The penultimate entry in the Okanagan trip report takes us to Church & State

Always a favorite of ours, let's get right to the reviews!

Church & State 2015 Lost Inhibitions White ($20.00)

Yes, the one with the crazy labels; but the wine is pretty good too. Aromas of fruit salad and lychee. Flavors of lychee and stone fruit, and creamy mouthfeel. 88.








Church & State 2016 Sauvignon Blanc ($20.00)

Light grassy notes mingling with citrus on the nose, and on the palate. Well balanced acidity. 88.








Church & State 2015 Trebella ($25.00)

 Roussanne (62%), Marsanne (28%), Viognier (10%)

Frequent award winner features a nose of tea, elderflower, nectarine and vanilla. Unctious with flavors of orchard fruit and a touch of spice on the finish. 89.




Church & State 2014 Coyote Bowl Chardonnay ($27.00)

This has long been one of our favorite Chardonnays but this one seemed to be the least buttery example. Slight notes of hazelnut and butterscotch, with pear, apple and vanilla. More fruit than butter on the palate, which finishes long. 88.






Church & State 2014 Meritage ($25.00)

Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and a hint of chocolate and vanilla. Black fruit, a hint of earth and spice on the palate. 88.








Church & State 2014 Syrah ($35.00)

Black fruit and black pepper dominate the nose. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum and black pepper. Nice. 89.








Church & State 2014 Cabernet Franc ($35.00)

Blackberry, cranberry, baking spices and just a touch of cherry on the nose. Dark fruit dominates the palate, with some notes of tobacco, cassis and cedar poking through. Finishes long. 89.







Church & State 2013 Quintessential ($55.00)

Their signature Bordeaux blend always brings quality and this vintage is no exception. Aromas of red cherry, mint, black plum, blackberry and chocolate. Complex flavors of juicy black fruit, hints of cherry and spice. Finishes long. 92.







Truth be told, although there isn't a bad wine in the bunch, we were underwhelmed by some of today's wine. However, it would be very premature to suggest that this winery's quality has slipped, because just a few months ago I reviewed their new Merlot (review here) which was so good it actually made my "best of the best" list. We will certainly be back to taste the new vintage.

Next up: The Okanagan trip concludes with the main event of the trip: The Nota Bene Release Party at Black Hills!