Okanagan Trip hits Lucky 13 under a hill of sand.....

Sandhill wine

...in case you didn't get it from the title, this is our first visit to Sandhill Winery. We hadn't intended to go here, but we had a bit of time after our last tasting so our driver suggested we check it out.

Conviction 2015 Sovereign Opal ($13.00)

The only winery that makes this varietal, as far as I know, this used to be Calona Vineyards, which was BC's very first winery. Light notes of peach on the nose and orchard fruit, apple and a touch of spice on the palate. For $13, it's pretty respectable. 86.







Sandhill 2015 Syrah ($22.00)

Aromas of black and blue berries, violets and white pepper. Blackberry, mocha, black pepper and a touch of wild blueberry on the palate. 88.








Sandhill 2014 Small Lots Barbera ($35.00)

Aged 20 months in American and French oak barrels. Arresting aromas of black fruit, leather, dark plum and grilled peppers. Blackberry, black pepper  and black plum on the palate. 89.







Sandhill 2014 Small Lots Two ($40.00)

53% Cabernet Sauvignon/37% Merlot/10% Cabernet Franc

Aged 20 months in new and old American and French oak. Aromas of green pepper, blackberry, cigar box and mint. The palate is juicy with ripe black fruit, baking spice and black tea flavors. Very dry. 90.





Sandhill 2015 Riesling Icewine ($40.00 for 375ml)

Such pretty aromas of pineapple, lemon curd and honey. Orchard fruits, pineapple, and honey on the palate. So sweet, and so delicious. 93.

Sandhill 2013 Cabernet Franc Icewine ($90.00 for 375ml)

Aromas of strawberry, raspberry and black plum. The palate is viscous, almost reminiscent of Port, with flavors of blackberry jam, raspberry and strawberry. 90.

That was all the had for us to taste this time, and we left with a bottle of the Two. Probably should have bought a Barbera too, it's nice to get to experience grapes that are rare in BC.

Next up: That was it for this day of tasting, but in the morning we get up and headed right back to CrazyTown....AKA, THE HATCH!!