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 Syrah
Volcanic Hills
West Kelowna, BC
$26.10
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. A varietal nose showing aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, black cherry, dried herbs, plum, spice, and cigar box. Very good balance. The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. Very nice.
91 Points
2005 Bordeaux Superior
Chateau Croix-Mouton
Lugon-Gironde, France
$29.00
This is a blend of 65% Merlot with the balance made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Garnet red with deep intensity. Deep and dark on the nose with aromas of black plums, blackberry, raspberry, beetroot, dark cherries, chocolate, earth, leafy, leather, and pencil shavings. Good balance. The aromas carry over to the palate followed by a medium-plus finish with noticeable tannins. Well-aged and better the next day after decanting. Age worthy for another 5 – 8 years.
90 Points
2017 Valpolicella Superior (Ripasso)
Tommasi
San Pietro in Cariano, Italy
$33.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose opens with aromas of cherries, red berries, red currant, and cranberry followed by earth, leather, and fruitcake. Good balance with medium-plus body. Bright on the palate with flavours mirroring the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. A lovely accompaniment to a deep-dish baked lasagne.
91 Points
2011 Merlot (Block 2 Reserve)
Hester Creek
Oliver, BC
$37.99
Garnet red with a hint of a brick rim and deep intensity. The nose is integrated and layered with blackberry, dusty herbs, black tea, fruitcake, cinnamon, and stewed plums. Very good balance. The follow the nose with lots of fruit standing out. A medium-plus finish. Impressive.
95 Points
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Reserve)
Pacific Breeze
New Westminster, BC
$34.99
From northern California’s Obsidian Ridge Vineyard. Garnet/black with medium-deep plus intensity. An impressive nose showing dark berries, black cherry, black currant, a hint of cinnamon, beetroot, plum, chocolate, cedar, and vanilla. Well balanced with full body and smooth tannins. Big on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose. The wine ends with a medium-long finish. This big and bold wine is a Cabernet lovers delight.
96 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
