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.
2017 Viognier
Church and State
Oliver, BC
$27.59
Once again, BC proves it can do a very good job with this Rhone white grape. Golden yellow with medium intensity. Aromas of Mandarin orange, peach juice, pear, white peach, gun flint, and toast on the nose. Good balance with medium-plus body. The flavours include honey, citrus, lemon, pear, and orange peel. A. medium-plus finish with flavours lingering. A good match for Singapore noodles, herb-roasted chicken, or pasta Alfredo. Full disclosure, I had never intended to age this wine for so long, it just happened. Fortunately, it was well-made and stood the test of time.
90 Points
2015 Il Falcone (Rosso Reserva)
Castel del Monte, Rivera
Andria Apulia, Italy
$30.99
A blend of 70% Nero di Troia and 30% Montepulciano. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Dried red fruit, spice, roasted meat, dried herbs, red plum, and cedar. Very good balance. Well-integrated flavours on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish. Good for another 3-8 years.
91 Points
2016 Pinot Noir
Serendipity
Naramata, BC
NA ($25?)
Garnet red with a tinge of brick and medium-plus intensity. The nose opens with aromas of dark cherry, dark plum, dried fruit, black tea, dusty herbs, and forest floor. Very good balance. The flavours echo the nose, followed by a medium-long finish. Serve with herbed pork chops or roast beef.
93 Points
2009 Quatrain
Mission Hill
West Kelowna, BC
$45.00
This blend of 35% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc is garnet/black with medium-deep intensity. The nose is rich and deep with well-integrated inky aromas of prune, stewed fruit, menthol, spice, toffee, chocolate, earth, and pencil shavings. Well-balanced with smooth tannins. Well-integrated flavours on the palate followed by a medium-long finish. Impressive.
96 Points
2014 Cabernet Franc (Reserve)
Grizzli
West Kelowna, BC
$92.00
Garnet red with a touch of brick, and medium-deep intensity. The nose is rich and complex with interwoven aromas of red and black fruit, spice, ripe plum, a slight hint of tobacco, and dusty leaf. Well balanced with integrated tannins. The palate is flavourful and layered, with flavours reflecting the nose, followed by a medium-long finish. This wine opens and evolves with time. A yummy wine to savour on its own or with a simple bread and cheese dinner.
96 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)