Okanagan Trip begins with a first visit to Lariana Cellars

Here's an interesting thought; a blog post about a trip that is ACTUALLY STILL UNDERWAY. In fact, it just started.

We have heard good things about Lariana Cellars from some wine-industry friends and critics, so we decided to make it a point to go right to them when we got into town last night. We were told to find them we just had to go as close to the US Border as you possibly could without going over it (sounds like The Price Is Right).

They weren't kidding. Their modest tasting room, which is just a little table in amongst the casks, is literally about 15 feet from the border. If you took a wrong turn, you would be in the US (of course if you took that turn you would also be in the bushes).

Lariana is quite new and their portfolio is small, so let's get right to it. Tough to properly format on my iPad so I will fix the pictures when I get back to my computer.

Lariana Cellars 2016 Viognier ($25)
Stone fruits abound on the nose. Mouthfeel is round and rich and creamy, with pleasant flavours of peach and apricot. Shows a lot of promise. 89.









Lariana Cellars 2014 Carmenere ($45)

Interesting that a winery with such a small portfolio would feature this under-utilized grape as both a single varietal and in a blend (to come). An absolutely amazing nose of blackberry and a hint of earthiness. Very fruit forward on the palate, juicy and delicious black fruit and some spice shines through at the end. Tannins just a bit tight still, so we are going to put this one away for a couple years and see just what it becomes. 90-92.





Lariana Cellars Twelve ($45)

The name of the wine comes from the vintage (TWELVE is 2012, etc). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Carmenere. Inviting aromas of black cherry and eucalyptus. The palate features black fruit, some toasty oak, vanilla and dark chocolate flavours. 90.

Lariana Cellars Thirteeen ($45)

This vintage omitted the Merlot, leading to aromas of mushroom, black pepper, dark chocolate and blackberry. The palate was juicier and seemed more approachable than the above, and the finish was very long. 91.

That was all they had for us today, but rumours of a single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon coming up were intriguing. Not a bad wine in the bunch and for a new winery (12 their very first vintage) this was a real treat.

Up next: We are a little early to check into our resort so we are going to "kill time" at Moon Curser!