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 wines that have been aged. 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.
2014 Riesling (Stoney Slope)
Wild Goose
Okanagan Falls, BC
$20.00
Well made Rieslings can age for decades. This one, at 11 years old, is golden yellow with medium-plus intensity. The nose is classic Riesling with aromas of apricot, diesel, minerality, apple, and citrus followed by honey and floral undertones. Well balanced with a lovely interplay of acid and sugar. Juicy on the palate with mouth-watering flavours that reflect the nose followed by a medium-long finish with lingering caramel notes. Beautifully aged.
96 Points
2011 Shiraz
Yalumba
South Australia, Australia
$NA
Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family owned winery. This organic wine is garnet red with a hint of brick and medium-deep intensity. Prunes, dried fruit, earth, dark fruit including raisins, and baking spice greet the nose. Good balance and round in the mouth. Pleasing on the palate with flavours echoing the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. The wine improved noticeable on day two.
88+ Points
2014 Black Muscat (Estate)
Blue Grouse
Duncan, BC
$35.00
This wine goes back to the days of The Blue Grouch (Paul Brunner) and winemaker, Bailey Williamson. I was so impressed when I first tasted this delightfully different wine. When I tried to find more, I was disappointed to find out it was all sold out. I am glad I bought two the first time. An intriguing and inviting nose showing aromas of blood orange, floral notes, boysenberry, cocoa powder and spice. Good balance with medium body. The palate follows the nose along with earth, dried herbs, raspberry, cherry, and black pepper. A medium-plus finish with flavours lingering and lovely at only 12.2%. I am impressed with how well this wine has aged.
91 Points
2009 Merlot (Block2 Reserve)
Hester Creek
Oliver, BC
$37.99
Garnet red with a slight brick rim and deep intensity. The nose is rich, layered, and complex with great varietal character. Dark cherry, plum, mulberry, cinnamon, and floral notes stand out. Well balanced with velvety smooth tannins. A symphony on the palate and a medium-long finish with flavours lingering. At its peak and a joy to drink.
96+ Points
2015 Pinot Noir (Tesoro)
Privato
Kamloops, BC
$37.99
Garnet red with a touch of brick and deep intensity. Even at ten years old the nose is fruit forward with a classic Burgundian nose showing aromas of black cherries, cranberries, plums, raspberries, rose petals, leather and a hint of chocolate. Well balanced. Lip smacking on the palate with juicy flavours mirroring the nose followed by a medium-long finish. At or near its peak and an absolute delight to drink. A true ‘wow’ wine.
97+ Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
