Wednesday Wine Reviews by @Sam_WineTeacher

2011 Riesling (Unleashed)
See Ya Later Ranch
Okanagan Falls, BC
$17.00
From the cellar.  Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity.  Lemon, lime, minerality, pear, apple and diesel notes on the nose.  Good balance.  The flavours mirror the nose, followed by a medium-plus mouth-watering finish.  This wine has aged nicely.  And remember, Riesling is an anytime-of-the-year wine.

 

2016 Cabernet Franc
Fairview Cellars
Oliver, BC
$35.99
Garnet red with a slight purple rim and deep intensity.  The nose shows aromas of blackberry, vanilla, sweet spice, bramble and a hint of menthol.  Good balance and soft ripe tannins.  Pleasing fruit on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish.  A very good example of what BC can do with this grape.

 

2009 Signature (Bordeaux Blend)
Clos du Soleil
Keremeos, BC
$39.90
This wine has aged beautifully.  The 2009 vintage was a blend of 41% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec.  Only 11 barrels were produced.  The colour is brick red leaning towards mahogany with medium-deep intensity.  The nose is rich and layered with aromas of berries, dust, tar, soy, leather, ripe plum and cassis.  Well balanced with velvety smooth ripe tannins.  The flavours follow the nose and the finish is long and lingering.  An excellent accompaniment to medium-rare New York Steak.

 

2016 Corvina
Cantina de Negrar
Verona, Italy
$18.99
Ruby red with medium-light intensity.  The nose is inviting with aromas of cherries, bramble, earth, black pepper and spice. Good balance with medium body and firm ripe tannins.  Bright red fruit on the palate followed by a medium-long finish.  Good value.

 

2016 Cabernet Franc
Tinhorn Creek
Oliver, BC
$24.99
Ruby red with medium-plus intensity.  A varietal nose showing aromas of red cherries, bramble, spice, dried herbs and bell pepper.  Good balance with soft ripe tannins and medium-plus body.  Red berries and cherries stand out on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish.  The 2015 vintage won Double Gold and with a bit of time, this one won’t be far behind.  This was lovely paired with teriyaki flank steak and roasted winter vegetables.

(All photos – Sam Hauck)