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.
2019 Chardonnay
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
$67.99
Golden yellow with medium-minus intensity. The nose is interwoven with apple, melon, butterscotch, lime, peach, cream, almond and vanilla aromas. Well balanced. The flavours reflect the nose. A medium-long finish with lingering citrus, honey, and butter flavours. A well-integrated wine.
93 Points
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grizzli
West Kelowna, BC
$32.95
Garnet red with a brick rim and medium-deep intensity. The nose is rich and complex with lots of tertiary aromas including leather, tar, soy, dried red fruit, prune, chocolate, and almond. Very good balance. The layered palate reflects the nose. A medium-long finish. A beautifully aged wine.
92 Points
2020 Syrah
Deep Roots
Naramata, BC
$33.83
Deep garnet red/black with deep intensity. The varietal nose is big and layered with aromas of dark berries, dark cherries, black plum, black pepper, cinnamon, cassis, cocoa, baking spice, raisin, and coconut. Very good balance and full on the palate with flavours echoing the nose followed by a medium-plus juicy finish. Serve with thick cut seasoned and marinated pork chops.
93 Points
2016 Co-Ferment
Vanessa Vineyards
Cawston, BC
$79.99
This wine club exclusive is a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot that was aged for 30 months in French and American oak. Garnet /black with deep intensity. Aromas of dark fruit, black currant, black plum, black cherry, a touch of caramel, cinnamon, and soy. Very good balance with smooth ripe tannins. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-long finish. Though nine-years old at this point, this wine has miles to go. Sadly, only four barrels (about 100 cases) were made. *Note this wine has been rebranded as Monarch.
94 Points
2018 Karma
Kismet
Oliver, BC
$20.49
Karma is a blend of 53% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot. Garnet/black with deep intensity. The nose is deep and layered with aromas of dark berries especially blackberry, dark cherries, red currant, red plum, earth, and a touch of spice. Well balanced with smooth ripe tannins. Fruit forward on the palate followed by a medium-long finish which accentuates the fruit flavours. Perfect to serve with grilled meats, Italian sausage, or duck breast with blueberry sauce.
96 Points.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)