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.
2022 Chardonnay
Solvero
Summerland, BC
$35.00
2022 was a great vintage and Solvero has proven how well they do with their focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. I have tasted this wine every year since its release and it just gets better and better. Deep lemon yellow with medium-intensity. The nose is layered with aromas of Ambrosia apple, apricot, lemon, lime, melon, and peach, along with a touch of honey. Well balanced with good mouth feel. The palate echoes the nose along with lemon cream notes, followed by a medium-long finish. Elegant and harmonious with nicely integrated oak and fruit.
94 Points
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Free Form)
Haywire
Summerland, BC
$29.99
The first sign that this is a wine that is not your average Cabernet is the 12% ABV, which is much lower than most. This a wine that is light and bright and lets the fruit shine through, unencumbered by oak, so not for lovers of California Cabs (yes!). Garnet red with medium-plus intensity. Bright juicy fruit on the nose with aromas of red and black berries, dried leaf, rhubarb, along with some spice and almond notes. Good balance with medium body. Juicy and fruit-forward on the palate followed by a medium finish. Serve with a charcuterie platter on the patio, burgers or tomato-based pizzas.
88 Points
2018 Zinfandel 3488
Black Sage
Oliver, BC
$27.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. A rich nose showing aromas of red and black fruit including black berry, black raspberry, cinnamon and nutmeg, earth, and a touch of cedar. Very good balance with firm ripe tannins. Mouth-watering juicy ripe red fruit on the palate, followed by a medium-long finish. Serve with meatloaf, teriyaki chicken, a charcuterie plate, or pizza.
93+ Points
2015 Cabernet Franc
Vanessa Vineyard
Similkameen Valley, BC
$49.99
This wine was crafted to maximize flavour and extraction with primarily free-run juice. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose is layered with a symphony of aromas including dried fruit, black currant, black cherry, plum, black pepper, dried flowers, a touch of sandalwood, tar, leather, and soy. Very good balance with smooth ripe tannins. The flavours mirror the nose. A medium-long lingering finish. An excellent example of BC Cab Franc. Serve with prime rib or barbecued ribs.
94+ Points
2014 Syrah
Painted Rock
Penticton, BC
$39.90
Garnet black with deep intensity. Well integrated and harmonious, the nose is interwoven with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, black cherry, black olives, spice, along with hints of cocoa powder, coconut, and toast. Well balanced with full body, and smooth ripe tannins. The flavours echo the nose followed by a warm, medium-long finish. A pleasure to drink.
96 points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
