Some serious wine, and serious catching up

OK apologies for the lack of posting in the last month or so, things have been a little crazy. In a few days we are off to California, with tastings in Napa Valley and the Temecula Valley, so this blog will probably be quiet for most of September before I get a chance to catch up on all the great wine we are going to sample in Cali!

For now, reviews of everything we've enjoyed during the past few weeks:



Quails' Gate 2008 Chardonnay ($50 from winery)

Notes of toasty oak and honey on the nose and palate. Hints of the classic butter and caramel that accompanies so many great Chardonnays. Drinking exceptionally well now. 89.








Quails' Gate 2009 Pinot Noir ($24.99)

Red berries and some light floral notes on the nose. Supple tannins and a long, persistent finish. Drinking incredibly well now, and this spectacular vintage would probably age for another year or two as well. 91.





Quails' Gate 2006 Dry Riesling ($50 from winery)


The aging makes it as smooth as you could possibly imagine. Lots of minerality and flint and a smooth, long finish. Beautiful. 91.








Quails' Gate 2013 Gewurztraminer ($17.99)

Subtle notes of rose petals and lychee on the nose. Slight hint of spice on the mid-palate, giving way to a smooth and off-dry finish. 89.






Bonitas 2008 Casabella ($17.99)

 An intriguing blend of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris Dessert Wine. Some fruit and honeysuckle on the nose. Fruity on the palate. Has probably passed it's prime. 78.


Cedarcreek 2013 Gewurztraminer ($17.95)

Tropical fruit notes, with some nutmeg and lychee on the nose and palate. Slightly spicy finish with just a touch of ginger. 89.









Cedarcreek 2011 Merlot ($19.95)


 Aged 18 months in French oak and it shows. Toasty and fruity. Tannins are silky and smooth. Raspberries and strawberries on the palate. 87.





Cedarcreek 2013 Riesling ($17.95)


At only 9.9% alcohol, it's a sure thing you'll want to enjoy two bottles. Maybe three. Slate and fruit on the nose and palate. Citrus joins in on the palate leading to a smooth finish. 91.

This instantly rocketed up to the top of my list of BC Rieslings. Until.......





Cedarcreek 2013 Platinum "Block 3" Riesling ($24.95)

Lighter and more delicate on the nose than the above, with some very very light floral notes. The palate is sublime; lemon lime with lots of minerality that enhances, and does not overpower, this terrific wine. Superb. 93.








Desert Hills 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.90)

Berries, cassis and a hint of mint and oak on the nose and palate. Very long and luscious. 88.







Desert Hills 2011 Cabernet Franc ($26.90)

Strong, big notes of blackberries on the nose and palate. Black currants and some chocolate round out the palate. Very long and lingering finish. 88.







Joie Farms 2013 A Noble Blend ($23.90)

A blend of Gewurtzraminer, Riesling, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Muscat and Schoenberger. Lots of fruit up front with a touch of cloves. Lychee and a hint of spice on the palate. Finishes with some citrus. 86.



Mission Hill 2011 Perpetua Chardonnay ($34.90)

Some peach, honey and orange on the nose and palate. A very long, lengthy finish. Fruity, without the butter notes so many Chardonnays exhibit. 86.






Castiglio del Bosco 2008 Brunello di Montalcino ($69.99)

Cherries, currants and just a hint of cinnamon on the nose. Bright, rich and dense, with cherries, oak and a touch of spice on the palate. Well balanced and lovely. 91.







La Crema 2011 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($65)

Fresh aromas of nectarines, pears and stone fruits. Lemons, apples and melons join the party in your mouth. Finishes long and beautifully. Spectacular. 94.