quicksearch
87 Arrowleaf Red Feather 2006 Pinot Noir - ChardonnayOkanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBC $12.99 Winery, VQA Wine Stores and Private RetailersBingo.
87 Arrowleaf Red Feather 2006 Pinot Noir - Chardonnay
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $12.99 Winery, VQA Wine Stores and Private Retailers
Bingo. The latest Red Feather hits all the right notes for the patio. The grapes are mostly pinot noir with a dash of chardonnay to lift the nose. The aroma is an earthy mix of strawberry and minerals. On the palate it is fresh and clean with a candied, strawberry fruit flavours and as is their style, there is just add enough sugar and acidity to keep your interest. A perfect summer patio wine again. Love the price. (AG-ST)
88 Black Hills Alibi 2006 Sauvignon Blanc - Sémillon
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $23.90 winery direct and private wine shops
The current release Black Hills Alibi 2006, a 81/19 mix of sauvignon blanc an sémillon is simply a delicious drop of wine and a poster child for a B.C. white wine you can serve with food. It's both stainless steel fermented and a portion is also fermented in oak puncheons. The result is a super fresh stylish white. The Tenant's are working on the complexity meter to get that up a notch but other this is among my top ten labels in the valley. It will only get better. (AG-ST)
87 Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.99 winery direct, vqa and private wine stores
Much like the previous edition look for floral, mineral, rosé petal notes with bits of spicy baked apple. The mid-palate is clean fresh with nectarine, lychee mineral ginger flavours. Perfect for black bean crab dishes. Well done (AG-ST)
87 Blasted Church Revered Series Chardonnay 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $25.99 winery direct online only
As it was last year this is a very good chardonnay. Bright, citrus, melon, green apple fruit nose with some creamy lees textures. The mid-palate is fresh with leesy, citrus rind and melon fruit. Delicious styling made for seafood. (AG-ST)
88 Blasted Church Revered Series Merlot 2005
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $25.99 winery direct online only, AB $35.00 fine wine shops
The Revered Series 'reserve' showed well at the Canadian Wine Awards thanks to its rich expression of fruit. Look for plenty of toasted oak and spiced flavours of mocha, coffee and ripe black fruits. Fine length here and still some tannin to dissipate suggests it will improve in time. Best with a rib-eye steak at the moment. (AG-ST)
90 Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $33.00 winery direct
Although I'm not normally a big fan of cabernet franc, no one does it better in B.C. The nose is classic cedar and tobacco with bits of dried leaf, chocolate and cranberry. It's very supple on the palate with more spicy, cigar and cherry/chocolate notes. The finish is long, mouth filling and warm with fine fruit character and thankfully ripe tannins. Good now but will age. (AG-ST)
89 Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2006
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $20.00 winery direct
Open honey, mineral, floral aromas with sweet lime rind notes. Rich, ripe and round in the mouth with a brightness and texture that sets B.C. pinot gris apart for its competitors. Fresh juicy mineral fruit with bits of red apple honey and ripe pear fill the palate. The finish is unusually off-dry but with citrus undertones. (AG-ST)
88 Burrowing Owl Syrah 2005
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $38.00 winery direct
Smoky, coffee, roasted bell pepper, barnyard, vanilla, port-y, licorice, savoury, all spice nose with some compost notes. Very soft, round, supple, dry palate but warm. Spicy, smoky, vanilla, milk chocolate, mace, sage, coffee, black cherry, flavours. A forward ready -to-drink style that should improve with a few years in bottle. (AG-ST)
87 Calona Vineyards Gewurztraminer Artist Series Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $14.90 specialty listing, vqa and private wine shops, AB $17.99 private wine shops
Bright fruity lychee fruit nose with bits of sausage and floral notes. On the palate the fruit clean and ripe and a touch drier than previous versions. Simple but well made gewürztraminer mineral, ginger and floral fruit flavours. Fine value. (AG)
87 Calona Vineyards Merlot Artist Series 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $14.99 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops, AB $16.99 private wine shops, SK $15.29
The Artist Series reds have always been extremely reliable for the price but the '05 merlot really over delivers. The nose is bright showing some lifted fruit notes and just a whiff of spicy and vanilla. The entry is soft the textures supple and fruity with a soft finish. Well done and perfect for medium weight and light, grilled meat dishes. (AG)
88 CedarCreek Dry Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $17.00 VQA wine shops
The '06 riesling is a delightful drop of juicy floral, lime rind and mineral aromas and flavours. The mid-palate is clean and fresh with grapefruit, green apple and orange citrus notes. The winery suggests saffron lobster risotto or ginger crab cakes. Bring it on. Great value here. (AG-ST)
88 CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.99 VQA stores / private wine shops
Many B.C. producers have reached a watermark in '06 as in not mucking up the fruit. CedarCreek is ahead of that curve and this gewürztraminer is a good example. It's bright and fresh on the palate with a delicious mix of lime and peach with just a touch of sausage meat. The texture is perfectly oily with a spicy (ginger) lemon finish. Very versatile food and patio sipper wine. (AG-ST)
87 CedarCreek Merlot Cabernet Classic 2005 Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $18.99 specialty listing
The 'Classic' blend is 59/28/13 merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc and it spends some 18 months in French oak for polishing. Look for red fruit aromas spiked with vanilla and mocha. The palate is dry with flavours of blackberry, plums and just a hint of blueberries with plenty of fine-grained tannins at the back end. Perfect for hearty, Fall dishes like game or lamb or sausages. (AG-ST)
88 Church and State Syrah 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $26.00 specialty listing
Tasted several times this single vineyard syrah from the south Okanagan is coming into its own. The entry is soft and ripe, the tannins light and the flavours a big mix of peppery, vanilla, chocolate pudding, black cherry and licorice root. Fairly oaky but it appears to be soaking into the wine at this point. I'm a bit surprised to see this in government stores but there you have it. Grab it while you can. (AG-ST)
87 Fairview Cellars Cabernet Franc 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.90 winery direct
The latest cab franc form madcap winemaker Bill Eggert is worth investigating. It begins ripe with spicy, orange peel aromas and plenty of ripe cassis and plum fruit and just a hint of savoury, dried leaves. Smooth round and easy sipping. What it lacks in complexity it more than makes up for in texture and finish. A fine effort and solid evidence that this varietal can be ripened in the south Okanagan. (AG)
87 Fairview Cellars Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.90 winery direct
Pruny, peppery, spicy, black cherry, dark chocolate, resiny, tobacco, gamey, barnyard aromas. Dry, rich, alcoholic palate with supple tannins. Peppery, black cherry jam, kirsch, chocolate, resiny, licorice root flavours with some tobacco leaf and cedar in the finish. Solid but a bit chunky and hot. (AG)
87 Fork in the Road Oliver Block 212 White 2004 Chardonnay - Semillon
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $25.00 winery direct, Mark Anthony stores and private wine shops
When you come to a fork in the road, take it, New York Yankee Yogi Berra. We might say the same for this Mission Hill concept wine that is an ode to a less uptight, more modern style white. The nose is very floral with bits of melon and nutty aromas. The palate is rich with oily textures and more mineral, nutty, grapefruit rind and green apple fruit. Well made solid food wine under screwcap. (AG-ST)
90 Gehringer Brothers Riesling Ice Wine Signature Series 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $50.00 vqa and private wine shops
Big apricot, honey, lime, waxy, orange aromas with a hint of light nalgene. Ripe, rich, round, slightly fat style but decent acid sugar balance. Lots of ripe apple, orange, mineral, apricot, honey flavours. Elegant, full style you should drink while its young. (AG)
87 Gehringer Brothers Riesling Private Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.00 specialty listing
Riesling is the calling card of Gehringer and this latest example has the requisite riesling character with intensity and finesse. Look for peach and green apple notes with a modicum of minerality to balance out the flavours and bits of honey and pear to prevent any bitter undertones in the finish. Good value. (AG)
88 Golden Mile Fifth Element White 2006 Viognier - Orange Muscat - Chardonnay
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $30.00 winery direct, VQA wine shops
Floral, spicy, perfume, honey, citrus aromas. Dry, crisp, delicate style with honey, creamsicle, ginger, rose flower, mineral flavours and a tart granny smith finish. A fine dry but fairly acidic style on the finish. Not for beginners. The blend is 61 per cent viognier (Black Sage Bench) 25 per cent orange muscat (Black Sage Bench) and 14 per cent chardonnay (Castle Vineyard). (AG-ST)
89 Golden Mile Riesling Luckhurst Family Vineyards 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.00 winery direct, VQA wine shops
Golden Mile cleverly adds a bit of orange muscat to the riesling and the wine soars. Dry and, yes a bit slate-ty, this is an attractive riesling on many fronts. The acidity is youthful and at this point bracing for most but this is the road to travel down. Let me count the food you can serve with this if you can get the bottle to the table before it's all gone. Bravo. (AG-ST)
88 Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $14.99 winery direct, VQA wine shops
Gray Monk has hit all the bells this year with this delicious spicy floral peach fruit gewürztraminer. The mid-palate is fresh and clean with fine intensity of fruit flavour a touch of sugar and plenty of elegance. The finish is the usual a mix of mineral, citrus rosewater and leafy meaty flavours. Bravo. Think turkey or serve solo as an apéritif. Good value. (AG-ST)
87 Gray Monk Kerner Late Harvest 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.49 specialty listing
An intoxicating mix of mineral, candied lemons, green apple skin and a whiff of petrol. The entry is sweet but elegant with mineral, floral, citrus flavours. Reasonable acidity on the finish with just a touch of oiliness. Chi9ll it and serve with spicy Asian dishes, fresh fruit or solo on the patio. (AG-ST)
89 Gray Monk Siegerrebe 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.49 winery direct, vqa and private wine stores
Siegerrebe is a cross between gewürztraminer and madeleine Angevine so it's normal to encounter a floral, spicy nose but in this case it has elegance, citrus fruit flavours and a touch of summer sausage meat. A very intriguing wine and a clear step up in quality from previous vintages. Perfect for serving choucroute garnie or chill and sip solo as an apéritif. (AG-ST)
87 Herder Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.90 winery direct
When you have 76 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 24 per cent cabernet franc in the same B.C. wine blend you are bound to get the spicy, savoury garrigue black sage and olive notes that mark our cran-cherry- flavoured, local reds. A big slab of beef would help this wine at the dinner table otherwise it needs three to five years of ageing and even then it's will always be dominated by minty green olive fruit. (AG-ST)
87 Herder Josephine 2005 Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $28.90 speculative listing - Landmark Selections
Similar to last year it opens with dill, olive, tobacco and sweet vanilla notes mixed with milk chocolate, cedar, sweaty saddle, gamey aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with slightly dry tannins. Spicy, vanilla, floral, cola, chocolate, cherry jam, resiny, licorice flavours. Good texture and balance, needs a year or so to soften. (AG-ST)
87 Herder Merlot Osoyoos Lake Bench 2005
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.90 winery direct
The latest herder merlot is a blend of Cawston, Keremeos fruit from the Similkameen valley with another third coming from Oliver aged in 80 per cent French oak (20 American). Open spicy peppery nose with bits of earth, vanilla and black fruit. The entry is spicy with resiny licorice black fruit and mocha coffee undertones. Good acidity in a Bordelais style with just a few grainy tannins in the finish. Cellar for three to five years for best results. (AG-ST)
88 Herder Pinot Gris 2006
British Columbia, Canada
BC $18.90 winery direct
The Herder 2006 Pinot Gris is un-oaked and blends fruit from the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Honey earth and pears greet the nose in a delicious mix of fruit and liveliness. If there was ever a poster boy for no oak in Pinot gris this could be it. The plate is packed with green apple fruit bits bread dough mineral and citrus. The finish is lip-smacking fry. Yeah, and long live B.C. pinot gris. (AG-ST)
87 Hillside Estate Muscat Ottonel Reserve Series 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.99 winery direct
Finally some consistency from Hillside. This is the third year in a row this wine has hit the mark. You will love the fresh, floral almost viognier-like nose with hints of ginger and spiced honey. Similar flavours permeate the palate with streaks of green apple skin flecked with minerals and orange. Think Indian food. (AG)
87 Hillside Estate Old Vines Gamay Reserve Series 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.99 winery direct, private wine shops
More pinot than gamay on the nose with quite a gamey, barnyard, Band-aid aroma. The entry is warm with ripe, peppery soft red fruit flavours. The finish is pleasant and smooth with more meaty fruit and white pepper notes. Best with bird dishes and fall vegetables. (AG)
88 Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Malbec 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $29.99 winery direct and private wine shops
The latest edition is little less extracted and more balanced than last year with black cherry, mocha, and licorice meaty notes on the nose. The palate is rich and dry again with the savoury, meaty roasted mushroom notes and plenty of youthful fine grained tannins. As mentioned it seems a bit better balanced and little less powerful in a good way. Another fine effort. (AG)
87 Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Grigio Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $15.99 specialty listing, private wine shops
Inniskillin always makes a flavourful pinot gris and in 2006 it's no exception. Floral, almost orange blossom notes greet the nose. The entry is round and fresh and slightly sweet with red apple, mineral citrus nutty fruit flavours with a touch of lime rind in the finish. (AG)
88 Jackson-Triggs Shiraz Proprietors' Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $20.00 specialty listing, AB $17.50 private wine shops
The JT shiraz has enjoyed much acclaim over the years from this writer and the latest effort continues to impress. Typically it offers up big generous blackberry blueberry fruit on the nose with just a hint of briary sage underbrush. The front end is loaded with peppery, vanilla black fruit flavours streaked with mocha coffee and some elevated Oz-like acidity. Very warm, peppery finish. Should be just fine with turkey. (AG)
87 Jackson-Triggs Viognier Proprietors' Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.00 private wine shop, BC $17.00 specialty listing
Honey, lees, ginger, floral, orange flower, lemon oil aromas. Round, rich, somewhat sweet entry but balanced. Spicy, ginger, buttery, creamsicle, mineral flavours. A touch of bitterness on the finish but very solid varietal expression. To drink now. (ST)
89 Joie A Noble Blend 2006 Gewurztraminer - Kerner - Pinot Blanc - Ehrenfelser - Riesling
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $20.90 winery direct, private wine shops
The 2006 Noble Blend swaps out the ehrenfelser for muscat leaving all the previous components: gewürztraminer, riesling, pinot blanc, kerner, and riesling, more or less the same. This is a delicious style of wine that should be widely imitated in the Okanagan. Floral, spicy, sausage notes with peachy, litchi fruit and just a touch of oil in the texture and some residual sweetness make it a delight to sip. Bravo. (AG-ST)
87 Joie Chardonnay Un-oaked 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.90 winery direct, private wine shops
They love aromatics at Joie and it marks the nose of the '06 Un-Oaked Chardonnay that contains about 40 per cent of the aromatic chardonnay clone, Musqué. Look for plenty of green apple fruit with bits of sour grapefruit and oily mineral, flavours. Good effort. (AG-ST)
88 Joie Muscat 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.90 winery direct, private wine shops
Italian Muscat is the idea here with its hedonistic sweet aromatic notes. Love the pure grapey flavours here and the perfect acidity. Not a wine for everyone but the curious oenophile will know what to do with this bottle from sipping it solo, to eating Indian cuisine. (AG-ST)
87 Joie Pinot Noir Rosé 2006 Pinot Noir - Gamay - Maréchal Foch
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $18.90 winery direct, vqa wine stores
The Joie wines continue to improve in 2006. The Rosé is fresher with bright, melon notes and a dash of pink grapefruit. The entry is soft with some obvious sugar but the acidity is lively and the flavours fresh. Drink all summer on the restaurant patio, which is about the only place you can buy it. (AG-ST)
87 Joie Riesling iv 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.90 winery direct, private wine shops
Floral, fruit cocktail, cooked peach, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, round, slightly fat style with a sweet and sour balance. Mineral, grapefruit rind, green apple, floral, soapy, spicy flavours. Easy drinking summer style. (AG-ST)
88 Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $22.99 winery direct, VQA wine shops
The new '06 is every bit as good as the previous edition. The nose is an enticing mix of peach, floral, nutty notes while on the palate the wine is elegant but not without some appeal mid-palate fat and flavours of citrus lees mango and spicy, butterscotch. It's also better balanced than the 05. (AG-ST)
87 Lang Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $18.90 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
Big fresh style gewürztraminer with a sweet honey creamsicle nose. The entry is weight with some obvious residual sugar and plenty of spicy, mineral, floral, peach skin and rose petal flavours. Clean ripe and fresh. Best with spicy food. (AG-ST)
87 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $20.00 winery direct
Big clean and crisp best describes this wooded pinot gris that spends about seven months in second year oak barrels getting plenty of lees contact. The nose is mix of mineral honey and floral notes with a crisp, citrus, fruity mid-palate and a leesy finish. Fine complexity, if but a bit warm in the finish. Made for food and cooler weather. (AG-ST)
87 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Pinot 2006 Pinot Gris - Pinot Blanc
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $22.00 winery direct
Laughing Stock's "Small Caps program is home to this 75/25 mix of pinot gris and pinot blanc. The pinot blanc seems to bolster the otherwise earthy mineral notes of the gris adding a sweet peachy, nectarine skin quality to the fruit which is both spicy, warm and slightly sour in the finish. Only 170 cases were made so they should have no problem moving this at $22 a pop. (AG-ST)
89 Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio 2005 Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Malbec - Cab Franc - Petit Verdot
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $37.00 winery direct
Like many Okanagan reds, it is usually the latest edition that is the best and that's certainly the case with the Portfolio 2005, easily the best we've tasted from winemaker David Enns. Burdened early on with the goofy 'cult wine' tag, Portfolio is beginning to spread its wings, shedding some of those green notes and dry tannins for a slightly more expansive palate of ripe cassis and black fruits and better oak integration. A solid effort and getting better each time out. (AG-ST)
87 Marichel Vineyard Syrah 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $40.00 winery direct
Mocha, licorice, black berry jam, port-y nose with intense vanilla, leather, resin, cooked rhubarb notes spiked with some garrigue and slightly volatile notes. Almost identical flavours in the mouth. Smooth, round tannin entry with somewhat high acidity on the finish. Solid but with stewed fruit notes and a slightly green undercurrent. A decent start. Tphe rice is formidable. (AG-ST)
89 Mission Hill Oculus 2004 Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - P.Verdot
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $72.00 specialty listing
The latest Mission Hill 2004 Oculus has just been released at a formidable $70. It is the best yet and likely only the start of a series of vintages that will benefit from the most recent round of massive investments the winery. At 74 percent merlot it has the enticing 'drink-me' factor that earlier editions lack along with plenty of cedar cassis and savoury black fruit undertones. It's young and will need time but at this price it should be available for a bit. (AG-ST)
87 Mission Hill Pinot Blanc Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.99 winery direct
A dusting of touch of French oak sets off this pinot blanc lending a bit of weight and texture to the mid-palate. The opening is clean, fragrant and fresh. On the palate you pick up bits of peach, fruit salad, mineral, citrus and salt. Simple yet stylish. Cool-climate B.C. (AG-ST)
88 Mission Hill Pinot Gris Reserve 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $21.99 specialty listing, vqa and private wine shops, AB $19.25 fine wine shops
More or less a carbon copy of the '05 with its fresh, crisp, lemony demeanour. The entry is lip-smacking fresh with northern Italian honeyed grapefruit, green apple mineral tones mixed with some creamy mid-palate textures. A touch less dry, or conversely fruitier than the previous version which I'm sure will be welcomed by most sippers. Made for B.C coastal food. Well done. (AG-ST)
87 Mission Hill Pinot Noir Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $29.99 specialty listing, AB $27.00 fine wine boutiques, MB $28.00, ON $29.00
Smoky vanilla, resin, rhubarb, green tea leaf aromas. Dry, round, tight but elegant palate with more resin, cedar, cooked rhubarb, smoky, celery flavours. A simple, ready-to-drink pinot that will be best with food. (AG-ST)
88 Mission Hill S.L.C. Syrah 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $39.99 winery direct, Mark Anthony stores, AB $31.00 fine wine boutiques, MB $34.99, ON $40.00 consignment - Mark Anthony Brands
Spicy, white pepper, floral, licorice, meaty, black cherry jam, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, dry, slightly tannic palate, fresh but has some elegance. Sweet vanilla, licorice, sage, milk chocolate, black cherry, plum, tobacco, smoked meat, minty flavours. Good fruit intensity in a more Euro style with an extra dose of oak. We look for forward to an all French oak edition at some point. (AG-ST)
87 Mission Hill Shiraz Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $21.95 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops, AB $18.50
White pepper, licorice root, roasted bell pepper marks the nose of this smoky, celery salt, black cherry, tobacco leaf scented shiraz. Dry, round, elegant palate with light, tight tannins, bit light on extract. Cherry, cocoa, meaty, all spice, candied coconut, milk chocolate, tobacco leaf flavours. Solid if a bit light and oaky but mostly it is true to its Oz-like styling. (AG)
87 Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.99 specialty listing
Winemaker Randy Picton whole bunch pressed his Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2006 and fermented it in stainless steel. The result is a super clean, fresh, pinot with delightful tropical fruit flavours and fine acidity. The finish is a mix of citrus and mineral notes that cleans the palate throughout the finish. Delicious and good value too. Now under screwcap. (AG)
89 Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Meritage 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $29.99 VQA stores / private wine shops
Much like last year the 04 opens with a cedar-y - mocha nose with bits of smoky bacon and spice. On the palate it's suave and showing some restraint with fine-grained, dry-ish tannins and plenty of peppery, cedar, olive and black fruit flavours with a twist of garrigue. An impressive young wine, if a bit dry, that dabbles in restraint. Needs thee to five years to fully develop. (AG-ST)
88 Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $59.99 winery direct and private wine shops
Citrus rind, mineral, egg yolk, cooked peach aromas. Round, rich, fat style with orange peel, green apple skin, lime, cooked peach and light shower curtain flavours. Solid if a bit sweet and soft. What it lacks in elegance it makes up for in richness and length. Drink now. (ST)
88 Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2005
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $34.99 winery direct
Chocolate, sausage, spicy, savoury, black pepper, licorice root, garrigue aromas with a touch of black cherry. Soft, round, dry, slightly tannic palate. Spicy, plum, peppery, licorice, smoky resin, and tobacco leaf flavours. Some light tannins to shed but should be a solid performer for the next 2 years. (AG-ST)
87 Nk'Mip Cellars Riesling 2006
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $17.09 winery direct, vqa wine stores
We love the way winemaker Randy Picton works his riesling combining honey notes with fresh apples or what he simply calls orchard fruits. The palate is fresh with a touch of sweet fruit and fine minerality. Sip solo or pair it up with spicy Asian/Indian dishes for maximum effect. (AG)
89 Osoyoos Larose 2005 Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Malbec - Cab Franc - Petit Verdot
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $40.00 private wine shops, AB $40.00 fine wine boutiques, ON $40.00 consignment - Vincor International, QC $40.00
Peppery, black cherry, saddle leather, coffee, vanilla, green bean, black olive nose with a touch of sausage meat and licorice. Dry, tight palate with young, grainy tannins but good finesse. Peppery, spicy, coffee, vanilla, licorice, cassis, black cherry, tobacco leaf, black olive flavours. Young, well balance but somewhat austere, this will need 3-5 years to soften but should improve. (AG-ST)
87 Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc 2006 Chasselas - Pinot Blanc
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $15.99 specialty listing
It's been a couple of years since I have this blend and winemaker Grant Stanley has done a nice job cleaning this up and bringing the fruit to the foreground. Look for fresh mineral, floral notes in an otherwise delicious sipping white wine. Do as the winery suggests and serve it with a fresh spinach salad with sun dried cranberries, pea sprouts, toasted almonds and orange poppy seed vinaigrette. (AG-ST)
88 Quails' Gate Chardonnay Family Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.99 winery direct, vqa wine stores
The latest Family Reserve Chardonnay is made from 100 per cent estate grown fruit and it's all French clones. The FR is aged in only 40 per cent new oak and the dividend is a lively fruit character throughout. Lees stirring and full malolactic fermentation gives the wine a lovely texture to complement its pear and citrus flavours with spicy toasted oak underpinnings. Good now but will age gracefully and improve over the next three years. (AG-ST)
88 Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $18.99 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
Open sweaty grapefruit rind with bits of passion fruit. It's super tight and crisp with impressive flavours of juicy green apple, grapefruit rind and honey/mineral flecks. An easy-sipping shellfish white with a small percentage of sauvignon blanc to lift the fruit and a bit of barrel fermented chenin blanc to boost the mouth texture. (AG-ST)
87 Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.99 specialty listing
This has a super fresh style packed with floral, green apple skin and grapefruit aromas. On the palate the entry is equally crisp with plenty of citrus and grapefruit flavours flecked with bits of lime oil and mineral. The finish is tart and clean. Made for food and wine aficionados. (AG-ST)
88 Quails' Gate Maréchal Foch Limited Release Fortified Vintage 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $22.95 winery direct
Foch and Quails' gate go top together so it should come as no surprise to see a fortified edition from the winery. FVF as it's referred to, is made in a traditional fortified Port style using super ripe maréchal foch grapes. The mocha, coffee black fruit and chocolate flavours along with a touch of Christmas cake do an admirable job of imitating the real thing. (AG-ST)
88 Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Family Reserve 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $39.99 winery direct and private wine shops
Spicy, celery salt, smoky, rhubarb, cherry, resiny aromas. Ripe, round, supple, slightly dry entry with very light tannins. Celery, strawberry, rhubarb, rootsy, smoky vanilla flavours with a bit of orange rind and resin on the finish. Good solid balance and intensity. Should improve over the next 2-4 years. (AG-ST)
87 Quails' Gate Pinot Noir Limited Release 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.99 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
The 05 Limited Release moves up another notch this year. Slightly riper with less resin and celery salt it's beginning to really smell and taste like pinot. The nose is mix of spicy sweet black cherry fruit with bits of barnyard and compost aromas. A cool climate supple red with slightly grippy, youthful, tannins at the backend. Lovely uncomplicated pinot from B.C. (AG-ST)
87 Red Rooster Reserve Merlot 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $34.90 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops, AB $38.99 private wine shops
Open lifted nose offering up cedar plum and a touch of spicy balsamic notes. The entry is dry and round a mix of ripe peppery black cherry and plum flavours. Fairly harmonious with a warm soft finish. Another year in bottle should round it out. The price is a bit shocking for the quality. (AG)
89 Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $17.99 specialty listing, AB $19.99 private wine shops
This is the best and the weightiest, Sandhill pinot gris I have tasted and I have had all six vintages and surely it's the best fruit yet from the King Family vineyard in Naramata. It is so round and full-bodied, yet fresh, with smoky, grassy, nutty lime notes. On the palate there is plenty of zest and more mineral, green apple skin and buttery nutty notes. Kudos to the King family and winemaker Howard Soon for getting all of the flavour into the bottle. (AG)
87 Sandhill Small Lots Program Syrah Phantom Creek Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $34.99 winery, private wine shops
Prune, black cherry, resin, dill, brine, coffee, vanilla, sage, all spice, and peppery, vanilla nose. Soft, supple, round, easy palate with coffee, smoky, resin, black plum, licorice, dried herb, milk chocolate flavour. Easy, forward, somewhat oaky, soupy style. (AG)
87 Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2005
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.99 winery, private wine shops, AB $21.99 private wine shops
This is the first Sandhill syrah and it comes in a highly concentrated almost soupy style. There are plenty of peppery meaty resiny flavours flecked with bits of plummy black fruit. The finish is hot as in warm and alcoholic. A bit of a bruiser that is going to require a bit more finesse in the vineyard and the winery to reach higher a level. Best with roasted meats at this point. (AG)
89 See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $18.99, AB $15.00 private wine shops
Consistently the best wine made at SYL is this chardonnay. It 100 barrel-fermented but now only 25 of the oak is new, leaving the fruit a chance to express itself. Look for a lovely lees character with floral, lemon, honey, buttery vanilla aromas. On the palate it's lively and fresh with buttery, baked apple, nutty, fruit flecked with citrus and smoky honey notes. Impressive texture and length. (AG-ST)
87 See Ya Later Ranch Pinot 3 2006 Pinot Gris - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Noir
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $20.00 specialty listing
Now under screwcap the '06 the pinot trio of blanc, gris and noir sees no oak and no malolactic fermentation leaving it bright and fresh. The nose is a mix of floral, mineral, nectarine notes with a hint of strawberry. On the palate it mixes melon and honey notes with a touch of sweetness in the finish. Solid if a bit expensive for the quality. (AG-ST)
88 See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.99 specialty listing
The latest SYL gris is a winner. The nose has a nice touch of earth mixed with yellow fruits honey and mineral notes. On the palate its rich and mouth filling with more honey, mineral, pear and green apple flavours. Cleaner with less obvious oak than in previous editions. (AG-ST)
88 See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut N/V
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.99 winery direct and private wine shops
A fine mousse previews a floral, meaty bread dough/brioche nose with nutty lees and peach pit aromas. Crisp, round and fresh on entry with baked pear, marzipan, yeasty floral, peach flavours. A nice notch up in complexity for this bubble. Well done. (AG-ST)
87 Seven Stones Speaking Rock Meritage 2003 Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $30.00 winery direct
Sappy cassis, menthol, dill brine, saddle leather, tobacco, chocolate aromas. Soft, rich, dry, round palate but very warm with some light tannins. Smoky oak, coffee, black olive, cassis, rootsy, leather, coffee flavours with some black cherry mint on the finish. A bit chunky, oaky and alcoholic but with some ripeness and concentration. The blend is 55/35/10 merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc. (AG-ST)
87 St. Hubertus Rose Gamay Noir 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $14.00 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
Light fresh airy and perfectly tuned for food. The entry is bright and fresh with cranberry cherry citrus fruit flavours spiked with strawberry, mineral, apple skin notes. Tight and fresh on the finish. Well done. Serve liberally on the patio. (AG-ST)
87 Sumac Ridge Steller's Jay Brut Méthode Classique 2003 Pinot Blanc - Pinot Noir - Chardonnay
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $24.99, AB $28.00, ON $20.00 Vintages
Nutty, old cream, toasted, cherry, baked apple nose. Soft, round, light mousse palate that is on the sweet side. Cherry, sweet baked apple flavours with some citrus, butter and honey. A bit candied and heavy that finishes a bit warm and sweet. (AG-ST)
89 Tantalus Riesling 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.90 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
Similar to the 05 the latest Tantalus has an equally inviting floral, orange blossom peachy nose with a high dose of minerality and a pinch of salt. Almost Mosel-like in its crispness and red apple crunch with more lime rind and green peach flavours in the finish. A crisp, lip smacking style that will appeal to the purists and food lovers. (AG-ST)
87 Tantalus Rosé 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.90 winery direct
I don't imagine there is much of this around. But it's worth looking for if you can find it. The nose dry and restrained with earthy black fruit undertones reminding one of, at least a little bit, Tavel. On the palate it's clean and fresh with peppery citrus berry fruit flavour. Best with summery small plates and finger food. (AG-ST)
88 Therapy Vineyards Artist Pinot Gris 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $19.00 winery direct
The "Artist" gris from Therapy is a limited production wine that was made to support the "South Okanagan Women in Need Society" (SOWINS). Local artists were asked to submit work based on theme "Woman in the Community" and the winner was Liz Marshall for her piece titled "Bell" that appears on the front label. The wine is great fun. Unoaked it jumps from the glass with a fresh citrus scent and mixed into mineral pear flavours. Bright fresh light and easy drinking it is a perfect summer sipper with a delicious dry finish. Bravo. (AG-ST)
87 Therapy Vineyards Pink Freud 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $18.00 specialty listing
The latest Pink Freud is a 60/30/10 blend of shiraz/merlot/pinot noir cold soaked and then runoff after 24 hours. Love the fresh, citrus berry fruit nose and flavours and the crisp palate. Lively, fresh and tasty it's all you could want in an $18 rosé. (AG-ST)
87 Therapy Vineyards Pinot Gris 2006
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $22.00 winery direct
Light, fun, skinny, pear/ mineral, pinot grigio style gris with a fresh, citrus, aftertaste. Light and simple but well made and if served with the correct food, as in not too powerful, this should be a fun summer sipper. Not cheap. (AG-ST)
90 Thornhaven Gewurztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.90 winery direct
A carbon copy of last year and well worth searching for if you can locate it. Consistently one of the best gewürztraminer in B.C., I would say it is now easily among the best in North America. Fresh alive packed full of sweet lemon fruit flavours, lychee and a fresh floral citrus undercurrent. Terrific intensity and length. Bravo, again. (AG-ST)
87 Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Collection 2006 Sémillon - Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc - Gewurztraminer
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $23.00 specialty listing
2Bench is an alluring mix of sémillon chardonnay sauvignon blanc and gewürztraminer. There's no oak used here in attempt to keep the wine fresh and pure. The plan is let the aromatics lead with some tropical aromas and have the chardonnay fill in the mid-palate with a bit of weight and texture. It's finished under screwcap to best retain its fresh character for years to come. (AG-ST)
87 Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $15.49 winery direct, private wine shops
Gewurztraminer is always one of the best labels at Tinhorn and the '06 is no exception. The nose is highly perfumed with ginger and lychee notes and its typical orange creamsicle notes. The entry is fresh and clean with more peach spicy fruit flavours. Well balanced, light fun style. Perfect for Indian or Thai cuisine. (AG-ST)
88 Tinhorn Creek Oldfield's Collection Merlot 2004
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $28.00 winery direct, vqa wine stores
Spicy, peppery, cherry jam, coffee, black olive, sandalwood aromas. Dry, soft, round, supple palate with grainy, smooth tannins. Black olive, coffee, vanilla, peppery, licorice, black cherry, tobacco leaf, cardamom flavours. A bit warm but has good balance. Needs 2-3 years to integrate but this is certainly the best release yet of this wine. (AG-ST)
87 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.00 VQA wine shops
This screwcap version is as goods as it gets now. This is light, delicate, pinot gris that is made for summer sipping and it's perfectly revealed in this format. Look for light floral notes mixed with delicious crisp green apple mineral and nectarine notes. The finish is round, soft and dry with just a hint of sweet fruit. (AG-ST)
87 Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2005
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $27.90 winery direct and private wine shops
Another good effort from Van Westen and similar to the 05 with its bright floral, orange and honey scented nose and flavours. The entry is fresh and clean with fine minerality. The structure is slightly leaner than last year making it a wine you can sip solo before dinner or with appetizers. Clearly this site is working we need only wait now for the vines to get a bit older and produce a little less fruit with more intensity to match the price. (AG-ST)
87 Wild Goose Mystic River Pinot Blanc 2006
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
BC $16.95 winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
Fresh spicy, pear, red apple, citrus, mineral aromas. Open round, moderately dry palate with peach pit, green apple, tangerine and spicy pear flavours. Good acidity and balance with hint of spicy gewürztraminer on the finish. Juicy and fun sipping. (AG-ST)
