tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64529219396291433262024-02-19T17:28:12.181-08:00Confessions of a huge wine-rWine and food reviews, commentary, and discussion.Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.comBlogger389125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-66238373335457648642019-02-17T13:18:00.000-08:002019-02-17T13:18:08.413-08:00BLOG HAS MOVED!For those of you who are looking for my wine blog, it has moved to:<br />
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confessionsofahugewiner.com<br />
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You can subscribe at that link if you like so you will never miss another blog post!<br />
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Thanks!<br />
DeanMean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-4549089975930768072018-11-07T07:44:00.001-08:002018-11-07T07:45:52.970-08:00Okanagan Trip, Part VI, at the home of another favorite for those of you who are, how to put this politely...."budget conscious"....Intrigue!!Into their tasting room where we meet Matthew, who is at once hilarious, charming, sarcastic and a little bit scary. Well, scary for the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue anyway, as Matthew is a pilot and is going to fly his plane into the building. LOL. Yes, he actually said something like that, although he was clearly kidding.<br />
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To the wines, where Intrigue has carved out a nice little niche for those of you who refuse to spend much money on wine, but have graduated beyond the garbage wines in bottle or box in the sections in liquor stores that used to be called "Cellared in Canada".....the Copper Moon, Sawmill Creek, Jackson-Triggs, etc etc etc.<br />
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You might notice the lack of detailed tasting notes; that tends to happen more in less expensive wines. They just tend to be less complex, bringing less with them to the nose and palate. Simple doesn't necessarily mean they can't be tasty, however.<br />
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Prices listed below are INCLUDING taxes.<br />
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Next up: Still have a lot of good random stuff to catch up on. and the Okanagan trip continues across the street, literally, at The Chase!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-56812375795494448532018-10-24T07:44:00.001-07:002018-10-24T07:44:57.243-07:00So you're in Disneyland, and want great wine, and don't want to overpay for it? I have two words for you: Carthay Circle.If you've ever been to Disney's California Adventure Park (at least in the last decade or so), you have seen the Carthay Circle Restaurant. You couldn't miss it's imposing visage adjacent to the main hub in the park.<br />
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It really is quite impressive, especially at night. Inside, you are taken back to Hollywood's Golden Age. Serving what is described as "modern global cuisine", it would be tough to have a bad meal here. We have eaten here several times over the years and have been blown away each time.<br />
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As for the wine? Wow. Their wine list is impressive, to say the least, and the prices are off-the-charts reasonable. How reasonable? Well, we all know when you go eat in a restaurant you are going to pay a significant premium over retail prices. Not here. For example, one of the wines we enjoyed was $110 on the menu. I had just paid $128.99 for the same bottle from wine.com! It was LESS at the restaurant!<br />
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Not to mention, they have a spectacular list of wines by the glass. Opus One. You read that right, we paid $40 for a 6-oz glass of Opus One. Oh, and if you only want ONE ounce, you can get that too.<br />
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These deals aren't Disney-wide. We ate at Napa Rose a couple days later and the wine prices there were what you would expect in most restaurants. Not outrageous by any means, but certainly not under retail!<br />
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We had such a great meal here that the next day, while we had a few minutes before a parade, we stopped into the lounge to have another nice bottle with a charcuterie plate. That was this one:<br />
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The accompanying charcuterie board was incredible, and I particularly remember a slab of honeycomb that was so amazing we asked for another one!<br />
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From dinner the night before, this was the bottle that was CHEAPER than I had recently paid retail:<br />
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And we weren't in the mood for a second bottle of wine, but we weren't about to pass up a couple bottles of this beauty. A bottle, IIRC, was about $300. Again, cheaper than you could buy it from the winery itself!<br />
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So there you have it. Our meal, including a bottle of Almaviva and 2 glasses of Opus, plus appetizer, dessert and a great tip? $400. Pretty tough to beat that!<br />
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Can't wait for our next trip!<br />
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Next up: Lots more great stuff to update on, plus the Okanagan trip rolls along at Intrigue!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-40025730484966190222018-10-23T07:02:00.002-07:002018-10-23T07:03:10.188-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part V, we head to the current home of controversy, Ex Nihilo!Don't understand my blog title? Well, then you obviously haven't heard about their most recent ad campaign. Here is a sample of this campaign that showed up on the Instagram page of Chaos Wine and Spirits, which is designed to be their "provocative" brand, I suppose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w6J1WbL6Y2aaE5Obkdhrv3sDaVfc4pwG9S5FNBzXOLUZzSTLHo4KHm87FEDf_JEU84Etu3vK3vqNGv5WtPTpeWcgB30f4iLbvtumPawNl8Tb6OFgqfaTofG-cgtmOtTe42T1jmoFd941/s1600/Dpw1m84U0AEY4c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="924" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w6J1WbL6Y2aaE5Obkdhrv3sDaVfc4pwG9S5FNBzXOLUZzSTLHo4KHm87FEDf_JEU84Etu3vK3vqNGv5WtPTpeWcgB30f4iLbvtumPawNl8Tb6OFgqfaTofG-cgtmOtTe42T1jmoFd941/s640/Dpw1m84U0AEY4c7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Believe me, this was not the most startling image that was posted.<br />
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To be honest, I kind of like this ad. I don't really have a problem with ad campaigns that get people talking, and this one certainly succeeded at getting the BC wine industry buzzing. But in this day and age of #MeToo and a spotlight on women's rights, do you really want to be known as the winery trying to sell wine with T&A? I just cannot imagine who thought this was a good idea. Getting people talking, good thing. Pissing off a large segment of your customers? Notsomuch.<br />
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Obviously the backlash had consequences. This image, and all the others, have been taken down.<br />
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Anyway, we were at Ex Nihilo for a lovely seated wine and food pairing in August where we got to sample a few wines we had not yet tasted; so enough controversy, let's get to the wine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvTNOSR3Q5Z2ZTTGHJNiohDi89eX5Fm_SsiVTrh0VnX2payejEDxQbkPqPj8002XNTBu3QTR_WEiA9V8Kh6oHB2Gmmd5CbY8f1Fjl7cIOeIL0QrFZ3LEe6-w6aLj6FKGGyGCZAIBWx1Ri/s1600/Ex+Nihilo+2017+Pinot+Gris.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvTNOSR3Q5Z2ZTTGHJNiohDi89eX5Fm_SsiVTrh0VnX2payejEDxQbkPqPj8002XNTBu3QTR_WEiA9V8Kh6oHB2Gmmd5CbY8f1Fjl7cIOeIL0QrFZ3LEe6-w6aLj6FKGGyGCZAIBWx1Ri/s640/Ex+Nihilo+2017+Pinot+Gris.PNG" width="514" /></a><br />
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That's it for new stuff from this tasting; we always have a quality experience here and this time was no exception.<br />
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Next up: The Okanagan trip continues at Intrigue, and I have another catch-up random entry that you are not going to want to miss, because there will be at least THREE wines reviewed that make my "Best of the Best" list! It's a big one!<br />
<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-12101862778123892952018-10-18T12:47:00.001-07:002018-10-18T12:47:20.959-07:00Another random catch-up entry features a little bit from BC, a little bit from here, a little bit from there, a little bit from everywhere.....We have really been enjoying some great stuff over the past few months, as evidenced by the scores on these wines. Ten wines reviewed below, and 9 of them scored 91 or higher. First, we might as well start with the only one that didn't....<br />
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Next up, four beauties from right here in BC!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSDTdayjdoj4vjSP0Owk4qWe8NkgvuMGyU-DJkN8GRcwxhK2xwXxtOPYTxFzwOyfNadV4Pd5N8UCqdJwlo8UGqY044tNaPOYbDr9DdWpqxw-lOmm-LljWKLERTRmi1PByN8gtXlofl3nz/s1600/Black+Hills+2014+Syrah.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="571" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSDTdayjdoj4vjSP0Owk4qWe8NkgvuMGyU-DJkN8GRcwxhK2xwXxtOPYTxFzwOyfNadV4Pd5N8UCqdJwlo8UGqY044tNaPOYbDr9DdWpqxw-lOmm-LljWKLERTRmi1PByN8gtXlofl3nz/s640/Black+Hills+2014+Syrah.PNG" width="512" /></a></div>
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Viva Italia!! Literally have no clue where this came from or how long I've had it. But I liked it!<br />
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And, from our friends down South!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CIvbXW5E_5XK6M0FHaJyJoZSUsRMDEyRxnkAdfdtM4f5ygTQrWssI1vkl_X9Ofn0e0zZOtMBf_FU2abW3P2BA21-9_U-O20P-dbC6uOHWWNY0PGTX_QyYy1r3ZzsmXapiF8MlfIgpoON/s1600/Miner+2012+Gary%2527s+Vineyard+Pinot+Noir.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CIvbXW5E_5XK6M0FHaJyJoZSUsRMDEyRxnkAdfdtM4f5ygTQrWssI1vkl_X9Ofn0e0zZOtMBf_FU2abW3P2BA21-9_U-O20P-dbC6uOHWWNY0PGTX_QyYy1r3ZzsmXapiF8MlfIgpoON/s640/Miner+2012+Gary%2527s+Vineyard+Pinot+Noir.PNG" width="512" /></a></div>
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There you have it, a little bit of everything! Reminds me I should go online and get another one of those Calera Pinots. Delicious!<br />
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Next up: Still more random stuff to report on, still have to get to Ex Nihilo, still have so much wine to drink and write about! Oh, the horror. :)<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-16214461765577610622018-10-16T13:37:00.003-07:002018-10-16T13:37:51.703-07:00Not-so-random blog update focusing on just one winery - our first love - Quails' Gate!!!Going through my notes recently and noticed an alarming trend; we drink a ton of Quails' Gate wine, but I often overlook writing about it. I think I often assume I have already reviewed them, and I am generally wrong.<br />
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Time to fix that, at least partially. Reviews of 8 random Quails' Gates wines, some new, some aged, that we have enjoyed in the past couple of months.<br />
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Quails' Gate was our first Wine Club, and their annual party at their gorgeous multi-million dollar Lake House is a "can't-miss" event for those of us in the Barrel Club, which is the highest of their two wine club tiers. I'd recommend you all join it, but I believe they have reached capacity (or if not, they will very soon).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRrqR2G8-hNU6oYgWo7x-CaxgnBrwIfRR22YjnqfVuclFqX1chiw5EG4ZoPVmZINX5n-Dn0jZ7NrfuoPS9Mt3GVUj8hIutmwJCbBdbjJtqIzCeCJRU-giFSJUQ9hCKN0TwRTd_BNeMR9L/s1600/Quails%2527+Gate+2009+SFR+Pinot+Noir.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRrqR2G8-hNU6oYgWo7x-CaxgnBrwIfRR22YjnqfVuclFqX1chiw5EG4ZoPVmZINX5n-Dn0jZ7NrfuoPS9Mt3GVUj8hIutmwJCbBdbjJtqIzCeCJRU-giFSJUQ9hCKN0TwRTd_BNeMR9L/s640/Quails%2527+Gate+2009+SFR+Pinot+Noir.PNG" width="512" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3NbKX5iU1EUe7OKFTl89DTNicSMfIqA_-uF9nDOIzi1wbsz8lw-uFr680-zG-gas92iHjGuaz6dBLaiRshJ8SX1FW9yFYCkO7vWxUh4XNyNPgJg1aV-2Jp4UjyERMMZQ6vtS2he62nO-/s1600/Quails%2527+Gate+2011+Chardonnay.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3NbKX5iU1EUe7OKFTl89DTNicSMfIqA_-uF9nDOIzi1wbsz8lw-uFr680-zG-gas92iHjGuaz6dBLaiRshJ8SX1FW9yFYCkO7vWxUh4XNyNPgJg1aV-2Jp4UjyERMMZQ6vtS2he62nO-/s640/Quails%2527+Gate+2011+Chardonnay.PNG" width="514" /></a><br />
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These guys don't make a bad wine, and one of the great perks of the Barrel Club is that a large portion of the wine we get is already Library wine, meaning we have already aged wine to drink right away while cellaring the rest of it. It's a great club, a great winery, and great people. Cannot say enough good things about them!<br />
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Up next: More random stuff to get to, plus the next stop on our Okanagan trip, Ex Nihilo!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-92087618590360512052018-10-14T08:40:00.000-07:002018-10-14T08:40:26.973-07:00Okanagan Trip report continues in Lake Country at Arrowleaf!<br />
We tend to get to Lake Country every couple of years, and we will generally try to hit all the wineries in the area in a day. If, for some reason, we can't get to them all, Arrowleaf is one we generally skip. In the past, we have found that the quality of the wine has never made this a "must-do", although that's not to say the wine is lousy; far from it, it has always been perfectly pleasant. While we rarely have encountered a bad wine here, we've also rarely encountered anything so spectacular that we just can't miss out.<br />
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Our last visit here was in 2015. They opened up a gorgeous new tasting room and a little kitchen/bistro/bakery that serves small plates to pair with the wines. You can sit out on their patio and soak in the spectacular view while enjoying a glass or bottle from their portfolio. After our tasting, we did that as we had a bit of time before our next appointment. We had them pour us a couple glasses of Pinot Gris and headed out to the beautiful terrace to enjoy some scenery. Unfortunately for us, someone forgot to tell the weatherman that it is THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST IN THE OKANAGAN!! As if the smoke from the fires wasn't enough, it was windy, it was cold, and it was RAINING!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7qFQ5x8kVefRTpIULVpOYoFviBZFWZs3ARNWSIfYPLOLnZp6x4lQMcUtmDvtEyJG6LUVfsntqL2_AggV_DlLsJkpx00zJ4HcOiSYEPpF6s7Qc-y4IFNRxPCLePRcbNECl6pLRnwbBo7Z/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7qFQ5x8kVefRTpIULVpOYoFviBZFWZs3ARNWSIfYPLOLnZp6x4lQMcUtmDvtEyJG6LUVfsntqL2_AggV_DlLsJkpx00zJ4HcOiSYEPpF6s7Qc-y4IFNRxPCLePRcbNECl6pLRnwbBo7Z/s640/IMG_0359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author's lovely wife, who really did comb her hair this morning. That is how windy it was.</td></tr>
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I didn't think it was allowed to be this cold in the Okanagan in the middle of Summer. Disapproved.<br />
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Anyway, on to our tasting! One thing I do remember about this winery, we have always been treated very well by the staff, and today was no exception. Our guide, Janet, was an absolute delight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5LFL4KLkwuBNR1tb5uI0pAFPQir2Iu2-_SEnb-NZcxuBvoWK6HvmhM_fiLxOpyLslYNZPKj9igIH6hI_95MQWUQA-vXzZ7L722RhDhiBzJaHLf2JMK_0TLOlqqMbur8T9QJ0Nkmrj7Uf/s1600/Arrowleaf+2017+Bacchus.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="572" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5LFL4KLkwuBNR1tb5uI0pAFPQir2Iu2-_SEnb-NZcxuBvoWK6HvmhM_fiLxOpyLslYNZPKj9igIH6hI_95MQWUQA-vXzZ7L722RhDhiBzJaHLf2JMK_0TLOlqqMbur8T9QJ0Nkmrj7Uf/s640/Arrowleaf+2017+Bacchus.PNG" width="514" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdI1t8JTfyy0bkfKkgx1Ti5G-XVoZEMK9FeZuXinj9oSncHXZ4mXQl2UGzH9da94qN8vGOC8DWcyDLvlsgvc_KmFwOXWKwdRfQwZ6_CFFiAKSWCRxuVcrKpFS3bZL6-Iq0By9qXbev-ND/s1600/Arrowleaf+2017+Riesling.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdI1t8JTfyy0bkfKkgx1Ti5G-XVoZEMK9FeZuXinj9oSncHXZ4mXQl2UGzH9da94qN8vGOC8DWcyDLvlsgvc_KmFwOXWKwdRfQwZ6_CFFiAKSWCRxuVcrKpFS3bZL6-Iq0By9qXbev-ND/s640/Arrowleaf+2017+Riesling.PNG" width="516" /></a></div>
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As usual, not a bad wine in the bunch. I would suggest that, although there are still not any wines that absolutely knocked us over (although the Riesling has a chance), the quality has improved since our last visit, and we will be back next time we are up in this neck of the woods.<br />
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Next up: I think it's time for another random update of some great stuff we've been drinking, still gotta find all my notes on the wine we enjoyed in Disneyland, and the Okanagan trip continues at Ex Nihilo!<br />
<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-27515911940657046892018-10-11T05:01:00.000-07:002018-10-11T07:26:25.684-07:00The latest country for our food and wine theme nights isn't actually a country at all....it's "OTHER" night!What exactly does "OTHER NIGHT" mean? Well, if you've been following along over the past couple years, you will know that we've been taking a country and having an entire night of food and wine from that country. Most of the nights have been rousing successes. But what about all those poor countries that make wine and food, but didn't get represented with their own night? Well, this night was all about them.<br />
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In all cases, the countries produce a lot of wine, but it's tough to source enough of it here to have an entire night dedicated to them. So let's see what all the fuss is about! Links to all the recipes can be found by clicking on the recipe name.<br />
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I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much here. A lot of these countries feature traditional dishes that I'm not crazy about, and wine is always a crapshoot when you don't have much to choose from. Even though this evening was being hosted by our dear friends, who know their way around a kitchen, I expected that this lineup of dishes was going to pose a challenge. Let's see if I was right or pleasantly surprised.<br />
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Oh, and there was supposed to be another couple enjoying the evening with us, but they bailed out because of the lame excuse of childbirth. I kid you not, she was literally having the baby at the time that they were supposed to be attending this event. Some people will use any excuse to get out of things, won't they??<br />
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<b><i><u>Course 1</u></i></b></div>
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Full disclosure: I despise chick peas. So.....not much chance I am going to love this dish made almost entirely from chick peas. My wife, however, who loves chick peas, loved this dish, and said it paired well with the wine.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu-UtB7-Q9SQocf_FfZvdF-JFrSxmiG3aTF5A1oIZVNO9sAkab2rJI8trRxJRssaifV26uO77Pt_0eW4X4j-SW_bnKN8C4oEaX8NaXX3Uq5A0z-p9-1qyaVEdO_T59oeMKauRoGDGem7B/s1600/download+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu-UtB7-Q9SQocf_FfZvdF-JFrSxmiG3aTF5A1oIZVNO9sAkab2rJI8trRxJRssaifV26uO77Pt_0eW4X4j-SW_bnKN8C4oEaX8NaXX3Uq5A0z-p9-1qyaVEdO_T59oeMKauRoGDGem7B/s1600/download+%25281%2529.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greece</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheStuPe9V4aDx2oKWegx4quVoqcnQMc7vmGGvBwNSZT22smelvAq2qbViNZfcu7huLSFzNeDmgvSMsL0NSsg8aAnPGVxQBnX7JEKYDnrjvpgdFVgbHMooEK2UslfcqEslNGyEU7k8qX0PS/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheStuPe9V4aDx2oKWegx4quVoqcnQMc7vmGGvBwNSZT22smelvAq2qbViNZfcu7huLSFzNeDmgvSMsL0NSsg8aAnPGVxQBnX7JEKYDnrjvpgdFVgbHMooEK2UslfcqEslNGyEU7k8qX0PS/s320/031.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/spiced-pea-courgette-fritters-minty-yogurt-dip"><span style="font-size: small;">Spiced Pea & Courgette Fritters with Minty Yogurt Dip</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
These were really tasty, and the minty yogurt dip gave them a beautiful tang. Liked these quite a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmOvENySyh8E-Bgnh5FcN8qpdKEcuf_-ZjF58Yn7kpVL-HAooe6iNjecT-qFx42W8q74BuJXo0UgbQnUJCJzRAp-DqSglopNUv8FU_ZL4Olbzkq2yz2Ir4H2tzpecvUP4wbRE3b8cvCwN/s1600/Alpha+Estate+2016+Malagouzia.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="571" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmOvENySyh8E-Bgnh5FcN8qpdKEcuf_-ZjF58Yn7kpVL-HAooe6iNjecT-qFx42W8q74BuJXo0UgbQnUJCJzRAp-DqSglopNUv8FU_ZL4Olbzkq2yz2Ir4H2tzpecvUP4wbRE3b8cvCwN/s640/Alpha+Estate+2016+Malagouzia.PNG" width="514" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>Course 3</u></i></b></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjRP0iPRvChbsuF7-twej9dE3-7i5Al93X_QAv_z-xMlH8fuOwiNnKuDZ4cCjUR0XhetDYrwNi1QUMRvFvydEqsnFrcx7g6IhUgD2Ey92_6UUiBPUgvFOii-FnkgZrrv_Y-T73cvES7tI/s1600/download+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjRP0iPRvChbsuF7-twej9dE3-7i5Al93X_QAv_z-xMlH8fuOwiNnKuDZ4cCjUR0XhetDYrwNi1QUMRvFvydEqsnFrcx7g6IhUgD2Ey92_6UUiBPUgvFOii-FnkgZrrv_Y-T73cvES7tI/s1600/download+%25282%2529.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turkey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5UnhwY34AX4dThT-drzrB3gwVpnGmOXSu9lD87c3ddqzLCyTImYIrpVJpL6L-rTQSqBzsdbKqOPnKu19tn-JIxQ8lYS7Q-gf663heCm9VpYkgba4ECA3UUh2rqoeaDbPrD2iGeqiJ2Is/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5UnhwY34AX4dThT-drzrB3gwVpnGmOXSu9lD87c3ddqzLCyTImYIrpVJpL6L-rTQSqBzsdbKqOPnKu19tn-JIxQ8lYS7Q-gf663heCm9VpYkgba4ECA3UUh2rqoeaDbPrD2iGeqiJ2Is/s320/036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/basic-turkish-chicken-kebab-3274263">Turkish Style Kebab</a> with <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/turkish-style-rice-pilaf-with-orzo-3274123">Turkish Style Rice Pilaf with Orzo</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The chicken was very juicy and tasty, but the Rice Pilaf was the absolute star of this dish. Seriously, I could have just eaten nothing but that rice all night long and been totally satisfied. It was phenomenal. The wine was one we had tasted (and bought) at last year's VIWF.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPixB-sPAI5xlZyp0ME8u2_Ub7s-izr7B7W-bMfQHmGBFoPN301sKt3tLR3iv5m-rLu6ISEkEOCdWAnbYeAmmUiqokUXku-nHLOq1pAGhERNQJ8xYA4hKMRXJdezqSVpDnl_JhREAQ8Gff/s1600/Suvla+2016+Karasakiz.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPixB-sPAI5xlZyp0ME8u2_Ub7s-izr7B7W-bMfQHmGBFoPN301sKt3tLR3iv5m-rLu6ISEkEOCdWAnbYeAmmUiqokUXku-nHLOq1pAGhERNQJ8xYA4hKMRXJdezqSVpDnl_JhREAQ8Gff/s640/Suvla+2016+Karasakiz.PNG" width="512" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZyS7jcVLFyGLQoA2ZmtXXXRNnrYewcWYyVG3ZqzTI1mEmgtzmCr3k6IHGTcXxL8utSntwcTtBS2qD3KFBKo0NwC4nmPp4emFu0u-H3knEoMhTLw15S7qaKipnryOyOqq4LF7pe1Q7WRM/s1600/download+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZyS7jcVLFyGLQoA2ZmtXXXRNnrYewcWYyVG3ZqzTI1mEmgtzmCr3k6IHGTcXxL8utSntwcTtBS2qD3KFBKo0NwC4nmPp4emFu0u-H3knEoMhTLw15S7qaKipnryOyOqq4LF7pe1Q7WRM/s1600/download+%25283%2529.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mexico</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0lHZKHhZ5BevrtBd7prVN4uGTTpBpwtZP754674te_VhBwHlHljgukiIRuFlq_Hki3JUHHuj6mb8T1yl6W2KOuv3dYY6NGaAOY07mWycbNXZ3n-PP4jvpPqWlC21t231_FTjo4rl0cO8/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0lHZKHhZ5BevrtBd7prVN4uGTTpBpwtZP754674te_VhBwHlHljgukiIRuFlq_Hki3JUHHuj6mb8T1yl6W2KOuv3dYY6NGaAOY07mWycbNXZ3n-PP4jvpPqWlC21t231_FTjo4rl0cO8/s320/032.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/potato-and-poblano-taquitos"><span style="font-size: small;">Potato and Poblano Taquitos</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Yum yum yum yum yum. These were just as tasty as the name implied. Served on fresh, homemade tortillas. Delish. As for the wine, our friends go to Mexico just about every year and picked this bottle up. Not traditional wine and very sweet, but it was an interesting adventure to taste it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dnJ4GCdhJk55JNOYoOjvr_220o_Jza06h7ZN7S7uaS3oJEXBGaTgamci8wM8sDXVbp9yW0LN5zSNrggVBjE07JOorTtxEmjH7NGTlw_yHeOnv87NlINxR7J4P3hn3m0N2xsHQNL7VHp-/s1600/Santa+Sirena+2016+Vina+Dulcede+Flor+de+Jamaica.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="569" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dnJ4GCdhJk55JNOYoOjvr_220o_Jza06h7ZN7S7uaS3oJEXBGaTgamci8wM8sDXVbp9yW0LN5zSNrggVBjE07JOorTtxEmjH7NGTlw_yHeOnv87NlINxR7J4P3hn3m0N2xsHQNL7VHp-/s640/Santa+Sirena+2016+Vina+Dulcede+Flor+de+Jamaica.PNG" width="512" /></a></div>
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We also tried this wine with this course; another sweet red, although not nearly as sweet as the one from Mexico.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQile0mTWgAFCmdU4P0-C6kOQ70tOa4MKZVZDsPGnQ2GOBKxxKYxaXm9P1GljylTQ1xg_Mig3E18XrJE8KqFlAfF034L4FAUJIaL4v4oDRGoEk4L62iOUNi59gDW3Xyce7yNpY_x4JVue6/s1600/255px-Flag_of_Georgia.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQile0mTWgAFCmdU4P0-C6kOQ70tOa4MKZVZDsPGnQ2GOBKxxKYxaXm9P1GljylTQ1xg_Mig3E18XrJE8KqFlAfF034L4FAUJIaL4v4oDRGoEk4L62iOUNi59gDW3Xyce7yNpY_x4JVue6/s1600/255px-Flag_of_Georgia.svg.png" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Georgia</span></div>
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<b><i><u>Course 5</u></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2cTj7Rv19XEFxJrQLxtOfLEGpkpKDSySZErxXAdiy8enVygqmcF9Tz1wVqkqKFROqjgD-GNYa7GiMhaaMSDUZ3Dg4PtiQApANoakrfvt8RZsHZmkjkniaVu3I1HBlOcSLs3piSYT_I5p/s1600/1800px-Flag_of_Moldova.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2cTj7Rv19XEFxJrQLxtOfLEGpkpKDSySZErxXAdiy8enVygqmcF9Tz1wVqkqKFROqjgD-GNYa7GiMhaaMSDUZ3Dg4PtiQApANoakrfvt8RZsHZmkjkniaVu3I1HBlOcSLs3piSYT_I5p/s320/1800px-Flag_of_Moldova.svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Republic of Moldova</span></td></tr>
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Hands up, who out there has to look up where Moldova is on a map? Just for the record, most of you who don't have your hands up are liars.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p8YCrzgAfnqdDEgBzaxjLHJ7-LsnITPOIbTWxJBrJ-xWyshBJPoLu6yAJrndrLqvJuREImJaFBalN8EEmzGVGy-wimkg6cOtRS5bEhkrR2TEvl6i6K4E2N2Eofu72uF3irHdSMVBZXdI/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p8YCrzgAfnqdDEgBzaxjLHJ7-LsnITPOIbTWxJBrJ-xWyshBJPoLu6yAJrndrLqvJuREImJaFBalN8EEmzGVGy-wimkg6cOtRS5bEhkrR2TEvl6i6K4E2N2Eofu72uF3irHdSMVBZXdI/s320/037.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/sarmale/" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sarmale</span></a></td></tr>
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Kind of a Romanian-style Cabbage Roll, frequently enjoyed in Moldova. Some of the best cabbage rolls I have ever tasted. Scrumtrulescent. Thankfully, they didn't need wine, because this one was undrinkable.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw-gTqkNTjcSFj2f94dM6RWgkJRcH60JSYKVyFSFVW1-V_J6j0XR1cPT95Eg4kjpGVC2mfSLs_JU9p3dOOARnOzLRM86fhLCRib1VpFi8R5YS-8SG7IM7sdLj5Ua0c94QAvP5Ef6TlQrx/s1600/Kvint+2009+Merlot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw-gTqkNTjcSFj2f94dM6RWgkJRcH60JSYKVyFSFVW1-V_J6j0XR1cPT95Eg4kjpGVC2mfSLs_JU9p3dOOARnOzLRM86fhLCRib1VpFi8R5YS-8SG7IM7sdLj5Ua0c94QAvP5Ef6TlQrx/s640/Kvint+2009+Merlot.PNG" width="516" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greece</span></td></tr>
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One dish to pair with a Greek White, one to pair with a Greek Red. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPMeorvs8beRAryu-kVeq7rbXQPywk3r-DIW2EvDm4SwG5iUzlKz1k6DnTID2Tq8htnXV1ulZlRaTyQ3aQvAir9AHkbEw4U9BZyfXbO4nsU2fALKxEJ9OnkKuvCpivOJoh2mDteBVNfaQ/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPMeorvs8beRAryu-kVeq7rbXQPywk3r-DIW2EvDm4SwG5iUzlKz1k6DnTID2Tq8htnXV1ulZlRaTyQ3aQvAir9AHkbEw4U9BZyfXbO4nsU2fALKxEJ9OnkKuvCpivOJoh2mDteBVNfaQ/s320/038.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3027/mustmake-moussaka"><span style="font-size: small;">Moussaka</span></a></td></tr>
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Another fabulous dish. I tell you, with the exception of the chick peas, our friends outdid themselves on the menu tonight. If only the wine had been able to stand up to the quality of the food!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This was also delicious, but I admit I was getting too full to properly enjoy it by this point. The wine was another one we had tasted and picked up at last year's VIWF.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYFaVdULIU0lKf6zB9fHgFjXNYn3WqUX-GqdVIkcfJKZ-zlpSx8DWDa7T-u4uEhzYgCbTo6We6yTbdNQfRWZjgTkzVdBu_ZXAeJIHL3bVTDmvR48r28L2qPN51CjyrRMrsbkThKmQdaaB/s1600/Grand+Tokaji+2014+Harslevelu.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYFaVdULIU0lKf6zB9fHgFjXNYn3WqUX-GqdVIkcfJKZ-zlpSx8DWDa7T-u4uEhzYgCbTo6We6yTbdNQfRWZjgTkzVdBu_ZXAeJIHL3bVTDmvR48r28L2qPN51CjyrRMrsbkThKmQdaaB/s640/Grand+Tokaji+2014+Harslevelu.PNG" width="514" /></a></div>
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So there you have it, our "theme nights" have come to an end.....until we start over!! We have also discussed having a "best of the best" night where we take our favorite dishes from all the theme nights and try pairing them with different wine. After that, we will start again, with the proviso that whomever hosted each individual country last time cannot host them again. It will be like starting from scratch!<br />
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I was pleasantly surprised at how much of the food from these countries I really enjoyed! As for the wine, well, except for the red from Greece that was faulty, it was basically about what I expected. Having said, that, I'll certainly never regret trying new things.</div>
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Next up for the blog, still have a lot of wine from Disneyland to report on, plus another huge random catch up entry, and the Okanagan trip continues at Arrowleaf. Stay tuned, true believers!</div>
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Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-18731515850655336532018-10-02T09:27:00.000-07:002018-10-02T09:27:01.839-07:00Okanagan Trip Report, Part Trois, and the Monks wouldn't be Gray if they ate here.....Grapevine Restaurant at Gray Monk is a "must-do". Seriously, we have never had a bad meal here, and the scenery is fantastic.<br />
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Well, it's USUALLY fantastic; today there is a huge, billowing cloud of smoke that is impeding our Zen. I guess we can't blame them for the forest fires.<br />
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At lunch we enjoyed this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH50AdlZaK0L59rcvV1FDED_XJ-9lx8VDelgpr0_5T-U7IKWfqFwUbxYdkHXrReXvjsXNH6Cgb4HZX3-fTCGV_RWJdFA19JvLR1vwdPZ88F_gHCB5XBn9T1VLWMqyHre9Xia1i4YpVUBp/s1600/Gray+Monk+2016+Reflection.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="571" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH50AdlZaK0L59rcvV1FDED_XJ-9lx8VDelgpr0_5T-U7IKWfqFwUbxYdkHXrReXvjsXNH6Cgb4HZX3-fTCGV_RWJdFA19JvLR1vwdPZ88F_gHCB5XBn9T1VLWMqyHre9Xia1i4YpVUBp/s640/Gray+Monk+2016+Reflection.PNG" width="514" /></a></div>
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After our terrific lunch, up to the very crowded tasting room to see what they had to offer. We have been here many times, and our opinion is generally pretty consistent: Sweet whites are delicious, dry whites are OK, reds are pretty average. Let's see if that holds true on this visit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPBoPOd5f8dvwaQoi6wUKBGvsOuw3VFFzYxxJ1SjpCusF_04LMu6MG3VuFg6rALt3d15PSeKkPoD2HPG2VYRgZk7uxFJAQLqvMExEJzfYbeIwAwKO3Mk2mzKY2uYPfjSii9o5B-jnxyKW/s1600/Gray+Monk+2016+Pinot+Gris.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPBoPOd5f8dvwaQoi6wUKBGvsOuw3VFFzYxxJ1SjpCusF_04LMu6MG3VuFg6rALt3d15PSeKkPoD2HPG2VYRgZk7uxFJAQLqvMExEJzfYbeIwAwKO3Mk2mzKY2uYPfjSii9o5B-jnxyKW/s640/Gray+Monk+2016+Pinot+Gris.PNG" width="520" /></a></div>
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So there you have it: we found a new favorite in the Ehrenfelser and all of their off-dry to sweet whites are excellent as always. Their Kerner, which we didn't taste here, is fantastic every single year. They also have an always-decent Gewurztraminer and a Siegerrebe, a German grape you almost never see outside of Deutschland.<br />
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As for the reds, they are too far North to grow great red grapes, but that doesn't mean they can't source great fruit from elsewhere. Ironically the Pinot Noir, the one that needs the least heat, always seems to be pretty average.<br />
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We are always treated well here, and we love the restaurant, so we will never come to Lake Country and miss these guys. As they were one of the wineries that was purchased by Peller last year, we will see if the infusion of capital helps them source higher-quality red fruit. Time will tell.<br />
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Up next: a short break from the Okanagan trip to report on our latest "theme night". The country this time? "Other". What does that mean? You'll just have to read the report to find out!<br />
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When we get back to the Okanagan trip, it will continue in Lake Country, just down the road at Arrowleaf!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-35197546498693329032018-09-27T15:07:00.002-07:002018-09-27T15:07:54.885-07:00Time for a random update of great stuff! And some good stuff! And some stuff that would fall under another category!Alrighty, finally trying to catch up on a bunch of stuff we have enjoyed (or not) over the last few months while I have been too busy with Okanagan trip reports to post them! Lots of spectacular stuff here.<br />
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Expect a few more of these "random catch-up" entries in the coming days/weeks as I still have pages and pages of notes to post.<br />
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Next up: Back to the Okanagan report, as I promised last time.....Gray Monk!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-10553186285021711952018-09-27T07:10:00.003-07:002018-09-27T07:31:17.620-07:00Okangan trip report Part Deux, our morning begins with a stop on the way to Lake Country at Ancient Hill !Our first visit here, which is on the way to Lake Country but not really, kind of out of the way but not so far out of the way you shouldn't go visit. They have a charming tasting room and friendly staff. But was the wine any good? Well, let's see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRQtr9kkK7MEEt8N3jBXMVqrT2jMW95mtjXyNsWTS_4Ry69uTqdp6m0iAm9REgRuI4ff8S8NMzvmSgnbX-otsUHKobL3UL4ZSwJwojd0T4tXTrjZl_WOsfX2ehVWp5hx6uGVxWnAZz8sZ/s1600/Ancient+Hill+2015+Pinot+Noir.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRQtr9kkK7MEEt8N3jBXMVqrT2jMW95mtjXyNsWTS_4Ry69uTqdp6m0iAm9REgRuI4ff8S8NMzvmSgnbX-otsUHKobL3UL4ZSwJwojd0T4tXTrjZl_WOsfX2ehVWp5hx6uGVxWnAZz8sZ/s640/Ancient+Hill+2015+Pinot+Noir.PNG" width="508" /></a><br />
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So the answer to the question above, "are the wines any good", is "Depends". The Gewurztraminer certainly is quite good, and many of the others are perfectly drinkable. And, hey, if you are one of those that likes to go off the beaten path, figuratively and literally, this may be the place for you. Where else are you going to get Baco Noir, Lemberger, and a Rosé with Baco and Gerurztraminer? I'll tell you where: Nowhere.<br />
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Next up: We arrive in Lake Country, and our first tasting of the day is Gray Monk!<br />
<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-48645189249173638032018-09-26T08:15:00.001-07:002018-09-26T08:15:13.226-07:00To Kelowna we go, the start of another Okanagan trip, and we begin the day at probably the most recognizable name in BC WIne: Mission Hill!I have a love/hate relationship with this winery. I love to hate them.<br />
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But everyone deserve a second, third, and maybe fourth chance. This is not on our "must-do" list, but we do like to stop in every few visits to Kelowna to see what's up. Since they hired eminently-talented winemaker Darryl Brooker as their chief winemaker for the 2015 harvest, I expect that the quality of the wines here will have improved since our last visit. Let's see if I am right.<br />
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That's it for today, although there is still some room for consistency across the portfolio, I am comfortable in saying there has been improvement. Here's hoping it continues! I'm sure it will.<br />
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If you've ever been here, you know that the grounds of the winery are second-to-none. The tasting room is beautiful, if a bit corporate. Still, if you get the right guide, you can have a good experience here.<br />
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From here, we left and went to The Hatch; and let me tell you, there were more customers at The Hatch than there were here. But since I've already written my report on the wines we tasted at The Hatch, my next report will be from our trip the next day into Lake Country, at a winery we had never previously visited: Ancient Hill !<br />
<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-5620474876115769642018-09-25T08:03:00.001-07:002018-09-25T08:03:25.823-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part V, and we go up, up, up, up, way up the hill to Fairview Cellars!Seriously, anyone ever been here? You just keep going up, up, up, up. And signage? Forget it. Without GPS you'd have a better chance of playing Pick-Up-Stix with your butt-cheeks than finding this place. Thank goodness for GPS!<br />
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We arrive and are warmly greeted by Honey, their Golden Retriever. Honey is a good dog. Honey is a very good dog! And she joins us in the tasting room, where she is much more interested in having her belly rubbed than in anything wine-related that may be going on. We accommodate her as best we can.<br />
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In between belly rubs, we manage to taste some wine.<br />
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On the way out, we are greeted by their other dog, who's name escapes me. He was out protecting the vineyards when we arrived; probably chasing away bears. Seriously, he chases away bears. He is a very, very good boy!<br />
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The very last stop of this trip was at Rust, which I already posted out of order, so this wraps up this little trip from June. Next up: Still have Disney wine to report on, plus a ton of miscellaneous stuff, but I think I'll try to get to our last trip up to the Okanagan this year, which was to Kelowna a few weeks ago. Lots to report on, so we will start at Mission Hill!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-10018739316076011322018-09-21T13:50:00.000-07:002018-09-21T13:50:30.296-07:00Okanagan Wine Trip Part IV, we visit Lariana Cellars, and the blog gets a facelift!We are no strangers to Lariana Cellars, a small little outfit run out of a garage, about 15 feet from the United States border. That is hardly an exaggeration, as crossing the road would take you into bushes that are right on the border. It's that close.<br />
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They have a very small portfolio of wines, choosing to excel at what they can do best. An exciting winery and there isn't a bad wine in the bunch. Let's get to the three they had for us this trip!<br />
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That's it for today! Love to hear what you think of the new format. So far I think it's a big improvement but I am sure there will be challenges when I come across really bizarre-sized bottle shots....but I'll jump off those bridges when I come to them. I had to make the images thinner than I liked or they bleed over into the wallpaper, but that might fix itself when I move the blog to a new platform (spoiler alert....still to come).<br />
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Next up: This trip continues with a winery I was somewhat familiar with but had never actually visited: Fairview Cellars!!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-17095039885913548382018-09-21T08:48:00.003-07:002018-09-21T08:48:59.407-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part III, at a winery quickly establishing themselves as one to watch: Rust Wine Co!!!We visited Rust Wine Co (formerly Rustico) for the first time last year; you can read all about it <a href="https://deanswineblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/okanagan-trip-part-4-our-first-visit-to.html">here</a>, if you need a refresher. I mention that because they make the best (IMO) Zinfandel in the Okanagan, and that review was included in last year's post. All I can say about that Zinfandel is that I have enjoyed 3-4 more bottles of it and it's quite possible I underrated it. A simply terrific wine that pairs beautifully with just about any piece of red meat. Try it!<br />
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On to the new stuff we tasted this past June!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rust Wine Co. 2017 Rosé ($22.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Made from 100% Pinot Noir, slight floral aromas mix in with strawberry and watermelon. Strawberry, tart cherry and watermelon on the palate. Very dry and tasty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKOPkA0-55Jn_EJX5BEGBvmrD3QBNfIQMb0MV9v3lVeDIjXjkGK66iVAg5xltsQiwLOyV6Ab6b5npxMRKcp98WNEN4s9kYbkaScQMSrtLpcUJAZ_FEVG5XKebKanUKR64sj-rEc5hyphenhyphenGx7/s1600/89g.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="375" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKOPkA0-55Jn_EJX5BEGBvmrD3QBNfIQMb0MV9v3lVeDIjXjkGK66iVAg5xltsQiwLOyV6Ab6b5npxMRKcp98WNEN4s9kYbkaScQMSrtLpcUJAZ_FEVG5XKebKanUKR64sj-rEc5hyphenhyphenGx7/s320/89g.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rust Wine Co. 2017 Gamay ($22.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Enticing aromas of red cherry and white pepper give way to very fruit forward flavors of cherry, raspberry and black pepper. Lovely finish. Absolutely one of the best, if not the best, BC Gamay. We bought a couple of these, and we do NOT buy Gamay.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Rust Wine Co. 2016 Cabernet Franc ($25.00)</i></b></span></td></tr>
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Red fruit abounds, with hints of mint and spice on the nose. Rich, round and fully developed, this beauty starts off with funky mushroom flavors, but the red cherry and strawberry take over on the mid-palate and a touch of spice comes up at the end. Lovely.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rust Wine Co. 2016 Golden Mile Bench Merlot ($35.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Three Merlots? You bet your sweet bippy. I suspect about 15% of you are old enough to know the origin of that phrase. Anyhoo, this one opens up with aromas of red cherry, raspberry and blueberry. Black cherry, vanilla and mocha on the palate. Medium finish. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rust Wine co. 2016 South Cawston Merlot ($35.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Light fruity aromas, with hints of vanilla and baking spice. Similar to the cab franc, it starts off with flavors of funky mushroom, and the mid-palate brings along the red and black fruits. Terroir is everything, the three different Merlots are almost nothing alike.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rust Wine Co. 2016 Black Sage Bench Merlot ($35.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Black cherry, black plum, vanilla and coffee on the nose. Red raspberry, strawberry, blackberry and dark chocolate on the palate. Finishes forever. Really delicious. My favorite of the three by quite a bit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rust Wine Co. 2016 Black Sage Bench Syrah ($37.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aromas of black pepper, forest floor, earth and black fruit. Bright red cherry, white pepper, mushroom and earth on the palate. Beautiful long finish. Perhaps my favorite wine from Rust, with the possible exception of that damn Zinfandel. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Rust Wine Co. 2016 South Cawston Syrah ($37.00)</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Tasty, but almost seems a touch prosaic after tasting it's brother above. Different in many ways but still presents red cherry aromas and flavors, mingling with mushroom and wild strawberry. Another long finish, although not quite as long as the above.</span><br />
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That's it for now! I previously "teased" some exciting changes to this blog; still lots of them to come, but you are going to see the first of the changes in my next post, another fairly new winery that is hitting "must visit" status, Lariana Cellars!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-56912361137145251502018-09-15T20:20:00.000-07:002018-09-15T20:20:57.546-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part Two, our journey through the Similkameen continues at Liber Farms!So, you're tired of your job and the daily monotony, what are you going to do? Well, buy a winery, of course.<br />
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Who cares if you have no experience in it? Get your wife on board to learn how to make wine using Organic techniques, get a consultant with the credentials of Pascal Madevon (Osoyoos Larose, Culmina), and just open the damn doors and see how it goes.<br />
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Well, that's basically what happened here, and the results are remarkably positive.<br />
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Greeted warmly by the owner, Mike Dowell, in his tiny tasting room which doubles as the barrel room, we immediately had a good vibe. Sometimes, you can just tell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAR9CzAf78Eb0Ai8Ka8s-G7m52nozmXGNFQ1-GW5i1Z6WvZum_8N7bV5p6b4SLgmE7mPqTiuCnYPR9KXLeYliwuc6ezOHdVbsoMphpSCbT2tIFywItTkgSCmr4G-4umOul5UxOwRN5eY4/s1600/Photo+of+owers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAR9CzAf78Eb0Ai8Ka8s-G7m52nozmXGNFQ1-GW5i1Z6WvZum_8N7bV5p6b4SLgmE7mPqTiuCnYPR9KXLeYliwuc6ezOHdVbsoMphpSCbT2tIFywItTkgSCmr4G-4umOul5UxOwRN5eY4/s1600/Photo+of+owers.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike and Nicole Dowell, with future winemaker Connor</td></tr>
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This is the second winery we visited in the past year or so that featured new owners who just dropped their normal lives and bought a winery for the Hell of it. The first one, Heaven's Gate in Summerland, I wish all the best for but am not totally expecting much. This one? They are going to make it, mark my words.<br />
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They named the winery Liber, after the Roman God of wine and agriculture. Don't mess with the Gods.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2017 Hello Sunshine ($19.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Chardonnay/Gewurztraminer/Viognier<br />
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Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and ginger. Lovely flavors of lychee, honey, pear and ginger on the finish. Perfect for patio sipper with good friends and sunshine, like the name implies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2016 Everyday Chardonnay ($19.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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100% Unoaked, with notes of pear, citrus and tropical fruit. Very light notes of fruit salad and a hint of peach on the palate. This one didn't knock me over, so Mike let us try the new vintage which was not, at the time, released.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MM3a70NXWecFVmRHuUe-Mxuy44Y8YVPziEESTNrLZW1Nw5FHOU4_z6fvFWWfXLvhMgPP7pNWVdI0QuG-M9Zo0TZGkLYsLjX1XI85224xVtTFy6Zu6C-09nQx9pDJBqQYZI8IenkTTs7M/s1600/89ec.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="384" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MM3a70NXWecFVmRHuUe-Mxuy44Y8YVPziEESTNrLZW1Nw5FHOU4_z6fvFWWfXLvhMgPP7pNWVdI0QuG-M9Zo0TZGkLYsLjX1XI85224xVtTFy6Zu6C-09nQx9pDJBqQYZI8IenkTTs7M/s320/89ec.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2017 Eveyday Chardonnay ($19.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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What a difference. Still unoaked but the fruit flavors come together much more impressively here. Aromas of lemon, lime, banana and almond. On the palate, tropical fruit all day long, with an impressive finish. If you like your Chardonnay fruity and unoaked (as I normally do not), you are going to go bananas for this one, pun intended.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Us36RXqreRAN4WEeW-B3bjmi9PxBkvHuCeNqAGshk7tlLF7xlfdjq3TT0j5BR07MxSG9p5PPLVIpe1-Xa3K_2C-40SttZ4VokGfIng2ouH9dFjr3aYkd29Zr1J16PDv9fkB8g1Cfodlu/s1600/91grc.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="353" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Us36RXqreRAN4WEeW-B3bjmi9PxBkvHuCeNqAGshk7tlLF7xlfdjq3TT0j5BR07MxSG9p5PPLVIpe1-Xa3K_2C-40SttZ4VokGfIng2ouH9dFjr3aYkd29Zr1J16PDv9fkB8g1Cfodlu/s320/91grc.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2016 Grand Reserve Chardonnay ($35.00)</span></b></i></td></tr>
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Pow. That is the sound of this beauty hitting you right in the senses. Fermented and aged in new French oak and it shows here with aromas of butter, hazelnut, citrus and vanilla. The palate is rich and generous, showing flavors of citrus, toasty nuts and butterscotch. This needs to sit a while; if you have one, give it at least a year, maybe 2. You will be rewarded handsomely.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2017 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon ($22.00)</span></b></i></td></tr>
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This White Bordeaux-style treasure features subtle notes of grass, with intense fruit aromas including coconut, mango and stone fruit. Vanilla pops by to say 'hi' at the end. Flavors of citrus fruit, grapefruit, coconut and grassy notes. Lovely finish. Rush out to get one of these.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Veaz4u3JKI4MR3OoI8pLass0LEs1PZGnnLO6MKUYHqBMUloq6DAvdQi32qCu_3brKIVjtd8R8k1PD-Nq7Kgg6UwqVixjbGyrllK6dp95qAuSBUS4tieYQyB3tzPV6rnzIYni0xNdgeGh/s1600/89r.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="389" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Veaz4u3JKI4MR3OoI8pLass0LEs1PZGnnLO6MKUYHqBMUloq6DAvdQi32qCu_3brKIVjtd8R8k1PD-Nq7Kgg6UwqVixjbGyrllK6dp95qAuSBUS4tieYQyB3tzPV6rnzIYni0xNdgeGh/s320/89r.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2017 Rosé ($22.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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90% Merlot/10% Cabernet Franc<br />
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Candied red fruit, rhubarb and strawberry on the nose. Strawberry, raspberry, cherry and watermelon Jolly Ranchers candy on the palate. Dry and refreshing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-842nJhoxjPBnXZRNsYzmEylXEjM_Cd37g7B7SXQDRN0SraUDzepmNnRthvbjiGnIiIhw4RSQrG-FfrZFPVoUXV5067iG_0a7n3rEPDwgyBBZlCBsGUgUjLfvDl3_ovvvi6yrfUnh5eIq/s1600/89fr.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="397" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-842nJhoxjPBnXZRNsYzmEylXEjM_Cd37g7B7SXQDRN0SraUDzepmNnRthvbjiGnIiIhw4RSQrG-FfrZFPVoUXV5067iG_0a7n3rEPDwgyBBZlCBsGUgUjLfvDl3_ovvvi6yrfUnh5eIq/s320/89fr.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2015 Let Me Be Franc ($25.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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The year of the forest fires and the smoke comes through here in a big way on the nose. Black fruit and forest floor joins in. Black fruit and red cherry on the palate. Medium finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNszLVhYSVIUoI3lKMKNqZdU57KV-t3zTAwrl8Klf5AG33-v-N4tJUjC2w9rxdg5Lj-PJU6_swM0TyO_xxKrZYKTE5zLG_lvumCCqsPBY08dPXSbAKZzqipVsC4rQzL318GfU8lKfxF5C4/s1600/8992.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="355" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNszLVhYSVIUoI3lKMKNqZdU57KV-t3zTAwrl8Klf5AG33-v-N4tJUjC2w9rxdg5Lj-PJU6_swM0TyO_xxKrZYKTE5zLG_lvumCCqsPBY08dPXSbAKZzqipVsC4rQzL318GfU8lKfxF5C4/s320/8992.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2016 Let Me Be Franc ($25.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Quite a bit of improvement over the above, with aromas of blackberry, cassis, black cherry and cedar. Slight herbaceous notes, with black fruit dominating the palate. This needs a bit more time to come together, but shows a TON of potential.<br />
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We actually bought one of each of the Cab Franc to have them side-by-side in a year or so. I am curious to see what happens to the '15 with a bit more age. I am fairly sure the '16 will show marked improvement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP6Ii82bYV9Tc4sXL9zz55IK6TmPjSedeXIbH1AZj3jENPQbdf6P48rrlNjyiO-EqMd9hkI2BWtuSqmbMhKiB814TIfG3qAAnrihMoPrc9Lg0x_Bh39PgB_6B3BK1xPi4z8KGWNJ3r1KL/s1600/89sr.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="409" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP6Ii82bYV9Tc4sXL9zz55IK6TmPjSedeXIbH1AZj3jENPQbdf6P48rrlNjyiO-EqMd9hkI2BWtuSqmbMhKiB814TIfG3qAAnrihMoPrc9Lg0x_Bh39PgB_6B3BK1xPi4z8KGWNJ3r1KL/s320/89sr.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2015 Signature Red ($23.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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60% Cabernet Franc/40% Merlot<br />
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Mushroom, forest floor, oak, smoke, cassis and raspberry on the nose. Complex flavors of earth, forest floor, black fruit, vanilla and dark chocolate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw4q92TspiBcXEMfEjQIxFq5zXlp9hi8Ys189yaHl1bTMQ9no9mAtcJkozj4qrfxDBo1F7py4r6jYnBWC-rD5zCXqCrpo1pcnd_1g68EDchH9i8yjSlTP-uEHtm7YQNhUU4t3W9Cdnx4r/s1600/88oy.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="388" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw4q92TspiBcXEMfEjQIxFq5zXlp9hi8Ys189yaHl1bTMQ9no9mAtcJkozj4qrfxDBo1F7py4r6jYnBWC-rD5zCXqCrpo1pcnd_1g68EDchH9i8yjSlTP-uEHtm7YQNhUU4t3W9Cdnx4r/s320/88oy.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liber Farms 2016 Off Your Rocker Merlot ($23.00)</td></tr>
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Young, unsophisticated and unapologetic, this features aromas of black currant, blackberry and black cherry. Blackberry and blueberry flavors. This is ready to go now and is a good value for the dollar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpupayP0pRLVPiuIa1wlMGkV5UGWuc-H5ZjOxmniTtUJGuz917u1ViWDSrc94bxVisxofY3uiRFiJikYdwvWJH8tQAaBIhzw_mxUU0iBBA2OoPdMTWhpynzPs90zRZMlJ3qgc-sDMydHU/s1600/9294.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="369" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpupayP0pRLVPiuIa1wlMGkV5UGWuc-H5ZjOxmniTtUJGuz917u1ViWDSrc94bxVisxofY3uiRFiJikYdwvWJH8tQAaBIhzw_mxUU0iBBA2OoPdMTWhpynzPs90zRZMlJ3qgc-sDMydHU/s320/9294.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Liber Farms 2016 Grand Estate Reserve Merlot ($45.00)</span></b></i></td></tr>
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Black fruit jumps from the glass, makes a fist and punches you right in the nose. If you can recover (and don't have a nosebleed), you'll also get some aromas of vanilla and dark chocolate. This is a huge wine, worthy of putting into your cellar and giving some love and some time. If you absolutely HAVE to drink this now (DON'T DO THAT), decant it for several hours first, to let the flavors of black cherry, milk chocolate and Xmas cake come together for you. This is likely going to be a stunner.<br />
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<br />
There you have it, another fantastic new winery in the Similkameen. Between these guys and Vanessa Vineyards down the road, they have thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the wineries in this area to up their game or get run over. They have instantly become the 2 best wineries in the Similkameen.<br />
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Next up: The Similkameen portion of this report is over, but now we move on to Osoyoos and Oliver and I think I'll go slightly out of order and present to you my thoughts on another winery that may be new to some of you: Rust Wine Co!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-30554736732233288062018-09-14T19:56:00.000-07:002018-09-14T19:56:18.139-07:00Another Okanagan Trip Begins, this one from June, through the Similkameen and we stopped for our first ever visit to Orofino!I have tasted a few of these wines at various tastings around the city, and looked forward to getting to visit the winery. We tried to see them on our last trip through, but we were coming through a few days before they traditionally opened and they wouldn't make an exception and open early for us on that occasion; so we made sure to stop in this time.<br />
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To the wine!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwUx8O2ZVNTkapY4yfbKWoSHEbdJftKhm8x7UUXDRaqMDrFFBilAO4VPnCLHxZSHsVIGOMfK46DZgUBXzOtXHIxxsYnJPxqqSyYMSuatdW4eA6A4xO0tTNnqIwGN5HV5z641zeMYAFhBY/s1600/89wb.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="373" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwUx8O2ZVNTkapY4yfbKWoSHEbdJftKhm8x7UUXDRaqMDrFFBilAO4VPnCLHxZSHsVIGOMfK46DZgUBXzOtXHIxxsYnJPxqqSyYMSuatdW4eA6A4xO0tTNnqIwGN5HV5z641zeMYAFhBY/s320/89wb.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Orofino 2017 White Bridge ($20.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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55% Pinot Gris/30% Muscat/15% Riesling<br />
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Very floral nose, white flowers and red roses, with orange blossoms and citrus as well. Lemon, lime and tangerine on the palate. Hey, for $20, this is perfectly tasty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUWfluM0DfD7afDW9pqqzU5YAgHksSPfC-5_UUnRl-8PHHGKaFyzFGCn1Ic3RRjiHI_geyQbhkFsd0o8ElD5uyPVICG6dm8fr-YANQ4EJydtpIA2WZLa99E04_ufglFpLykvYxgoyxUBw/s1600/86hrv.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="409" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUWfluM0DfD7afDW9pqqzU5YAgHksSPfC-5_UUnRl-8PHHGKaFyzFGCn1Ic3RRjiHI_geyQbhkFsd0o8ElD5uyPVICG6dm8fr-YANQ4EJydtpIA2WZLa99E04_ufglFpLykvYxgoyxUBw/s320/86hrv.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Orofino 2016 Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling ($22.00)</span></b></i></td></tr>
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Peach and lime notes mingle with wet stone aromas. The driest of the three Rieslings that they produce, with mouth-puckering acidity framing flavors of stone fruit and citrus. Very, very dry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFD5WtmlhCXTLizyPXSWq59C1v59tSmS4svQkRU3wNmSHD-5S5eY7J7ZMs5gfCeyT2i43yVjAaJN7Trt7ZAUw57yzaTMo76HuxSoi1IgPO6nBrQB3rFkbm2xgm_CMP-yPPpfDz35LgU9D/s1600/svr88.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="377" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFD5WtmlhCXTLizyPXSWq59C1v59tSmS4svQkRU3wNmSHD-5S5eY7J7ZMs5gfCeyT2i43yVjAaJN7Trt7ZAUw57yzaTMo76HuxSoi1IgPO6nBrQB3rFkbm2xgm_CMP-yPPpfDz35LgU9D/s320/svr88.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Orofino 2016 Scout Vineyard Riesling ($22.00)</b></span></i></td></tr>
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Peach, wet stone and tropical fruit on the nose. Richer and fuller than the above, with green apple flavors and a lovely finish. Slightly off-dry.<br />
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They also make a Wild Ferment Riesling from old-vines, but that was sold out so we were unable to taste it this trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMmPQY8L7Ywpdn6XTO-M1BxkQQetvQX9TJfHUtyOw4m3GVA1N-jK4Um_2tKEaNqi8JP17KkBtT0XA7gK1AdzivK0IYo_taTKz8HoxZOz3T8fLTP0HXTGTA1B6w1oGEB15s_RlnSBDBsof/s1600/86chr..PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="398" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMmPQY8L7Ywpdn6XTO-M1BxkQQetvQX9TJfHUtyOw4m3GVA1N-jK4Um_2tKEaNqi8JP17KkBtT0XA7gK1AdzivK0IYo_taTKz8HoxZOz3T8fLTP0HXTGTA1B6w1oGEB15s_RlnSBDBsof/s320/86chr..PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Orofino 2016 Blind Creek Vineyard Chardonnay ($25.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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100% Barrel fermented in old French barrels. Aromas of tropical fruit, red apple and cardamom. Flavors are muted and it takes a while to coax them out of the glaass. Citrus and tropical fruit show up eventually with just the slightest hint of hazelnut.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOf5RnJx6cMjpXR_Tr4CP0pz5UdmHjtvR5eVGogoe8Qj4Ddegl7Dpcc3inTe5sySUBnPiBjCI_DDRMQ065lhavyuYAv8iOwWzl9UPdP1M852-hg4h9-BUvksxams-VNpBxFyVkjYpFGPu/s1600/87r.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="381" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOf5RnJx6cMjpXR_Tr4CP0pz5UdmHjtvR5eVGogoe8Qj4Ddegl7Dpcc3inTe5sySUBnPiBjCI_DDRMQ065lhavyuYAv8iOwWzl9UPdP1M852-hg4h9-BUvksxams-VNpBxFyVkjYpFGPu/s320/87r.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Orofino 2017 Pozza Vineyard Cab Franc Rosé ($40.00/magnum)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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As is typical with rosés made with Cabernet Franc, watermelon candy, raspberry and rhubarb on the nose. Light and refreshing, with just 11.5% alcohol and flavors of watermelon and cranberry. We took home a magnum for our next rosé-appropriate party, or perhaps even a lovely rosé sangria.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVTWyNZXZ8Z_-vsiIX1mdQqfKhbUzwyEKgPX35WPpTDQ_ObhKZVaKhHRGu8_PIFdMa1NuHngzU8vkUal-sFmnl6bYU1QnmmeJDeD0XGzSL0AD0q9YRf35bFUZFEhNqw2ZvEJgCqZ1um4R/s1600/88pn.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="390" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVTWyNZXZ8Z_-vsiIX1mdQqfKhbUzwyEKgPX35WPpTDQ_ObhKZVaKhHRGu8_PIFdMa1NuHngzU8vkUal-sFmnl6bYU1QnmmeJDeD0XGzSL0AD0q9YRf35bFUZFEhNqw2ZvEJgCqZ1um4R/s320/88pn.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Orofino 2016 Home Vineyard Pinot Noir ($32.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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The nose on this is just spectacular. Red berries, red cherries and spice leap from the glasss. The palate doesn't quite measure up, however, as the flavors don't marry together as they do on the nose. Unfined and unfiltered, the red berries come through on the finish. This needs some more time in the bottle to develop and come together.<br />
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There we have it, our first visit to Orofino. Unfortunately many of their signature wines were not available for us to taste this trip, leaving us a bit unsatisfied.<br />
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Up next: I want to tell you about another newbie in the Similkameen, our first visit to Liber Farms! Don't miss it!<br />
<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-74448957846622842342018-09-14T14:09:00.001-07:002018-09-14T14:09:42.508-07:00Okanagan Trip Concludes, Finally, at the home of the jolliest bunch of a-holes this side of the nuthouse....THE HATCH!!!Finally, this Okanagan trip report is coming to an end. And at the exact same time, I'm starting a new one.<br />
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Let me explain. We've been to The Hatch twice this year, so I'm just going to combine the two trips into one big long and I mean long did I say LONG blog review.<br />
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So....cozy on up in front of the fireplace (and if it's not cold enough where you live to be sitting by the fireplace yet, it will be by the time I'm done here), grab yourself a tasty beverage (might I suggest, I dunno, a bottle of wine from The Hatch??), and enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11UdOmfDG_d8QSBSkefsvxewn2jno0GWRXqS_5kiA9tlrfaEPM_NhRD4libc7KzbXJkRaMY8j4RuIpEfgByZM-c34Ug4mTWb-gtbmnUfKno-CA049iOW5Ge46y3e9UJFpmLJgKnVmYtbG/s1600/88pg.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="389" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11UdOmfDG_d8QSBSkefsvxewn2jno0GWRXqS_5kiA9tlrfaEPM_NhRD4libc7KzbXJkRaMY8j4RuIpEfgByZM-c34Ug4mTWb-gtbmnUfKno-CA049iOW5Ge46y3e9UJFpmLJgKnVmYtbG/s320/88pg.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2017 Screaming Frenzy Pinot Gris ($19.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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The picture of the bottle doesn't do the colour justice. 16 hours of skin contact changes it to a peachy colour. Aromas of red applesauce, pear and almond. All kinds of fresh fruit abound on the palate, with just a touch of spice and even a slight earthy quality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZjiAfdv3WIXEbJ8UOXCT4LYrxjBaaGkSFrHZgH89Q8dfzgsL1k3Bxv5LF7FuymF6YPLeVe56SdjU2jllaKR-GpH2t8jMrlak2XCVPKIgf0IrvVISnrH2huf-3RGkwsseSgA8IrrDWd10/s1600/88m.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="409" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZjiAfdv3WIXEbJ8UOXCT4LYrxjBaaGkSFrHZgH89Q8dfzgsL1k3Bxv5LF7FuymF6YPLeVe56SdjU2jllaKR-GpH2t8jMrlak2XCVPKIgf0IrvVISnrH2huf-3RGkwsseSgA8IrrDWd10/s320/88m.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2017 Hobo Series Muscat ($21.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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White flowers, red apple and tropical fruit salad on the nose. Orange blossom and grape on the palate. Muscat is the only grape I can think of that actually, sometimes, tastes like grapes. This one is very dry, very unlike most examples of this varietal. Dry Muscat is usually not my favorite, but this is tasty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp03JxIsVW2Y1cmUWgmozpVj7fHMS_DTrwpR6MXs2JrQN_jQcgHi3UCXH0XVoouSCWCrWkg0nHADxcd5F-8a9nGqmAGRUMPYjRn2L-DBaUYPh5BvuR-PJbvuwiGVoIXnyHzBhevior5ESR/s1600/88sb.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="388" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp03JxIsVW2Y1cmUWgmozpVj7fHMS_DTrwpR6MXs2JrQN_jQcgHi3UCXH0XVoouSCWCrWkg0nHADxcd5F-8a9nGqmAGRUMPYjRn2L-DBaUYPh5BvuR-PJbvuwiGVoIXnyHzBhevior5ESR/s320/88sb.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2017 Screaming Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc ($17.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Tropical fruit dominates the nose, with a hint of honeydew melon and fresh cut grass. The grassy aromas are subtle - this is no New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Lemon, lime, nectarine and melon on the palate, with just a tinge of hay on the finish. At only 11.5% alcohol, this pairs beautifully with a second bottle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBkL_oXmYCK1_EBhb50itc9Vlf4p_q69CnnYqy2anLCEgB3J5jFGxm4HwRpy09FtFfV4XGl41XydLLGAp3Z54mxTNBUAmt-0lnNQN1U9ssxv7_bE7bg-Hw2cNnuP111zh5H4g04HjMSW9/s1600/89r.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="404" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBkL_oXmYCK1_EBhb50itc9Vlf4p_q69CnnYqy2anLCEgB3J5jFGxm4HwRpy09FtFfV4XGl41XydLLGAp3Z54mxTNBUAmt-0lnNQN1U9ssxv7_bE7bg-Hw2cNnuP111zh5H4g04HjMSW9/s320/89r.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2017 Screaming Frenzy Rosé ($19.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Intense aromas and flavors of red fruit; strawberry, cranberry and raspberry. Joining in on the palate is a bit of red apple, rhubarb and even peach. Peach? That's not red? How'd that sneak in here? Anyway, it's a big juicy rosé that deserves to be enjoyed with several other bottles in Melissa's pool. Too bad it took me so long to get this blog post done that pool weather is over! There's always next year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVga3kEJI71tbrJLFxE3JQmpHBELxkX90brl0ocfFjMYriuT5k538RzygePa47-sXpG3ZStsjNGpp39AzjvNMjjb2gpXBgNYJn8rLtOESYH-BUziTxIizfrjQHBNb1k_USVsJpc-R_gVe/s1600/92sf.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="399" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVga3kEJI71tbrJLFxE3JQmpHBELxkX90brl0ocfFjMYriuT5k538RzygePa47-sXpG3ZStsjNGpp39AzjvNMjjb2gpXBgNYJn8rLtOESYH-BUziTxIizfrjQHBNb1k_USVsJpc-R_gVe/s320/92sf.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>The Hatch 2016 Sceaming Frenzy Pinot Noir ($26.99)</i></b></span></td></tr>
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When we tasted this it had only been bottled a month, but it was already showing beautifully. Aromas of black cherry, spice, earth, and a touch of mushroom. Cherry, spice and strawberry flavors on the palate. So young, and already so delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX_xIvb6zxc_QTuK6taAbJklXVtL1_QlbkfrdvnAZz7P9J3KR8BKT4ra0O4veDqjYjOfGVPEBld9ciUUHVQMgi5QW1xgYY8Iiy4FjAPfRsHjBVeZP0P6S_4RMb-jsHtT0Axwld4onAssn/s1600/93cf.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="402" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX_xIvb6zxc_QTuK6taAbJklXVtL1_QlbkfrdvnAZz7P9J3KR8BKT4ra0O4veDqjYjOfGVPEBld9ciUUHVQMgi5QW1xgYY8Iiy4FjAPfRsHjBVeZP0P6S_4RMb-jsHtT0Axwld4onAssn/s320/93cf.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Hatch 2016 Hobo Series Cabernet Franc ($33.69)</i></span></b></td></tr>
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The Hatch's "Hobo" series is meant to shine a light on lesser-known varietals that they feel don't get the attention they deserve. This one won't be lesser-known for long. It's time for Cabernet Franc to leap out from beneath the shadows of it's big brother.<br />
Oh my, intoxicating aromas of wild field mushrooms, violets, mint and black pepper. This has an intense herbaceous quality, notes of eucalyptus, blackberry, mushroom and black pepper on the palate. Well balanced acidity lifts the finish. This is an absolute beauty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ89G33y1asW-szbDNaB7-7_K_7Rf8cPSgvJ7HFX6Y03M-WBI-n6wCBxwNscHDDzHvaHb0frcb8078yTv_18Id7_9uGWC581sJgZSFkEIWuoLaArdkLK-16Q6psCQNtv7aCYf56ibStTr/s1600/92mer.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="389" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQ89G33y1asW-szbDNaB7-7_K_7Rf8cPSgvJ7HFX6Y03M-WBI-n6wCBxwNscHDDzHvaHb0frcb8078yTv_18Id7_9uGWC581sJgZSFkEIWuoLaArdkLK-16Q6psCQNtv7aCYf56ibStTr/s320/92mer.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>The Hatch 2016 Screaming Frenzy Meritage ($25.99)</i></b></span></td></tr>
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47% Merlot/39% Petit Verdot/14% Malbec<br />
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All the fruit comes from the Jaggers Rock Vineyard, in the Similkameen Valley. Rich, inky purple in colour. Aromas of blueberry jam, violets, mushroom and baking spice. Blueberry, blackberry, cinnamon and spice on the palate. Juicy and delicious, the tannins here are firm and in-your-face; give it a year, maybe 7, you will not be sorry. If you absolutely MUST drink this now, give it a nice, long, decant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_cVOc4Vq9K3N7Ye8qmhRoxbbPLH9R-vnl7w0AWLnVKCKP_6mG9kG-LTvpqChAY8Y5O8IGOHaQdD2yCIA7my8rsWybo8j0HsXPv8pIOoWG50MNtrYO28nkn67HSf835ADlhkgX_SXVmE2/s1600/93ct.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="386" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_cVOc4Vq9K3N7Ye8qmhRoxbbPLH9R-vnl7w0AWLnVKCKP_6mG9kG-LTvpqChAY8Y5O8IGOHaQdD2yCIA7my8rsWybo8j0HsXPv8pIOoWG50MNtrYO28nkn67HSf835ADlhkgX_SXVmE2/s320/93ct.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Crown + Thieves 2014 Scoundrel's Punch ($47.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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60% Merlot/40% Cabernet Franc<br />
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From winemaker Jason Parkes' personal label, this beauty features aromas of vanilla, mushroom and black fruit. Blackberry, black cherry and black pepper on the palate. Long, luscious finish. A treat. Only 150 cases of this were made, so if you are lucky enough to find some, get one. Case, that is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKlL62as0g3aEcgzlH8ujhDI-KSKAQtKhew3P66vozm_uSCgR9uuoZHKKs9fYh8tdMPKedzSff3MpHZJLWOTA9ZURc6hawgc3BgGhCbkHiQJGxBP0FnlJWsy-QoOaWJ_2GnQfY6MY38yz/s1600/93un.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="388" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKlL62as0g3aEcgzlH8ujhDI-KSKAQtKhew3P66vozm_uSCgR9uuoZHKKs9fYh8tdMPKedzSff3MpHZJLWOTA9ZURc6hawgc3BgGhCbkHiQJGxBP0FnlJWsy-QoOaWJ_2GnQfY6MY38yz/s320/93un.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2014 The Unicorn ($73.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Flipping the percentages on the above, 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. More fruity and slightly less earthy than it's cousin. Black cherry and a hint of black pepper shine through on the nose. Black cherry, black plum, blackberry and blueberry all take their turn charming your palate. Pepper shows up to join the party on the very long finish. Another winner, this has the chops to go long into the next decade.<br />
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This was actually the end of the April tasting, so technically the end of this seemingly-never-ending Okanagan trip report. But we are not done yet! Oh no, not even close.<br />
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From our trip back to Crazytown a couple of weeks ago, lots more stuff to tell you about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt6HTzR_nV8-b5l__0Eq4MseQRpv2damWNPdLVdSB4cDCOgbSPz7tMgIuYGqJZstF5zbpYv0nV4D8nBz4o3mfKl7oMYor7BSd_VVeWprVLUyFiS6Cdc7AGz3RFjmL3B1UxDcyvLB5pD6A/s1600/89mt.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="408" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt6HTzR_nV8-b5l__0Eq4MseQRpv2damWNPdLVdSB4cDCOgbSPz7tMgIuYGqJZstF5zbpYv0nV4D8nBz4o3mfKl7oMYor7BSd_VVeWprVLUyFiS6Cdc7AGz3RFjmL3B1UxDcyvLB5pD6A/s320/89mt.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2017 Lifestyle of a Hobo Muller Thurgau ($25.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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The second vintage of this rare offering and it is SO much better than last year's, which I actually found a bit underwhelming. Stone fruit, red apple and lychee on the nose. Red apple, apricot and nectarine on the palate. Beautiful mouthfeel and balance acidity. You might have never heard of this grape, but try it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAFAvInK8PWzJgQedd-2s6K9qU1Nq8KO9C7_T8PqDnbxe6hK1KXzS6eKt4DZsPyAqtsdGQduoEM2zic8rDRjLtCQoFs6IzVEJevJsKS35MdVezw7ezKXYf291fLkFWRxLMZaipWI2pXVH/s1600/os.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="384" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAFAvInK8PWzJgQedd-2s6K9qU1Nq8KO9C7_T8PqDnbxe6hK1KXzS6eKt4DZsPyAqtsdGQduoEM2zic8rDRjLtCQoFs6IzVEJevJsKS35MdVezw7ezKXYf291fLkFWRxLMZaipWI2pXVH/s320/os.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Black Swift Vineyards 2015 Oak Street Chardonnay ($39.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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This is as close to an orgasm in a glass as I think I ever want to get. This is a big, bold, buttery Chardonnay; the way Chardonnay should always be made. Aromas of honeysuckle, orange rind, butterscotch and buttered toast. Tropical fruit, peach, caramel and butterscotch on the palate. This is just delicious and I will report back when we try it again in a few years; I suspect it may get even better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPGh2DtetzEYXI_sJOK0Z8CTpLREU4kSqMWYoTsndw9YBugCvebXz_W2CpYTKlXX32cbAQyDgvTGL9wyCCkxif069vDnHAF_2s4536qYJYyj_QDWgB7I1qJnL2zPtNLOtxbWGtc4wK88r/s1600/r3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="389" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPGh2DtetzEYXI_sJOK0Z8CTpLREU4kSqMWYoTsndw9YBugCvebXz_W2CpYTKlXX32cbAQyDgvTGL9wyCCkxif069vDnHAF_2s4536qYJYyj_QDWgB7I1qJnL2zPtNLOtxbWGtc4wK88r/s320/r3.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2015 Ross 3.0 ($19.99, from winery only)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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So what do you do when your "house" wine is so successful that you sell out early in the season? Well, you make more, of course. Now, they can't just make a totally different wine and put it into the same bottles - so they made Ross O 2.0, and now, after 2.0 was all gone, Ross 3.0! From fruit sourced from the Desert Valley Vineyard on the Golden Mile bench, this 100% Pinot Noir beauty features black cherry, baking spice, licorice and vanilla on the nose. Black fruit, red cherry, a touch of spice and a medium finish. Always a winner!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtAvR9zFkig3op8UhaUp2nPXpIm4iM-YgMc2LL8cg_ACLsyYSnxlcl-6KDM4fjZrSbaCZzCLWGUaNktHMYnVjJp3oktMK0qHxFUJhkIzSuGjuQoQPNl5wUfc-ms3aKoJ3d9JoHbGNfUH_/s1600/92lrs.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="379" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtAvR9zFkig3op8UhaUp2nPXpIm4iM-YgMc2LL8cg_ACLsyYSnxlcl-6KDM4fjZrSbaCZzCLWGUaNktHMYnVjJp3oktMK0qHxFUJhkIzSuGjuQoQPNl5wUfc-ms3aKoJ3d9JoHbGNfUH_/s320/92lrs.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Black Swift Vineyard 2015 The Long Road Syrah ($49.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aged 16 months in French Oak, this was described to me as a "Tom Jones Approved Sex Bomb". Well, if Tom Jones approves, who am I to disagree? Black cherry, blackberry and black pepper on the nose. Blueberry, blackberry, baking spice, and a hint of sweet bell pepper on the palate. Another beauty that should go long, long into the next decade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkOgcRTJuGF8Om3d9h4iat_O_fxPJzzHR6SJHcFXFGKj8BTagT8eZ3saPvpQF0Mx-VEWLySaJ5-qa40ZfPlhrb4SRG1HMFglPAdgaGmWfpg56r5hPAsWX6cISOEgDxpjYrp8nADKaVsw4/s1600/93dr.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="406" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkOgcRTJuGF8Om3d9h4iat_O_fxPJzzHR6SJHcFXFGKj8BTagT8eZ3saPvpQF0Mx-VEWLySaJ5-qa40ZfPlhrb4SRG1HMFglPAdgaGmWfpg56r5hPAsWX6cISOEgDxpjYrp8nADKaVsw4/s320/93dr.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2016 Dynasty Red ($46.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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From the Hans Estate Vineyard in Osoyoos, this blend features 60% Malbec/30% Syrah and 10% Merlot. Aromas of blackberry jam, boysenberry, black pepper and blueberry. Black fruit, blueberry, plum and lavender. Huge in structure and acidity, this one is really built for the long haul. It's already delicious - decant it if you just can't wait - but this should be a scene stealer in 5 years or so. I will let you know, I have a couple of these waiting to be released into the wild.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy_9onYkKvuNjWLXocFafQz8kaRu3-ok6DEHn7GhpYFgHY2egbD5mNVvolnyg9hp_3mD_lxq3mt_cyQU2fSeCU5BKwzaEURK1v9EDD3lwoGT6qOFFs5-9o-e8quTPgGqSClr-mcOU0MXV/s1600/92smk.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="405" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy_9onYkKvuNjWLXocFafQz8kaRu3-ok6DEHn7GhpYFgHY2egbD5mNVvolnyg9hp_3mD_lxq3mt_cyQU2fSeCU5BKwzaEURK1v9EDD3lwoGT6qOFFs5-9o-e8quTPgGqSClr-mcOU0MXV/s320/92smk.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Hatch 2015 Smokeshow ($23.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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What happens when fires taint, er, "infuse", your grapes with smoke? You can pretend it didn't happen, like a lot of wineries have done, or you can embrace it. 100% Cabernet Franc and unless you are one that is really negative about smokiness in your wine, this is an absolute steal for the money. Blueberry, cherry and smoke on the nose. Yes there is some smoke on the palate as well, but not enough to distract from the tasty blueberry and blackberry flavors. A hint of spice on the long finish. Delicious, and ready to go. It's tough to know how the smoke will affect the wine's ability to age gracefully, and it's already so good, why wait?<br />
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Phew, I hope you guys are less tired from reading this as I am from typing it. But, hey, at least this finally finishes off the report from a trip that took place almost 5 months ago!<br />
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Next up: Still have a full report on all the wines we enjoyed on our Disney trip a while back, and two more Okanagan trips to report on. We will start with our last trip through the Similkameen Valley and our first ever visit to Orofino!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-1986132422877392492018-09-06T12:21:00.000-07:002018-09-06T12:22:06.724-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part XVIII, We go "Home" to Nk'Mip!......"Home" because we were staying here, so it was easy to just stagger back to our suite after the tasting. And quite a lovely tasting it was. We set ourselves up in their special room for a full tasting of their reserve level (QQ) wines, and then back to the regular tasting room for the Estate level wines.<br />
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First off, their first ever White-Bordeaux style blend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p8onG8mnu95TqjdNaMR7nDSrSaUV2b8veXUn2Vi-7AeRpyAVtSXcK9KUsBHPGvhqndpCuCbDbB7YaBH_4E4Tg654sa58sGZiOR_rb1OIm9pSHMzrJIcBJsOpOQlfMb0Dmg6jBKy8oQyM/s1600/91wm.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="343" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p8onG8mnu95TqjdNaMR7nDSrSaUV2b8veXUn2Vi-7AeRpyAVtSXcK9KUsBHPGvhqndpCuCbDbB7YaBH_4E4Tg654sa58sGZiOR_rb1OIm9pSHMzrJIcBJsOpOQlfMb0Dmg6jBKy8oQyM/s320/91wm.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2016 White Mer'r'iym ($29.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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70% Sauvignon Blanc/30% Semillon<br />
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Aromas of fresh cut grass, gooseberry and stone fruit. Peaches, nectarines, tropical fruit and a finish that features just a touch of grapefruit. Well balanced acidity. Lovely first effort here, and shows a ton of potential for the future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgHCLIyaRFrWoXZYyY0jsDlfT_vHM-MJNARIkDF2b73g1CMDFKQePDQvDFVkBp1bJS1yGGtDvvhCgNFL1HYZnRFNreIRy1ljFpnIKf96iFB7MMuOUH3EKBMDNRruGmy3jBROa4Ob0qVW4/s1600/ri91.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="359" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgHCLIyaRFrWoXZYyY0jsDlfT_vHM-MJNARIkDF2b73g1CMDFKQePDQvDFVkBp1bJS1yGGtDvvhCgNFL1HYZnRFNreIRy1ljFpnIKf96iFB7MMuOUH3EKBMDNRruGmy3jBROa4Ob0qVW4/s320/ri91.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2016 Qwam Qwmt Riesling ($23.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Green apple and citrus dominate the nose in this, another new entry to their portfolio. The palate starts with green apple and peach, and gives way to citrus, particularly lemon zest, and lively acidity. This should age gracefully.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTeVxEFjbHBkQ1zpcJd8QoIgtixMQ1jEppqe8sejomVne9Zv1V1xpiPVrGKfkIgB92T79l55jIJNtTFj8Ot-3IRX6HowHVwA5AeaRtEoFMdeW2unbpTq1Gh93bXcSXeODOUhv2x0lMoYv/s1600/qq92.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="413" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTeVxEFjbHBkQ1zpcJd8QoIgtixMQ1jEppqe8sejomVne9Zv1V1xpiPVrGKfkIgB92T79l55jIJNtTFj8Ot-3IRX6HowHVwA5AeaRtEoFMdeW2unbpTq1Gh93bXcSXeODOUhv2x0lMoYv/s320/qq92.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2016 Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay ($24.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Intoxicating aromas of vanilla, pear and buttered popcorn. Caramel, baked apple, butterscotch and vanilla flavors dance across your palate. What a beauty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFm4zdkvSdduELvBkU7TkobAOrO5DmBdUcQ9sdHOm4m2g7Id3aCflHpr7pWWQ-Zq1ugCkmplc6rd6UIUGqo8NvXTL3liFhbgSIaZ1boskuBMY5JPz-gCvAdObncPgfm-jVvpquQUuWugh/s1600/m92.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="376" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFm4zdkvSdduELvBkU7TkobAOrO5DmBdUcQ9sdHOm4m2g7Id3aCflHpr7pWWQ-Zq1ugCkmplc6rd6UIUGqo8NvXTL3liFhbgSIaZ1boskuBMY5JPz-gCvAdObncPgfm-jVvpquQUuWugh/s320/m92.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2015 Qwam Qwmt Merlot ($25.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Cherries, both red and black, dominate the nose. Pay attention, though, and you might notice a whiff of dried sage hanging around. Full bodied with a luscious mouthfeel, with bright red cherries, vanilla, dark chocolate and spice. Lovely.<br />
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Funny story, opened up one of these (the 2014 vintage) with dinner the night before last; the wife wasn't feeling great, wasn't going to have any wine. OK, no problem.<br />
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Wife: "Wait, what did you open?"<br />
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Me: "2014 Qwam Qwmt Merlot"<br />
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Wife: *heads directly into wine room to get a Bordeaux glass* "You had me at Qwam!".<br />
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By the way, dinner was fantastic: a gourmet meatloaf from that BC wine cookbook that I have talked about many times. The dish takes a full cup of wine to make a glaze, for which I used this Merlot, and it was delicious. So, yes, I was sort of pairing the wine with itself.....no surprise, it paired perfectly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlqCVLEMhgBhFWNQp72oDi8BsLQd2IQVgvfVkig3EUyZj0u7xYZpXM7Oe453kV15QWLzCYgdAU3-eZN9IslMp0QhJoVp6zlLBeD101E1OmF9FhoUjAuMzNKsGHhAfj6HK-1ux0XTy7vor/s1600/92sy.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="391" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlqCVLEMhgBhFWNQp72oDi8BsLQd2IQVgvfVkig3EUyZj0u7xYZpXM7Oe453kV15QWLzCYgdAU3-eZN9IslMp0QhJoVp6zlLBeD101E1OmF9FhoUjAuMzNKsGHhAfj6HK-1ux0XTy7vor/s320/92sy.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2015 Qwam Qwmt Syrah ($32.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aromas of black pepper, red fruit and a tinge of nutmeg. Black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, white pepper on the palate. Finishes very long. A beauty and it may improve with time if carefully cellared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qK-74T5oe9bqUt_OYZxv_uCKdcavGDYhSL_xrhqcTxQo7P7jaeoXEP0Ykt8Mw0IHYInvjd4voOG_cpSiFx_fhTJSTSSpH58EUnMYbN0N1h8uhAPaDok3mOsTQfQ-ArDWv-hoYjuvZwyC/s1600/93m.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="374" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qK-74T5oe9bqUt_OYZxv_uCKdcavGDYhSL_xrhqcTxQo7P7jaeoXEP0Ykt8Mw0IHYInvjd4voOG_cpSiFx_fhTJSTSSpH58EUnMYbN0N1h8uhAPaDok3mOsTQfQ-ArDWv-hoYjuvZwyC/s320/93m.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2015 Mer'r'iym ($54.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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The jewel in their portfolio (well, excluding the Riesling Icewine, that is) is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon/21% Malbec/16% Merlot/6% Cabernet Franc. It opens up with provocative aromas of black fruit, black pepper. mint, tobacco and red cherry. Red fruit, milk chocolate and black pepper flavors coat your tongue. Lots of structure here, this will last a decade or more if you take care of it. It's already tremendous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuaDGAEMXm5gGqzByPCaOCYFLAiC_hKREAxYA8owp4smVZBO3U45e-hLAf_Nm_JEJfOUVIiKIG6PljovOZOb3RrchmCoJS4rFyIq1Q7fl9-trS-IEi6VhlIbVkSaJZqJsojtwzAKEGUja/s1600/dc.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="409" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuaDGAEMXm5gGqzByPCaOCYFLAiC_hKREAxYA8owp4smVZBO3U45e-hLAf_Nm_JEJfOUVIiKIG6PljovOZOb3RrchmCoJS4rFyIq1Q7fl9-trS-IEi6VhlIbVkSaJZqJsojtwzAKEGUja/s320/dc.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2017 Dreamcatcher ($17.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aromatic blend of Riesling/Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Blanc/Ehrenfelser/Chardonnay<br />
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Aromas of elderflower, tropical fruit and citrus. This is a little bit like a tropical fruit salad in a glass; as a well-priced patio sipper, you could do a lot worse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5VquZPwLhvPxIN-V3UDwDUywtAX67sVlLvilbOCE0BJF6Mfjqzu7NAnZUJ3dg34fp12w5nDS5fsehWQsgMJp7XwVb2ZatbVpN2zn2E_kxbBOACcBtpWPMrkBNJYVMIDzWNdpyBavkjs6/s1600/ch88.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="416" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5VquZPwLhvPxIN-V3UDwDUywtAX67sVlLvilbOCE0BJF6Mfjqzu7NAnZUJ3dg34fp12w5nDS5fsehWQsgMJp7XwVb2ZatbVpN2zn2E_kxbBOACcBtpWPMrkBNJYVMIDzWNdpyBavkjs6/s320/ch88.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2016 Chardonnay ($18.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Citrus, pear, peach and tangerine on the nose. 65% of the wine was oaked in French barrels for 9 months, providing some buttery notes, but this is more fruity than hedonistic. Stone fruit, pear and citrus flavors abound. Tough to get a much better Chardonnay for under $20.<br />
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AND....this one I reviewed when we visited last year, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to remind everyone how incredible it is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjpWJGVJ5Z5A4MlgamyGSwJIaV_ftEWlFVpT7UV7_LM-1XPv00zDmAJ2SpfMGFFdah6XvYGwxwBQa5BZOjVz28g1KMpWAXCPuVU8kwdU-Fxllc8Ev0WIeo3sNJc1mouaOXGd-nDebUEFj/s1600/99r.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="392" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjpWJGVJ5Z5A4MlgamyGSwJIaV_ftEWlFVpT7UV7_LM-1XPv00zDmAJ2SpfMGFFdah6XvYGwxwBQa5BZOjVz28g1KMpWAXCPuVU8kwdU-Fxllc8Ev0WIeo3sNJc1mouaOXGd-nDebUEFj/s320/99r.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nk'Mip 2015 Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine ($68.09)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Intoxicating notes of honey, apple, cinnamon and apricot will overwhelm your olfactory senses. The palate features just the right amount of lemon, with hints of pineapple and baking spices. So special and so absolutely delicious.</span><br />
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That's all for now. ONE MORE POST and this April Okanagan trip is FINALLY wrapped up....but be warned, it's going to be a doozy. THE HATCH!!!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-5329707056256715702018-09-06T07:23:00.003-07:002018-09-06T07:24:01.504-07:00Random update of much great stuff, including a 3-year vertical of a big BC red.....Was treated to dinner and a 3-year vertical tasting at our friends' house last weekend. Dinner was superb, and much tasty wine was consumed. My thoughts below!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXb4crb4GiJmvO8trsVog7oYyrhz0bNG2kFIWCZBonhW_QnThm-5nDdSGnxTMDQLx-yUXTdN6Dh0CnN_6dM49MR6kRRMNfuVijH8D_f7occXt4075UdlD6qh7NogKmDYG7EYXNGnULsne/s1600/sm88.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="372" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXb4crb4GiJmvO8trsVog7oYyrhz0bNG2kFIWCZBonhW_QnThm-5nDdSGnxTMDQLx-yUXTdN6Dh0CnN_6dM49MR6kRRMNfuVijH8D_f7occXt4075UdlD6qh7NogKmDYG7EYXNGnULsne/s320/sm88.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Starmont Winery 2013 Carneros Chadonnay ($36.99 from BC Liquor Stores)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aged 18 months in French Oak, 25% new. This is one of those wines where the nose really grabs you, and the palate leaves you wanting more. Bright, vibrant aromas of apple, hazelnut, vanilla and toasty oak. Flavors of almond, apple and citrus. The finish is a bit lacking, but enjoyable still.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA47XwrHfC4x3rKeRYjMLQvYj1X00YhSscVuKsYs-7lxAoc5cVEGPvPRNHFKK5IQp5o67CZQQOO_G59IxqWLqbziHqR-V97vbRqeekSxGwNKM3ukfgP7wGH-0HtvizNVOFSFCDvIL2w5Xq/s1600/2014.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="352" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA47XwrHfC4x3rKeRYjMLQvYj1X00YhSscVuKsYs-7lxAoc5cVEGPvPRNHFKK5IQp5o67CZQQOO_G59IxqWLqbziHqR-V97vbRqeekSxGwNKM3ukfgP7wGH-0HtvizNVOFSFCDvIL2w5Xq/s320/2014.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Black Widow 2014 Phobia ($29.00)</i></b></span></td></tr>
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50% Merlot, 50% Syrah. This is really coming into it's own, with aromas of blackberry, cloves, cassis, graphite, leather and forest floor. Plum, black cherry, black pepper, mushroom and leather on the palate. Finishes very long. Any jammy notes that might exist in it's youth have subsided and left you with a smooth, flavorful wine. This has improved a ton from the first time I tasted and reviewed it in 2016, <a href="https://deanswineblog.blogspot.com/search?q=black+widow">here.</a> This paired beautifully with the steak and mushroom sauce we ate with it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs3YIxi1KS0dMeCk3IHo1IJJOiwXJbJqKqmWgXGSLjXnTAYlx0G30Y2Io6S-MUnREq-wzdxL-FE7G8txUySA26QmJidr4posVQuEsznDhQmDbozmUkqPvJrD_P3X_lzglO4Zj3PBSJFLx/s1600/2015.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="382" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs3YIxi1KS0dMeCk3IHo1IJJOiwXJbJqKqmWgXGSLjXnTAYlx0G30Y2Io6S-MUnREq-wzdxL-FE7G8txUySA26QmJidr4posVQuEsznDhQmDbozmUkqPvJrD_P3X_lzglO4Zj3PBSJFLx/s320/2015.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Black Widow 2015 Phobia ($29.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Same blend as above. Blackberry, black raspberry, vanilla and plum on the nose. Raspberry really shines through on the palate, accompanied by black fruit and a touch of spice. Tasty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiCoOE5xeQx-tuetEvQuNXr9P0mR4bHEE9dH_jkSkUo63TF3NBcDK6WIQLIl21IwatvpZdOtUAdXplj3jIMgikzMOq9HmjtL4bTIyfEj56K7vkjzK1RkyjIs0-5_ko3F1wGkM26_G9ssU/s1600/2016.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="390" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiCoOE5xeQx-tuetEvQuNXr9P0mR4bHEE9dH_jkSkUo63TF3NBcDK6WIQLIl21IwatvpZdOtUAdXplj3jIMgikzMOq9HmjtL4bTIyfEj56K7vkjzK1RkyjIs0-5_ko3F1wGkM26_G9ssU/s320/2016.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Black Widow 2016 Phobia ($29.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
It will be interesting to see if time is the only difference here. This one changes the blend somewhat: 60% Syrah, 40% Merlot. Almost jammy on the nose, with black cherry, vanilla and black plum aromas. Black cherry, cassis and just a touch of pepper on the palate. This one was underwhelming compared to the two above (especially the '14), but perhaps all it needs is a couple years. It will be interesting to revisit this at a later date.<br />
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And, to round out this post, a selection of random whites we have enjoyed recently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0qntTrPfLctDBEaUBKig29Zc3Afd-VQvWkBDDD2iJpn18hPXJxzeL8XVlW3w4BQ_CB7SjeAK8SDkkoJ0Hibb4fWYAw7boJlYfuimNIsgNxOlJWdyVC7BswDJNTpPutKLR1BkE4uWNkEi/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="402" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0qntTrPfLctDBEaUBKig29Zc3Afd-VQvWkBDDD2iJpn18hPXJxzeL8XVlW3w4BQ_CB7SjeAK8SDkkoJ0Hibb4fWYAw7boJlYfuimNIsgNxOlJWdyVC7BswDJNTpPutKLR1BkE4uWNkEi/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Quails' Gate 2010 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay ($50ish from winery)</i></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Absolutely incredible on the nose, bright tropical fruit, nutmeg, toasted marshmallow, hazelnut, buttered toast and Meyer lemon. This is really hitting it's stride right now, with rich and powerful flavors of caramel, Red Delicious apple, citrus, allspice and candied ginger. This is just delicious, and if you have any of these in your cellar, get them out. I can't imagine this gets much better. 94.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVat9HVBd7NOiEo8XfXEbQ_eOD3FDWKur75w7vlCCuNwfLgy1N8AfiomMYzaeCFTBLR1Ym-G52fkBwWmFpX2kJs-i0FQvlCgVhzNoRJ7_ubtiO0RW_bdS-fMp-1IKKDaQWcL-uxD7u8bg7/s1600/92c.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="396" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVat9HVBd7NOiEo8XfXEbQ_eOD3FDWKur75w7vlCCuNwfLgy1N8AfiomMYzaeCFTBLR1Ym-G52fkBwWmFpX2kJs-i0FQvlCgVhzNoRJ7_ubtiO0RW_bdS-fMp-1IKKDaQWcL-uxD7u8bg7/s320/92c.PNG" width="320" /></i></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Quails' Gate 2007 Chardonnay ($28.95 from wine shop)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Picked this up at the winery as a curiosity, figured it might be getting close to the end of life, but it has tons of fruit left. Hedonistic, buttery and delicious notes of butterscotch, toasted almond and citrus fruit. Wish I had picked up more than one!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKgYBAZWun49bF-dMx6LXjWxRfrfs7XMYNQkYQjcp20bYlAJkewLRrcL00sb5ahBCDWQER9FkZEbNDsIK-6125XRLt3So2rY4Cg0jyjCIxdpOyhg-S0AZtb4bUMG2k_7OQ0QsybD1eDbe/s1600/seta91.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="351" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKgYBAZWun49bF-dMx6LXjWxRfrfs7XMYNQkYQjcp20bYlAJkewLRrcL00sb5ahBCDWQER9FkZEbNDsIK-6125XRLt3So2rY4Cg0jyjCIxdpOyhg-S0AZtb4bUMG2k_7OQ0QsybD1eDbe/s320/seta91.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Signorello Estate Winery 2012 Seta ($188.00 at restaurant)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
62% Semillon, 38% Sauvignon Blanc<br />
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Intense aromas of pear, honeydew melon and citrus. The palate is unctuous, almost greasy, flavors of passion fruit, pear, quince and nectarine. The finish brings some wet stone along with it. Even at 6 years old, this was closed off at first, but when we asked for a decanter (and food pairings didn't hurt), it opened up beautifully over the course of our meal.<br />
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Next up: Back to the Okanagan blog report, Nk'Mip and The Hatch upcoming!!Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-68818702072978603272018-09-03T09:52:00.000-07:002018-09-06T07:39:23.172-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part XVII, and I'm Cursing the Moon because there wasn't much open!As I am sure I've mentioned before, the upside to touring the Okanagan in April is the total lack of crowds. The downside, however, is you are often faced with a winery without a ton of wine open, as much of their previous vintages are sold out and the new ones are not yet available. Such was the case during this visit to Moon Curser, where we only got to taste 3 wines that we had not already sampled.<br />
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Pitter-patter, let's get at er'....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8k2ZtLgo-7xYmYu-gTZy9vhDiJej05YWybIlsQsz_ZDV06lum26xJxbabLZClAAuNgOwLpnmSLf8W5cyrbHmUjRZCPBB02WeIR4S2Ak09VRQ1gzMpEANOJDqsD5zewuxa8PVMUo8NLXdj/s1600/88ar.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="379" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8k2ZtLgo-7xYmYu-gTZy9vhDiJej05YWybIlsQsz_ZDV06lum26xJxbabLZClAAuNgOwLpnmSLf8W5cyrbHmUjRZCPBB02WeIR4S2Ak09VRQ1gzMpEANOJDqsD5zewuxa8PVMUo8NLXdj/s320/88ar.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Moon Curser 2017 Arneis ($22.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite having been in bottle only a month, this was showing well already. Aromas of citrus, green apple and white flowers. Green apple and lemon dominate the palate with a touch of white plum as well. This needs a bit of time to calm down and for the acidity to balance out, but it will get there. We bought one of these to lay down for a year or so.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUxezgKl0Ao88lcSvvfpy0pTaERvmdzWhpsLfLF2I5nf1aY6n57XLzw-tX3l4KZW5D2IFB8rlu4CKqHg0acMaplNIcDYzZyyrgyESZKh4g1XrDDX2aPIRA9E4wFcUn50lxpZ9WTdUtUDn/s1600/88d.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="394" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUxezgKl0Ao88lcSvvfpy0pTaERvmdzWhpsLfLF2I5nf1aY6n57XLzw-tX3l4KZW5D2IFB8rlu4CKqHg0acMaplNIcDYzZyyrgyESZKh4g1XrDDX2aPIRA9E4wFcUn50lxpZ9WTdUtUDn/s320/88d.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Moon Curser 2016 Dolcetto ($24.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A lively red that is meant to be consumed young. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and a hint of black cherry. Totally unoaked, the palate presents notes of red berries, almonds and prunes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUseF-2k-w7uiiDpG5N-NpIjoG9s6Q-nEutYwu8BFgOwFOO1_W-R9oMRX5IRTGtFHxq-_NaqHlkeLEyMK0NiO9MfVDqIwpK513DwpaAOmvZuDjbat9W7J3C_ZX0D8CF_v5X4ibtr_tuJW/s1600/bv89.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="395" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUseF-2k-w7uiiDpG5N-NpIjoG9s6Q-nEutYwu8BFgOwFOO1_W-R9oMRX5IRTGtFHxq-_NaqHlkeLEyMK0NiO9MfVDqIwpK513DwpaAOmvZuDjbat9W7J3C_ZX0D8CF_v5X4ibtr_tuJW/s320/bv89.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Moon Curser 2015 Border Vines ($24.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
50% Cabernet Sauvignon/39% Malbec/11% Carmenere<br />
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This one is always a good value, and this is no exception. Blackberry, eucalyptus and blueberry on the nose. Black fruit dominates the palate, but there is a bit of spice and leather lurking as well. Another one that can be consumed in it's youth. Nice.<br />
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Well that was it for this tasting! Next up: Next door, to Nk'Mip!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-52270566250505663902018-08-30T09:20:00.002-07:002018-09-06T07:39:33.704-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part XVI, and we are up the Hester Creek without a Trebbiano!!!.....kidding, of course, because what would Hester Creek be without Trebbiano???<br />
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For a refresher on the Trebbiano, go check out my <a href="https://deanswineblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/vancouver-international-wine.html">Tasting Notes</a> from February's VIWF. It is delicious. My three compadres got to taste it for the first time and all enjoyed it. We bought mucho bottles of this.<br />
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And, of course, they do have some other wine as well.....let's check that out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXPOXmJ9LYUoovLyPgTTaysU_G61-S2GMmJUH4YhdZvKxpB-FpEHVh7j0_YcjMs9qRglNuOD_lUyrZNF4IZMIxHQq9doAdq8yxsD7sYsmfg59Lr6xGbwPF7xvak_HtKOkaHcXqAWRklXI/s1600/88pg.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="389" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXPOXmJ9LYUoovLyPgTTaysU_G61-S2GMmJUH4YhdZvKxpB-FpEHVh7j0_YcjMs9qRglNuOD_lUyrZNF4IZMIxHQq9doAdq8yxsD7sYsmfg59Lr6xGbwPF7xvak_HtKOkaHcXqAWRklXI/s320/88pg.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Hester Creek 2017 Pinot Gris ($18.95)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aromas of pear, flint and honeydew melon. Pear is all over the palate, joined late by some stone fruit and zippy acidity. We have noticed an increase in quality in BC Pinot Gris recently, and this one is no exception.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4lsmFpyrPMuJn8DjwU6HRZLEkfDguSOmBYaViExOhW4hNDmHXh4BbDbwq_HcqE0Qc0m_jKm-LDH3cQglbf_k74-i52ZNNoLipemv0IqXK_AjB4D6iOkKWGcSjuzIJ8DGbAyg4gUQKUy_/s1600/87pb.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="399" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4lsmFpyrPMuJn8DjwU6HRZLEkfDguSOmBYaViExOhW4hNDmHXh4BbDbwq_HcqE0Qc0m_jKm-LDH3cQglbf_k74-i52ZNNoLipemv0IqXK_AjB4D6iOkKWGcSjuzIJ8DGbAyg4gUQKUy_/s320/87pb.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Hester Creek 2017 Pinot Blanc ($17.95)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Inviting nose of green apple, citrus and impressive minerality. Citrus and stone fruits dominate the palate. Medium finish.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0t5ichJwpkaLB6-vGiFB-DnXFEA2TXlxPan79kPMsYoY8oBCfkrJKFB6Z1TmyhY9sQl1ie7fy_e8Eaw9n7eOdXYehgZ28IJXzhWyXKEx8Wfufmb3eLRrSqMseQdMOhQeB4by9wvMGO5V/s1600/ch87.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="384" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0t5ichJwpkaLB6-vGiFB-DnXFEA2TXlxPan79kPMsYoY8oBCfkrJKFB6Z1TmyhY9sQl1ie7fy_e8Eaw9n7eOdXYehgZ28IJXzhWyXKEx8Wfufmb3eLRrSqMseQdMOhQeB4by9wvMGO5V/s320/ch87.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Hester Creek 2016 Chardonnay ($24.95)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fruit bomb on the nose, with lemon zest and a hint of caramel. Citrus flavors, with a touch of toasty oak and butterscotch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgHTd5SgPOH4kpOv1dtrfrtqoRLc3ZuuqvLg328GZ-jQZs9H0fEux9pF0PQVmydOnbRCD5k9AS5b1gX_UJdHWhyphenhyphenIev7NxBZZX7W3_qVmImY5jT5AfsYxrdYOQAsuzQtWKxfV41RutqxML/s1600/r88.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="400" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgHTd5SgPOH4kpOv1dtrfrtqoRLc3ZuuqvLg328GZ-jQZs9H0fEux9pF0PQVmydOnbRCD5k9AS5b1gX_UJdHWhyphenhyphenIev7NxBZZX7W3_qVmImY5jT5AfsYxrdYOQAsuzQtWKxfV41RutqxML/s320/r88.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Hester Creek 2017 Cabernet Franc Rosé ($19.95)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aromas of strawberry, tomato leaf and cranberry. Vanilla bean, black cherry, strawberry, rhubarb and cranberry on the palate. Just a hint of a peppery finish. Tasty, especially for any of you who love cranberry!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF_dsgHW6orN7N-DVBrSg0GmrDlqOTDT68Fx1XE1XNo4H2UVq2r46OLAGWYAHOD924cM50EWAzREJKtMwSSjlTrfbiBq3YxjL9XjW2cwNpvTcIN5VbjHB8ixqktVfsaZDOaGn_pkfj5XN/s1600/88m.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="390" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF_dsgHW6orN7N-DVBrSg0GmrDlqOTDT68Fx1XE1XNo4H2UVq2r46OLAGWYAHOD924cM50EWAzREJKtMwSSjlTrfbiBq3YxjL9XjW2cwNpvTcIN5VbjHB8ixqktVfsaZDOaGn_pkfj5XN/s320/88m.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Hester Creek 2016 Selected Barrels Merlot ($19.95) </i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aromas of plum, black cherry and caramel with herbaceous notes. Black cherry, vanilla, mocha and baking spices on the palate. Rich and round and a nice bargain.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnYm9RASwFWtaYXBZQkLaO0hJ46ilVpZNY75sg2M2sGMK0pZQtk2Cf8z5UO0mCBqysbt3bDprSZx7x463XEuSqD_2R9wXysQtyzFey_186JlPt6aiD63dCUIlNLZqSSdkXhK_48e9p9Qj/s1600/cm88.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="388" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnYm9RASwFWtaYXBZQkLaO0hJ46ilVpZNY75sg2M2sGMK0pZQtk2Cf8z5UO0mCBqysbt3bDprSZx7x463XEuSqD_2R9wXysQtyzFey_186JlPt6aiD63dCUIlNLZqSSdkXhK_48e9p9Qj/s320/cm88.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Hester Creek 2016 Selected Barrels Cabernet Merlot ($19.95)</span></b></i></td></tr>
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58% Cabernet (Franc and Sauvignon) 42% Merlot<br />
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Violets, blackberry, black cherry and fresh dill on the nose. Blackberry dominates the palate, but look closely and you'll catch some cassis, plum and mint as well. This one is almost begging to be opened up on the patio during a late-summer BBQ.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjeVtsgfdiu9hWlxcYz3GbMy4RFLAJum48uOnDFSuxU41kfebQ8opoe_U0sqbQ2lVvB9K0bSBPiLxFa4WpNqXLK0eGjtys9yi2zTrEG0Lk5dMDm7u3DJt2f7LcF9N6ca1gMw7LcsydZQf/s1600/88pb.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="393" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjeVtsgfdiu9hWlxcYz3GbMy4RFLAJum48uOnDFSuxU41kfebQ8opoe_U0sqbQ2lVvB9K0bSBPiLxFa4WpNqXLK0eGjtys9yi2zTrEG0Lk5dMDm7u3DJt2f7LcF9N6ca1gMw7LcsydZQf/s320/88pb.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Hester Creek 2016 Late Harvest Pinot Blanc ($18.95)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aromas of honeysuckle, pear, red apple and stone fruit. Flavors include peach, banana, pear and citrus. Yeah, it's tasty but not sweet enough for my personal tastes.<br />
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There is a consistancy of quality here which is refreshing (look at the scores!). You know what you are going to get here, year in and year out. And if you check out the link I left above with my review of the Trebbiano, you will notice another higher score for their big Bordeaux blend, The Judge (which was not open for tasting during this visit).<br />
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Next up: A very short visit to Moon Curser! Just a few more reports before this particular Okanagan trip is finally put to bed.<br />
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AND.......some big changes coming to this blog in the near future, hopefully. No details yet... that's what we in the biz call "a teaser". :)Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-36796707365338156742018-08-30T07:05:00.002-07:002018-08-30T09:00:35.846-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part XV, across the road to Gehringer Bros!!If you can't conceive of spending more than $20 on a bottle of wine, this is the place for you. The most expensive table wine we tasted here was $16.59 (pre-tax).<br />
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Look, as I've said before, you get what you pay for. But if you are smart, and seek out the good bargains, you can enjoy wines that meet almost any price point. When you walk into a BC Liquor Store, for example, what do you see piled up at the front door? It's not Opus One.<br />
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Apothic. Yellow Tail. Barefoot.<br />
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That's not wine, folks. That's turpentine.<br />
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For the same money, or less, seek out these wines. They aren't complicated, they aren't sophisticated, but they are well-made, honest representations of BC wine. They have a huge portfolio, meaning there is something for almost every taste. And they are a helluva lot better than that crap I listed above.<br />
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One complaint: Not a huge fan of the use of the term "Private Reserve" on wines of this price and quality. It's confusing for consumers when they see these terms on wines like this. It cheapens the word "reserve".<br />
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Let's get to it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoa4XqUZp9NJ8xu_12TlYcYfFtkaWJ6O33AkD3f1PZQWhwxr_iMx9R-paJgtkgEuxn1lxpQ-usO0xRqzeXU80HPFFysZUC9PSja0j1MHjmc8Cx_cautdRcA1NKBDnA32haOgLvk8k8s5z/s1600/86dr.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="386" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoa4XqUZp9NJ8xu_12TlYcYfFtkaWJ6O33AkD3f1PZQWhwxr_iMx9R-paJgtkgEuxn1lxpQ-usO0xRqzeXU80HPFFysZUC9PSja0j1MHjmc8Cx_cautdRcA1NKBDnA32haOgLvk8k8s5z/s320/86dr.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Geheringer Bros. 2016 Private Reserve Dry Riesling ($13.29)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Light aromas of pineapple and green apple. Strong flavors of citrus, with green apple in the background. Rich, full mouthfeel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M3QM9053ghE9jgcB_qrV9k0RvcxXr4l-32acj46nF8q-QlpZk_BvWv8Rzb8tf91o_kYMFDlZgl9et3IUyOi1gZzLbIgT1-wffBHJew_t-55egvk0DV5_fQTSQWw071CQXBHzYyUdI_zs/s1600/pg84.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="393" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M3QM9053ghE9jgcB_qrV9k0RvcxXr4l-32acj46nF8q-QlpZk_BvWv8Rzb8tf91o_kYMFDlZgl9et3IUyOi1gZzLbIgT1-wffBHJew_t-55egvk0DV5_fQTSQWw071CQXBHzYyUdI_zs/s320/pg84.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Private Reserve Pinot Gris ($13.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aromas of citrus and a hint of white flowers. Sharp and fruity flavors of citrus. Straight forward lemon and lime.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtVEZzUO_-nZICeIVlIY-g14JyZypTFWf28hNI5kFfVjfsnmLEyecx34vt4XJq23oGFts6wgZvB3SKm6CivBSqRAgT0mpndNS7D2G9_rJdvP6Rz9cvsiSfUMVE5EBxUMBh9WggLHJx-Z0/s1600/86g.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="373" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtVEZzUO_-nZICeIVlIY-g14JyZypTFWf28hNI5kFfVjfsnmLEyecx34vt4XJq23oGFts6wgZvB3SKm6CivBSqRAgT0mpndNS7D2G9_rJdvP6Rz9cvsiSfUMVE5EBxUMBh9WggLHJx-Z0/s320/86g.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Optimum Pinot Gris ($16.59</span></i></b>)</td></tr>
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Aromas of pear and red apple, with a hint of minerality. Pear, lychee and Asian pear flavors. Richer and fruitier than the above.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWSdTg9JubnYiircRW3PK0B4i8gGDE-kacZoUk9E4YcKXmRL_uJWKYjCzMqlkaiiVu8BXTXPfD_zFmQ2dAomRUnJ6rqJ2AhL23xvsKwIbKot1TKA-JE3X6glGdQkrvYOliGtRWFB6yWY-/s1600/drc84.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="382" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWSdTg9JubnYiircRW3PK0B4i8gGDE-kacZoUk9E4YcKXmRL_uJWKYjCzMqlkaiiVu8BXTXPfD_zFmQ2dAomRUnJ6rqJ2AhL23xvsKwIbKot1TKA-JE3X6glGdQkrvYOliGtRWFB6yWY-/s320/drc84.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Dry Rock Chardonnay Unoaked ($13.29)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Very light nutty aromas, with just a hint citrus fruit. The palate is framed with flavors of red apple and almond. Finishes very short, keeping this from achieving greater heights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_4cD91eAUaWkTTmj6IIzsrcKTazVlOVwWWWaNQ7dRWIw56NfCk_x60oJSq7nljlIVNn35C5VGiSQ2xvblALCFFMAyI9X9c6RFIVy_ca-YpSn4EBglV998GLMRB5GHsXEqVx9dXrua22h/s1600/sb84.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="421" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_4cD91eAUaWkTTmj6IIzsrcKTazVlOVwWWWaNQ7dRWIw56NfCk_x60oJSq7nljlIVNn35C5VGiSQ2xvblALCFFMAyI9X9c6RFIVy_ca-YpSn4EBglV998GLMRB5GHsXEqVx9dXrua22h/s320/sb84.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2017 Dry Rock Sauvignon Blanc ($14.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Aromas of jalapeno, fresh cut grass and green pepper. Palate is dominated by tart citrus fruit. Another one that would improve if it didn't finish short.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxr5WTww05Tg3ckbRYvBbgr-Et1IOHx9cQu2HpQPoBqcMMw1RAp-Kbr108k6XSAJEU_S-3lSHLgiA2LyFmTXH0oOiWOUKfNOHXZlNAW5Ez5xS2Dblxf3VnkMNeRG8Brzy1EUO1hR57jyX/s1600/aux84.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="394" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxr5WTww05Tg3ckbRYvBbgr-Et1IOHx9cQu2HpQPoBqcMMw1RAp-Kbr108k6XSAJEU_S-3lSHLgiA2LyFmTXH0oOiWOUKfNOHXZlNAW5Ez5xS2Dblxf3VnkMNeRG8Brzy1EUO1hR57jyX/s320/aux84.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Old Vines Auxerrois ($14.29)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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This grape is sometimes referred to as "Pinot Auxerrois", but it bears no relation to the similar Pinot Blanc; in fact, it's a sibling of Chardonnay. This one shows elderflower, pear and nectarine on the nose. The palate is dominated by stone fruit and is ever-so-slightly off-dry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80bit4_fCWNzhc304RWN7NolRNKkGXMfH9qR_Dqa4SupTpd4mkF_UeBpgr0pk6HMKCltp1oxlmWJNfn0lJ_p-EfhvVSjJqkqyO7oSp7jihbwS9ceINv2VFdRGCEGV2BUnPuge1BDPtk0-/s1600/85ds.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="404" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80bit4_fCWNzhc304RWN7NolRNKkGXMfH9qR_Dqa4SupTpd4mkF_UeBpgr0pk6HMKCltp1oxlmWJNfn0lJ_p-EfhvVSjJqkqyO7oSp7jihbwS9ceINv2VFdRGCEGV2BUnPuge1BDPtk0-/s320/85ds.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Desert Sun ($12.29)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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A blend of Riesling, Auxerrois and Chardonnay. White flowers, green apple and lychee on the nose. The flavors are similar, finishing well and slightly off-dry. I mean, for Twelve bucks, how much better are you going to do?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMB7Lmx92yIfnLHndjHr10HeMe82YCNoOt2NLVsN9DN2QmFzmF51lzSwVmQRNNaFoscWdOL132O3kv0EZhIjSbnuWR0tB-68jFx2uIfP1tHSiE5MpQ6dKOJOnnj8C3kkA-_q-QcoHRvf9/s1600/86r.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="395" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMB7Lmx92yIfnLHndjHr10HeMe82YCNoOt2NLVsN9DN2QmFzmF51lzSwVmQRNNaFoscWdOL132O3kv0EZhIjSbnuWR0tB-68jFx2uIfP1tHSiE5MpQ6dKOJOnnj8C3kkA-_q-QcoHRvf9/s320/86r.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2017 Rosé ($14.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this has arresting aromas of strawberry, bell pepper and rhubarb. The flavors are similar, with some pink grapefruit coming along for the ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuBTCfBCiFvhESRXIbCcHd_qbXT3VKw06U8NHPeda3rcGydK3quU0KuEbDC5Ot2E8n_RF9MmHX6WlLQqI98lNnuNduyGCp9wOB_OVwmxGn_2a7Beap-lQzzouSm8BvkR_9gbxBcIUU3o2/s1600/86sn.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="391" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuBTCfBCiFvhESRXIbCcHd_qbXT3VKw06U8NHPeda3rcGydK3quU0KuEbDC5Ot2E8n_RF9MmHX6WlLQqI98lNnuNduyGCp9wOB_OVwmxGn_2a7Beap-lQzzouSm8BvkR_9gbxBcIUU3o2/s320/86sn.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Summer Night ($13.29)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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A blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Aromas of black cherry and red raspberry, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, vanilla and a hint of spice on the finish. This is one where the palate saves the nose; it smells a bit cheap, but tastes just fine. Again, the theme here is value for your dollar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-fqHYCP6USGLn3un2iMfujcQKeAjqKsVkutuypMEiNcFul2rXABrHRVAWAc5Zy77ddaGhA44p4zpz6X9eX4BJtnsMkC4BjUWsNOQ8tKSpvptTkrygPWXDPN6CFC8-b-pfintTX6CAUdv/s1600/87cm.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="385" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-fqHYCP6USGLn3un2iMfujcQKeAjqKsVkutuypMEiNcFul2rXABrHRVAWAc5Zy77ddaGhA44p4zpz6X9eX4BJtnsMkC4BjUWsNOQ8tKSpvptTkrygPWXDPN6CFC8-b-pfintTX6CAUdv/s320/87cm.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Dry Rock Cabernet-Merlot ($14.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Black cherry, cassis and black plum on the nose. Tons of black fruit mingling on the palate. Vanilla and dark chocolate chime in as well. Medium finish, which is the only thing keeping this from being outstanding. Another excellent value.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKNiTmEEWbQSl7LwRp2g3brfafqXXyyI3KHjN4jR-HZm-Mmof0Idvegz984ByTMNK7ei0KRCI999QKjONW3JVD-yThcq2pAWXTvkBP-I-ZhlTA6cH_GRTWfhpmQeOTUtWsGqGEAzUEvlU/s1600/86mer.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="414" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKNiTmEEWbQSl7LwRp2g3brfafqXXyyI3KHjN4jR-HZm-Mmof0Idvegz984ByTMNK7ei0KRCI999QKjONW3JVD-yThcq2pAWXTvkBP-I-ZhlTA6cH_GRTWfhpmQeOTUtWsGqGEAzUEvlU/s320/86mer.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2016 Dry Rock Merlot ($13.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aromas of red cherry, mocha, strawberry and blueberry. Black cherry, cassis and a hint of spice on the palate. Again, the finish is the only real issue here, but, once again, nice bang for the buck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfv2EJ4jNrVbxR2r0om2kHaP1CXUseCK91Y1HkvJ3Pk1BF6VXzI5dT6I2Q-I8_JgpK-_vIWfoJP4PQg_xKz8V9ZLVGteTYyUYhUKXA1t_OI2yUh60GkCVjVMIcYYT7hKysx1YazmTtPFy/s1600/lhcgf.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="414" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfv2EJ4jNrVbxR2r0om2kHaP1CXUseCK91Y1HkvJ3Pk1BF6VXzI5dT6I2Q-I8_JgpK-_vIWfoJP4PQg_xKz8V9ZLVGteTYyUYhUKXA1t_OI2yUh60GkCVjVMIcYYT7hKysx1YazmTtPFy/s320/lhcgf.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2015 Late Harvest Cabernet Franc ($16.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aromas of peach, nectarine and red currant. Rich and round palate of red cherry, red currant, raspberry and blackberry. Tasty. We bought one of these and enjoyed it just last night, as a matter of a fact.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQM2daLHL0p_51op8ycjEVYFVi9Q2F8RP0J3YK0fg7cuhLM1tTQXdaQ57yMZe5epAjvdOaUgvGnc45ajn76lrB5Bkpl-D0USvSK25WQjfI3qUN6VNVKYhwuZeLEe-0jegipxEdII-g3Bf/s1600/87rie.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="410" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQM2daLHL0p_51op8ycjEVYFVi9Q2F8RP0J3YK0fg7cuhLM1tTQXdaQ57yMZe5epAjvdOaUgvGnc45ajn76lrB5Bkpl-D0USvSK25WQjfI3qUN6VNVKYhwuZeLEe-0jegipxEdII-g3Bf/s320/87rie.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2017 Late Harvest Riesling ($18.99)</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pineapple, apricot and red apple on the nose. Tons of stone fruit dominating the palate, with pineapple notes as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ5NG_PxFH6gm5dIjWjEVzGFhLi3F84Qf2Bb_fMo2Ez9PNWmOoyNO-HXEMnd_nNAJ3i7XtUNKPTnvvV5y8XF2qM6tGPf0RMsFCa5_YXYZijZzMTMI3Hp-MswLoPSxpqRZrW-gVDgZB26r/s1600/cf90.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="394" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ5NG_PxFH6gm5dIjWjEVzGFhLi3F84Qf2Bb_fMo2Ez9PNWmOoyNO-HXEMnd_nNAJ3i7XtUNKPTnvvV5y8XF2qM6tGPf0RMsFCa5_YXYZijZzMTMI3Hp-MswLoPSxpqRZrW-gVDgZB26r/s320/cf90.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2015 Cabernet Franc Icewine ($41.99)</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aromas of red and black fruits with honeysuckle lurking in the background. Stewed plums, honey, blackberry, blueberry and dried figs on the palate. Another excellent value, you might pay double this amount elsewhere.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfvQrG1WDhUqKkMNbJhPN5SAXx9h64VpQgXcTB8V_RctNIYWRzYxJQwSo4lyaUyMa_ZCTUBkMfXT9M8d-EvpGJcXi2eF5JeoquaVByflTojPsYuMCvBRQH6FnFzRjE3-1KaNGhZrJhyphenhyphenm4/s1600/93rie.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="396" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfvQrG1WDhUqKkMNbJhPN5SAXx9h64VpQgXcTB8V_RctNIYWRzYxJQwSo4lyaUyMa_ZCTUBkMfXT9M8d-EvpGJcXi2eF5JeoquaVByflTojPsYuMCvBRQH6FnFzRjE3-1KaNGhZrJhyphenhyphenm4/s320/93rie.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Gehringer Bros. 2015 Riesling Icewine ($41.99)</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yeah yeah I'm sure you are tired of hearing this, but I love Icewine, and I particularly love Riesling Icewine. No exception here. Pineapple, raisin and vanilla on the nose. Luscious mouthfeel. Flavors of red apple, pineapple and dried figs. Delicious.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagfxJ0KGKNtt8iWGJWGdmJ17uaWdPpnJuSapD2j1CdlpVMIVJ8yfIeUTS8r1JQIKbiNrkOcaPn_kWiT4jWkW7TOTkLPc4h2s4Q8eKB7ar3wqFwFefMof7ixQSxIPI0tV9pnV6MQHk2uBr/s1600/90min.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="396" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagfxJ0KGKNtt8iWGJWGdmJ17uaWdPpnJuSapD2j1CdlpVMIVJ8yfIeUTS8r1JQIKbiNrkOcaPn_kWiT4jWkW7TOTkLPc4h2s4Q8eKB7ar3wqFwFefMof7ixQSxIPI0tV9pnV6MQHk2uBr/s320/90min.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gehringer Bros. 2017 Minus 9 Ehrenfelser Icewine ($41.99)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't know of another Ehrenfelser Icewine out there. White flowers, apple, stone fruit, honey and pineapple on the nose. This is incredibly sweet, as you would expect. Flavors of stone fruit and honey, with well balanced acidity. We bought one of these, drank half of the bottle, and used the rest to make a delicious Icewine cream to serve over berries. Fabulous.<br />
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<br />
Trying to get this Okanagan trip finished off by the end of this weekend as there is SO much other stuff to report on (Disneyland wine, months of miscellaneous tastings, and TWO more Okanagan trips!!). Gotta get to it!<br />
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Next up: Hester Creek!!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-82459391527348998682018-08-17T06:56:00.000-07:002018-08-17T06:56:21.839-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part XIV, Bordertown.Disclaimer: We had a terrible experience here.<br />
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My wife and I had visited once before and were treated perfectly well; this time however, the owner (same lady as last time) seemed totally disinterested by us being there, and in fact spent most of our visit talking in Punjabi to another lady who was sitting on a stool about 10 feet behind the tasting bar. At one point, the owner explained she was "training" the other lady.<br />
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If that's how you train someone....having them sit 10 feet away, not speak a word of English during the entire visit, and do not engage with your customers for one second....well, that's pretty terrible training. I don't actually believe there was any training going on, we felt like they had no interest in our visit.<br />
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My wife tried to engage her on a couple of occasions, and tried to pay one of her wines a compliment at one point, and the owner interrupted her and continued speaking Punjabi to the other lady. Ignored her completely.<br />
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It is so incredibly rude to ignore your customers to carry on a conversation with someone else in a foreign language. We were disgusted, and we will absolutely not be back here. Ever.<br />
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On to the wines, some of which are of good quality.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm5ou3sEXPeldwqUKoGDd32m1m8SDYuEVqw6gUj3pGylz0JATpcjnx7GS0AXnZfCF5uSL8O08d-gz9nSC_ArjdUB5B5Hd2tY5gNSzwb_CNOP3AT2nXYNJI-MeO7cnsrN9BMWwS8XQ2bGF/s1600/87b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="388" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm5ou3sEXPeldwqUKoGDd32m1m8SDYuEVqw6gUj3pGylz0JATpcjnx7GS0AXnZfCF5uSL8O08d-gz9nSC_ArjdUB5B5Hd2tY5gNSzwb_CNOP3AT2nXYNJI-MeO7cnsrN9BMWwS8XQ2bGF/s320/87b.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2015 Living Desert White ($18.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Pinot Gris/Riesling/Muscat<br />
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Aromas of elderflower, pear and citrus. Viscous, rich mouth feel, with flavors that mirror the nose. A pleasant patio sipper at this price.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3r8auGhKaQ2NHffo1UdBHwoirR5Qzno-L3b6pxgJwJeJ3HLk6QnvKj-122_wdk7Geys9QOaPfCl5YSry0hxCj5-IxfHyqv9xrTLaxGn3Gqh26FNpG87IEUtd_78zh8y6Jg-U-52L2qpip/s1600/89ge.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="392" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3r8auGhKaQ2NHffo1UdBHwoirR5Qzno-L3b6pxgJwJeJ3HLk6QnvKj-122_wdk7Geys9QOaPfCl5YSry0hxCj5-IxfHyqv9xrTLaxGn3Gqh26FNpG87IEUtd_78zh8y6Jg-U-52L2qpip/s320/89ge.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2015 Gewurztraminer ($20.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Arresting aromas of white flowers, lychee and tropical fruit. Lychee, banana and stone fruit on the palate. Just a touch of spice on the finish. Very nice, our favorite of the tasting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFs0IZkO31ra2r-IFqZD5cKXvdLAHdPkOGBVdXB8sQcsDtwFAFwZu4Z_5IpUUlefs5ULlskdcZ6ZG4G2kZBX-2iCHeEkIvC4gemSxYfI1RPZZmxHzXuVodzxyyBl3FRGNNkpJf2YrBpQ1F/s1600/85gv.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="383" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFs0IZkO31ra2r-IFqZD5cKXvdLAHdPkOGBVdXB8sQcsDtwFAFwZu4Z_5IpUUlefs5ULlskdcZ6ZG4G2kZBX-2iCHeEkIvC4gemSxYfI1RPZZmxHzXuVodzxyyBl3FRGNNkpJf2YrBpQ1F/s320/85gv.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2016 Gruner Veltliner ($25.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pineapple, guava, pear and a touch of spice on the nose. The flavors are light- mostly stone fruit - but they don't measure up to the aromas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdZchMJi6g-sMJ-_11whSv7scdfmDxAFeRmMXxZTSZa_GcDOEm6aXA3czyQ_6ATu05GFfZ4TbDP-f8EQVP4VCzBKPK7cVgZtkEYFBdMDeswgiQVx7ECNzwe4NKSaL1NZv1IwU61Bl_eE5/s1600/87pg.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="397" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdZchMJi6g-sMJ-_11whSv7scdfmDxAFeRmMXxZTSZa_GcDOEm6aXA3czyQ_6ATu05GFfZ4TbDP-f8EQVP4VCzBKPK7cVgZtkEYFBdMDeswgiQVx7ECNzwe4NKSaL1NZv1IwU61Bl_eE5/s320/87pg.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2015 Pinot Gris ($19.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Very light, almost non-existant, aromas of pear and some tropical fruit. The palate is markedly better, with flavors of pear, guava and banana.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuce7OrulwlttzSUG4R044_uWlT2v2GjqAGFJX7v57YuSNeKUh4Tfg1ToWUs-iqbX6a8M2jjOXcgWGddzUOBiJKWOCm6wrpidgeoueZ3ZJsAXQ7HAOO4r48qKfJSV_0HbJqHkSyGosJ9b/s1600/85m.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="398" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuce7OrulwlttzSUG4R044_uWlT2v2GjqAGFJX7v57YuSNeKUh4Tfg1ToWUs-iqbX6a8M2jjOXcgWGddzUOBiJKWOCm6wrpidgeoueZ3ZJsAXQ7HAOO4r48qKfJSV_0HbJqHkSyGosJ9b/s320/85m.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2016 Muscat ($22.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Very aromatic nose of white flowers and tropical fruit. Bone dry with just 11.5% alcohol and flavors of peach, papaya and guava.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKl0GxnW7WqH08_MqU3J4lAv6pCkJcrR8Q7mNDoKORpKhWR30tKLV5VZj4W_LSh_gmXLR64MTwosUl5Ygt9rqohu7U9ZI2IQeGq5H3EUrSoWB5vfRa8rfvbkZx8lWSOWXAW45o-I3V9oG/s1600/ch88.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="371" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKl0GxnW7WqH08_MqU3J4lAv6pCkJcrR8Q7mNDoKORpKhWR30tKLV5VZj4W_LSh_gmXLR64MTwosUl5Ygt9rqohu7U9ZI2IQeGq5H3EUrSoWB5vfRa8rfvbkZx8lWSOWXAW45o-I3V9oG/s320/ch88.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2014 Chardonnay ($27.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Butterscotch, hazelnut and white flowers on the nose. Flavors are mostly tropical: banana, pineapple and coconut. A hint of butterscotch pops up at the end. Pleasant.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiwPWeXoS7Q7pYMcTMdDfM_OuYsqUzSV4kyv10sZ9VHPun8A9FCdpIxRS3aHz0mLNKrENwX0a1xtyvBuegmU52exCu0h1PH1YJy4KODccrLqnGwHPopXLkNOj-ff5rF45WmztnRC5i0mN/s1600/86br.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="399" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiwPWeXoS7Q7pYMcTMdDfM_OuYsqUzSV4kyv10sZ9VHPun8A9FCdpIxRS3aHz0mLNKrENwX0a1xtyvBuegmU52exCu0h1PH1YJy4KODccrLqnGwHPopXLkNOj-ff5rF45WmztnRC5i0mN/s320/86br.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2017 Rosé ($23.00)</span></i></b><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
100% Cabernet Franc<br />
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Light pink in colour, almost peachy. Aromas are very light red and black berries. The palate is different, with hints of rhubarb, jalapeno and red berries.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdsxuO_StYcbOCeInO03yVi-IIWsyb1S17KFaUJfFg6YiufaOcmi55sSfbvWVqFk8_Iwj3JsztkjRSysxlesLA2wJLu3NphFoHmvDoAupnLhW6RBxz0cN-O2S6pQ1txGyemjTN7oZ3kA-/s1600/8cf.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="383" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdsxuO_StYcbOCeInO03yVi-IIWsyb1S17KFaUJfFg6YiufaOcmi55sSfbvWVqFk8_Iwj3JsztkjRSysxlesLA2wJLu3NphFoHmvDoAupnLhW6RBxz0cN-O2S6pQ1txGyemjTN7oZ3kA-/s320/8cf.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2015 Cabernet Franc ($30.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pleasing aromas of red cherry, white pepper and a touch of strawberry. Black fruit and black pepper dominate the palate, with a medium finish.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT0qct3UPW6GVNI1ZAvzyd3OZNbgRtCUo14IPXyMy23GFno11aTUs08Hw-czx4GQ-DgzyYxw8ry6F4KTokCkLckl-Vt8y0mMhQOmQzgIjff6HaoZJAfFibhWh44tjwMIBvYSktCmhIO6u/s1600/8789.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="368" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT0qct3UPW6GVNI1ZAvzyd3OZNbgRtCUo14IPXyMy23GFno11aTUs08Hw-czx4GQ-DgzyYxw8ry6F4KTokCkLckl-Vt8y0mMhQOmQzgIjff6HaoZJAfFibhWh44tjwMIBvYSktCmhIO6u/s320/8789.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon ($30.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Aromas of mushroom, forest floor, black cherry and earth. Medium bodied, featuring juicy red fruit, a hint of mint and black pepper. Tannins are intense; this needs 4-6 years to improve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYAYzQI7lxkRSWa6WqXk-nzq-e9_Kx04ixGiV3AZrGLz_pRdfYQJNYrt6P9AuRIba5EdriYlB50VsJsyCY_2Gdpdnv-Iy05IMCW9h2UtnPlYC1HxfO0eljJPCE5HHnjZZYFwno9N25Aij/s1600/89b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="389" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYAYzQI7lxkRSWa6WqXk-nzq-e9_Kx04ixGiV3AZrGLz_pRdfYQJNYrt6P9AuRIba5EdriYlB50VsJsyCY_2Gdpdnv-Iy05IMCW9h2UtnPlYC1HxfO0eljJPCE5HHnjZZYFwno9N25Aij/s320/89b.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2014 Living Desert Red ($25.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Cabernet Franc/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
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Eucalyptus, red fruit, blackberry, vanilla and chocolate on the nose. Vanilla and dark chocolate mingle with blackberry and raspberry on the palate. Finishes well with a touch of black pepper. Nice and a good value.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMbCBtLhLEPEPGW7123QFHJ5X9mQrKSP_G_6dkhBzz2bQ54YFDOqHQJ9ZB-JqjfWzuLHLRm68dQHPFmXWEO1j7Wx-zOqe4COP7McAfJN4PAFMsHuhbJK3EZhxopk6zG6EfXRjfPdLnjBj/s1600/88m.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="384" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMbCBtLhLEPEPGW7123QFHJ5X9mQrKSP_G_6dkhBzz2bQ54YFDOqHQJ9ZB-JqjfWzuLHLRm68dQHPFmXWEO1j7Wx-zOqe4COP7McAfJN4PAFMsHuhbJK3EZhxopk6zG6EfXRjfPdLnjBj/s320/88m.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Bordertown 2014 Merlot ($23.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Licorice, cassis, blackberry and coffee on the nose. Blackberry, mocha and dark chocolate on the palate. The finish is unimpressive, keeping this from being excellent. May improve with more bottle time.<br />
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Next up: We head to a winery which will be popular with the "budget conscious" amongst you, Gehringer Brothers!<br />
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<br />Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6452921939629143326.post-1895452935280769562018-08-12T08:56:00.000-07:002018-08-12T08:56:17.790-07:00Okanagan Trip, Part XIII, up the hill to Road XIII, and no, I totally did not plan that......Right off the bat, a hearty "Congratulations" to the team at Road 13 for recently being named as Canada's #1 winery at the Wine Align National Wine Awards. Quite an accomplishment.<br />
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Now, on to our experience: We had been here only once before, if memory serves, and I can barely remember it, which generally means everything was fine. Nothing too outstanding, nothing too awful, middle of the "Road", pun intended.<br />
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What a different a couple of years can make.<br />
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As we saddled up to the tasting bar, we are greeted warmly by Joe Luckhurst, General Manager and son of the proprietors. Joe was warm and engaging, and eager to show us the entire portfolio. I know that sometimes taking notes on my iPad can give away the fact that we are serious about wine, and it does tend to lead to us being able to taste some special stuff that not everyone else gets to taste. I don't remember whether or not I told Joe that I write this blog; I don't always mention it unless I'm asked about it. In this case, I can't even remember how many of the wines below Joe had to run to his office to retrieve - at least three - and we were thrilled to be given the opportunity to taste so much wine. Let's get to it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Road 13 2017 Chip Off the Old Block Chenin Blanc ($17.39)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Might as well start off the tasting with a winner. Beautiful aromas of citrus and tropical fruit lead to mouth watering flavors of pineapple, white peach, honey and lychee. We bought a few of these and made a special trip back here when we were in the area in June to get a few more. Chenin Blanc is one of those grapes that we tend to drink too early in BC, and I have put 3 bottles of this away for future aging. I suspect it will get even better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKUiahJpNCiPw95Nd7-LwWOg00_7bh395XiZICCzvh8irbfdqjCMOxFWL-V4Ck9aNjm3DK2odVOQZDxFa2dWMh-LnmUw3zhtSaFB2JmI16xtZtxanZOpZdUf97XwOhoew9F9jYtuJPW9q/s1600/87st.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="365" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKUiahJpNCiPw95Nd7-LwWOg00_7bh395XiZICCzvh8irbfdqjCMOxFWL-V4Ck9aNjm3DK2odVOQZDxFa2dWMh-LnmUw3zhtSaFB2JmI16xtZtxanZOpZdUf97XwOhoew9F9jYtuJPW9q/s320/87st.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Road 13 2015 Stemwinder ($15.65)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">48% Chardonnay 39% Viognier 9% Marsanne 4% Roussanne</span><br />
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Here's a blend you don't see every day, but if you are looking for a nice well-priced white to pair with a creamy dish, this is your man. Aromas of buttered toast, stone fruit and a hint of banana. Intense flavors of apple, pear and stone fruit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Road 13 2016 VRM ($25.22)</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> 36.6% Roussanne, 35.7% Marsannne, 27.7% Viognier</span><br />
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These guys don't do anything the "normal" way; who in BC makes a VRM blend where the Viognier isn't the star? Aromas of white flowers, pear and red apple give way to flavors of mandarin orange, marzipan, banana and green apple. Rich, full mouthfeel. Very tasty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Road 13 2017 Honest John's Rosé ($15.65)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">70.5% Merlot, 19% Gamay Noir, 4.9% Viognier, 4.1% Syrah, 1% Pinot Noir, 0.5% Cabernet Franc</span><br />
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The nose is dominated by cranberry, with strawberry and raspberry lingering in the background. The red berries continue onto the palate, joined by some black plum. Slightly off-dry and decadent. Nice value.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXe3isU5Ols54Wp3ok1cboa5aM_42JpFTTAFkDnEOGvhc9AgLDva2gvMuYmPQwlwgdGr9S4nY8lm5gN31GZ_O7fDBOtY38q-RtWfrejvT7uvSEbTDfvLPjEW7vYqVVXMFJJqnAIKvzOJJ/s1600/88red.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="392" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXe3isU5Ols54Wp3ok1cboa5aM_42JpFTTAFkDnEOGvhc9AgLDva2gvMuYmPQwlwgdGr9S4nY8lm5gN31GZ_O7fDBOtY38q-RtWfrejvT7uvSEbTDfvLPjEW7vYqVVXMFJJqnAIKvzOJJ/s320/88red.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Road 13 2016 Honest John's Red ($17.39)</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">43% Merlot, 26% Gamay, 18% Pinot Noir, 10% Syrah, 2% Viognier, 1% Cab Franc</span><br />
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Entry level red-blend delivers more excellent value. Mushroom, blackberry and black cherry on the nose. Palate features raspberry jam, black fruit, clove and vanilla. Finishes well and could be a "go-to" wine with friends on the patio and BBQ red meat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKGw51Xx-JHvbNDwyVSd4oNtUq0a7p_HsswzB9hsDqYrr34rRywd_gL1Y3Oe1_8EaLR_PbF5LtWawxqOMvZz4SdJFWpd_aOCEA9SJTQCz7LxRkVBWlQoXWMorHwArBplylVJ9Vanblf_n/s1600/89k.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="371" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKGw51Xx-JHvbNDwyVSd4oNtUq0a7p_HsswzB9hsDqYrr34rRywd_gL1Y3Oe1_8EaLR_PbF5LtWawxqOMvZz4SdJFWpd_aOCEA9SJTQCz7LxRkVBWlQoXWMorHwArBplylVJ9Vanblf_n/s320/89k.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Road 13 2016 Seventy-Four K ($21.74)</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">64% Merlot , 16% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 3% Viognier, 2% Gamay Noir</span><br />
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Aromas of black fruit, blueberry and dark chocolate. Dark and brooding, with flavors of raspberry, black cherry, vanilla and mocha. Will improve with a couple years of careful cellaring.<br />
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It is about this time in our little story where Joe started excusing himself and slipping to his office to bring back stuff that wasn't out for regular tasting, and man did he ever come back with some beauties.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrQu_giV8R9rxYckfwXW-VT8ejFVwG8F-tnP67SA8dqCUhjNZXPbftLvLPxygz3NwClvQyUz0j4P27bIjg-1K254FH8O3bO30K3OC2H7yuZjgD9Se4DfPoC0uwp8XH03mtnBEiyTacMnR/s1600/91%252B.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="513" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrQu_giV8R9rxYckfwXW-VT8ejFVwG8F-tnP67SA8dqCUhjNZXPbftLvLPxygz3NwClvQyUz0j4P27bIjg-1K254FH8O3bO30K3OC2H7yuZjgD9Se4DfPoC0uwp8XH03mtnBEiyTacMnR/s320/91%252B.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road 13 2013 Fifth Element ($42.61)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">45% Merlot 18% Syrah 19% Cab Sauv 13% Cab Franc 5% Petit Verdot</span><br />
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I gave this "91+" because it is going to improve a TON in 4-5 years, but I'm honestly just not sure exactly how great it will be. Aromas of black licorice, pomegranate, blackberry and blueberry. Black fruit dominates the palate, with baking spices, vanilla and black pepper coming through as it opens. This is a huge wine, with strong tannins and vibrant acidity. If you absolutely have to drink this now, decant it for at least 2 hours and pair it with a big fat juicy steak.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FHIkCcY5eEJealvhbGxl7QNsNqKMBYX-d_aRqSb63yD2VQpYn-HkO-v4Xm81-9nZ3k2KIf6Co6RyE1Y8juo5XJ0bXURoMadXfuSJ78s_OZtvnZ_JPWqVK37P13xEiEkqQVQi0inR3lP0/s1600/94pv.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="361" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FHIkCcY5eEJealvhbGxl7QNsNqKMBYX-d_aRqSb63yD2VQpYn-HkO-v4Xm81-9nZ3k2KIf6Co6RyE1Y8juo5XJ0bXURoMadXfuSJ78s_OZtvnZ_JPWqVK37P13xEiEkqQVQi0inR3lP0/s320/94pv.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Road 13 2014 Jackpot Petit Verdot ($65.22)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Who knew Petit Verdot could be this good? Intoxicating aromas of violets, black fruit, spice, lavender and graphite. Rich, decadent flavors of black fruit, tobacco, cedar and spice. This needs another 5 years to come together completely, but if you can't wait, decant it and enjoy it now. It is a scene-stealer.<br />
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We loved this so much that Joe headed back to his office one more time to retrieve one of the last few bottles of this so we could taste the difference in two vintages:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenp2E1yf-093iEcRQ1W27OM9QtsnMj91i2XszO4wWwuRIjZIeATwCCPov5vj_GYJ5G9G-OhqS6fThWVBUb1whUNIZZCOjM1v8vD008KlHEamYPO5rUB2Bk_ELjkPHgstuKByttU0mie7l/s1600/88pv.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="378" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenp2E1yf-093iEcRQ1W27OM9QtsnMj91i2XszO4wWwuRIjZIeATwCCPov5vj_GYJ5G9G-OhqS6fThWVBUb1whUNIZZCOjM1v8vD008KlHEamYPO5rUB2Bk_ELjkPHgstuKByttU0mie7l/s320/88pv.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Road 13 2011 Jackpot Petit Verdot ($65.22)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Perfectly fine but compared to the above, it almost seems like an abomination. 2011 was a challenging year in this region and it shows here, with aromas of dried raisins, fig and black licorice. The palate is earthy, with mushrooms, cigar box and licorice coming through. There doesn't seem to be a ton of fruit left at this point.<br />
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One more special treat to taste:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4lyre0dDRWlCsudpeDEoHqHAwLM0IUvjuyY5mo5243dX3n7WkYtX2iwRy9bYgOFDtvvy_DUWQaeNH89KXJA6W3EfRfG-lsFOcGKIjcIUjZ9a8VHfTmzhvOvPImZ2EbcweZX9d_RqsV67/s1600/93jc.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="385" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4lyre0dDRWlCsudpeDEoHqHAwLM0IUvjuyY5mo5243dX3n7WkYtX2iwRy9bYgOFDtvvy_DUWQaeNH89KXJA6W3EfRfG-lsFOcGKIjcIUjZ9a8VHfTmzhvOvPImZ2EbcweZX9d_RqsV67/s320/93jc.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Road 13 2012 Jackpot Chardonnay ($60.00)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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Citrus aromas greet your nose right off the bat, particularly lime, but they are shortly replaced by intoxicating buttered popcorn and almond notes. Absolutely hitting it's peak right now, we left with a few of these and tried to get more during our June trip, to no avail. Perfectly balanced with flavors of pear, Meyer lemon and butterscotch. What a treat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj7r2SemlqGPyQ56zGhyphenhyphenIb0FbywwesDkqPmrtRhMRl_tcGJUl3nxseWmUOsPPDciDp1Hvc430Rwdrr0Rd0smCHU4sV4dwpIJDwK_HvZIJuKF9KMTxDcdWJ54wFfFpDA6AZhQE_mgpZpvC/s1600/r91.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="355" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj7r2SemlqGPyQ56zGhyphenhyphenIb0FbywwesDkqPmrtRhMRl_tcGJUl3nxseWmUOsPPDciDp1Hvc430Rwdrr0Rd0smCHU4sV4dwpIJDwK_HvZIJuKF9KMTxDcdWJ54wFfFpDA6AZhQE_mgpZpvC/s320/r91.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Road 13 2016 Roussanne ($25.22)</span></i></b></td></tr>
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We didn't get to taste this Club Member exclusive but Joe let us buy a few of them anyway and I'm glad we did. Aromas of orange marmalade, pineapple, honey and pear. Tropical fruit flavors abound, and as it opens up it also reveals orange zest, apricot and some red apple. We took this to a restaurant for lunch the other day and it paired beautifully with my shrimp pizza with a white sauce. Delicious.<br />
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The four of us left here with about 3 cases of wine in total....not too shabby given that we weren't expecting to be knocked over. One of the great pleasures of this business is re-visiting a winery after 2-3 years and being completely blown away by the increase in quality and tasting experience. This has shot up to the top of our list of "must visit" wineries every time we pass through the Osoyoos/Oliver area!</div>
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Next up, I'm going to go out of order a bit to show the difference that a tasting experience can make: From a fantastic experience here, to a much less-than-stellar experience at our next winery: Bordertown!</div>
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Mean Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022490854230332084noreply@blogger.com0