New Okanagan Trip begins at Moon Curser!

A few weeks back we went back up to the Okanagan for a beautiful Club Members dinner hosted by Le Vieux Pin. More on that later, but for now, let's start our tour at Moon Curser.

These guys have the most interesting labels in the Okanagan, and a large portfolio which features varietals you don't find much, if at all around these parts.

Moon Curser 2015 Contraband Series Arneis ($25.90)

A common varietal in Piedmont but the only one in the Okanagan, as far as I know. Aromas and flavors include red apple, white flowers and pear. 87.








Moon Curser 2015 Contraband Series Afraid of the Dark ($21.90)

43% Viognier, 40% Roussanne, 17% Marsanne

Highly aromatic and unctious, notes of nectarine, ginger and a hint of citrus. 88.







Moon Curser 2013 Syrah ($26.90)

Notes of smoke, black pepper and cedar on the nose. The pepper comes through on the palate as well, joined with some juicy red cherry. 88.








Moon Curser 2012 Contraband Series Syrah ($31.90)

Notes of red fruit, mushrooms and earth. Lots of cherry comes through on the palate, black cherry and some sweet dried red cherry. 88,








Moon Curser 2014 Contraband Series Malbec ($31.90)

Aromas of blueberry and black plum. Cherry cola and chocolate on the palate. Malbec is a tough varietal but this one is pretty good. 87.








Moon Curser 2014 Contraband Series Tempranillo ($31.90)

Pleasing aromas of violets and cherry. Some red cherry on the palate, with a touch of cedar, leather and dark chocolate. Finishes long. Tannins are tight, this is going to improve with some time. 89-91.







Moon Curser 2013 Border Vines ($26.90)

32% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 18% Petit Verdot, 4% Carmenere

All kinds of dark berries on the nose. Vanilla, black cherry, dark chocolate and cedar on the palate. 89.







Moon Curser 2014 Carmenere ($42.90)

Intense aromas of black currant, spice and strawberry. Juicy palate with notes of blueberry, blackberry and black pepper. IMO, their finest vintage of this varietal, by a mile. 91.








Moon Curser 2013 Petit Verdot ($31.90)

Beautiful notes of violets, blueberry, earth and forest floor. The palate is juicy and delicious, with a rich mouthfeel and flavors of mushroom, blueberry and cola. The structure is firm, but that's OK, it will age beautifully. This is a stunner, and by far the best of this varietal I have ever tasted. 90-93.






Moon Curser 2014 Dead of Night ($42.90)

50/50 blend of Tannat and Syrah

Aromas of prunes, violets and tobacco. Dried cherry, plum and a touch of spice on the palate. Very dry. 91.







Moon Curser 2012 Tannat ($42.90)

Dark fruit, spice and blackberry on the nose. Dried cherry, cloves and plum on the palate. Finishes very long. 91.








Terrific wine from start to finish, and some of their lesser-known varietals have really improved since we last visited. We bought our first-ever bottles of Petit Verdot, among others.

Next up: A wonderful dinner and tasting at Burrowing Owl!