Category Archives: BC

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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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

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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

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Gewurztraminer-Pinot Gris, Granite, Bartier Brothers, Oliver, BC, 2017, 11.3% abv., C$26

I’d been planning a trip to Bartier Brothers in Oliver, BC for a while.  I drink so much of their Sémillon, I should own shares in the winery.  A visit was definitely in order. No sooner did we step on … Continue reading

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Pinot Gris, Reserve, Hillside Winery, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, Canada, 2017, 13.7% abv.

I had wanted to visit Hillside Winery for a while – not only is their Reserve Pinot Gris one of my absolute favourite wines of all time, but their celebrated restaurant is award winning.  We popped in for a visit … Continue reading

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Seaside Gin, Sheringham Distillery, Sooke, BC, Canada, 43% abv, C$46

It’s not often that I write about spirits on Winellama.  In fact, when I took the WSET Diploma, I balked at having to take a course on spirits.  In the end, it was the course I learned the most from … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Haywire, Secrest Mountain Vineyard, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2015, 13.5% abv.

Another delicious wine from Haywire.  Why are they so consistently good?  Less is literally more – quality fruit, careful harvesting, and minimal intervention during the winemaking process allows the wine to speak for itself.  Translucent ruby with aromas of black … Continue reading

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Church & State, Cabernet Franc, Coyote Bowl, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2010, 14.7% abv.

I had to double check the label!  On the first glass, I thought I was drinking a svelte Syrah from BC’s Okanagan Valley.  Nope – Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet in colour, this wine offers classic Cab Franc aromas of pine … Continue reading

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Old Vines Riesling, Sperling Vineyards, Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2012, C$32

In June 2014 we were in Normandy and spent a day with Emmanuel Camut, one of three Camut brothers and the sixth generation of their family making premium Adrien Camut Calvados on land they’ve owned since the 1800s.  Emmanuel was intrigued by … Continue reading

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