Lots of great stuff, including some really aged Syrah!

Some really nice stuff enjoyed recently, including one that was recommended to me from a staff member at Liberty Wines in North Van last weekend. We'll start with that one:

White Oak 2002 Syrah ($19.99)

12 year old Syrah from Napa Valley? Yeah you betcha, real good now. Strong aromas of berries quickly give way to chewy, earthy, meaty notes on the palate. Thick and viscous and delicious. Would have been absolutely perfect to pair with a charcuterie board, but it also went very well with the roast beef sandwich I had with it last night. 89.


Black Hills 2011 Chardonnay ($35)

Lightly oaked and less buttery than previous (and later) incarnations. Fruity and bold with apple and citrus notes. Drinking very nicely now. 89.







Cedarcreek 2012 Chardonnay ($18.95)


Some pineapple and lemon on the nose. Strong flavors of citrus and a hint of butterscotch on the palate. Very good at this price point. 88.








Gray Monk 2013 Kerner ($17.99)

Bright lemon in colour with notes of lemon and butter on the nose. Ranges from 'off-dry' to 'sweet' depending on your definition. Drinks very well on it's own and would pair beautifully with vegetables or lobster. 88.







Quails' Gate 2010 Old Vines Foch ($24.99)


Full bodied and rich, with notes of cherries and chocolate on the nose. Some tobacco, cherry and cinnamon on the palate. Gamey as this varietal tends to be. 85.







Tinhorn Creek 2012 Pinot Gris ($18.99)

Pears, apples, tropical fruit and peaches all intermingle on your nose and your palate. Balanced acidity. Lingering notes of green apple and lime on the finish. Beautiful. 91.