Tag Archives: okanagan valley vqa

Syrah, CC Jentsch Cellars, Oliver, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2013, 13.8% abv, C$30 (2013 vintage tasted October, 2015, 2015 vintage tasted May, 2021)

This BC wine was the winner in the Judgement of BC blind tasting held in August, 2015 in Vancouver. Now, this was no small feat – 12 BC wines (Chardonnay and Syrah) were cast against 12 benchmark Chardonnay and Syrah … 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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The Bub, Haywire, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 12% abv, 2014, C$29

Bottle fermented and aged in the traditional method, this bubble was purchased by daughter Jess.  I seem to have trained the child well – at least in that she has good taste in wine.  It’s topped with a crown cap, … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

Posted in British Columbia, Gamay, Pinot Noir, RED, ROSE | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

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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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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

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Hypothesis, Culmina Family Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 13.5% abv, 2011

Culmina Winery owner, Don Triggs is no stranger to the really big wine industry business.  No, really.  I’m serious; as one half of the former Jackson-Triggs group (yes, that Jackson-Triggs), with his business partner, Don Triggs built and sold Vincor. … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Merlot, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment