2015 Chardonnay (Silver)
Little Engine
Penticton, BC
$30.00
Lemon yellow in colour with medium-light intensity. The nose shows well-integrated oak and fruit, lemon cream, apple, vanilla, butter and toast. Very good balance. The palate is layered and reflects the nose followed by a medium-long finish with lingering flavours.
2016 Malbec
Catena
Mendoza, Argentina
$23.99
High altitude vines, as a rule, tend to produce wines with better structure and this one is no exception. Garnet/black in colour with deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of blackberry, violets, cocoa and vanilla. Good balance with soft ripe tannins. The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium-plus finish.
2017 Meritage (white)
TIME
Penticton, BC
$25.00
Thanks to a good friend for dropping off this lovely wine for me. I’d be remiss, if I didn’t take a moment to remind people that this white Meritage – rhymes with ‘heritage’ – is a blend of 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Semillon. The nose is rich with aromas of beeswax, white flowers, honeydew, white peach and lemon drops. Well balanced with a creamy texture. Citrus, melon, pear and stone fruit on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish. Well-made and true to the classic style of its Bordeaux cousin. Only 253 cases produced, so pick some up soon.
2013 Riesling
50th Parallel
Lake Country, BC
$17.00
I last tried this same wine three years ago and it has only gotten better. Very pale straw in colour with light intensity. The nose is complex with ever-evolving aromas of lime, ripe apple, honeysuckle, caramel, jasmine and subtle diesel notes. Well balanced, clean and crisp. The aromas carry through to the palate followed by a medium-long finish. I am a big fan of aged Rieslings.
2011 AssasZin
Pacific Breeze
New Westminster, BC
$19.99
I am a big fan of this wine, so I tend to buy lots of it when I drop by the winery. Opening this wine after an eight-year rest has only made it better. The colour is garnet red with deep intensity. The nose opens with dried fruit, cinnamon, strawberry, rhubarb and nutmeg. Well balanced with a silky texture. The flavours follow the nose. A medium-plus finish with lingering flavours. Perfect match for BBQ’d ribs.
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)
