Monday, December 28, 2015

Nothing goes with Christmas better than wine!!

And we must have been extra, extra good this year. Santa brought us a bottle or two.....or sixty-five.




Yes I will admit that is a pretty obscene amount of wine for the old fat guy to carry down the chimney. Wait, we don't have a chimney. Mind blown.

A few of the more interesting bottles:



About 1/2 of the wine is already in our offsite storage facility, aging until it reaches it's peak. Of course, when it hits it's peak is far from an exact science, but we'll try to let it sit until it's close.

Lots more good stuff has also been enjoyed during the Holidays. Reviews here:

Blackwood Lane 2008 Alliance ($69.00)


Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Red berries, violets, cassis and cocoa on the nose. Cherry and raspberry dominate the palate, with a long finish featuring loads of cocoa and a touch of spice. Absolutely lovely. 93.




Burrowing Owl 2012 Pinot Noir ($27.00)

Red berries, black cherry, chocolate and earth all show up on the intense nose. Raspberry, herbs, earth, spice and forest floor on the palate. Vanilla comes through on the lovely finish. 91.






Quails' Gate 2009 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay ($45.00)

Barrell fermented, fully oaked, and buttery as heck. If that is your style of Chardonnay, it's tough to find one in the Okanagan that is consistently, year after year, as good as this. Notes of toasty oak and fruit combine effortlessly on the nose and the palate. A touch of hazelnut joins in on the finish. Sublime. 92.





Quails' Gate 2014 Shannon Pacific Viognier ($25.00)

Their first, and maybe only, attempt at this varietal and oh man did they get it right. Fruity aromas intertwine with a beautiful floral nose. Creamy and rich on the palate with tropical fruit flavors and just a hint of spice. Absolutely lovely. 91.




Time Estates 2013 Cabernet Franc ($19.99)

Strawberry, cherries, herbs and hints of pepper. Plums and blackberries with a touch of spice on the palate. A really good entry-level example of how good this varietal can be when it's done correctly. 89.




Tinhorn Creek 2011 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir ($30.49)

Aromas of strawberries, black cherries, vanilla, herbs and cranberries. Dried cherries, vanilla, dark chocolate and herbs on the palate. Even a touch of orange shows up on the finish. So good. 91.






Santa Rita -  2011 Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon  ($19.95)

Blackberries, blueberries and cigar box notes on the nose. Berries follow through on the palate, with hints of tobacco and earth. Tasty entry-level Cab from Chile. 87.







Château Langlais  2000 Puisseguin Saint-Émilion ($35.00)

Nicely aged Bordeaux is a pleasant introduction to the region. Notes of plum, tobacco and earth on the nose and the palate. Slight caramel notes as well. Despite the age, it improves with decanting and some more time. Finishes long and juicy. 88.



Beringer 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($32.00)

Aromas of blueberry, blackberry and pepper. The palate features blueberry, cassis, licorice and a touch of spice on the silky finish. 88.


I hope that all of you had a terrific Xmas and that you all enjoy your New Year's! Stay safe, and drink great wine!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Wow it seems like forever since I've written a blog post! Tons of computer problems so I apologize for that. Also, is it just me that thinks that December has flown by? It was November 10 seconds ago.

Might as well start this catch-up entry with what I'm drinking right now:

Church & State 2013 Coyote Bowl Chardonnay ($27.00)

Aromas of pear, slate, apple and lemon zest. Intense, rich buttery notes on the palate, with a luscious creamy mouthfeel. Finishes with beautiful hints of butterscotch and caramel. Tough to get much better than this at this price point. 91.







Church & State 2014 Lost Inhibitions White ($20.00)

The wine with the attitudinal labels delivers in the bottle as well. Nectarine, peach and white flowers on the nose. Apricots and peaches deliver on the palate with some acidic citrus as well. 87.







Culmina 2014 Unicus ($38.00)

The Okanagan's first Gruner Veltliner. Fresh and lively with aromas of apricot, peach and citrus. Full-bodied with a powerful mid-palate. Grapefruit, herbs, citrus and a touch of pepper on the palate. Long and dry finish. Very special. 91.








Foxtrot 2010 Chardonnay ($50.00)

Came across this one in a private liquor store and snapped it up. Always wanted to try this wine and finding one that was already 5 years old was a nice bonus. It was well worth the money. Citrus, apple and just a touch of grassy notes on the nose. Really rich and buttery without being overpowering. A winner. 92.



Gray Monk 2014 Kerner ($17.00)

One of our favorite off-dry whites, this vintage is lovely as usual. Lemony, buttery, with notes of pears, peaches and a touch of spice. Serve well-chilled (almost fully fridge-cold) and drink it by itself or with any spicy cuisine. 88.




Quails' Gate 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($26.99)

Aromas of blackberry, cassis and a touch of spice. Berries come through on the palate with an impressive, long finish. This was a very hot year in the Okanagan and this Cab Sauv really benefited from that. 92.






Quails' Gate 2014 Rose ($15.69)

80% Gamay Noir. Very dry with aromas of strawberry, vanilla and black pepper. Strawberry carries through on the palate with a hint of watermelon joining in. If you like very dry, you'll enjoy this one. 86.






Ogier - 2014 Cotes du Rhone Heritages Blanc ($15.59)

White Grenache 30% Clairette 20% Bourbalenc 20% Viognier 10% Roussanne 10% Marsanne 10%


Pear, flowers, almonds and honey on the nose. Fresh and long finish with a slight tinge of mint on the palate. For the price, something interesting to try. 87.

St. Urbans HOF - 2011 Kabinett Riesling ($34.99)

Aromas of pineapple, peach, apple and spice playfully mingle with a touch of minerality and petrol. Off-dry and gorgeous, this one would improve in your cellar for another decade. 92.



Cassini Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc ($39.99)

Prepare to get punched right in the face by fruit. Cassis, blackberry, raspberry, cedar and vanilla. Lingering notes of mocha and blackberry dominate the palate. A top-notch example of what this varietal can achieve in BC. 92.





That's all for tonight's update, expect lots more as Xmas approaches (rumour has it there is a fair amount of wine under the Xmas tree!!)

Hope everyone is having a great Holiday season and I wish all of you peace, love and a lot of great wine over the Xmas and New Year's seasons.