Category Archives: Winery Review

Pinot Gris + Riesling, Alluvium, Fort Berens Estate Winery, Lillooet, BC VQA, 12.5% abv., 2023, C$20

I’m always on the lookout for a wine I can enjoy by myself or with company that I don’t have to think too hard about.  But, it has to have been made ethically and sustainably, and it’s a bonus if … Continue reading

Posted in BC, British Columbia, OTHER, Pinot Gris, Riesling, WHITE, Winery Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

9 Late Llama Wine Posts

Back in 2013 when I started this blog (has it been that long?), I did so because I needed to get faster and better at recording WSET tasting notes in anticipation of Diploma exams. My theory at the time was … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Burgundy, France, Italy, OTHER, RED, Red, SPIRITS, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Viura, Viña Otano, Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2015, 13% abv., US$29

I bought two of these, but now wish I’d purchased two cases. A white Rioja made of 85% Viura with 10% Garnacha Blanca and 5% Maturana Blanca, this wine is a definite treat and can be held for a long … Continue reading

Posted in Grenache blanc, Oregon, OTHER, Spain, WHITE, White Grenache / Garnacha / Garnaxa | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Riesling, Poet’s Leap, Long Shadows Vintners Collection, Columbia Valley AVA, Washington, USA, 12.5% abv., 2021, US$16

What’s the saying, ‘When in Rome…?’  Well, when in Washington State, find yourself some Long Shadows Poet’s Leap Riesling from the Columbia Valley, because it’s one of the grapes they do best there.   Pale yellow with aromas of green apple, … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Dehart Vineyard, Martin’s Lane Winery, Okanagan Valley VQA, British Columbia, 2015, 14% abv., C$100

From the heavily lauded Martin’s Lane Winery located in Kelowna, BC, this Pinot Noir is absolutely world class. Its translucent garnet tone offers a deep nose of mulberry, cherry, deeply ripened strawberry, freshly turned soil, and mushroom. The palate has … Continue reading

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, 2003, 13.5% abv.

Offspring of the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most renowned red grapes of the world, rivalled only by Merlot for worldwide plantings and popularity. Its power base is in Bordeaux and especially on … Continue reading

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Oregon Wine Symposium, 2021

The other day I was watching a travel show about regional foods and wines in Italy and felt more than a little surprised when I suddenly burst into tears. I guess I miss traveling and learning about the world a … Continue reading

Posted in Oregon, Oregon, Winery Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Bunker Red, Rathjen Cellars, Saanich, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, 12.1% abv., C$22++

We’re nine months into this pandemic and I’ve been writing a little less than usual, but drinking a lot more.  What about you?  Yeh, that’s what I thought. However, I have made a concerted effort to support local wineries and … Continue reading

Posted in BC, British Columbia, Gamay, Marechal Foch, OTHER, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Ring in the New Decade with Canadian Bubbles from Unsworth Vineyards

Hindsight being 2020, you’re going to want to try these bubbles for ringing in the new decade.  To save you the trouble, and the hindsight, here’s the low down. Unsworth Vineyards is located on Canada’s West Coast just north of … Continue reading

Posted in amiel, auxerrois, BC, British Columbia, OTHER, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, sauvignette | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Amelia (Syrah – Viognier), Daydreamer Wines, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 13.5% abv., 2017, C$35

This plush 90% Syrah, 10% Viognier is a treat!  Master of Wine Marcus Ansems has produced a delicious Naramata Bench version of this northern Rhône classic. In the traditional homeland of Syrah, many winemakers co-ferment the grape with 5-10% Viognier … Continue reading

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