Another Trump-sized catch-up post, with slightly less racism, misogyny and overall craziness....

Let's dive right in to today's wine ratings, lots of stuff to talk about:

Heidler 2014 Gruner Veltliner ($24.99)

The nose and palate experience an almost overwhelming amount of minerality. Wet stone. Flint. More wet stone. Oh, and a tiny bit of fruit. Seems more like a Riesling honestly. 85.







Blue Mountain 2014 Chardonnay ($20.90)

Notes of toasty oak, and citrus on the nose, with creamy lemon flavors mixing with a touch of anise, apple and pear. A really excellent value. 90.








Bordertown Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc ($24.00)

Lovely aromas of bell pepper, tobacco and a touch of spice. Flavors of dark berries, pepper and just a hint of mint. This was my first experience with this new Okanagan winery and it certainly shows tremendous promise. 89.






Cedarcreek 2015 Gewurztraminer ($15.99)

Aromas of lemon, pears, ginger and lychee. A touch of spice comes through on the finish with flavors of ginger, lychee and citrus. Lovely at a nice price. 88.









Cedarcreek 2015 Senator's White ($18.99)

84% Chardonnay
16% Sauv. Blanc

Pretty aromas and flavors of peach, pineapple and passion fruit. Really over-delivers for the price, perfect patio sipper or to pair with chicken or pasta dishes. 89.




Church & State 2011 Sun Ridge Vineyards Merlot ($19.90)

Aromas of dark berries, vanilla and raspberry. Blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate come through on the palate. Needs some more time to fully develop but drinking well now. 88.






Church & State 2012 Coyote Bowl Syrah ($34.90)

Dark in colour and in aroma. Lots of black pepper mingling with the black fruit, with some earthiness in addition. Palate is rich, juicy and intense, with beautiful fruit and just the right peppery notes coming up late. A real treat. 92.







Gray Monk 2013 Reflection ($19.90)

I've seen some call this a "late harvest" but it's not really that, it's gently fortified Muscat and it's a real treat to the palate. Fruit pops from the glass, which is a perfect wine to enjoy on the patio on a hot day or even pair with spicy foods. It's too sweet for some of you, I get that, but for me, bring it on! In fact, I feel like opening one right now but it's only 9AM so I will hold off for a half hour or so. 89.





Le Vieux Pin 2014 Roussanne ($29.99)

Their first attempt at a single-varietal Roussanne is a good one. Intoxicating notes of tea, toasted cereal and herbs. A touch of hazelnut, pear, honey and peach on the palate with some herbaceous notes just showing through. This would be a perfect pairing for most white fish and I can attest it's perfectly good without food as well. I have a few of these in my cellar as I suspect it will even get better with some aging. It doesn't have too far to go. 91.





Le Vieux Pin 2009 Syrah ($39.99)

A really hot vintage produces a big, fat, bold wine with a nose of cold cuts, black pepper, bacon fat and red fruit. Such a wonderful, complex palate of black plum, black cherry, white pepper, licorice and mushroom. Long and luscious finish. This seems to really be hitting it's peak now. 94.






Mission Hill 2009 Select Lot Collection Merlot ($34.99)

Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and a touch of oak. Black fruits dominate the concentrated palate. A bit of dark chocolate and vanilla hanging around in the background. Another one from a hot vintage which really seems to be hitting it's stride. We held this one in our cellar for a few years and it really responded. Probably could have gone a couple more as well. 92.





Quails' Gate 2014 Gewurztraminer ($17.99)

Intoxicating aromas of lychee, passion fruit and guava. Pay attention and you might notice just a touch of spiciness coming through at the end. Dominated by flavors of tropical fruit but also features some guava and ginger notes. Just slightly off-dry. To me, this is still the benchmark to which all other G's are measured. 92.






Mer Soleil 2014 Reserve Chardonnay ($39.99)

Aromas of tropical fruit, white peach, vanilla and butterscotch. Ripe fruit mixes perfectly with butter and oak on the palate. As with every other vintage, this is a go-to everyday Chardonnay that never disappoints for the price. 92.








Still at least one more big update to come to finally catch up; but that will go on hold for a little while, as tomorrow we head up to Kelowna for a short little wine tour, featuring a nice winery party which I will report on when we are back. Stay tuned!