This post features some wineries I have tried for the first time.
2016 Chardonnay
Fort Berens
Lillooet, $18.98
Straw coloured with medium-light intensity. Oak slightly dominates the nose (I like this style) followed by tropical fruit, citrus, butter and toast. Good balance with good mouthfeel. The flavours echo the nose. Pleasing flavours linger on the finish. Perfect glass of wine to have while cooking dinner.
2014 Pinotage (Rock Opera)
Stoneboat
Oliver, BC
$24.90
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Aromas of plum, spice, dark berries and vanilla on the nose. Good balance with soft ripe tannins (helped by 15 months in barrel). The palate shows bright red fruit, berries, cherries and plum followed by a medium-plus finish.
2013 Pinot Noir (Shadow Mountain)
Savard
Summerland, BC
$32.29
Garnet red with deep intensity. Spice, earth, plum, ripe dark cherries and cocoa powder on the nose. Good balance. The flavours follow the nose. A medium-plus finish with slightly grippy tannins. This wine has a lot of extraction and depth reminiscent of a California style pinot noir.
2016 Malbec
1st Row
Surrey, BC
$20.09
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of spice, dark berries, plum, vanilla, toast, earth and smoke. Good balance with medium-plus body and smooth ripe tannins. Ripe dark berries, vanilla, spice and smoke on the palate followed by a medium finish.
2012 Merlot
Township 7
Langley, BC
$22.60 (at the time of purchase)
Garnet/black with deep intensity. Aromas of plum, dark berries, smoke, leather, cedar and cocoa on the nose. Well balanced with smooth ripe tannins. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. Nicely aged and good for another 3+ years.
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)
