Lucky 7, and lucky for us, a great experience at La Frenz!

After the near-orgasmic joy of finding a great new winery that we knew nothing about and had never tasted anything from, we head up the street to an appointment at a not-so-new winery that we knew little about and had tasted little from.

We had tasted a few of La Frenz's entry-level wines at the VIWF two years ago (and tried unsuccessfully to take some home). I didn't even know they had a 'reserve' tier, but they do and we booked a tasting of their higher-level wines. We were taken outside to the patio where we were able to enjoy a spectacular view (hardly unique in the Okanagan) and a bunch of their reserve wines, all the while being entertained and informed by a terrific wine enthusiast (who's name I have forgotten and did not write down - so I apologize to him, as he deserved at least a shout out in this blog).

The price of this tasting was $10/person, but it was refunded with purchase.

La Frenz 2014 Ensemble ($25.00)

A nice white Bordeaux (70% Sauvignon Blanc/30% Semillon) with notes of white flowers, passion fruit and orange rind on the nose. Orange rind and a touch of mint on the palate, with a creamy mouthfeel and long finish. Nice way to start the tasting. 90.







La Frenz 2014 Reserve Chardonnay ($29.00)

No maloactic fermentation at all, but there are still slight notes of butterscotch mingling in with citrus and baking spices. Another one that finishes long, with a tinge of butterscotch and stone fruit flavors. Regular readers know that I prefer my Chardonnay so buttery that I am tempted to pour it on toast, but this was a nice example of a well-made Chard without the butter. 89.





La Frenz 2014 Vivant ($25.00)

Here's a blend you don't see everyday. 52% Viognier, 38% Chardonnay Musque, 10% Roussanne. Aromas of tropical fruit and peach leap from the glass. Creamy palate features some citrus zest and caramel flavors. Real nice. 90.







La Frenz 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir ($35.00)

Intoxicating aromas of black plum. wild strawberry, red cherry and forest floor. Juicy and delicious, with flavors of blackberry, cigar box, tobacco and earth. So young and already so approachable, but I bet it gets even better with a bit more time to nap. 92-94.



La Frenz 2013 Grand Total Reserve ($45.00)

58% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc

Black cherry, vanilla, and mint on the nose. Dense & brooding flavors of espresso, blackberry, strawberry and hazelnut. 91







La Frenz N/V Liqueur Muscat ($22.00)

Beautiful, fragrant aromas of rose petals, tea and dried fruit. Butterscotch, hazelnut and honeysuckle on the palate. Beautiful and unique as an  apertif or nightcap. 92




Impossible to find any fault with the quality and value of all the wines we tried here today. We will definitely be back!

Up next, another first visit, but this time although we had never visited the winery, we were quite familiar with most of their wines. It's Moraine time!