcU9YB7rZEmABUOXEhXncSMUzupRW-a9Hm8a04VSITR5fzPZIc690FmSF2yXx6ACX7c_pZW_p79XTYMIsUPwuQ_20N3I_t34BH9QLobSci/?imgmax=800"></font></a></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4">Collectible: 2014 Carménère.</font></strong> Varietal Carménère is extremely rare in BC - I know of only three - but it’s worth noting this wine has been shepherded by consulting winemaker <a href="https://www.terravistavineyards.com/about_us/" target="_blank">Senka Tennant</a>, who founded <a href="http://www.blackhillswinery.com/" target="_blank">Black Hills</a> and introduced BC’s first Carménère there years ago. Last year’s inaugural vintage struck John Schreiner as a “swaggering example” worthy of </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/06/lariana-cellars-have-you-heard-of-them.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">92-points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, and the newest showed me bewitching purple-fruited perfume and a well balanced, textured, and fruit-forward palate. The Carménère is a valued contributor to the flagship red blend, which I hope will not lead to its undoing as a single varietal. After 120 cases were released from the 2013 vintage, even less was made in 2014 (96 cases), and I’m told the crop was down in 2015! Winery Direct $45</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-18313926710521600432017-04-30T16:07:00.000-07:002017-06-07T20:20:28.433-07:00Collectibles: April 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">Another big month for local wine clubs was on offer, as the first shipment of the year for many sees devoted collectors reaping the rewards of pre-releases and exclusive specialties. Ironically, one of the oldest new releases is a 2013 Pinot Noir wisely and patiently bottle-aged at the winery to maximize near term enjoyment, while elsewhere elegant 2014 and bold 2015 reds are appearing in greater numbers. For those looking to get a head start on finding these particular rarities take heed of the access given in advance to members. Now that seemingly every winery has a club they are ensuring the commitment is worth one’s while – guaranteed access is one way to do so; I know I consistently enjoy the serenity of certainty.</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCQy3v6bW3iQeM7aQ_SkS7wE6Bd3Cn0SNkE4SWM75NUxx3Nnur2krWLZpvYaiXBYyVO50bOwpu90usGh4pkdORRrI3kGIDydY-xDppOFJI_HTicXZuYisc2rkS6-sHuVtZULbcXLOp8oY/s1600-h/IMG_20170525_0852465"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><img width="560" height="352" title="April 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="April 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0MuZDSMf-PXCki4pRsRMttEadcfFMsTRUUXMKjK9m5jPb0cuBmuO3wrnv4QYJMsGFNJIV_ugeRY58t-pb8PJ9meYCqz45G9FKYnl76286hsPz6WnQaJXi3N31-jIOko-PMDEmkqNnhem/?imgmax=800"></font></a></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"><a href="http://www.mirabelvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Mirabel</a> 2015 Pinot Noir:</font></strong> It’s a bold proposition to come out of the gate with an icon-class Pinot Noir and the $70 price to match, but the collectible first vintage from this new label has strong pedigree. Doug and Dawn Reimer have taken the time to establish their eleven-year-old South Kelowna vineyard and personal brand while selling high quality grapes to respected wineries like Meyer and Foxtrot. They contracted highly talented winemaker <a href="https://okanagancrushpad.com/story/okanagan-crush-pad/" target="_blank">Matt Dumayne out of Okanagan Crush Pad</a> to produce their first vintage, already receiving glowing reviews: <a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/11/class-of-2016-mirabel-vineyards.html" target="_blank">John Schreiner’s profile of the Reimer’s endeavour</a> last fall included a 95-point score for the Pinot. There’s no tasting room or wine shop to visit yet, and unless you want to order it direct by the case (from 237 produced), <a href="https://newdistrict.ca/" target="_blank">New District</a> is Mirabel’s exclusive retail partner – particularly fortunate for Vancouver residents! New District $89</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"><a href="http://www.tinhorn.com/" target="_blank">Tinhorn Creek</a> 2013 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir:</font></strong> With vineyards on the Golden Mile and Black Sage Benches Sandra Oldfield’s Oliver winery tends towards Bordeaux reds, but Pinot Noir has always had a place. A few years ago, <a href="http://www.tinhorn.com/Our-Winery/Who-We-Are" target="_blank">Sandra and her team</a> realized the Pinot Noir fared much better with additional bottle aging, and so the varietal tier gets one year, and the reserve sees a full two years of rest before release. After spending 18 months in <u>neutral</u> oak 850 cases were bottled in May 2015, awaiting public release within the next couple of months; <a href="http://www.tinhorn.com/Crush-Club/About-Crush-Club" target="_blank">Crush Club</a> members get earlier access in their tri-annual shipments. Winemaker Andrew Windsor must be excited to exhibit his first work in this varietal series since taking the lead just months after harvest: the typical dark fruit, chocolate, and spice of southern Okanagan Pinot should be well evident, extending the <a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201606/tinhorn-creek-oldfield-series-pinot-noir-2012/?note=24237" target="_blank">previous vintage’s elegance and refinement</a>. Winery Direct $35</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"><a href="http://www.laughingstock.ca/" target="_blank">Laughing Stock</a> 2015 Syrah:</font></strong> The rich and elegant Syrah put forth by David & Cynthia Enns is an immediate buy upon release for me, even though it gets much less exposure than their famed Portfolio red blend. Their Osoyoos vineyard yields sublime fruit that has garnered awards for past vintages that include a <a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/64923-Laughing-Stock-Syrah-2012" target="_blank">Platinum Medal at the National Wine Awards</a>, <a href="http://www.decanter.com/decanter-world-wine-awards/latest-coverage/dwwa-2014-regional-trophy-canadian-red-over-15-12095/" target="_blank">Decanter Regional Trophy</a>, and <a href="http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/lg/honours-awards/wine-awards/WineAward-Winners.pdf" target="_blank">Lieutenant Governor’s Award</a>. From the “spectacularly warm spring” of 2015 comes a brand-new release I was overjoyed to find in triplicate amongst my latest <a href="http://www.laughingstock.ca/Wine-Club" target="_blank">Preferred Share Wine Club</a> order. The “fabulously ripe” fruit was 40% fermented in oak puncheons and tank (some whole cluster), before 14 months in 35% new French oak before bottling of 948 cases. My triplets provide for present and future enjoyment as I age some into the next decade. Winery Direct $40</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/" target="_blank">Poplar Grove</a> 2013 Munson Mountain Cabernet Franc:</font></strong> <a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/Wine-Club/Benefits" target="_blank">Poplar Grove Wine Club’s</a> first action in 2017 didn’t disappoint, sending out their newest members only, single vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Munson Mountain vineyard is adjacent to the Penticton winery, and has been directed into this rarity for the fourth time as a Club treat. Bottle-aged eight months longer than the now-sold-out regular (Osoyoos sourced) Cabernet Franc, the Munson bottling is earthier and shows more minerality, with fine tannins and a very long finish. Having received three bottles and already had a taste, I look forward to aging the remainder, up to ten years from vintage in the eyes of the winery. Only 340 cases were produced, versus 500 for the regular varietal production, and it remains Club exclusive, for now. Winery Direct $40</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"><a href="http://www.tinhorn.com/" target="_blank">Tinhorn Creek</a> 2014 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc:</font></strong> Alongside a pair of Pinot my newest Crush Club order contained upcoming Cabernet Franc, exhibiting new branding that returns to the “Reserve” language in use long ago. I can’t help but notice a growing trend back to darker labels for premium wines, after the bright white of the past several years: witness <a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2017/03/collectibles-march-2017.html" target="_blank">last month’s collection of examples</a>. This smartly dressed new Franc is coming soon, after 800 cases aged a year in bottle starting since last May. It’s a true reserve, selected after French oak barrels (25% new) spent a year maturing before assessment, blending, and another six months in oak for the best of them. In some years (e.g., 2011) none are deemed worthy, and so this marks the fourth vintage (and a very high quality one at that) since the inaugural 2010, making Cabernet Franc the youngest of the winery’s reserve red portfolio. Winery Direct $35</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"><a href="http://www.poplargrove.ca/" target="_blank">Poplar Grove</a> 2013 CSM:</font></strong> Although renowned for Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and the iconic Legacy red blend, Poplar Grove’s cryptic CSM can be overlooked by some people, to their great misfortune. Unlike the Munson Cabernet, the 600 or so cases of CSM have become readily available via the winery (but unlikely elsewhere), where fans can enjoy this delightfully creative melange of 29% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Syrah, 18% Merlot, and 7% Malbec. The newest blend is particularly complex, not only including Malbec for the first time, but bringing Cabernet Franc to the forefront after excluding it entirely over the past couple of vintages. The name is primarily intended to refer to Cabernet(s), Syrah, and Merlot, but fortunately Malbec also starts with M and fits in easily, plus CCSMM doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. Winery Direct $35</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"><a href="http://lastella.ca/" target="_blank">LaStella</a> 2014 Espressivo:</font></strong> It’s not often that the measured and focused portfolio at LaStella witnesses the birth of a new wine, so one is inclined to take notice when it does happen. With the Merlot-dominant “Fortissimo” blend now firmly established in the family, as it were, a new blend leaning on Cabernet has been introduced, from just 123 cases of the inaugural vintage. Like Fortissimo, Espressivo includes a touch of Sangiovese paying tribute to the winery’s Tuscan influences, with 5% (at first) complementing 55% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Merlot, all aged 18 months in 20% new oak, both French and Hungarian. An early taste by the WineAlign crew this month found favour amongst David Lawrason, who <a href="https://www.winealign.com/wines/97838-La-Stella-Espressivo-2014" target="_blank">acclaimed the richly textured, powerful ode</a> to Italian reds. I myself was pleased with the dark and spicy palate, in contrast to Fortissimo’s (equally enjoyable) lush berries, <a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2017/03/enoteccas-prudent-evolution.html" target="_blank">during a preview tasting last month</a>, and am happy to find it a home in my collection. Winery Direct $46</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-72513037006659083972017-03-31T22:33:00.000-07:002017-05-30T21:31:54.022-07:00Collectibles: March 2017<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"></font> <p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">In offices across the world, the fiscal year is coming to a close and people and plans are wrapping up, but in the (northern hemisphere) wine world this means springtime! By now the fall harvest fermentations are in barrel, what was in barrel is being bottled, and warehouse space is getting the squeeze; it’s one of many reasons for new releases. Another reason being simply that bottle aging of old vintages has concluded and it’s time to share the results with the world. This month welcomed everything from a triplet of fresh, young Pinot Noir looking for some cellaring, to big bold red heavyweights that can still manage further slumber despite their more advanced years.</font> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xPB_xvRI2sNPx-ODSv9X1KBW1ca8i5IkwBHY624YNNInsi4S3EwPXyNF-yjual9frcRtNhie5PefDx1UarkaXOwn72Wddkr8ourgtHDmNgyraHRIDcf3bw4-fJl0k5DrzNWX6eccI8BI/s1600-h/IMG_20170524_1015055"><img width="560" height="315" title="March 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline;" alt="March 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt3rrA2wPqknzEWDhr8j4VV7TtT7tqSxlgs04vdHigHAGbFOVMPJeBe34SwapquaG2RUSW-OomrwV4dSMqByrKno5hl3ypxRY1LhyalrNS2ZdsHHCi-g6apMnHqL6QHT_6uKT5PscamAQ/?imgmax=800"></a> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Meyer</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Reimer Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The calendar year’s first </font><a href="http://wineclub.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> shipment from Burgundian specialists Meyer included the both the attractive 2015 Tribute Chardonnay, and one of their vineyard-specific Pinot Noir. Despite the oppressive heat of 2015 and the early start to harvest, the Reimer Vineyard fruit in East Kelowna wasn’t harvested until mid-October, then given 11 months in (27% new) French oak before 400 cases were bottled in September. Interestingly, Doug & Dawn Reimer - from whom the French clone grapes originate - recently launched their </font><a href="http://www.mirabelvineyards.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Mirabel Vineyards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> label, with the inaugural 2015 Pinot Noir. Initial trepidation about the future of Jak Meyer’s access to their well-respected grapes seems to have been tempered recently with word the partnership is expected to continue for the near future. Winery Direct $40</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Meyer</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Old Block Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The opportunity to add a couple bottles to my four-pack of Club-designated wines allowed acquisition of some of the smaller production Pinots from Meyer. The Okanagan Falls estate vineyard’s one acre “Old Block” originates in 1994, but couldn’t be exclusively bottled until additional (2009) plantings had matured enough for production (of the “regular” McLean Creek Road Pinot Noir). By 2014 that time had come and the first lot of 205 block-specific cases were </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/89726-Meyer-Old-Block-Pinot-Noir-Mc-Lean-Creek-Vineyard---Ok-Falls-2014"><font face="Calibri" size="3">acclaimed at the National Wine Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> last year. Slight growth to 234 cases in 2015 comes with high expectations as a result, but the release is so recent few have yet had a chance to share their findings, and I’m afraid my single precious bottle is destined for the cellar until next decade. Winery Direct $50</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mfvwines.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Meyer</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 Micro Cuvee Pinot Noir:</font></strong> Not only are the lots of wine at Meyer separated by vineyard, and block, but further barrel selection is conducted to yield the pinnacle of production. A small lot of Chardonnay sees similar treatment, and in 2015 the Micro Cuvee Pinot Noir came from two puncheons and one barrel of Pommard Clone 91, with the winery going so far as to detail the three French forests from which the vessels originated. The Pommard block was harvested in late September, about a week before the Old Block mentioned above, and likely saw the same 11 months in oak as the other lots, with the difference coming down to the unique expression of that one new puncheon, a second one-year-old, and the two-year-old barrel (yielding 110 cases). The Micro Cuvees (both Chardonnay and Pinot) are reliably the best of what is already a top-tier portfolio from Meyer. Winery Direct $65</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.thesimilkameencollective.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>The Similkameen Collective</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2013 GSM:</strong></font> I was able to obtain a bottle of this joint venture’s (inaugural vintage) Platinum-medal-winning Syrah-Viognier </font><a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2016/09/collectibles-september-2016.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">last fall</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, but had to painfully pass on the GSM at the time for budgetary reasons. Wouldn’t you know, it showed up in this month’s <a href="http://road13vineyards.com/club13/" target="_blank">Road 13 Wine Club</a> selection, as the Golden Mile winery is one of the key partners (and actually makes the wine). I’ve been coveting a bottle since John Schreiner had a chance to taste the launch portfolio last spring, and found the “bold and elegant” blend worthy of </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/05/class-of-2016-similkameen-collective.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">93 points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> in his opinion. Having been awarded </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/89201-The-Similkameen-Collective-Gsm-2013"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Gold at last summer’s National Wine Awards</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, it’s a special rarity as one of the few instances of BC Grenache from this growing category. I look forward to the day I can attend a Grenache gathering just like the upcoming </font><a href="http://www.bcpinotnoir.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">BC Pinot Noir Celebration</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">! Winery Direct $50</font> <p align="justify"><a href="https://stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Stag’s Hollow</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Renaissance Merlot:</font></strong> One of several varieties grown at the Okanagan Falls estate home vineyard, Merlot - and this reserve tier version - has for many years been the flagship from Winemaker Dwight Sick’s diverse portfolio (</font><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/food-drink/wine/dunne-on-wine/article137557873.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">even as Grenache sneaks up from behind</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">). The newest vintage has emerged from the wings as the remaining 2013 is sold through the wine shop; my bottle came in this month’s </font><a href="http://wineclub.stagshollowwinery.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Wine Club</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> shipment. Fermented and aged in (50% new) French oak, the 2014 Merlot aged for 15 months before being blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, as is the common practice with this particular wine. While the newly introduced screwcap closure may suggest otherwise to some, further cellaring would be best, although the winery admits it is “more approachable than the past two vintages.” I’m sure all the dark fruit and mocha under that cap would show quite well at present after decanting however. Winery Direct $40</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.ccjentschcellars.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>C.C. Jentsch</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Small Lot Cabernet Franc:</font></strong> Chris Jentsch was present in person at last month’s </font><a href="http://www.vanwinefest.ca/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Vancouver International Wine Festival</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, pouring a few of his Golden Mile Bench wines, all of course for sale in the on-site BC Liquor Store. A few bottles of the rare and pricey Cabernet Franc remained available afterwards and were subsequently shifted to local store shelves, at which point I was able to rectify having missed this charmer at the Festival. Initial release of 151 cases last summer was met with praise from John Schreiner, who felt 92 points best summarized this “</font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/07/cc-jentsch-small-lots-and-friends.html"><font face="Calibri" size="3">ripe and exuberant wine</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">.” Having been bottled just before release, after 16 months in oak, further maturity in bottle seems to have left it none the worse for wear: “a few months down the road from our last tasting this Cabernet Franc remains impressive,” said Anthony Gismondi at the time of the Festival, when </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201608/cc-jentsch-small-lot-series-cabernet-franc-2014/?note=25589"><font face="Calibri" size="3">90 points was still felt well worthy</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">. </font><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">BC Liquor Stores</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> $58</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.nkmipcellars.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><strong>Nk’Mip</strong></font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"><font size="4"><strong> 2014 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon:</strong></font> Optimal conditions in 2014 ensured the ideal opportunity for ripe Cabernet Sauvignon from our (technically) cool climate terroir, and Winemaker Randy Picton’s work with the variety is always one of the first places to look for quality. Harvesting fully developed grapes at the very end of October led to 18 months in French oak before release last year, from which time it remains broadly available given expected large production. Big compliments came from GismondiOnWine after a few vintages away: while newer contributor </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201612/nkmip-cellars-qwam-qwmt-cabernet-sauvignon-2014/?note=25370"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Treve Ring assigned “only” 89 points</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3">, the usually conservative Gismondi himself practically gushed in his </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201612/nkmip-cellars-qwam-qwmt-cabernet-sauvignon-2014/?note=25061"><font face="Calibri" size="3">91-point review</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> last December, finding this big red to be “in perfect balance” and clearly at the top of the tier for the variety in BC. </font><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/"><font face="Calibri" size="3">BC Liquor Stores</font></a><font face="Calibri" size="3"> $35</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-62167666080522631942017-03-19T08:04:00.000-07:002017-04-26T13:44:09.659-07:00Enotecca’s Prudent Evolution<p align="justify"><font size="4" face="Calibri">I recently enjoyed the valuable opportunity to visit the head office of two of my favourite and most respected wineries, and sample several brand-new releases. Enotecca Wineries is the parent company of both <a href="http://lastella.ca/" target="_blank">LaStella</a> and <a href="http://levieuxpin.ca/" target="_blank">Le Vieux Pin</a>, Italian- and French-inspired wineries in Osoyoos and Oliver respectively. The two wineries share key staff, including highly talented Winemaker and Viticulturist Severine Pinte, who emigrated to Canada in 2010 after extensive education in France, and many years of international experience. Severine is now a Managing Partner, alongside Sales & Marketing Director Rasoul Salehi, who was eager to share with me the near-perfect 2016 vintage.</font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr_Zb24c9PII52sTHkGYsGWSqKD49WNEy9pXxyVuhc1aY6RP-yE4BoV6oZVfam5KGpOb5XY-wdTWggNLj0TQcH4qMhhyphenhyphen2JvnygZ5Z16MOky69orKRIf6x-V2ynvclAe1iRwJ3DFECoMmm/s1600-h/IMG_20170319_143938%255B5%255D"><img title="LaStella 2014 Espressivo" style="display: inline" alt="LaStella 2014 Espressivo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu1gov5QOk2LKRwJwZ9fLZoCDsP1GgxauwdPg5GqYs_0qqHByzHlzD60ED3iIR8BLRGNudPQCddMJnmITl4yoAaKold2mfsOTzeZa9Z9wDqPig43fZw9LQ73QoEImjwNDdJEUV3V5fGdS/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="747"></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Although Rasoul hinted that a few new and upcoming reds from recent vintages were available, the focus was on the brand new 2016 whites and Rosés from both wineries. It is broadly acknowledged, and emphasized by Rasoul, that 2016 was a particularly excellent vintage – in his opinion the best since 2011. (Although thought of as cool, 2011 yielded beautifully-focused, elegant wines, as my own experience has born out.) For the varieties and styles aimed for at both LaStella and Le Vieux Pin, 2016 offered an ideal long, consistent, and moderate growing season without the overly high heat of recent years. As the most youthful whites trickle into the market these past couple of months, consumers are getting a chance to experience the quality on hand.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">LaStella’s musically-named wines include a pair of crisp, dry whites in the form of “Leggiero” In-Oaked Chardonnay and “Vivace” Pinot Grigio, both echoing the style of northern Italy. Fresh out of the gate they are exactly that – fresh – with bountiful fruit presence and balanced by precise acidity, and deliciously moderate alcohol (e.g., 12-13% was typical for all whites, despite fermentation to dryness). Incorporating fruit from a newly acquired Golden Mile vineyard with old vines Chardonnay, Leggiero 2016 offers bright green apples and sourdough bread with lip-smacking minerality. Immediately expressive on the nose, with a basket of green and pink citrus fruit, Vivace 2016 is equally juicy, with a “chiselled” fruit cocktail palate of which LaStella is rightfully proud – it is a notably different beast than the lusher stone fruit of many BC Pinot <u>Gris</u>.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Avoiding overlap, Le Vieux Pin’s portfolio includes a long-time fan-favourite Sauvignon Blanc, harvested spectacularly early in 2016 by mid-August, to yield just 12% alcohol. First impression makes it clear this is not a standard simple sipper, if the $30 price tag wasn’t evidence enough; it is a complex, food-focused wine sparking thoughtful contemplation. I was struck by the nose of Guava and rich tropical fruit, showing little grassiness beyond some light herbaceous notes. The clean and fresh citrus palate was terrifically long-lasting, with enjoyable subtleties changing alongside the temperature. Just as distinct is LaStella’s fun-loving Moscato D’Osoyoos, where 44 g/L of sugar in 2016 is well balanced and pumped up by enthusiastic effervescence. I have no doubt that all 800 cases of this perfect breakfast wine will sell out once again, as the gorgeous musk melon nose and peach palate gain it even further fans.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">With Spring well on its way wine fans are fortunate both wineries long ago embraced Rosé, offering opportunity to love either iteration. I have long-favoured Le Vieux Pin’s “Vaïla” Pinot Noir, but was surprised to lean for LaStella in short order. The 2016 “LaStellina” Rosé is much lighter in colour than previous iterations, entering with a traditional off-dry palate but finishing surprisingly dry (just 5 g/L is paired with 12.9% alcohol). Two thirds Cabernet Franc shows off red fruit and forest floor, while Merlot and 4% Sangiovese offer additional complexity to the silky palate. In contrast, Vaïla’s pure Pinot expression is bone dry as usual, lightly pinked and delicately creamy from time on the gross lees. Its rhubarb and rose petal profile comes in a close second to LaStellina this year, but I have no qualms about my inevitable purchase of both bottles.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Warmer weather welcomes reds as well as whites, and it is here that some very calculated growth is taking place. Neither winery has been focused on expansion, as the goal has always been to produce the best possible wine, but in doing so there can be germination of new opportunities. A few years back Le Vieux Pin’s renowned Syrah selection birthed the accessible Cuvée Violette, aggressively priced to become a restaurant favourite in no time. After some months without stock, merchants and customers must be relieved to see the newly released 2015 vintage, and should be quite satisfied with the big floral, mocha nose, black fruit flavours, and peppered finish from soft, ripe tannins. A generous 1,300 cases are available, and plans for larger releases to come are in place once the new Golden Mile vineyard comes on stream.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">As Le Vieux Pin further cultivates Syrah, LaStella is shepherding small plantings of Sangiovese towards greatness. I was lucky enough to get an early taste of the 2014 “Arioso” Sangiovese, already oozing appeal with a ripe and ravishing nose. One experimental barrel in 2012 has yielded to a relative boom of 106 cases from 2014, set for release towards the end of 2018 in all likelihood. The newest Fortissimo, an existing Super Tuscan blend, deftly incorporates 11% Sangiovese alongside a quarter of Cabernets and nearly two thirds Merlot as 1,711 cases of 2015 are now available. Even more exciting, new sibling “Espressivo” will soon arrive to provide complement from 2014 with 55% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 5% Sangiovese. Although only 123 cases of the inaugural release have been produced, gradual growth is hoped for, offering a darker, spicier partner to Fortissimo’s lush earthy berries.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">My visit concluded with an extra treat thanks to the always-impressive <a href="https://www.coravin.com/" target="_blank">Coravin</a>, with which Rasoul was able to offer tastes of the 2006 and 2008 Allegretto Merlot. Having over a decade behind it, 2006 was unnervingly smooth, with continuing complexity of forest floor, black olives, and leather. There were in fact still some tannins lurking in 2008, but the ripe and mouth-filling palate was going strong, showing rich fruit with a coffee-flavoured, meaty undercurrent. As both wineries enter their second decades, I look forward to seeing similar iterations of Espressivo, Arioso (and all the other superbly crafted reds) in the future. In the meantime, I have plenty of options for my glass this summer.</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-44637730425081091952017-03-18T05:14:00.000-07:002017-04-03T06:45:30.220-07:00Curve Ahead: A Beer Post!<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font> <p align="justify"><font size="4" face="Calibri">I recently had the delightful opportunity to visit Victoria for the closing weekend of </font><a href="https://victoriabeerweek.com/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Calibri">Victoria Beer Week</font></a><font size="4" face="Calibri">, and better yet, it was all complimentary! No, I wasn’t being feted for my tireless work nit-picking BC wine, I quite surprisingly won an online contest. My prize package for two included flights on </font><a href="https://www.harbourair.com/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Calibri">Harbour Air</font></a><font size="4" face="Calibri">, two nights in a suite at </font><a href="http://swanshotel.com/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Calibri">Swan’s Hotel & Brewpub</font></a><font size="4" face="Calibri">, and tickets to Friday night and Saturday afternoon events. With my wife’s blessing and encouragement (allowing her to avoid it), I brought along a friend (and home-brewer) much more likely to appreciate the suds.</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE10tIhnWJ_311UihfBf11MWsxVjLD22wFWifoEe3lckFaShOMGB9IgWyTe10et71LOCuRLgZzne9pCHAlYBDmQ8YnaWHNvsTmmcPKS0dbrfa9ghaRhaW_u1cIACaQfaDZruHBJvZRp3Z/s1600-h/The%252520Hudson%252520Collage%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Co-Producer Joe Wiebe addresses beer fans at The Hudson, while Wandering Mollusk is hard at work" style="display: inline" alt="Co-Producer Joe Wiebe addresses beer fans at The Hudson, while Wandering Mollusk is hard at work" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWfzasy-ZndC4b8ph31C0py4OSefB_I8NodbWRcxjN_DuPNx0zuaubyqgoZwCriPMC19ZTiHHMRNZg93QveeLHFHd_cVrnHEb4LWiwcEnACYaO6GwdwOg56-IgNQxRn55308QBx6zEDo5/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="560"></a></font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Our Friday afternoon harbour-to-harbour flight from Vancouver gave us a good view of the city we had both called home at one point in the past, with anticipation of visiting some old haunts. The evening welcomed “Friday Night Casks #2”, the sequel to the previous weekend’s opening cask celebration. Expecting traditional oak casks we were pleasantly surprised to see many steel kegs amongst the breweries present in the </font><a href="http://victoriapublicmarket.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Victoria Public Market at The Hudson</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> (just one block from my old apartment). Some purists will likely scoff, but I prefer the higher carbonation in kegs over casks.</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH7aLcFpsN1T82LwfCahkAVim8szN6dZVHYz-vA_JJ2Fzab9hQ6UGGHg1k5RmZGx2snETdn_qjl_L7RJbRuP2SWmhL8oQ2bQ_FxK4zWpMAF7zo1X7Fu5TKACNh1yaWgBDwp7pACiVqVVC/s1600-h/IMG_20170311_143358%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fortification courtesy of Saltchuck Pie Company and L'Authentique Poutine & Burger" style="display: inline" alt="Fortification courtesy of Saltchuck Pie Company and L'Authentique Poutine & Burger" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyO15gCg1CbzlypYPJ8h6nxW4cbifG-jl7rxa7FjmQl2c1znfgAb-vgxoWCIXyXUsFtiAU2PPQrxhCihr-7AW-qwy085U0_aFphdRtYD7Z7qYq1lx37RZ-EcgcRt6jN5gGSWS3YlalEsP/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="315"></a></font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">A monumental two dozen BC craft breweries (and cideries) were present in the cavernous space formerly the ground floor of The Bay department store - now remade into a striking market for local food and goods vendors. Armed with tasting tokens we set out to find the most exciting rarities and experiments to be had. Our high expectations were easily met with a great many extremely creative brews; some of my favourites incorporated exciting fruit-forward infusions: </font><a href="http://category12beer.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Category 12</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> Danish Blonde with Cucumber & Lime, </font><a href="http://coalharbourbrewing.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Coal Harbour</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> Sunrise Gose with Apricots, </font><a href="http://www.lighthousebrewing.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Lighthouse</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> Perfect Storm Grand Marnier Citrus Ale, </font><a href="http://steamworksbrewing.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Steamworks</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> Flagship IPA with Mango, and </font><a href="https://www.yellowdogbrew.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Yellow Dog</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> High 5 Hazy IPA with Pineapple. Even host Swans had joined the infusion action by adding Apricots and Roasted Habanero to their heritage Scotch Ale “Regal Standard” to give it a memorable spicy kick!</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtscmWDa0UoN923GSuh7gc53jpX7d6pBRk3YfCQf0mZlVeVrtG50Qo_WrmpaP_M-gYNzEenKFrqSj5ECk2BSS3Qr6UloXa1Zb_q1ruRuh3KBvOYNhS5hwxVsVv1DyqT-KKF0dLvZgwVZSe/s1600-h/Lift%252520Off%252520Collage%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Excitement to be had from Powell Street and Twin Sails, among many others" style="display: inline" alt="Excitement to be had from Powell Street and Twin Sails, among many others" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bnehj8DwK5ZeiTvTaSQxTsZirF7vNVCTDm3HKRw1mdAPoIdLwqXFFtvXahqy4pMU4nJjJ7jScVLGvwVCQJPrViBed3DPkmYLaoyUrDX6n8fXYkhVrgzzRGiCdM3x_2TLqi-asj0pAWKZ/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="371"></a></font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sleeping off the many hard-to-miss brews, plus a hearty brunch at </font><a href="http://www.johnsplace.ca/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">John’s Place</font></a><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">, fortified us for Saturday’s new release celebration “Lift Off!” Under some daunting clouds outdoors in </font><a href="http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/residents/culture/outdoor-venues/centennial-square.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">Centennial Square</font></a><font size="3"> a dozen brand new beers were being sampled for the first time - and in gratitude the sun eventually emerged. Mindful of the job ahead of us we set out to sample each and every one in the lengthy afternoon allowance (1-6pm). All the beers will eventually find their way to taps and bottles in the near future, but it was a priceless opportunity to preview those we hope to be drinking this summer. </font></font><a href="https://www.powellbeer.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Powell Street’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> “Ode to Wallflower” Gin Barrel-aged Citra Pale Ale was one such delicious drink, a “hyper-local” collaboration between the brewery and neighbouring </font><a href="http://www.oddsocietyspirits.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Odd Society Spirits</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">. Equally striking, in a whole other direction was Twin Sails’ stunning Blonde Stout, conditioned on coffee, cocoa, vanilla, and toasted coconut to leave a major impression. I was further engaged by crisp hops in </font><a href="https://www.yellowdogbrew.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Yellow Dog’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> tart Domesticated Sour Wild IPA, </font><a href="http://www.spinnakers.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Spinnakers’</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> refreshing “Juice Monkey” IPA, and </font><a href="http://www.4milebrewingco.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Calibri">4 Mile’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> terrifically tropical Mosaic Session IPA. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time relishing the early-access VIP treatment at this well organized and smoothly executed exhibition.</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYXElmnylIV4wHfHqTuY9tiCZMO-mEJhzoUiasEvYfcZ0xiqXHQKZ-qUuJ-xsOx_2I1HQiJqEyzFU16dn3kvIhCkMW74Ahux7WkvU7vAKKbqyJ1dk5yMgHwhsjPQMVvbEkh_YqZdtW2Ix/s1600-h/Lift%252520Off%252520Collage%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="The bustling crowd had on-site stores from which to bring home the memories" style="display: inline" alt="The bustling crowd had on-site stores from which to bring home the memories" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKgbYjiimWJeixcA5W-lckBZiv0A3gZ6azEkFWNOUca2EoQuwhpSxP-QlwGm2_G6q6Ysrw9TysxkqNKTRyzgV7WDByK3fj-EEHD16F63YeK187n05OLFrl5idhwmPpV1o6FKrtZA53-ed/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="560"></a></font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">With Saturday capping the week via the highlight of Lift Off, the evening saw a celebration of the many hard-working organizers, volunteers, and sponsors who made the seemingly flawless festival possible. Back at The Hudson we were honoured to join the revelry, where any leftover kegs and casks were soon helpfully emptied, plus a few special gems saved in anticipation of appreciation. The acknowledgements were well worthy, for events like this - even day-long, not to mention a full week - live and die on the backs of the time volunteered by passionate advocates. Should you find yourself with opportunity to join the fun in subsequent years - as I certainly hope to – keep Victoria Beer Week on your radar!</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-4496109974388306922017-02-28T21:56:00.000-08:002017-03-05T23:05:19.509-08:00Collectibles: February 2017<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font> <p align="justify"><font size="4" face="Calibri">One of the largest gatherings of Canadian wine was shared with lucky locals at this year’s </font><a href="http://vanwinefest.ca/"><font size="4" face="Calibri">Vancouver International Wine Festival</font></a><font size="4" face="Calibri">, featuring a national focus to mark our </font><a href="http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081"><font size="4" face="Calibri">sesquicentennial celebrations</font></a><font size="4" face="Calibri">. While numerous charming Ontario and Nova Scotia contributions were on hand, the Festival’s on-site BC Liquor Store carried particularly generous reams of rarities and pre-releases from BC’s top wineries. For those looking to jump the line, the Festival offered notable advance purchasing opportunities. I took advantage of the occasion to stock up on some excellent cellar-worthy reds amongst other gems.</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3DmkKTgR5djowkXWv-pauhzaD6wk_i7ZhhGr_u95aeSUKGfHc1RA8A8MyfP0JQSM_B23aT5hy_Q68RTbVAeCM1rRQ9tEesR9_R3q4p1e2NTUN7yuMVE015TB79Mnlt6bmzbg55OhmmjW/s1600-h/IMG_20170303_095811%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><img title="February 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline" alt="February 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIgWl4wRhZyIC54bz4o-kUqJGK3Jd487z-YqoXOQqDNXJ884E_I5MYMYA5W0uwa34LO0mNZ4lh9j1Y-gJfSkb4_bIXQ_fks4AkSdV5fF4MvOaWWDEQyGx5joXrGidbyNLdJKFHiOQdbQI/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="334"></font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font> <p align="justify"><a href="https://www.liquiditywines.com/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Liquidity</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Estate Pinot Noir:</font></strong> The young Okanagan Falls winery helmed by experienced cross-Canadian winemaker Alison Moyes produces no less than three Pinot Noir from mature vines in ideal terroir. Five different clones were blended to yield the workhorse version, the only one remaining in stock before release of the 2015 vintage. While small lots of the higher tier Reserve and “Equity” bottlings sold out in short order at least some of the Estate’s 910 cases remain for sale. In spite of what may seem to be an entry-level price point, the wine was one of </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/awards/2016/07/14/2016-nwac-pinot-noir"><font size="3" face="Calibri">six BC Pinots to garner Gold</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> at the National Wine Awards last summer. Second only to one (of three) from neighbouring Meyer Family Vineyards, Liquidity’s offering was the best value amongst those top drops, accompanied by a </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/89780-Liquidity-Estate-Pinot-Noir-2014"><font size="3" face="Calibri">slew of compliments</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> from the judges, including optimism for its aging potential. VIWF BC Liquor Store $30</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.vanwestenvineyards.com/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Van Westen</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2015 “VD” Pinot Noir:</font></strong> Since 2011, Naramata’s Robert Van Westen has been producing a collaborative Pinot Noir with industry veteran Tom DiBello. The resulting wine, cheekily named VD, is released annually on Valentine’s Day, and the newest now gives me five vintages merrily aging away. In Rob’s bigger red portfolio the VD is an outlier next to a series of Bordeaux varietals and blends, and always shows up in the smallest numbers: just 86 cases were eventually bottled from the warm 2015 vintage. The bountiful conditions that year have resulted in a more fruit-forward wine than previous iterations, with fewer earthy notes in favour of generous ripe fruit and toasty spice. It remains on the fuller side of Pinots, dark and rich, for fans of a more intense style, but still retains floral aromatics to remind you of its provenance. Winery Direct $40</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.foxtrotwine.com/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Foxtrot</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Foxtrot Vineyard Pinot Noir:</font></strong> After ten vintages the Allander family’s Burgundian icons have become a benchmark in BC, and the newest release launches their second decade from a position of great strength. John Schreiner’s </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2017/01/foxtrot-prints-brochure-finally.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">recent update on the winery’s progress</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> includes extensive coverage of Foxtrot’s growing international presence, and substantial vineyard expansion. The flagship wine in the growing portfolio is the Foxtrot Vineyard Pinot Noir, from the original estate plantings on the Naramata Bench. It should come as no surprise that Winemaker Gustav Allander has continued to work wonders with the exceptional fruit, providing for Schreiner’s easy 93-point score from an elegant and seductive wine that “is appealing to all the senses.” Apart from ordering case lots from the winery (where there is no tasting room), the bottles for sale at the Wine Festival were the best prices in town; lucky shoppers snapped up signed bottles with rapidity. VIWF BC Liquor Store $59</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.culmina.ca/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Culmina</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Merlot:</font></strong> After the Triggs family’s ambitious new project launched with the 2011 vintage Culmina tripled the red portfolio last year by introducing the first varietal wines to accompany the Hypothesis blend. The second varietal vintages were on hand at this year’s Wine Festival, including new Cabernet Franc, alongside existing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 2014 Merlot was the only one actually for sale, but still a lucky break as formal release (and final pricing) is not anticipated until June (to provide for a full year of bottle age). Little surprise it’s still young and tight, but the move towards less new oak as the winery ages is a great thing: last year’s 50% new French is now just 15%, letting the Golden Mile Bench fruit shine even brighter after 16 months in barrel. With anticipated aging of at least several years, I’m holding mine until the twenties. VIWF BC Liquor Store $36</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://churchandstatewines.com/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Church & State</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2013 Quintessential:</font></strong> The icon wine from Church & State has bounced around vintages lately, and 2010 is in fact the current release, with 2013 anticipated later this year (and 2011 and 2012 sold previously). Vintage variation leads the decision to bottle age as necessary, regardless of envisioned schedule. Finding the pre-release 2013 at the Wine Festival was a perk not to be missed: a taste poured by Marketing Manager John Pullen greatly impressed thanks to robust integration of the complex blend. The Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc came from three distinct south Okanagan vineyard benches (Golden Mile, Black Sage, and Osoyoos East), aged in one third new French oak before 475 cases were bottled. Fans will be glad to know that’s a heck of a lot more than the 100 cases of 2012 that took home a </font><a href="http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/lg/honours-awards/default.html#../../lg/honours-awards/wine-awards/default.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Lieutenant Governor’s Award</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> in 2015. VIWF BC Liquor Store $56</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.sandhillwines.ca/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Sandhill</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Soon Series Red:</font></strong> I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful, recently-renovated Kelowna tasting room of Sandhill during precisely the right time last July, and snagged the ultra-rare </font><a href="http://wearereformation.com/news/sandhill-wines-releases-limited-edition-soon-series/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">inaugural “Soon Series”</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> wines. A step up from the already exclusive Small Lots series, the Soon Series pay homage to long-time Head Winemaker Howard Soon, whose signature prominently graces the crisp white label. Like last year, a mere 50 cases were made of the second vintage, and it was generously being sampled and sold at the Wine Festival; I was thrilled with the dark berries and chocolate flavours amongst very fine, ripe tannins. The unusual blend includes 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec, and 5% Merlot, aged in new French and American oak for 22 months after co-fermentation. Currently available and in stock exclusively at the Kelowna tasting room, it doesn’t even appear on the Sandhill website! VIWF BC Liquor Store $69</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.culmina.ca/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Culmina</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><font size="4"><strong> 2013 Hypothesis:</strong></font> While the varietal reds at Culmina get a year of bottle age, the blended Hypothesis has at least two years time to contemplate its fate. That being said, Don Triggs didn’t miss the opportunity to submit his third vintage for review just after bottling in 2015, and even that young Hypothesis struck a chord. </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">WineAlign’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> top talent thrice provided </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/82157-Culmina-Hypothesis-2013"><font size="3" face="Calibri">91+ point accolades</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> as early as November 2015, praising the depth, balance, and elegance at present despite significant aging potential. Like the Merlot, oak treatment has changed as the winery has more used barrels with which to work: 70% new oak in the second vintage has stepped down to 60% in year three. Eschewing any additional varieties, the blend is a minimalist Bordeaux red, with 38% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Franc, and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested from the Golden Mile estate. With just a single bottle at hand, I hope to obtain more during the winery’s anticipated fall release later this year; my growing vertical is edging up in size! VIWF BC Liquor Store $44</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-51250370112518493492017-02-19T21:42:00.000-08:002018-01-13T18:39:03.090-08:00Home Country Celebration at VanWineFest<p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4">At the close of last year’s <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a> the traditional theme revelation for the coming year took many by surprise, with the exciting news that home country Canada would be in focus for 2017. The opportunity to coincide and connect the long-running Festival’s 39th year with the nationwide <a href="http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081" target="_blank">Canada150</a> celebrations wasn’t one to be missed, and the advocates and organizers pushed hard to make it happen. After waiting all year long and seeing the build-up and announcements as more wineries and events were added I’m beyond pleased the big, busy week has finally taken place! Humbled with generous media credentials, and armed with a Gold Pass for good measure, I devoted the past week to everything Canada has to offer the oenophile, from sea to shining sea.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinguyge487BbEv34T1xulrZ_BRKFc47MbQ2m_sMR9_XxsAr0O3b4y29L97R3ywgUwXnTAKoCyG7igvDkCW2htBKPt61dNxRL3WPby9Hpx7K6kpODs_KE_XEwh-r7JnI2Ko2DZTCf-gbOS3/s1600-h/IMG_20170215_2127305"><img width="560" height="385" title="Balcony view over the Wines of Canada Party at The Permanent" style="display: inline;" alt="Balcony view over the Wines of Canada Party at The Permanent" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExlUip2gdaGOBnHumpnm0WtlW4EK_ykTjep0yWIm7yPiVyHqUQqVUqgeN8BOxtXsM8qrIVivf9MBoOj1CzFGnbgaOGDSAOrpHCsbl35O2XQV9t_SqRXaSUOFbHefkOShyphenhyphenr-JyoDLHklCd/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Particular anticipation for the grand Festival Tasting Room was obviously present in spades, given the presence of 76 Canadian producers and their principals, alongside the friendly competition found in over one hundred additional international wineries. Before and between the big trade and consumer tastings Thursday to Saturday there were dozens of parties, dinners, and educational seminars as well, with precious little time to attend even a handful. I myself managed to sneak in a few visits to other events in between my time in the Tasting Room, starting with the Wines of Canada Party on Wednesday night. “<a href="http://thepermanent.ca/" target="_blank">The Permanent</a>” a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/10/03/vancouver-heritage-building-restored_n_5924214.html" target="_blank">restored heritage hall</a> in downtown Vancouver, hosted 31 Canadian wineries to kick off the Festival, and offered a diverse collection of national foods (including mouth-watering Lobster Profiteroles, Sweet Cheese Beignets, and PEI Potato Tart Pizzette). Nova Scotian bubbly champion <a href="http://www.lacadievineyards.ca/" target="_blank">L’Acadie Vineyards</a> joined several Ontario wineries and many of my personal BC favourites to pour a number of samples not to be found in the Tasting Room.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Exclusive to Wednesday evening’s festivities were several sparkling rarities such as <a href="https://8thgeneration.com/" target="_blank">8th Generation’s</a> “Confidence” Frizzante Rosé, generously aged 2009 “Zephyr” Brut from <a href="https://lakebreeze.ca/" target="_blank">Lake Breeze</a>, renowned traditional method “The One” from <a href="https://www.nobleridge.com/" target="_blank">Noble Ridge</a>, and <a href="http://www.sperlingvineyards.com/Sperling_Vineyards/Sperling_Vineyards.html" target="_blank">Sperling’s</a> beautiful 2010 Sparkling Brut – a memorable highlight of the night for me. Just some of the other treats for this special crowd included sold out 2015 Rosés from <a href="https://www.50thparallel.com/" target="_blank">50th Parallel</a>, <a href="http://www.bench1775.com/" target="_blank">Bench 1775</a> (the rare “Glow” Malbec), <a href="http://www.hestercreek.com/" target="_blank">Hester Creek</a>, and Vancouver Island’s <a href="http://www.unsworthvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Unsworth Vineyards</a>, plus newly bottled 2016 from <a href="https://www.evolvecellars.com/" target="_blank">Evolve Cellars</a>. Hester Creek was also showing off their never-to-be-missed Trebbiano, and <a href="http://www.mooncurser.com/" target="_blank">Moon Curser’s</a> Arneis made for another Canadian curiosity; meanwhile ripe Viognier from <a href="http://www.redroosterwinery.com/" target="_blank">Red Rooster</a> and delicate Ehrenfelser from <a href="https://www.summerhill.bc.ca/" target="_blank">Summerhill</a> offered more reasons pay attention. Only several reds were on hand, and I couldn’t resist a sip from <a href="http://www.howlingbluff.ca/" target="_blank">Howling Bluff’s</a> legendary Pinot Noir and the ravishing <a href="http://road13vineyards.com/" target="_blank">Road 13</a> Syrah Malbec, despite both wines returning to the Tasting Room in the days to come.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3Kud9id-2uRLjm9-w4xqIog2OdAHXMLMW2MYC2s3_DXqyWY_M4apWalSvv1VclDi9AkDb_e91dM_QiP_lEm1OEHuBIT5gAa6VG4RzfuiYQyLiQJIPuMvu5aMyck55TLNM0KTy1dE6oLx/s1600-h/IMG_20170218_120352"><img width="560" height="420" title="A small glimpse at the Canada 150 lunch menu before it was snapped up" style="display: inline;" alt="A small glimpse at the Canada 150 lunch menu before it was snapped up" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJnvFGBMjJv72F9jc43VKv96GKLeHxhDjXhlYjlf1g2c4VvpwI-0O5YTx-FGys1tiwQBMauppo2TTl373fqpTA2JVXWg2FvxqPfVxCK5Q_7cuEPQkENlaW00vaqoH_eQiZX_CvdLW994a/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Before the Thursday opening of the Tasting Room to members of the public, a small Festival Toast reception was held in private, serving additional wines from selected participating wineries. I was lucky enough to be present, where the talented <a href="https://www.vancouverconventioncentre.com/" target="_blank">Vancouver Convention Centre</a> culinary team provided an extensive menu to fortify guests for the evening ahead. Delicious morsels to pair with a dozen-plus wines included Alberta Beef Tataki, Maple-seared Sockeye Salmon, Weathervane Scallop Ceviche, and Baked Oysters Rockefeller. <a href="http://clossonchase.com/" target="_blank">Closson Chase</a> and <a href="https://devoniancoast.ca/" target="_blank">Devonian Coast Wineries</a> charmed with Ontario Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, plus refreshing Nova Scotian sparkling; and a half-dozen BC wineries shared a few bonus bottles as well. Among those local exclusives were Private Reserve Pinot Noir and the exciting Old Vines Auxerrois of <a href="https://www.gehringerwines.ca/" target="_blank">Gehringer Brothers</a>, as well as Viognier and Merlot from Golden Mile neighbours <a href="https://www.goldhillwinery.com/" target="_blank">Gold Hill</a>. <a href="https://www.liquiditywines.com/" target="_blank">Liquidity</a>, <a href="https://www.tightropewinery.ca/" target="_blank">Tightrope</a>, and <a href="http://www.encorevineyards.ca/TIME-Winery" target="_blank">TIME</a> shared the top selections from their Tasting Room tables, and <a href="http://www.tinhorn.com/" target="_blank">Tinhorn Creek</a> brought out the ever-reliable Oldfield Series Merlot to supplement the full slate of Oldfield (Reserve) wines to be found inside.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXjXZ4NmJybsxZKJlP_GkNEc-tDBJ4IahR6K4-1A2NXJ9-XSeO9F7oLVPBqEBkq60fotrXOwvhfRGCucdYnJ2_fyUpyO0l3SxTbyZMlkXvmmaNAUOMTJurZF_QVm46Sh75HdN0TyrqbbB/s1600-h/IMG_20170218_1219085"><img width="560" height="600" title="Jak Meyer pours his celebrated Okanagan Falls Chardonnay & Pinot Noir at the Canada 150 Luncheon" style="display: inline;" alt="Jak Meyer pours his celebrated Okanagan Falls Chardonnay & Pinot Noir at the Canada 150 Luncheon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5QPKfncnhN3FsmFXII0p9sZ5UgziE8uzf0lfCQ-GAxKS8lu1kWClEPbEq9Y3UDqS4YJWUVUQmqNn1mbivd0oYJfjFqLGrMVrNPbMKWy1SGkx8VnnYbM-cb4JFrB8GR0jplWgBp15ltH9/?imgmax=800"></a></font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Three days of extensive exploration in the Festival Tasting Room guaranteed enjoyment of hundreds of BC and Canadian wines, not to mention the stellar international contingent. Commentary on the great many standouts from our local producers is coming soon; it was exciting to see how many wineries pulled out all the stops for this very special year. For a prized opportunity to delve into food pairing the on-site Saturday luncheon celebrated all things Canadian in great style. In the Convention Centre’s beautiful upstairs promenade, overlooking the harbour and North Shore mountains, the stellar coast-to-coast grazing menu complimented another couple hundred wines from all 76 Canadian wineries in attendance. Beyond the convenience of going straight into the afternoon Tasting Room session to follow, the theme region Saturday lunch is a hugely valuable event, with near-endless, mouth-watering food all crafted with the wines in mind.</font></p><p align="justify"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Other countries may have their legendary foods but the variety of historical flavours and styles in Canada is a cuisine unto itself, and it was all on display for the lucky attendees. It was honestly challenging to try it all, with the seafood alone including Wild Prawns, PEI Mussel and Clam Chowder, Nova-Scotia fried Oysters, West Coast King Crab & Halibut Cheek Cakes, and Maple-seared Sockeye Salmon (with Wasabi lime foam no less). If that wasn’t enough, and a hearty red wine one had in hand, <a href="http://fromagestalbert.com/?lang=en" target="_blank">St-Albert Cheddar</a> & Leek Quiche led into Oven-roasted Ratatouille, then Bison Tataki, Coffee BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, Alberta Beef Short Rib & <a href="https://www.poplargrovecheese.ca/tiger-blue" target="_blank">Poplar Grove Tiger Blue</a> Polenta, and <a href="http://www.ivanhoecheese.com/" target="_blank">Ivanhoe Aged Cheddar</a> Gratin Potatoes. Of course one also couldn’t miss the Butternut Squash Agnolotti & <a href="https://canardsdulacbrome.com/en/" target="_blank">Lac Brome</a> Duck Confit, nor the Canadian Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with White Truffle oil. A Canadian culinary celebration wouldn’t be complete without our much-loved regional desserts, and the kitchen didn’t miss a chance to provide <a href="https://www.nanaimo.ca/about-nanaimo/nanaimo-bars" target="_blank">Nanaimo Bars</a>, Maple Sugar Tarts, classic <a href="http://www.novascotia.com/eat-drink/recipes/NS-Blueberry-Grunt" target="_blank">Blueberry Grunt</a>, and groan-inducing Apple Pie Ice Cream Shots. The best part was that no matter what you piled on your plate, there was a Canadian wine to match and enhance the food, a reminder (or enlightenment for some) of the great breadth and depth available here at home.<br></font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-50850332520636969792017-01-31T20:53:00.000-08:002017-02-03T13:17:56.475-08:00Collectibles: January 2017<p align="justify"><font size="4" face="Calibri">Although maintaining budgetary restraint before the upcoming <a href="http://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a> – and the acquisition opportunities it offers – is often necessary this month, a few collectibles must be mentioned. Upon review I was very pleased to have amassed a diverse range to launch the year, from Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir to Osoyoos Tannat. Any one of these exceptional wines would keep you warm in the crisp weather that remains in our midst, but could easily handle aging to even further greatness in the years ahead.</font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS1cUbNhyhoSACA89hvE1s1H8_3loxfRTOdHFJ1Yy4a2j4zhct-z2uP8PHYWgyEZntfEdgwWaD5Mjm1xLBJ26B-Q0Xq3GsjekUuTNfnQXmJKx8-2KjhWw-Y-WE138BOePLGIFdynYsgXs/s1600-h/IMG_20170203_111127%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="January 2017 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline" alt="January 2017 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8dJwuPPad0RIm9e3Lb4Ezc6LjOS-1SUk8R0CMr96gSyAwy-D0_e5GrUq2Kjk7aiP4UMF_PNwU7m37ekaNtOwkWTMbFxoMMwuCcSM2qN4xb86ljRF-ukTaNcfp56Fk_yZkAi9Yv_jT4VY/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="315"></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4">Carson 2014 Pinot Noir:</font></strong> When he isn’t delivering world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for the <a href="http://www.mfvwines.com/" target="_blank">Meyer family</a> in Okanagan Falls, Winemaker Chris Carson quietly releases small lots of his own-branded bottles. A mere 295 cases of Naramata Bench Pinot Noir came from a one and a half acre block in 2014, hand harvested and wild fermented before spending 11 months in (one third new) French oak. Carson makes no bones about the wine’s cellaring potential, listing an optimistic 15 years on the label, but he’s built up a lot of trust at Meyer that carries over to the personal brand he started in 2011. The Dijon 115 clone makes for what Anthony Gismondi feels is an “<a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201612/carson-pinot-noir-naramata-vineyard-2014/?note=25068" target="_blank">exuberant, fruity, spicy</a>” wine even riper than the superb 2013 I was more than happy to <a href="http://www.adventuresinbcwine.com/2015/05/collectibles-may-2015.html">acquire previously</a>. <a href="https://www.marquis-wines.com/" target="_blank">Marquis Wine Cellars</a> $40</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="http://www.averillcreek.ca/" target="_blank"><strong><font size="4">Averill Creek</font></strong></a><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Somenos Series Pinot Noir:</font></strong> It’s no secret <a href="http://www.wineislands.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver Island wines</a> are a rarity in retail stores just a few kilometers across the Straight of Georgia. I get few opportunities to add the Island’s top wines to my collection, but jumped at the chance to piggyback on a friend’s case order for this extreme rarity. Already <a href="http://bcpinotnoir.com/bc-pinot-noir-tasting-review-averill-creek-2012-2005/" target="_blank">highly respected for his complex and finely crafted Pinot Noir</a>, Proprietor Andy Johnston stepped up his game recently with the new premium-tier Somenos Series. The inaugural Pinot Noir is the Cowichan Valley’s bold, earthy, rich expression of the grape, and a wine Anthony Gismondi puts in contention for the Island’s <a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201610/averill-creek-somenos-series-pinot-noir-2014/?note=25200" target="_blank">best Pinot Noir yet</a>. Keep your eyes peeled to see if any of the 300 cases make it over to the mainland. Winery Direct $44</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="http://www.cassini.ca/" target="_blank"><strong><font size="4">Cassini</font></strong></a><strong><font size="4"> 2013 Grand Reserve “Nobilus” Merlot:</font></strong> I stopped by Cassini Cellars’ convenient roadside Golden Mile winery late last year just as three new premium reds were released. Despite having closed the tasting room for the season proprietor Adrian Cassini generously took time away from several recently-arrived bins of (immaculate) grapes to ring in my enthusiastic purchase. The Merlot is his smallest lot of the batch, with only 187 cases produced after two years in new French oak, and was named best in class with a <a href="http://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2016-results/" target="_blank">Double Gold at the 2016 All Canadian Wine Championships</a>. John Schreiner focused on the new “high calibre” reds in <a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/12/cassini-45-high-calibre-reds.html" target="_blank">his December review</a>, finding the Merlot worthy of 92 points amid mention of its superb aging potential. Winery Direct $40</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="http://www.cassini.ca/" target="_blank"><strong><font size="4">Cassini</font></strong></a><strong><font size="4"> 2013 Collector’s Series Cabernet Franc:</font></strong> The new follow-up to last year’s <a href="http://www.ltgov.bc.ca/lg/honours-awards/wine-awards/WineAward-Winners.pdf" target="_blank">Lieutenant Governor’s Award-winner</a> has continued the tradition of excellence, taking home a Gold medal from the All Canadians last spring. It’s hard not to be taken in by <a href="http://iconscores.blogspot.ca/2017/01/cassini-cellars-2013-cabernet-franc.html" target="_blank">Liam Carrier’s recent enthusiasm</a> for the “stunningly beautiful” and utterly unique profile that evokes the coasts of California and Australia. Mention of the Cabernet Franc goes hand in hand with the equally superb 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (“The Aristocrat”), bought from the winery at the same time. Last May the 2012 vintage received 94 points and a <a href="http://www.lawinecomp.com/wos/wine_competition/documents/2016%20Best%20Of%20Class%20Awards.pdf" target="_blank">Best in Class</a> nod from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition; the 2013 is already equally highly regarded: 93 points from John Schreiner parallels <a href="http://iconwinesbc.blogspot.ca/2016/12/2016-icon-wine-of-year.html" target="_blank">Wine of the Year</a> praise from the fans at IconWines. Winery Direct $34</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/" target="_blank"><font size="4"><strong>Painted Rock</strong></font></a><font size="4"><strong> 2014 Red Icon:</strong></font> Although 1,153 cases were ultimately produced of this top tier red from the Skaha Bench, it remains a preeminent collectible alongside other smaller lot rarities. Given the wine’s cachet it can often be just as hard to come by as much more limited bottles, resulting in an early release when the Painted Rock tasting room ran out of 2013! The (thoughtful) roller-coaster blend in Red Icon upped Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon this vintage, to combine 33% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 19% Malbec, 16% Petit Verdot, and (still only) 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. The established oak regime using just 30% new barrels should let the ripe 2014 fruit shine, even over the long haul (where the wine really excels). John Schreiner sought to “stay one step ahead of <a href="http://www.decanter.com/" target="_blank">Decanter</a>” (where Painted Rock’s wines are increasingly <a href="http://www.decanter.com/reviews/canada/painted-rock-syrah-okanagan-valley-2013/" target="_blank">reviewed quite favourably</a>) with <a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/09/reviewing-painted-rocks-red-icon.html">a taste in September</a>, complimenting the svelte polish with 94 points of praise. Winery Direct $55</font> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://www.burrowingowlwine.ca/" target="_blank"><strong><font size="4">Burrowing Owl</font></strong></a><strong><font size="4"> 2013 Meritage:</font></strong> With the arrival of 2013, the days are numbered for 2007 in my cellar – the old must make way for the new, and a decade is long enough to slumber. Needing room for the newest vintage is great motivation for drinking up its well-aged ancestors. After at least fourteen vintages of Meritage this legendary Black Sage Bench winery is one of the few to retain the trademarked nomenclature for their flagship red. The name is technically accurate, given the blend of 39% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec, so why fix what isn’t broken. The components spent a total of 21 months in barrel (18 separately before blending), ensconced within a complex mix of European and American oaks of various ages. Finding a few bottles at retail level is unusual, but Burrowing Owl seems to be loosening up their notoriously tight grip in favour of greater shelf presence these past couple years. <a href="http://www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com/" target="_blank">Firefly Fine Wine & Ales</a> $58</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="http://www.mooncurser.com/" target="_blank"><strong><font size="4">Moon Curser</font></strong></a><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Dead of Night:</font></strong> Chris Tolley’s commitment to – and success with – Tannat has yielded one of BC’s most unusual and desirable wines. Although uncommon varieties are prevalent at the Tolley family’s Osoyoos winery this equal-parts blend of Syrah and Tannat is considered the icon, and well known for its rich intensity. In 2014 the terrific growing season was a boon to heat-loving reds: one of the Tannat lots – a blend of both estate vineyards – came in at nearly 28 brix! After what must have been an exciting fermentation, the components aged in French and Hungarian oak for one year, with just 25% of the barrels being new. Bottled last March at a generous 14.6% declared alcohol (and nearly 3g/L of sugar remaining) it should age wonderfully under screwcap despite the fine and soft tannins said to exist at present. I’m in no rush as the 2009 vintage stares me down from the wine fridge. Winery Direct $43</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-89870111553785290422016-12-31T21:42:00.000-08:002017-01-19T23:11:14.483-08:00Collectibles: December 2016<p align="justify"><font size="4" face="Calibri">While my focus over the holiday season was on celebrating with friends and family, I found some time between gift shopping to pick up a few bottles for myself. Upon review, these cellar-worthy wines come from a broad assortment of winegrowers. With everything from Pinot Noir to rare varietal Petit Verdot there’s representation from Kelowna, the Naramata Bench, Golden Mile, Black Sage Bench, Similkameen Valley, and even Lillooet’s Fraser Canyon terroir. Alongside the fantastic cellar selections that emerged over Christmas and beyond, these newcomers ensured BC wine has been a large part of the festivities this month.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoEOEfcq_EUDxYdgmDDeTt7O_fzJvqJOI2c55ynVeMCTCK_NF53Nymae0YtkrLhemP4RcVGp9i0ObbCyWaAaKgiORS8YITXmJWSi67h8bsTFghHnvNlo6UfdsowUvTeaSCwrZtgzXAm4p/s1600-h/IMG_20170110_084040%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="December 2016 BC wine collectibles" style="display: inline" alt="December 2016 BC wine collectibles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v42W04LM5_DKTp6K9l63ndNOU2R57G9TDhyHtj7pRGD23mBmePuoc8rawLSt7V9GBGaM3Tjb7c2dkMxp6ETFhyghueZZPtpQ2pZ91RXRL9oeoK7qXsNxs30rd3s_MxXbMLbeJuW50hzq/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="373"></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://spierheadwinery.com/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>SpierHead</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><font size="4"><strong> 2015 Cuvée Pinot Noir:</strong></font> Since transitioning from purchased Merlot and Cabernets to a major focus on estate Pinot Noir SpierHead’s premier Cuvée has emerged as the flagship amongst several tiers. The small first lot comprising 100 cases of the best barrels in the cellar brought home </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/74783-Spierhead-Pinot-Noir-Cuvee-2013"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Gold from the National Wine Awards</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, while the recent 2014 was just awarded the coveted Premier’s Medal for top wine at this fall’s </font><a href="http://www.thewinefestivals.com/awards/results/3/1"><font size="3" face="Calibri">BC Wine Awards</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> (after </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/82937-Spierhead-Pinot-Noir-Cuvee-2014"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Platinum at the Nationals</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">). Fortunately production is rising as more vineyard blocks come on stream, and 327 cases of the brand new 2015 are available for sale now that the remaining 2014 has vanished in a flash. A complex blend of five clones was aged in French oak for ten months, leading to an intensely flavoured, generously textured wine with great aging potential: John Schreiner’s </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/11/spierhead-increases-commitment-to-pinot.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">93-point review</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> makes a strong case for acquisition if I hadn’t already planned on growing my collection of every vintage. Winery Direct $44</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.ccjentschcellars.com/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>C.C. Jentsch</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Syrah:</font></strong> The newest Syrah from senior winegrower and junior winery owner Chris Jentsch is only the third vintage but has significant pedigree already: the initial 2012 went straight to </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/63867-C-C--Jentsch-Cellars-Syrah-2012"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Gold at the National Wine Awards</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, and then 2013 took a step further to </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/70629-C-C--Jentsch-Syrah-2013"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Platinum status</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">. The quick rise to favoured status wasn’t missed by reviewer Treve Ring in her </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201608/cc-jentsch-syrah-2014/?note=24260"><font size="3" face="Calibri">90-point review</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> this fall. While the first edition included Viognier, last year was straight Syrah; 2014 returns to its roots with a 9% contribution, co-fermented and then aged 16 months before bottling in April. The celebrated grapes come from the Jentsch family’s vineyards on the Black Sage Bench and Golden Mile, where the “crown jewel” Syrah block is found. Winemaker Amber Pratt has praised 2014 as a “dream vintage”, and it’s exciting to see the exceptional fruit from that year being released as finished wines more and more frequently these days. Winery Direct $37</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.encorevineyards.ca/TIME-Winery"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>TIME</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><font size="4"><strong> 2013 Syrah:</strong></font> Although the well balanced reds of 2014 are starting to be seen in abundance, </font><a href="http://www.winebc.org/files/Communications/Media%20Room/BCWI-2013Vintage-Report.pdf"><font size="3" face="Calibri">the 2013 season was no slouch</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">. Those wineries that have allowed extensive aging in barrel and bottle are still releasing wines from that vintage, and collecting generous accolades to boot. At the BC Wine Awards during this fall’s Okanagan Wine Festival industry veteran Harry McWatters’ Syrah took home </font><a href="http://www.thewinefestivals.com/awards/results/3/1"><font size="3" face="Calibri">one of eight Platinum medals</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, a coup for his mature Sundial Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. The honour may have been tinged with some bittersweet memories as that same vineyard, and the under-construction winery that was to be Harry’s legacy, were </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/04/harry-mcwatters-cashes-out-on-black.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">surprisingly sold earlier this year</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> to Richmond businessman Bai Jiping. John Schreiner’s recent </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/12/evolve-bubbles-and-friends.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">update on Harry’s next steps</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> also includes his 93-point praise for the “bold and rich” Syrah (a mere 200 cases too), shades of </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/85472-Time-Syrah-2013"><font size="3" face="Calibri">remarks on WineAlign earlier this year</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">. Winery Direct $40</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.sandhillwines.ca/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Sandhill</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Small Lots Syrah:</font></strong> The newest release of Howard Soon’s Small Lots darling is particularly collectible as it comes with news the Phantom Creek Vineyard from which it was born was sold this spring. Shortly after his purchase of McWatters’ neighbouring Sundial property Bai Jiping snatched up Dick Cleave’s renowned seven-acre vineyard. The rise of Jiping’s Phantom Creek Estates will likely preclude any further sales to Sandhill, so the upcoming 2015 may represent the final vintage available to Soon. The name doesn’t lie, as only 175 cases were produced this vintage, and it is rarely seen outside the winery tasting room, but often serving as a benchmark for BC Syrah. The exemplary vintage is likely to have provided for a rich and generous wine: Howard’s own notes speak to particularly dark fruit, noting the “purple-black colour” and flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and dark plum. Winery Direct $42</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.sevenstones.ca/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Seven Stones</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2013 Petit Verdot:</font></strong> Unlike many of the wines in my cellar that represent vertical collections or simply consistent annual purchases this tiny lot of Similkameen Petit Verdot from George Hanson was new to me. Having stopped in to the winery at just the right time recently I was afforded a generous taste of something mysterious. George’s hidden pour was accompanied by a request seeking varietal guesses, and thoughts of a bold Gamay sprung to mind: imagine my surprise when a very non-traditional, silky smooth, elegant Petit Verdot was revealed. Typically produced exclusively for the Seven Stones </font><a href="http://www.sevenstones.ca/wineclub.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Wine Club</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, only 87 cases of the newest vintage were available for distribution - hence my unawareness. Lucky for me there remained a few cases after Club allotments, and the quiet end-of-season tasting room was the recipient. May you be equally fortunate in finding it! Winery Direct $35</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://vanwestenvineyards.com/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Van Westen</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2013 V:</font></strong> Keeping with his naming tradition of words led by “V” Robert Van Westen elected on a single letter for his five variety Bordeaux-style blend, with a convenient nod to historical Roman numerals. The newly released 2013 is also the fifth vintage since the inaugural 2009, all of which have a place in my vertical set awaiting a full six vintages. Four Naramata Bench vineyards farmed by Rob contributed to a 348 case production that was aged in French oak for 20 months. The relatively high proportion of Malbec found in previous vintages has been reduced to just 14%, complementing 45% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, joined by 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. A recent taste left me quite content with the pleasant perfume and full body, more fruit forward than the same vintage’s “Voluptuous” Merlot-Cabernet Franc. Winery Direct $35</font> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.fortberens.ca/"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><strong>Fort Berens</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"><strong><font size="4"> 2014 Red Gold:</font></strong> Having produced a reserve Chardonnay named White Gold for the past few vintages, owners Rolf de Bruin and Heleen Pannekoek took the obvious next step upon being notified of a handful of exceptional barrels from the 2014 vintage. Winemaker Danny Hattingh had discovered enough for just over 100 cases, blending Lillooet estate Cabernet Franc and Merlot with Osoyoos Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from Cawston’s celebrated Blind Creek Vineyard. Even more exciting, half of the Cabernet Franc was air-dried in a (locally) rare <a href="http://www.winespectator.com/glossary/index/word/Appassimento">appassimento</a> style. This successful experiment was relayed to me by Rolf during a recent tasting opportunity, in which the mouth-watering freshness and surprisingly smoothly textured Red Gold had me rushing out to buy a bottle. The positive impression seems near-universal, as a bevy of positive reviews have emerged from the likes of </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201612/fort-berens-red-gold-2014/?note=25031"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Anthony Gismondi</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, </font><a href="http://www.winescores.ca/viewwinereview?tuuid=TN2002188706585857fd1dfd9&puid=d542c50f5541873c819f5b8bfa2ae1774d82c292_winescor&_usrctl=Fort%20Berens%20Estate%20Winery%20%27Red%20Gold%27,%20British%20Columbia%20BC"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Daenna Van Mulligen</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/11/fort-berens-adds-red-gold-to-its.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">John Schreiner</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, and </font><a href="http://www.winealign.com/wines/90078-Fort-Berens-Red-Gold-2014"><font size="3" face="Calibri">WineAlign’s Michael Godel</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">. Village Wines $45</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6998969234606184941.post-89322708954708227552016-12-19T20:50:00.000-08:002017-01-21T21:47:34.550-08:00December Wine Club: White Christmas<p align="justify"><font size="4" face="Calibri">Working around the schedules of eight people just a week before Christmas and the start of Hanukkah would seem an impossible task yet we managed to come together for a joyous meal this weekend. Funnily enough, despite the cold and snowy season, everyone seemed to have elected on light-bodied reds and white wines for the year’s final Club dinner. Given the inevitable upcoming feasting and plenty more hearty holiday tipples, something fresh and a bit more subtle than big reds seemed to be on many a mind.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf6YMSMHvKXw6pDGVPXMSqvU9EsZjWwHBMZj1ELYW5s0VriPlQb96688xz-5IF_fcYVBf3YcpaQQKZPg_wSTv6UYL8GCu5vi2MUq4n0JzcmNuJa2xYUsmBxqT0qHbLZk8QPfDbMZLVl6E/s1600-h/IMG_20161218_17525511.jpg"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><img title="Robin Ridge 2014 Gamay & Joie 2014 Gamay with Hors D'oeuvre Toasts" style="display: inline" alt="Robin Ridge 2014 Gamay & Joie 2014 Gamay with Hors D'oeuvre Toasts" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYSwthzXv1S8vA5kCRCV26wH06Ny_k5pcM9eb9Jca-cpR4V1sRJlb8fo62ZuH-m7kAxeaEPs8Z5Ye3LAuvLO6f5pDldQcJUgHxHgOEPlEcXKbvcxNDQJQeqbxDc0puuhOfeFOsEEs3FA5/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="747"></font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Some tasty toasts made for a mouth-watering reception with a pair of Gamay as we compared the 2014 vintage from two valleys. The Okanagan’s Naramata Bench offering from </font><a href="http://www.joiefarm.com/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Joie</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> was deliciously fresh with admirable complexity to boot. Expressive fruit forward aromas of red currants and plum mingled with a hint of earthy barnyard. Just as bright as the Tomato Avocado Toasts, the gamey palate suggested additional age could make for an even more exciting impression in the near-future. Red Pepper and Goat Cheese made fast friends with </font><a href="http://www.robinridgewinery.com/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Robin Ridge’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> Similkameen Valley Gamay, a </font><a href="http://www.gismondionwine.com/tasting-notes/201701/robin-ridge-gamay-2014/?note=24770"><font size="3" face="Calibri">consistent performer</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> from this Keremeos winery. Very well balanced, soft fruit was felt to bring out the rich roasted peppers, with a darker and spicier profile hinting at cinnamon and cloves.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt2E_feMEhohWcJR59Co7S2jpoLfKNfRok1SqTnL_6f2Jamk7q3w_jSpl-K5-zVFwfgmPn8ytj3RnLtwMK8W4EAwH7GLt4LS23ne6KaGQ4XT1liHq-A_4qRkVXb35zPw2OPTIHuSvXCzd/s1600-h/IMG_20161218_18205011.jpg"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><img title="Narrative 2014 Rose & Sea Star 2015 Stella Maris with Tomato Soup" style="display: inline" alt="Narrative 2014 Rose & Sea Star 2015 Stella Maris with Tomato Soup" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUSLlvw9eYd_-v-Y3Ow8XgzE9s3CZ1v-wT9sR76zN8d412I8IPrmIF61mPDbfGFzuM0FMRjzIfu4fyytoCvqblmyfIZXCKKXYSFHH_sr2iy00Y-5acLoPLSB4og-U0mGhKgrp27d6R_Ob/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="747"></font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sitting down for the appetizer course we were treated to a vibrant and rich Tomato Soup, with Cheese Toast & Gremolata – a winter warmer homemade from scratch. Regional diversity remained strong with the introduction of </font><a href="http://seastarvineyards.ca/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sea Star’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> 2015 Stella Maris, a Pender Island merging of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Schönberger, and Ortega. Relatively dry considering the components, it very nicely balanced the floral perfume and zippy citrus fruit of the delicate palate. The ease with which this long-since-sold-out blend found favourite is no surprise given this young winery’s </font><a href="http://johnschreiner.blogspot.ca/2016/05/sea-star-continues-to-impress-with-its.html"><font size="3" face="Calibri">celebrated success</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">. Drifting a little darker we also enjoyed </font><a href="http://okanagancrushpad.com/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Okanagan Crush Pad’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> 2014 “Narrative” Rosé, with crisp and clean raspberries maintaining the fresh flavours of the dish. Based around Pinot Noir, the Rosé offered generous red fruit and minerality in amongst the refreshing body.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVITytpRZjN-sFl8nnMhwWTdptqKPr9grpM1XZgqCZbWdvPB5mXdkZy1pMI-XXoEC5WdWUvMIy4qCNlX0DA42zs3CuiX8q9vVXtjTWUS3fBPVxIMGdKJjizFGAQ064rHyGqLQqTRXbQjB_/s1600-h/Gray-Monk-Quails-Gate-Collage4.jpg"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><img title="Gray Monk 2015 Pinot Auxerrois & Quails' Gate 2015 Chasselas with Sweet Potato Gnocchi" style="display: inline" alt="Gray Monk 2015 Pinot Auxerrois & Quails' Gate 2015 Chasselas with Sweet Potato Gnocchi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52JP4JGGTZzHpyJn2nHFDFDKEg9n1lPrCB5lA-AyUmgNd-C0f8bGI84w14QTePG1b6oPlo8T-SttR31Nc0pFKJVeaewfU-ZVZ5njcE5vMn-X03aGRIbCqZdchBZ5bOB72V1ioBeQnLwBv/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="378"></font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Warmed with soup we cooled down with another couple whites and the main course of Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Sage Maple Butter. Roasted Brussels Sprouts, mushrooms, and apple rounded out the sumptuous presentation, while </font><a href="http://www.graymonk.com/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Gray Monk’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> uncommon Pinot Auxerrois (2015) made an ideal pairing. Honeyed floral aromas offered fruit blossoms on the nose, while a palate of baked apple and tropical pineapple synchronized nicely with the Gnocchi. </font><a href="http://quailsgate.com/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Quails’ Gate’s</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> 2015 white blend, equally unusual with Chasselas joined by Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, provided plenty of enjoyment, but less synchronicity. The West Kelowna winery’s most popular offering always shines with a bright summer-friendly palate, but the generous citrus fruit couldn’t compete with the Auxerrois as a Gnocchi playmate.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPgD5m2M0fA4pTIF6pA7QtsThscEIW1bX-IkvGopnBwe0TlXgRuUfRKv2NEZYB-tQs5AFNY_SOa5LVXYkGvmpUZwTZvPHC-hftYi45_tRHg8K-B3qkDL5Xks3SbfGLr0AxHnB0T4RhOxM/s1600-h/Dessert-Collage4.jpg"><font size="3" face="Calibri"><img title="Christmas Cookies & Holiday Hot Cake with Quails' Gate Tawny" style="display: inline" alt="Christmas Cookies & Holiday Hot Cake with Quails' Gate Tawny" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYkWkHLnJ5dNkB61DsTzTNg6Llhm3FDOJzGbTYZALIwW4c2w05fQ6We2YZtu2V1cUkQZgT6K8HM7QWA8hcwKeT53elCvVRv-qBNsFg6v_faft6SmKEHtJi-QwrsOQxhiBA02R5klrJh6S/?imgmax=800" width="560" height="378"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Having hosted the previous dinner, my wife and I were enthused to offer dessert, but our dreams were dashed by technical problems. Logistical issues in the kitchen upset the precise timing of our </font><a href="https://www.nigella.com/recipes/holiday-hot-cake-with-eggnog-cream"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Holiday Hot Cake with Eggnog Cream</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri">, leaving it laughably lacking. Fortunately my mother’s presence as VIP guest was accompanied by her Christmas baking! Mom’s shortbread, chocolate haystacks, and pistachio-cranberry bark were devoured while we let our Hot Cake set/congeal. Eventually the rich Eggnog Cream had a home of sorts, and we cracked open </font><a href="http://quailsgate.com/wines/non-vintage-tawny/"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Quails’ Gate Tawny</font></a><font size="3" face="Calibri"> to finish the meal. Purchased at the winery in 2012, the fortified Gamay (a blend of vintages) had already been aged several years in oak before bottling. With only 40g/L of residual sugar the Tawny made for a mellow conclusion, showing all the expected notes of chocolate and dried dark fruit. Putting aside our own dessert distress, it was another fun and friendly meal; may your own holiday season be just as festive, and fortunate!</font></p>Russell Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02972348585305251280noreply@blogger.com0