Okanagan Trip, Part 8, off to Moraine we go!

Our first visit to Moraine, to meet with the owner, Oleg, who took us through a fairly-complete tasting of their portfolio. With past vintages I would say this winery is as good as they get when it comes to over-delivering for the price point. Let's see if this vintage stood up as well!

Moraine 2016 Pinot Gris ($22.00)

Reminiscent of Alsace, with a light, fruity nose of cantaloupe and citrus. Pear, melon and citrus on the palate. 88.








Moraine 2016 Viognier ($25.00)

Pretty white flowers dominate the nose, with just a touch of pineapple and peach hanging around. Orchard fruits and orange blossom on the palate. Real nice. 88.








Moraine 2016 Gewurztraminer ($24.00)

Powerful aromas of white flowers, ginger and lychee on the nose and also following through on the palate. A touch of pear and spice on the finish. 88.








Moraine 2016 Riesling ($24.00)

The '15 was one of my very favorite BC Rieslings, ever. This one is similar in some ways but lacks one big thing that made last year's so appealing: the pineapple. Orchids, peach and nectarine on the nose and the palate. Look, there is nothing wrong with those flavors, and this is lovely, but I sure miss the pineapple. 89.



Moraine 2016 Pink Mountain Rosé ($22.00)

80% Malbec, 20% Merlot. Fragrant nose of plum, raspberry, rose petals and red grapefruit. Strawberry and grapefruit dominate the palate, which is quite dry. 87.








Moraine 2015 Cliffhanger Red ($19.00)

This blend of Malbec and Merlot SCREAMS out for a big BBQ steak. Jammy aromas of cassis and raspberry, with flavors of licorice, mocha and vanilla. Truly a steal at under $20. 88.







Moraine 2015 Pinot Noir ($25.00)

Plum, red cherry, mushroom and violets on the nose. Toasty oak flavors frame the flowers and cherry. 88.








Moraine 2015 Malbec ($35.00)

Black fruit and blackberry jam on the sweet nose. The blackberry jam doesn't go away, and is joined by black cherry flavors. A beautiful, "drink me now" Malbec (and I have, in fact, already drank mine!). 90.







Moraine 2014 Syrah ($26.00)

Chocolate, truffle oil and white pepper on the nose. Pleasing flavors of vanilla, baking spices and toasty oak. Just a touch of pepper. 89.








Moraine 2013 Red Mountain ($26.00)

40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Malbec

Beautiful aromas of black currant, cherry jam and smoke. Rich and powerful palate, with flavors of dark chocolate, smoke and toasty oak. Another big BBQ wine and a real bargain at under $30. 90.





Moraine 2014 Meritage ($34.00)

45% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, 22% Malbec

Although a different vintage, than the above, the percentages are very close to identical. Aromas of leather, black cherry, smoke and spice. Sweet, toasty oak on the palate, mingling with some tobacco, plum and licorice. 89.





Moraine 2015 Late Harvest Merlot ($18.00)

Dried cherries, raspberries, cranberries and juicy raisins on the nose and the palate. Baking spices on the palate as well. Typical late-harvest; perfect pairing for an evening-finishing cheese plate or not-overly-sweet dessert. 88.





It's nice to find a winery where you can go anywhere and if someone serves you a glass/bottle of it, you KNOW you are going to enjoy whatever varietal it is, and you KNOW that he/she/you are getting a good value. Consistency is a big key!

Next up: another new winery to us, not too far away, as we go taste the wares at Tightrope!