Okanagan Trip report continues with wine flowing over the Desert Hills

These guys have a HUGE portfolio with a lot of really good wine. Let's get started!

Desert Hills 2015 Unoaked Chardonnay ($17.90)

Enticing aromas and flavors of apple, pear and guava. Long and lovely finish. 88.









Desert Hills 2014 Cactus White ($16.90)

Clever aromas of orange blossom, rose petals and citrus. The palate starts with citrus and lychee and finishes with a touch of spice. 88.








Desert Hills 2015 Pinot Gris ($19.90)

Intense aromas and flavors of honeydew melon and pear. Bright and balanced acidity. 87.








Desert Hills 2015 Viognier ($24.90)

Hints of orange blossom, pear and peach on the nose. Peach flavors shine through with added notes of melon and pleasant minerality. 88.








Desert Hills 2014 Helena Rose ($19.90)

Enjoy an afternoon on the patio with this bright and fresh rose with aromas and flavors of strawberry and raspberry. Slightly off-dry. 86.








Desert Hills 2014 Gamay Noir ($19.90)

Nose of blackberry, dark chocolate, forest floor and a touch of spice. Earthiness and flavors of blackberry and oak. As this particular varietal goes, it's pretty good. 84,








Desert Hills 2011 Merlot ($24.90)

Aromas of black cherry, vanilla, clove and cinnamon. Notes of black fruit, chocolate and vanilla on the palate. 88.








Desert Hills 2009 Syrah ($36.90)

Intense aromas of blackberry jam, vanilla and a touch of spice. Finishes with lovely cocoa and vanilla. Nice example of what a well aged example of BC Syrah can be. 89.








Desert Hills 2011 Cabernet France ($26.90)

Plum, cherry, raspberry and oak aromas and flavors. Intense finish of black pepper and well structured tannins. A real nice wine at this price. 89.








Desert Hills 2012 Malbec ($34.90)

Intense, brooding notes of dark berries and chocolate. Big, bold and jammy with a very long finish. As Malbec goes, this is a top-of-BC example. 87.








Desert Hills 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.90)

Notes of earth, forest floor, bell pepper and cassis. Enticing flavors of blackberries, earth and toasty oak. Rich and full mouthfeel. One to put away in the cellar for a while to let it reach it's untapped potential. 89-91.







Desert Hills 2011 Mirage ($36.90)

Rich and intense aromas of black currant, black cherry, bell pepper, cocoa and mint. Flavors of dark chocolate, black fruit and spice. Finishes forever. Another one that needs more time to reach it's peak. 89-91.







And as a special treat, we were able to sample one from their high-end sister winery, Ursa Major.

Ursa Major 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($45.00)

Aromas of mint, blackberry, black cherry and black pepper. Long and luscious mouthfeel with flavors of dark chocolate and toasty oak. Put this in your cellar if you have the patience. Very promising. 90-93.







Not a bad one in the bunch, and if they can make me say somewhat nice things about Gamay and Malbec, you know they are making superb wines! Always a pleasure to taste through their portfolio.

Next up: A perennial favorite at La Stella!!