Another big catching up entry!

Still trying to keep up with all the wine we have consumed over the past weeks. Lots of stuff to report on again today!

Hester Creek 2013 Rosé ($19.95)

Cherries and a touch of orange on the nose and palate. Slightly off-dry and a bit syrupy. A tiny bit of spice on the finish. Lovely, serve chilled and enjoy. 86.








We were fortunate enough to attend a party for Wine Society members of Le Vieux Pin/La Stella a few weeks ago, which featured some vertical tastings. Included was a tasting of their wonderful Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne blend called "Ava". I've reviewed the 2012 vintage previously here; here are notes on two earlier vintages.

Le Vieux Pin 2010 Ava ($35.00)

Lots of fruit flavors on the nose and palate. Citrus and a hint of apricot. Dry and very long on the finish. Peaking now. 87.

Le Vieux Pin 2011 Ava ($35.00)

The very cool 2011 growing season created lower yields but didn't hurt the quality of the fruit in this case. Hints of peaches and apricots on a somewhat muted nose. The palate has some notes of red apple and citrus. Finishes very long and crisp. Lovely. 89.

Blackwood Lane 2007 Alliancé ($59.00)

This is the "cheapie" of their two big Bordeaux blends; but you wouldn't know it from the quality of the wine. Well aged before it was released in 2012; two years in oak and almost two more years in the bottle. Hints of vanilla and black cherry mingle with flavors of plum and cassis. This is beautiful, and is drinking wonderfully now; probably has another 5-6 years in it as well. 92.






Quinta Ferreira 2008 Reserve Obra-Prime ($50.00)

Notes of black cherry and pepper greet your nose and palate with a touch of sweet vanilla as well. A hint of sweet hard candy as well on the long, lingering finish. Beautiful. 92.









Stag's Hollow 2013 Riesling ($17.95)

If you like pineapple, go get yourself a case. Might be the strongest notes of pineapple I have experienced in any wine. Fresh and crisp and very nice. Some light minerality as well on the finish. 88.








Louie Latour 2011 Gamay ($25.99)

Gamay is not generally my thing; but this was recently named "Best In Show" at the Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards, so I had to check it out. Definitely the best Gamay I have ever had. Medium bodied and very juicy. Violets and a hint of strawberry. Definitely a "food" wine, but if I were to go and buy another Gamay, this would be the one. 87.






Cedarcreek 2011 Cabernet Merlot ($19.99)

Dominated by Cabernet Franc for the first time (36%, 33% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah). Black cherry and blueberry with a hint of spice on the nose. The cherries continue through to the palate with some cassis. A great bargain at this price point, this is always a reliable "go-to" red. 87.







While in my local liquor store the other day I was passing through the Chilean wine section and noticed a big sign advertising a score of 88 from Robert Parker on this very cheap wine:

Santa Carolina 2013 Reserva Pinot Noir ($13.95)

Notes of raspberry, herbs and earth. Black cherries and a touch of earth on the palate. This is far from a "great" Pinot, but it's my new favorite "best buy"; for that price, it's an absolute steal. I mean, when you put it up against the usual junk you get for $14, it's not even in the same class. 85.



B Cellars 2007 Blend 25 ($60.00)

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) and Syrah (34%). A Napa Valley winery I have never heard of and probably would have never experienced, but we got to taste some at a store on our Napa trip last September and had to pick one of these up. Black cherry and blueberries on the nose. Blackberries, plums, chocolate and dried cranberries on the palate. Extra long finish. An absolutely lovely wine. 92.