Author Archives: winellama
Columbia Crest Grand Estates, Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2008, 13.5% abv, C$20
After California, the US state that produces the most wine is Washington. The Columbia Valley AVA lies mostly in Washington State, but a portion of it overlaps into Oregon. At its northern most end, it extends almost into BC’s Okanagan … Continue reading
Lachini Vineyards, Cuvée Giselle, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2006, 14.2% abv, C$95/US$65
Last Thursday evening I went to ‘Oregon Takes Vancouver’ at the Stanley Park Pavilion and enjoyed tasting over 20 different wines from the Willamette Valley to prepare for a trip we’re planning. I spoke with the winemaker at the Stanley … Continue reading
Stefano Faina, Gavi DOCG, Italy, 2011, 12% abv. C$31
It was a really warm Saturday in September, so what better way to get ready for dinner than to enjoy a light Italian Gavi with some tart green olives and a little cheese. This wine has a pale lemon green … Continue reading
Wente Vineyards, Sandstone, Merlot, Livermore Valley, California, 2009, 13.5% abv.
In keeping with the recent Merlot roll I’ve seemingly been on, I opened up another bottle tonight to enjoy on this Labour Day weekend. About a month ago I went to a US wines tasting and this was one of … Continue reading
Merlot, La Stella Maestoso, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2008, 14.7% abv.
In honour of a couple of great friends we had over tonight, I opened the La Stella 2008 Maestoso we purchased in Osoyoos). This was after we enjoyed a bottle of Vindication Cellars’ rosé and realized we’d been in Osoyoos and Oliver … Continue reading
Merlot, Heaven’s Gate, Summerland, Okanagan Valley 2009 14.5% abv, C$25
So now for a little bit of that wine a movie almost single handedly killed the market for. We picked this Merlot up in Summerland on the Bottleneck Drive wine tour. Heaven’s Gate Estate Winery used to be a peach orchard … Continue reading
Viognier, Black Hills Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2010, 13.4% abv.
This one’s for my pal Michelle in Menlo, CA – that’s vee-oh-knee-yay for your neighbour, Michelle. Don’t worry, it gets easier to say the more you drink. Until recently, there was not much Viognier grown outside of France. In fact, by … Continue reading
Church & State, Syrah, Coyote Bowl, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2009
There was something inspirational about tasting this wine at the outdoor bar at Church & State’s Oliver operation – but when we opened it at Whistler, it was spectacular. Deep ruby and savoury, there was significant spice and red fruit in addition to layers … Continue reading
Syrah, Le Vieux Pin, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2009, 14.3% abv.
The Le Vieux Pin wines come with lots of information on their labels – and this one is made from grapes grown at Dead Man Lake and the Black Sage Bench near Oliver. Grown on mostly sandy gravel, clay and shale, … Continue reading
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