Category Archives: BC

Meritage, Clos du Soleil, Celestiale, Similkameen Valley VQA, BC, 2011, 13.4% abv

I’ve been waiting patiently for the delivery of my mixed case of Clos du Soleil wines via friends who made the trip to the Okanagan last week. One of the wines in this case is the Celestiale. The dictionary definition … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tantalus, Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley VQA, Kelowna, BC, 2010, 14.2% abv

Purchased in February 2013 at the winery in Kelowna on a beautifully sunny late winter’s day, this wine was part of a case I was lucky to snag following the venerable Jancis Robinson’s declaration of the 2008 Tantalus Old Vines … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Chardonnay, WHITE | 2 Comments

Silkscarf, Shiraz Reserve, Summerland, Okanagan Valley, 2007, 14% abv

Located in the Okanagan Valley’s picturesque town of Summerland, we visited this winery in 2012 and have been saving this bottle for a suitably appreciative crowd. One surfaced tonight in the form of parents who made us a beautiful dinner … Continue reading

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

Riesling, Orofino Winery, Similkameen Valley VQA, BC, 2011, 11.8% abv, C$22

“Don’t you find the winters a little cold and lonely out here in the Similkameen?” we naively asked co-owner Virginia Weber. “Are you absolutely kidding? You’re talking to a Saskatchewan girl,” was the response. Fair enough – I mean, she … Continue reading

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Laughing Stock Pinot Gris, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2012, 13.9%, C$22

This is no laughing matter. After attending the Wine Bloggers’ Conference of North America in June, I decided to visit Laughing Stock Winery. Although I’d heard about them for years, I had never actually tried any of their wines. Lo … Continue reading

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Desert Hills, Gewurztraminer, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA, Canada, 2011, 13.35% abv, C$22.90

It’s summer and I’m looking for one of those not-so-ubiquitous, but commonly nicknamed ‘summer sippers’ to have post-work. The only cold stuff in the fridge is this Gewürztraminer from Desert Hills Estate Winery on the Black Sage Bench in the … Continue reading

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Rosé, Clos du Soleil, Similkameen Valley VQA, Okanagan, BC, 2012, 12.5% abv.

Another purchase from a recent trip to the Similkameen and given my extreme jet lag on this hot summer day, I’ve decided it’s a great way to recover from cross-Atlantic flights. Clear and bright, medium salmon with even and light … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, ROSE | Leave a comment

Howling Bluff, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, VQA Okanagan Valley, 13.4% abv, 2012 (C$19.90)

I want this woman’s life. It’s true. If my father owned an award winning Naramata Bench winery in BC’s Okanagan Valley, well …let’s just say it’s a rather safe bet I’d more-than-likely be off living the life I dream of, … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, WHITE | 2 Comments

Pinot Blanc, Clos du Soleil, Grower’s Series Chegwin & Baessler, Similkameen Valley VQA, BC, 2012, 12.1% abv, C$20++

Only 185 cases produced of this refreshing gem and we recently opened a bottle on a warm summer Vancouver evening to enjoy with friends. Clos du Soleil is one of my new favourite BC wineries – I have developed a … Continue reading

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Table 1006 – The Last Supper

Look in the dictionary for ‘grace under pressure’ and you’ll find a picture of Chef Francine Parker right there. In December 2012, I was fortunate to be the first invited back to Chef Parker’s Table 1006 following extensive renovations. How … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Restaurants/Cellars | 6 Comments