2014 Chardonnay
Bordertown
Osoyoos, BC
$26.90
Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. Like many California chardonnays, this one leads with oak yet isn’t overly oily or drenched in tropical fruit. The nose aromas of butter, toast, vanilla, ripe apple and orange peel. Very good balance. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. This is the type of wine I enjoy while making dinner.
NV Evolution
Sokol Blosser
Dundee, Oregon
$18.94
This blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and seven other varietals, is lemon yellow in colour with medium-light intensity. Tree fruit, citrus and a hint of sweet spice on the nose. Good balance and mouthfeel. Fresh tropical fruit on the palate followed by a medium finish. A nice social / patio wine.
2014 Pinot Noir
Lange Twins
Clarksburg, California
$24.12
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Earth, plum and bramble on the nose. Good balance. The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium finish.
2015 Flavabom – Vine Dried Shiraz
Byrne Vineyards
McLaren Vale, South Australia
$21.68
This wine was described to me as being an Australian version of an Italian Appassimento (dried grapes.) Garnet red with deep intensity. Heady aromas of ripe plums, red and black fruit and cocoa. Good balance. The flavours follow the nose. Ripe fruit lingers on the finish. Enjoy with BBQ’d ribs smothered in tangy tomato based sauce.
2011 Pinot Noir Reserve (Summa Quies)
Howling Bluff
Penticton, BC
$35.00
Luke Smith knows how to make great Pinot Noir. His small three-acre, low yield vineyard is planted with clones 667 and 777, which are fermented on wild yeasts and aged in new and used French oak. The name ‘Summa Quies’ means ‘aiming for perfection’. This wine is garnet red in colour and tinged with brick. The nose is layered and complex with aromas of cherry, plum, leather, spice, forest floor and some meaty undertones. Well balanced with good mouthfeel. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-long finish with lingering cocoa notes. This well aged wine paired nicely with a sherry glazed baked salmon.
