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!