In addition to the weekly wine review and the various other, usually wine-related, articles I write for My Van City, I am going to include a new one that will appear from time to time. I’m calling it, ‘From the Cellar’.
It will be similar to the wine reviews, except that it will feature aged wines. I am a big advocate for aging BC wines.
It came to my attention that in an earlier review, I included a wine that is no longer made by a certain winery. They were very happy with the mention and my positive comments, but they were concerned someone might try to track down a bottle and be disappointed when they found it wasn’t being produced any longer. So, from now on I will keep the Wednesday Wine Review to recent vintages that should still be available and From the Cellar for those that I have to blow the dust off of. There are no hard and fast rules. A few years ago, I bought a couple of reds at my local private liquor store that were 2010 vintages (and at 2010 prices!). While most people drink what they buy in a matter of days, if not hours, more and more people are realizing the benefits of holding on to some of their wines and are enjoying the benefits of doing so.
Prices indicated are the costs when purchased.
2009 Pinnacle
Stellar’s Jay
Summerland, BC$29.49
Coppery coloured with medium-minus intensity. The nose is rich and layered with aromas of strawberry preserves, brioche, and perfume. Well balanced. The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium-long finish. Well-aged and at its peak. Served with oysters and brie.
93+ Points
2019 Pinot Grigio
Ciao Bella
West Kelowna, BC
$21.95
Golden yellow with medium-light intensity. The nose opens with ripe Bartlett pear, apple, white peach, honeydew melon, hay, ginger, and a hint of butterscotch. Very good balance. Big and full on the palate followed by a medium-long finish. This five-year-old wine has stood up wonderfully.
91+ Points
2016 Grand Vin de Madiran
Chateau Boucasse
Madiran, France
$40.57
This wine was a first for me and was recommended by a wine shop friend. I was thrilled to see a bottle with this much age on the shelf. Madiran is an AOC created in 1948. It lies south of Bordeaux and close to the Pyrenees. Only red wine can be made here and Tannat must make up at least 60% of the vineyard. This wine is a blend of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. It was aged in 30% new French oak and spent 14 months on the lees. Garnet red with deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of dark red fruit, plum, dark cherries, leather, earth, and a hint of raisin. Good balance. The aromas are reflected on the palate along with a cinnamon note followed by a medium-plus finish. With decanting, the wine opens and improves.
90 Points
2015 Cumulus Nimbus (Pinot Noir)
Black Cloud
Penticton, BC
$45.00
Garnet red with deep intensity. Deep, dark, and inky and loaded with tertiary aromas dried red and black fruit, leather, soy, earth, dark chocolate, black tea, black pepper, and cigar box on the nose. Very good balance with some firm tannins. The flavours reflect the nose followed by a medium-plus slightly warm finish. Nearing its peak.
95 Point
2016 Meritage
Fort Berens
Lillooet, BC
$28.99
A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, this wine is garnet red with a hint of brick and medium-deep intensity. The nose is rich, inviting and aromatic with aromas of dried red and black fruit, toasted oak, earth, tobacco leaf, plum, leather, spice, bacon, and cashew. Very good balance. The palate is layered with flavours that reflect the nose. A medium-long finish. I last tasted this wine two years ago, and it is every bit as good now. Perfect for sitting in front of a fireplace, with some charcuterie, cheese and a selection of nuts. A steal at this price.
96 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
