Sunday is definitely Church day....Church & State that is.....

From a tasting at our usual haunt, an assortment of new wines from Church & State....and one bonus rating as well.



Church & State 2011 Cabernet Blanc ($19.86)

An intriguing rose; Very fruity on the nose, and lots of strawberry with just a little note of grapefruit on the palate. One of my favorite BC roses. 85.








 


Church & State 2011 TreBella ($20.86)

A blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne. Some apricot and peach on the palate, with a hint of minerality on the finish. 81.










Church & State 2011 Coyote Bowl Syrah ($34.88)

Pepper, pepper, pepper. If that's your kind of Syrah, you'll love this. Tannins are still a tad firm, suggesting that a few years of careful cellaring would be of great benefit to this excellent wine. 86.







 

Church & State 2009 Quintessential ($54.88)

The signature Bordeaux-style blend is very fruit-forward, with lots of cherry and some strawberry as well. Tannins are softening but a few more years would also benefit this one which is already drinking very, very well. Incredible balance. 88.








Sumac Ridge 2005 Pinot Blanc Icewine

Regular readers of my blog will know that I love my Icewine; no exception here, this is really excellent. Notes of apple and honey on the nose, and the honey follows through on the palate, joined nicely by some hints of peach. Terrific mouth feel on this one, which coats your tongue as it slides gently over your taste buds. 91.