Please enjoy these British Columbia wines from BC Wine Country producers. Note some labels may not reflect the vintage reviewed.
2016 Chardonnay
Cedar Creek
Kelowna, BC
$18.99
Lemon yellow in colour with medium-light intensity. The nose shows aromas of butter, lemon, apple, toast and tropical undertones. Good balance and structure. The flavours echo the nose and are followed by a medium-plus finish.
2015 Syrah
Play Estate Winery
Penticton, BC
$25.00
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Dark berries, ripe cherries, white pepper and cinnamon on the nose. Good balance with a lighter body than one might expect with this grape. The flavours mirror the nose, followed by a medium finish. Serve this one with just a slight chill.
2013 Moksha
Kismet
Oliver, BC
$26.99
This is a delightful mash up of typical Rhone grapes. With this vintage, the blend was 58% Syrah, 13% Viognier, 11% Malbec, 9% Grenache and 9% Mouvedre. Nine percent may not seem like much, but each grape here is like a note in a chord and is vital to the overall harmony of the wine. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose opens with vanilla, floral notes, baking spice – especially cinnamon – and followed by dark berries, nutmeg and dark chocolate. It shows good structure with smooth ripe tannins. The big ripe fruit on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose. It has a medium-long finish. This wine stood up nicely to Tandoori chicken breast, herbed basmati rice and stir-fried garlic celery.
2015 Pinot Noir
Lake Breeze
Naramata, BC
$24.79
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Cherries, raspberries, vanilla, spice and earthy notes on the nose. Very good balance. The flavours follow the nose. Cocoa notes linger on the medium-plus finish.
2013 Merlot (Skaha Vineyards)
Kraze Legz
Kaleden, BC
$25.85
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of plum, dark berrries, dust, and cocoa powder. Good balance with smooth ripe tannins. The flavours reflect the nose followed by a medium-long finish. Nicely aged and good for another 3 – 5 years.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
