2015 Chardonnay (Reserve)
Chaberton
Langley, BC
$19.95
The winery may be in Langley, but the grapes for this wine come from Oliver. The wine is golden yellow in colour with medium intensity. The nose shows aromas of lemon, butter, vanilla and toast with hints of pineapple. Good balance. The flavours follow the nose. A medium-plus finish with lingering butter and toast. This is a great wine to keep handy in the fridge and enjoy while cooking dinner.
2013 Syrah
Church and State
Oliver, BC
$34.90
The colour is garnet red with deep intensity. Aromas of blackberry, earth, spice and black tea on the nose. Well balanced with smooth ripe tannins. The palate reflects the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. This paired nicely with pork chops served with a balsamic reduction.
2015 Chardonnay (The Other Way)
Elephant Island
Naramata, BC
$22.99
Elephant Island started out as a fruit winery. It is only recently that they have added grape wines to their portfolio. Their chardonnay is lemon yellow in colour with medium intensity. The nose shows aromas of citrus, apple, butter and vanilla. Good balance with a creamy texture. Citrus peel and apple on the palate followed by a medium finish.
2015 Bordeaux Blanc
Chateau La Fleur Bellevue
Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux, France
$21.26
This blend of 85% sauvignon blanc and 15% muscadelle is lemon yellow in colour with medium-minus intensity. The nose shows aromas of citrus, white peach and honeysuckle. Well balanced with flavours that mirror the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. Serve with pan seared salmon, seafood or grilled chicken.
2016 Gamay Noir
Mount Boucherie
West Kelowna, BC
$21.00
This is currently my favourite BC Gamay. It hits all the classic notes. Garnet red in colour with medium-minus intensity. Aromas include, meat, earth, forest floor, dried red fruit and delicate perfume. Well balanced. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-long finish. Be sure to give this one a try. When compared to Beaujolais (Gamay) of similar quality, this one is a bargain.
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)
