From the Cellar with @Sam_WineTeacher

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.

2021 Syrah
Tantalus
Kelowna, BC
$34.78

Garnet red with medium-deep intensity.  Aromas of rich ripe berries, red currant, raspberry, cherry, nutmeg, black pepper, pencil shavings, and a slight hint of tar.  Quite bright, but good balance.  Juicy on the palate, with flavours following the nose.  A medium-plus finish.  A good match for BBQ ribs.
90 Points

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Blasted Church
Okanagan Falls, BC
$36.00

Situated on the western shore of Skaha Lake, Blasted Church has beautiful lake views which help to reflect sunlight back up into their vineyards helping the grapes to achieve ripeness.  Garnet black with deep intensity.  The nose is layered with aromas of blackberry, black currant, black plum, cooked beetroot, earth, hits of menthol, nutmeg, cedar, and almond.  Very good balance with soft integrated tannins.  The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium-plus finish.  Serve this one with prime rib, a grilled steak, salamis, or lasagna.
93 Points

2014 Meritage
Grizzli
West Kelowna, BC
$32.95

This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, is garnet/black with deep intensity.  The nose is well integrated with dark fruit, candied fruit, stewed plum, fruitcake, leather, pencil shavings, and more.  Very good balance with smooth ripe tannins.    The palate reflects the nose and is followed by a medium-plus finish.
92 Point’s

2015 Mantra (Bordeaux Blend)
Kismet
Oliver, BC
$34.49

Kismet has a great site and their wines are always fruity and flavourful.  Mantra is a blend of 31% Malbec, 31% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot.  Garnet red with medium-deep intensity.  Blackberry, blueberry, cherry, sweet spice, pomegranate, red plum, black pepper, earth, and cooked beetroot on the nose.  Very good balance with silky smooth tannins.  Juicy on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose followed by a medium-plus finish.
93 Points

2018 Cabernet Franc
Fort Berens
Lillooet, BC
$28.99

Garnet red with some brick and medium-deep intensity.  A symphony on the nose with aromas of ripe red and black fruit, dusty herbs, black pepper, baking spice, and a touch of sandalwood.  Very good balance with silky smooth tannins.  Mouth-watering on the palate with flavours following the nose.  A medium-long finish with lingering flavours.  Beautifully aged.  Don’t pair this with anything that would overpower the wine, choose a pork tenderloin, duck confit, or roasted herb-crusted chicken.
94 PointsUp

(All photos – Sam Hauck)