Okanagan Trip Continues at Upper Bench Winery and Creamery

Was totally unfamiliar with these guys but they are known for their wine AND their cheese....and the cheese we sampled was delicious.

Upper Bench 2014 Riesling ($22.00)

Aromas of slate and green apple give way to juicy flavors of red apple and pear with impressive minerality. 88.








Upper Bench 2014 Chardonnay ($25.00)

Aromas of hazelnut, butterscotch and toffee. The palate finds some notes of peach and hazelnut. Goes through no malolactic fermentation, but has some of the big, bold, buttery characteristics that Chardonnay can exhibit despite that fact. 88.



Upper Bench 2014 Zweigelt ($25.00)

Am I the only one that thinks Zweigelt sounds more like an Eastern European military strategy than a grape? "The Germans rolled their tanks into Italy and then ZWEIGELT!!!!". Anyway, this rare varietal in BC features pleasant aromas of chocolate and roses. Hints of blueberry, cedar and blackberry on the palate. Juicy. 88.





Upper Bench 2013 Pinot Noir ($28.00)

The nose will experience some red and black berries, with some earthiness and leathery qualities. Red fruit, herbaceous notes and just a touch of spice on the palate. 89.







Upper Bench 2013 Four Shadows Merlot ($30.50)

Blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and finishes long. 89.








We enjoyed our tasting here, which was our last of day 1, and left with a bottle of Blitzkreig, er, I mean Zweigelt and some cheese. We will be back here for sure.

Next up! After some pool and hot tub time, and a good sleep, day 2 begins with a huge tasting at Black Hills!