Okanagan Wine Trip continues and watch out for those damn spiders

I really hate spiders.

Except for this one.

Actually now that I think of it, this one isn't so bad either. Meow.

We arrive at a lovely tasting room which doubles as their barrel room. It's a quaint little winery, basically a two-man operation run by the owner and winemaker and his lovely daughter who was the one taking us through our tasting. For such a small operation, they certainly know how to make wine.

I've heard good things about this winery from friends who have visited but my personal knowledge of their product was just about zero. OK not "just about", it WAS zero. So let's get to it:

Black Widow 2015 Pinot Gris ($21.00)

Fresh notes of pear and apple on the nose and the palate. Bottled only a couple months ago, this would benefit from a little time in the bottle but it's drinkable now as well. 87.







Black Widow 2014 Gewurztraminer ($22.00)

Pleasant aromas of pineapple and lychee give way to flavors of grapefruit and tropical fruit. Very dry, and if that is your style of G, this is for you. 86.








Black Widow 2014 Oasis ($22.00)

40% Pinot Gris, 35% Gewurztraminer, 25% Schoenburger

Aromatic and delicous blend featuring balanced acidity, aromas and flavors of tropical fruits. Very nice patio sipper. 89.






Black Widow 2015 Schonburger ($27.00)

Well known in Germany this is almost impossible to find in a single varietal in the Okanagan. If this is any indication, it shouldn't be. Powerful aromas of apricot and honeysuckle. Enticing flavors of tropical fruit finishing with a touch of pineapple. What a pleasant treat. 90.






2015 Muscat Ottonel ($25.00)

Pleasant notes of white flowers dominate the nose. Traditional Muscat flavors including guava and a touch off-dry. 86.








2015 Rose ($23.00)

Rhubarb, strawberry and raspberry notes on the nose and palate. Just a touch of spice at the end. Juicy and really tasty. 89.








2015 Spiderling Red ($25.00)

Named for junior spiders and meant for early consumption. A juicy Merlot with intense fruit flavors and a full rich mouthfeel. As an everyday pleasing red, this is tough to beat. 89.







2014 Phobia ($27.00)

50/50 blend of Syrah and Merlot. 17 months in French oak, completely different profile than the above. Aromas of blackberry, vanilla and black pepper. Juicy and rich, medium to full-bodied. 89.







2013 Red Back ($32.00)

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20% Merlot

Toasty oak, coffee and mocha aromas. Full-bodied and dry with flavors of licorice, blackberry and dark chocolate. Potential to age nicely. 89.








2013 Vintage One Fortified ($23.00)


Apricots and black plums on the nose, with agreeable flavors of black cherry, blackberry and caramel. One of my all-time favorite Port-style wines. 90.








2014 Mirage Fortified ($18.00)

A fortified after-dinner white wine? Really? Really. Fortifed with grape brandy and barrel aged for 2 years. Just one barrel of production and it's really quite impressive. Aromas and flavors of apricot and honeysuckle. We picked up one of these and are looking forward to cracking it open after our next dinner party. 90.






I guess I can add one more spider, Black Widow winery, to my list of spiders that don't scare the bejeezus out of me. We were so impressed that our wine-loving friend joined their wine club - her first. Highly recommend checking them out when you are in the area.

Just goes to show you that trying out new wineries can certainly pay off!

Next up: Hillside!