Catch-up entry featuring some spectacular stuff from Washington State, some beauty Rosés from Provence, and of course, BC too......

BREAKING NEWS!!! Brad and Angelina are NOT getting divorced.

Thank goodness, hope those crazy kids can work it out. If not, what happens to their wine???

Miraval 2016 Rosé ($28.99 in BC Liquor Store)

Delicate spring floral aromas with just a touch of spice. Blood orange, red grapefruit, meyer lemon and a touch of grapefruit on the palate. The 2012 version of this is still (I believe) the only rosé to make Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines of the year list. I was concerned that perhaps this wine just got notoriety because of it's famous parents, but it really is tasty. 91.

But we weren't finished with Provence...



Chateau St. Marguerite 2016 Symphony Rosé ($26.99 USD from wine.com)

Beautiful, arresting aromas of red roses, orange blossom, white flowers and passion fruit. Complex flavors include peach, nectarine, orange rind, lime zest. Texture is light and full at the same time. Absolutely superb. If not my all time favorite rosé, it's pretty darn close. 93.






Chateau d'Esclans - 2015 Rock Angel Rosé ($31.99 USD at Total Wine)

Herbaceous aromas compliment the red currant and strawberry fruit. Light and fruity, notes of orange rind, red fruit, herbs and intense minerality. Full textured and medium bodied. Lovely. 91.







Now onto some "non-Provence" wine.....but we'll stay in France for one more bottle:

Gustave Lorentz 2015 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($32.95 from Legacy Wines)

Aromas of lychee, peach, rose water, apricot, honeysuckle and just a touch of white pepper lurking in the background. Rich and full mouthfeel, with flavors of elderflower, pineapple and lychee. Nice. 89.




To Canada we go!!!

Quails' Gate 2012 Chardonnay ($22.99 from winery)

50% barrel fermented, 50% tank fermented

Aromas of hazelnut, white flowers, red apple and butterscotch. Apple and peach on the palate, with a blast of caramel coming through on the finish. Drinking beautifully now. 90.






Volcanic Hills 2012 Merlot ($25.00 from winery)

Blackberry, forest floor, cassis, red plum and black tea on the nose. Black cherry, blueberry and earthiness on the palate. Medium finish. Tasty. 89.








Moon Curser 2012 Petit Verdot ($32.00 from winery or VQA stores)

Aromas of violets, mint, coffee, blueberry and smoke. Perhaps even just a touch of tar. Palate is a bit hot; mushroom and forest floor dominate the rustic palate. 88.








Le Vieux Pin 2015 Sauvignon Blanc ($29.99 from winery, private wine shops)

Light aromas of hay, gooseberry, and Meyer lemon. Red apple, orchard fruit, guava and tart grapefruit on the palate. Finishes with a strong backbone of minerality. Not an easy grape to grow successfully in the Okanagan, and this one is well done. 89.







Couple random ones to finish up!

Faustino 2004 Gran Reserva ($34.95 from private liquor stores)

This Rioja beauty features all the scents you would expect from a 13 year old wine, forest floor, mushroom, tobacco, but also a lot of licorice, blackberry, plum and cherry. Medium bodied and impressive. This wine is mass produced (around a half million bottles are prepared) and it is amazing that the quality is this high. It's terrific. 92.





And, we'll finish up with the gem of this report:

Col Solare 2007 Col Solare ($75.00 USD from wine.com)

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc

Oh my. Cherry, raspberry, cassis, nutmeg, mint, smoke and cigar box assault your olfactory senses. Incredibly expressive. Black plum, raspberry and cherry flavors frame the palate, which picks up leather, cedar and cigar box. Finishes long. Really hitting it's peak now, this is just delicious. 94.

Well, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I am now 100% caught up on all my random notes. That doesn't mean I'm finished, though, as another Okanagan trip report begins next. It's a short one, but it features lots of good stuff and an incredible event that you'll have to see to believe.

Until next time!