2017 Wren (Chardonnay)
Schell Wines
Kelowna, BC
$32.19
Golden straw colour with medium intensity. Apple, lemon, caramel, and vanilla with honeydew undertones on the nose. Well balanced. Citrus and buttered toast on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish. Fans of California styled chardonnay will love this one.
2019 Pinot Gris
Poplar Grove
Penticton, BC
$18.99
Pale straw colour with medium-light intensity. A big nose with lots of varietal character including perfume, pineapple, pear, stone fruit, and honey. Well balanced with good mouthfeel. Pear, apple, honey, and citrus on the palate. A medium-long finish. A great example of BC pinot gris and a definite bargain.
2016 Merlot
Nagging Doubt
Kelowna, BC
$23.69
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Blackberry and cherry with hints of flowers, dust, spice, and sawdust. Good balance with soft ripe tannins. Fruit forward on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish. Good value.
The Hatch
West Kelowna, BC
$ 46.99
This Bordeaux styled blend is garnet/black with deep intensity. The nose is rich and layered with aromas of dark fruit, black cherries, loganberry, white pepper, and a hint of spice. Well balanced with silky smooth tannins. Big and round in the mouth followed by a medium-long finish with lingering fruit. As good as this wine is now, it will continue to improve for another three to five years plus. It paired beautifully with a grilled rib steak.
2015 Syrah (Reserve)
Pacific Breeze
New Westminster, BC
$29.99
Only 1080 bottles (90 cases) were produced of this BIG concentrated wine. Small crop yields. Twenty-seven months on French oak. Garnet red with deep intensity. Dust, dark berries, cocoa powder, spice, cola, and vanilla on the nose. Very good balance with silky smooth tannins. The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium-long finish.
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)
