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 ten-year-old vintages (and at their release 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.
2018 Dead of Night
Moon Curser
Osoyoos, BC
$45.99
An intriguing blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Tannat. Garnet black with deep intensity. The nose is a symphony of blackberry, aniseed, black cherry, black pepper, blueberry, plum, spice, herbs, prune and pencil shavings. Very good balance with smooth ripe tannins. The aromas are mirrored on the palate, followed by a medium-long finish. A lovely pairing with charcuterie, grilled burgers, or sticky ribs.
92 Points
2010 The Rebel (Syrah)
Blackwood Lane
Langley, BC
$44.00
This wine hails back to when Charles Herrold was the winemaker and the winery was at their former winery in Langley (now Penticton). Garnet/black with deep intensity. Dark cherry, raisin, raspberry, tar, and vanilla on the nose. Very good balance. Cherry, rhubarb, tea leaf, and blackberry on the palate. A medium-long finish. Slightly past its peak now. A little better than when I tasted it in 2019, but not quite as good as in 2021.
92 Points
2015 Merlot (Gold)
Little Engine
Penticton, BC
$55.00
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. A layered nose with integrated aromas of blackberry, black currant, beetroot, cherry, rhubarb, cinnamon, plum, earth, a touch of chocolate and pencil shavings. Well balanced with velvety smooth tannins. The flavours echo the nose, followed by a slightly warm (14.9% ABV) medium-long finish. An excellent example of why you should age well-made BC wines. Serve with grilled pepper steak or braised short ribs.
95 Points
2014 Syrah
Vanessa Vineyard
Similkameen Valley, BC
$34.99
Garnet/black with deep intensity. A well-integrated nose with woven aromas of dark berries, roasted meat, black pepper, black olive, spice, black plum, a touch of leather, tar, herbs, and sawdust. Very good balance. Juicy on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose, followed by a medium-long, lingering finish. Ten percent Viognier helps to achieve just the right expression of fruit and texture in this ‘wow’ wine that shows elegance and depth.
97 Points
2004 Cipes Traditional Cuvée
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Kelowna, BC
$130.00
“Made with 100% organic estate-grown fruit – 87% Chardonnay and 13% Pinot Noir. The bottles aged ‘sur lie’ for 18 years before disgorgement.” Golden yellow/amber with medium-deep intensity. The nose is rich and intricate with dried apricot, fig, sultana raisin, brioche, wild honey, sponge toffee, almond, chamomile, and orange zest on the nose. Very good balance with a creamy texture and good mousse. Depth and complexity on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose, followed by a medium-long finish. A Dead of Nightwonderful wine to savour with eyes closed or as an accompaniment to candied salmon or popcorn. Maybe not quite as good as the last time I sampled this wine two years ago, when it was likely at its prime. I recognize that aged sparkling wines are not to everyone’s taste, but for those who do, it can be quite divine. And the good news is this vintage is still available at the winery (check their website to be sure.)
94 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)