Okanagan Trip continues at Painted Rock

Admittedly we were a little late to the Painted Rock party, as this was only our second visit here and we had only tasted their wine intermittently at random tastings around town. Boy, were we ever missing out.

The tasting room is stunning. The view of the Okanagan Valley is stunning (even during the rain that greeted us). Most importantly, the wines are stunning.

Painted Rock 2015 Chardonnay ($30.49)

Toasty, smoky oak and roasted hazelnut mingles with floral aromas. Strong flavors of pineapple, orchard fruit and butterscotch. Creamy and absolutely delicious. 93.





Painted Rock 2015 Rosé ($21.69)

Raspberry, strawberry and rhubarb aromas jump from the glass, Complex flavors include strawberry, green tomato, sage and orange zest, High in alcohol at 14.9% but sublime nonetheless and pairs nicely with red-sauced pasta. 92.

My wife, after having one sip of this wine, slammed her wine glass down which I thought was an indication she didn't enjoy it. Nope, I think she loved it even more than I did!!


Painted Rock 2013 Merlot ($34.99)

Black fruit, vanilla and a hint of spice on the nose. Black cherry, vanilla, dark chocolate and spice on the palate. Beautiful. 92.








Painted Rock 2013 Syrah ($34.99)

Black plum, black cherry, cassis and white pepper on the nose. Cassis, dark chocolate and black pepper on the palate. Finishes long and luscious. 93.








Painted Rock 2014 Red Icon ($47.79)

33% Merlot, 21%, Cabernet Franc, 19% Malbec 16% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon

Black plum, blackberry, cassis and sweet spice on the nose. Black fruit leaps from the glass into your mouth, where it is joined by some black pepper, vanilla and baking spice. Needs time to reach it's potential. But oh, what potential. 92-94.



Painted Rock 2014 Malbec ($42.99)

Like a lot of Malbec, this is inky and jammy on the nose with sweet aromas of blueberries. Black fruit and herbs join the blueberry on the palate. Juicy and impressive. 91.

Painted Rock 2014 Cabernet Franc ($44.99)

Beautiful aromas of black cherry, basil, mint and mocha. Flavors are intense, powerful and superb. Black fruit, cherry, tobacco, nutmeg and spice. Another bottle that will age beautifully and has a very high ceiling. 91-94.







Painted Rock 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon ($44.99)

Earthy notes with eucalyptus and black plum on the nose. Tannins are silky but a bit closed, suggesting this one will really benefit with some nap time. Lovely flavors of blackberry, earth, tobacco and mint. 90-92.






We had a terrific experience in the tasting room. Staff was well educated and friendly, a cheese and charcuterie plate was scrumptious, and we got to chat with proprietor John Skinner, who is as knowledgeable and passionate about BC wine as there is. We even joined the wine club, so lots more great visits are on our horizon.

We bought just about everything in the portfolio, including the Malbec. We have accumulated a pretty decent cellar over the last few years, and this is the ONLY bottle of Malbec in it. Very special!

Next up:

Okanagan Trip continues at Quinta Ferreira; and also, lots of good wine has been consumed since my last catch-up post, so one of those is desperately needed as well.