Category Archives: RED

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

Posted in Merlot, RED, Washington State, Washington State | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Oregon, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in California, Merlot, RED, Red | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in BC, Merlot, RED | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in BC, Merlot, RED | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Barbera, Sandhill, Small Lots Program 10 Barrels, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2009, 15% abv, $30

Boasting they have the only Barbera grown in Canada, Sandhill has produced a few vintages of this Italian varietal for BC red wine drinkers. I wanted to have something not too tannic and a little fruity for the meatballs, so … Continue reading

Posted in Barbera, BC, RED | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in BC, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in BC, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Delinea 300, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2009, 14% abv, C$35 @ Legacy

This  Pinot Noir is a Sokol Blosser Winery entry level product from the Willamette Valley in Dundee, Oregon. As the name infers, it’s grown at 300m elevation. Medium garnet core moving to a thick and pale ruby rim, this wine … Continue reading

Posted in Oregon, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Old Vine Zinfandel, Bonanza, Rustico Farm & Cellars, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2009, 14.3% abv, $30

Rustico is a ‘western themed’ winery and slightly kitschy.  Isabella’s Poke?  Threesome?  If you have to rely on the kitsch to sell your wine… I will say it’s interesting that they grow Zinfandel as there are so few places growing it … Continue reading

Posted in BC, RED, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments