Category Archives: British Columbia
Viognier, CC Jentsch, Golden Mile Bench, Naramata VQA, BC, 2015, 13.5% abv. C$23
CC Jentsch is a small, family-owned BC winery located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver. Amber Pratt is Chris and Betty Jentsch’s winemaker. The family has farmed in the region since 1929. I first learned of their wines when … Continue reading
Sémillon, Lock and Worth Winery, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2014, 12.3% abv, C$25
Matthew Sherlock and Ross Hackworth’s website says their wines are “unnerving and contrarian.” But they got me at, ‘Our wines are not for everyone and never will be.” Honest and direct, and that’s the way I like it – the … Continue reading
Pinot Gris, Hillside Winery, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2016, 13.7% abv, C$18++
On the eyes, this is a beautiful onion skin tone of pale, translucent orange with aromas of light stone fruit, mandarin citrus and crushed rocks. The palate is ever-so-slightly off dry with nice acidity and echoes the aromas with flavours … Continue reading
Rethink Pink, Rosé, Joie Farm, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2015, 12.5% abv.
Here’s an uncomplicated Rosé made with Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes by Heidi Noble for your back porch. The colour of pretty, pink salmon, this wine has aromas of watermelon and cherry. On the palate it’s mostly dry with a … Continue reading
Zweigelt, Upper Bench Winery, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 13.9% abv. C$26
Zwei what? Zweigelt – a cross between St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch (aka Lemberger) created in 1922 in Austria. In this case it’s being grown in the Okanagan at several estates. This version is an estate grown, 100% Zweigelt, fermented in … Continue reading
Pinot Blanc, Clos du Soleil, Grower’s Series, Middle Bench Vineyard, Similkameen Valley VQA, Okanagan, BC, 2015, C$20++
I love Pinot Blanc wines – they taste great and compliment all sorts of dishes – from pork to chicken, fish and pasta – with their great fruit and acidity. Many will argue though that because Pinot Blanc isn’t a … Continue reading
Meritage, Clos du Soleil, Estate Reserve, Similkameen Valley VQA, BC, Canada, 2010, 14% abv.
A classic Meritage blend of Cabernet Franc 40%, Malbec 35%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, and Petit Verdot 5%, this wine hails from one of BC’s coolest biodynamic vineyards. Clos du Soleil is located in a unique microclimate of a region – … Continue reading
Brio, Glenterra Vineyards, Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, 2014, 13% abv. C$25
Kudos. Serious kudos. You’ve got to give Glenterra credit. Dry farming grapes in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island in a sustainable manner is no easy feat and can’t be for the faint of heart. They’re located in a tiny micro-climate, … Continue reading
Riesling, Upper Bench Winery, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA, 12.5% abv, 2013, $C19
Looking for something that tastes good and won’t kill your wallet after you pay for the Thai food delivery and your tom yum goong? A trustworthy effort from the Upper Bench Winery from just outside of Penticton, this Riesling is … Continue reading
Chardonnay, Upper Bench Winery, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2013, 13.7% abv, C$22@winery
My mother loves this wine, so I was honestly trying to save my second bottle for a dinner with her. But then it got busy at work. And I deserved it. Sorry, Mom. This great little homegrown Okanagan beauty is … Continue reading
