Canada WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 5

Well I am not too Far behind as I thought for posting.So that good.  The bad news tho is we did Canada blind and the wines were not that exciting.  But! But! In the Okanagan I know what producers I like and are good and thats what I drink and what I'll bring to an event here are a list of wineries I like out of Canada

Ontario
Le Clos Jordanne [For Pinot and Chardonnay]

Thirty Bench Winery [Riesling]

Okanangan
Blue Mountain Winery [Pinot Noir, Sparkling]
JoieFarm Wines [Rose, Recent Vintage of Riesling]
Laughing Stock Vineyards [Syrah, Portfolio Blend]
Poplar Grove [Cab Franc, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, The Legacy]
Painted Rock Winery [Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay]

Also Okanagan does make good Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer on the West Bank.



WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 6 CANADA - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (8/10/2010)
All Wines were poured blind

• 2008 St. Hubertus Estate Winery Pinot Blanc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Pale almost Water White, "Lemon Green"
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Floral, Green Apple, Big Dose of Citrus and Peach
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Alc, Med body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Ripe Apple, Citrus, Pears, Peach, Little Melon, big ole fruit bowl
  
  Conc: A solid Pinot Blanc, Drink now, simple approachable non offensive (86 pts.)
• N.V. Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Selection - Mixed, Canada/Imported
  FYI this is not Made from Okanagan/Canadian Grapes
  
  Clear, Med- Lemon Green
  Showing Significant Legs
  
  A: Clean, Low Intensity
  Kiwi[Green Tropical] maybe little herbaceous?
  
  T: Dry, med- acid, med- body, med+ alc, med- intensity, med- finish and finish is hot
  Tropical, creamed mango
  
  Conc: Lacking a lot of stuff really I mean its no really Varietal Correct lol
  
  Side Note: Teacher Pours this wine every 3 months, never the same this surprised him as this was the best he's had so far (75 pts.)
• 2006 Mike Weir Estate Winery Vidal Icewine - Canada, Ontario, Niagara Peninsula, Niagara Peninsula VQA
  Clear, Med+ Gold, Lots of Legs
  
  A: Clear, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Earth[Mushroom], drying out Papaya, I like the nose
  
  T: Luscious, Med+Acid, Full Body, Med Alc, med+ Intensity
  Raisin, Mineral, Finish, little Caramel, dried fruit, toasted nuts
  
  Conc: Not worth the price IMO 44.99 for a 375ml much better Icewines out there for the price (87 pts.)

• 2007 CedarCreek Estate Winery Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Med Ruby, showing legs
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful
  Fat, Red fruit, some spice/pepper, mineral
  
  T: Dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med+alc, med+ intensity, med+ finish
  Minty, Red fruit, plums[not ripe]
  
  Conc: Good, needs to breath a bit felt little disjointed in the beginning (85 pts.)
• 2008 Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Deep Core Purple, moving to a med+ruby rim
  A: Clear, Med+ Intensity, youthful
  Grape Candy fruit, Some Meat, Mineral, Pepper, and 'chemical'
  
  T: dry, med- acid , med tannin, med+ alc, med body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Oak, dark fruit/purple fruit, bitter chocolate, a "burnt meat"
  
  Conc: Not my type of Wine, Felt Flat, Acid was way to low no balance (81 pts.)
• 2007 Summerhill Pyramid Winery Baco Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Deep Ruby
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Cedar, Woody, Red fruit, cranberry Juice, Peanut Butter[Yup]
  
  T: Dry, med acid, low+ tannin, med body, med intensity, med+finish
  Red Fruit, Some Wood
  
  Conc: Average, drinkable for me others didn't find it as much (84 pts.)
• 2006 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Deep Ruby [ I want to say Garnet but its ruby, but has the look of a good Bordeaux wine]
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  dried red fruit, strawberry/cranberry little floral, cedar, 'cola', sweet tomato leaf, really enjoyed this nose 92pts!
  
  T: Dry, High Tannin, Med+ Acid, Med+ Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med finish
  Little Green, Red fruit, mild creamy
  
  Conc: good, dont think age will change the palate too much I think there is Potential, just need more age on the vines we shall see. Also seems a little closed on the palate would of liked to decant this wine too (86 pts.)

Dont know if these are the wines I would normally pick to show to people from outside the province.
Posted from CellarTracker
THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)

A Fantastic Tasting, A nice size room, not too many wines, and some really great wines to boot.  Must say my favourite new winery goes to Painted Rock, one the Wines Rock and two the own whom I have met twice now is such a great and down to earth guy.  He has a fantastic Site, see my other post on his wines I talked about last week here.

Le Vieux Pin and LaStella both owned by the same company, were interesting the top tier Merlot from Vieux Pin was really nice would like to see where it goes in a the future, the whites defintly were not whimpy, but not goopy either, very nice stuff

8th Generation and Tantalus Quality White/Roses Wine being made at both, would buy and defintly would not turn down a glass if offered.

Crowsnest Merlot for 20$ in the BC Market Unbelievable high altitude Merlot Vines apparently

I am excited about the future of the industry, and to think that our top tier wines are under 100$, Red Icon of Painted Rock 55$, LaStella Top Merlot [did not try, but if its anything to the reserve le vieux pin then yeah should be good and its yields are 1ton/acre] Is I think 85$

BC WINES, BLOOM - (5/20/2010)
Bloom Tasting event put on By BC Wines, Every year BC wine just keep getting better good stuff!

• 2009 LaStella Chardonnay Leggiero - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Clear, Watery to Pale, Lemon/Green
  
  A: Clean Med Intesnity, Youthful, Citrus, Melon
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, no tannin, med body, med intensity, med alc, med finish. Canadied Lemon/Grapefruit, Clean,
  
  Conclusion, Very refreshing Chardonnay, a great summer chardonnay (89 pts.)
• 2009 Le Vieux Pin Pinot Noir Rosé Vaïla - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Pale Pink
  
  A: med intensity, youthful, rasphberry, cherry
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, No Tannin, Med(-) Body, Med Alc, med finish. Strawberry, Clean
  
  Conclusion ,decent rose (87 pts.)
• 2009 LaStella Merlot LaStellina - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Med Pink, Slight Salmon Tint
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful, Red Summer fruit, strawberry/raspberry
  
  T: dry, med acid, med+ body, low(-) tannin, long finish. Licourice, Big Nice Texture, good candy cherry/watermelon fruit (90 pts.)
• 2009 LaStella Pinot Grigio Vivace - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Clean, Med(-), Pale Gold
  
  A: Clean, Med(-) Intensity, youthful
  
  T: Dry, Med to Med+ Acid, Med Body, Med Intesnity , Med+ Finish. Okanagan Peach, Stone fruit, ripe citrus, mineral, ruby grapefruit
  
  Conclusion, Nice Body/Texture Weight on this wine enjoyed this (89 pts.)
• 2007 Le Vieux Pin Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Med ruby
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Dried Flowers, Red Fruit, Developing, Mineral, Zest
  
  T: Dry, med+ Acid, med tannin, med+ body, med+ finish. Seems tight at the moment picking up Atypical Pinot Fruit
• 2007 Le Vieux Pin Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Clear, Med+ Ruby
  
  A: Med Intesnity
  
  T: Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med body, med+ finish med alc. red fruit (87 pts.)
• 2007 Le Vieux Pin Merlot Reserve - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Rating 89-91
  
  C: Med++ Ruby, tint of Purple
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Cherry, Chocolate, Coffee, Mineral[Lipstick]
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Finish Med+. Tight on the palate
  
  Conclusion, Potential is there, needs time to open up hence the 89 - 91 rating (89 pts.)
• 2009 Road 13 Honest John's - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Pale Lemon
  
  A: Med+ Intensity, Youthful, Peachy, Floral
  
  T: Dry, med+ Acid, med body, med finish. Floral, Apple/Green (88 pts.)
• 2008 Road 13 Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, British Columbia VQA
  Delicious Cherry Skin. Its Delicious, but it doesn't add any thing else to that one tasty note
• 2009 St. Hubertus Estate Winery Riesling Dry - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  ABSOLUTY A BUY especially at the price!
  
  Ripe Citrus, Peach, High Acid, Med Body
  
  This wine is crazy good, hence basically no notes hah a Must buy at 14.99! (90 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Syrah - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Med+ Ruby
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Slowly Starting to Develop. showing mod legs. Cabbage, Ripe Red Fruit[Cherry Twizzlers!!! YUM]
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med body, long finish. Chocolate, Cherry, Silky Smooth tannins, Charcoal, Lil Meat.
  
  Conclusion, Great Finish tasted better this week then last [tasted this in the middle of the event so compared to everything else this blows em all away] (89 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Med+ Ruby, Med+ legs
  A: Med+ Intensity, Dark Red Cherry, Great Concentration
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med body, meD+ intensity. red fruit/cherry, delicious
  
  Conclusion, Freshness is there! very delicious (89 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Med+ Ruby
  
  A: Med+ Intesnity, Mineral, Cherry, dried roses/potpourri, tar
  
  T: Med+ acid, med+ tannin, med+ body, long finish. A Ripe Vegetal note, Chocolate, Cherry, raspberry'
  
  Conclusion: Opened up so much since my last tasting a week ago amazing (90 pts.)
• 2007 Clos du Soleil - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
  C: Pale, Lemon
  
  A: Clean, Med++ Intensity, Citrus
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, med body, med+ finish. Candied Citrus Zest (87 pts.)
• 2007 Clos du Soleil - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
  C: med to med+ ruby
  
  A: med+ intensity, woody, cherry
  
  T: med+ acid, med tannin, med+ body, jolly rancher red, woody, needs some time
• 2009 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Meunier Rosé - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Pinot Muenier 24hr Skin Contact
  
  C: Pale Pink
  
  A: Earthy, Cherry, Strawberry
  
  T: med- Acid, med body, Cherry rhubarb
  
  Conclusion, this is a very nice Rose, I enjoyed this, this year and last year, and its already or almost sold out (88 pts.)
• 2009 8th Generation Vineyard Dry Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Also Called the "Classic"
  
  C: Watery in Colour
  
  A: Med Intensity, Marzipan yummay~
  
  T: High Acid, Med Body, Ripe Citrus, Marzipan
  
  tasty
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Watery to Pale Lemon slight tint of green
  
  A: Petrol, Umami
  
  T: Off-Dry Med+ Acid, Med- Body, Appley Goodness, Tropical Fruit (89 pts.)
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Umami on the Nose, Round Texture Stone Fruit on the Palate
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: CHerry, Rhubarb
  
  T: Cherry, Mineral/Rocks, Rhubarb, Creamy (89 pts.)
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Vegetal Notes on this [all I had written down for notes]
• 2009 Tantalus Vineyards Dry - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Med(-) Pink
  
  A: Med Intensity, Earth, Game, Mineral
  
  T: dry, Med+ Acid, low Tannin, Med body, cranberry
  
  Conclusion Very Tight, needs a little decant, was pop'n'pour funk blew off after 30secs but still needs a mini decant (88 pts.)
• 2008 Tantalus Vineyards Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  50% German Clones, Rest Dijon I think
  
  A: Vanilla, Cherry, Rhubarb [Oak notes present]
  
  T: Med acid, med+ tannin, med body, med+ finish a Big wine needs time to settle so young and tight
• 2009 Tantalus Vineyards Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Med+ Intensity, Ruby/Pink Grapefruit
  T: Med+ acid, Med+ body, med+ finish, citrus/apple (89 pts.)
• 2008 Tantalus Vineyards Riesling Old Vines - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Watery to Pale
  A: Med+ Intensity, Petrol
  
  T: High Acid, Med(-) Body, med+ Finish, green apple, Mosel Like in its approach very different then the Regular Riesling (89 pts.)
• 2007 Crowsnest Merlot Barcello Canyon - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
  This wine is a High Altitude Merlot from Okanagan
  Wine was showing Beautifully Was decanted for an hour
  
  A: Med+ Intensity, A Interesting Nose so different, changing couldn't take notes really
  
  T: Soft Tannin, Med Acid, Med Body, Showing Beautifully right now (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker


THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)

Painted Rock Winery

Went to a Painted Rock Wine Tasting this week, one of Okanagans' new premium wines. First the History of this piece of land, was owned by Hillside Estate for approx 10years, never developed, no idea why as it was rated #1 meso-climate [now I know they say its Micro-Climate, but really micro is under every leaf where the grapes grow, Meso is the Vineyard, Macro is the Appellation] by BC Wine Institue, property originally called "BlackHawk".  To Illustrate the how good this site is, In 2009 there was some heavy freezing, Painted Rock suffered no damage, The Vines are sloped so that they go towards the water, where they get a good vacuum effect allowing the Lake Skaha to Moderate the vineyard. Also there is Amphitheater at the back of the vineyard reflecting the heat back into the vines during the growing season, and of course lake reflection where the Petit Verdot is planted

What made me want to try these wines was that the Red Icon blend had a heavy amount of Petit Verdot, 20% in the 2008 Vintage, unheard of in a "cool" climate.  Amazingly these vines were planted mostly in 2005, and the quality of wine coming from such young vines not to shabby. Another interesting point someone made at the tasting was that the Syrah tasted a lot like Walla Walla syrahs when the vines were young, sooo that could mean good things for this syrah and I may have to get on that but right not super fruit forward due to youngness but ya know still tasty

PAINTED ROCK PORTFOLIO TASTING - Wine Vault (5/12/2010)

Whites

• 2008 Painted Rock Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Pale Lemon.
  
  A: Med+ Intensity Initially oak is on the nose, and was quiet scared because I know this is 100% New French Oak, started to blow off, peachy, pear, toast, burnt popcorn [good!]
  
  T: med Acid, med+ body, med+ finish
  Lemon, Apple, Pear, Mineral, CLEAN,
  
  Conclusion reminded me a Mersault I had couple weeks ago, so good and clean fruit, the Oak Integrates/disappears so WELL, I would drink this wine and Im not a Chard/Oak Fan (92 pts.)

Released Red

• 2007 Painted Rock Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Med+ Intensity
  Perfume. Licorice, Dark Cherry/Plum, Spice Cake, High Toned
  
  T: Med_ Acid, Med Tannin[dusty/silky], med body, med+ finish
  Red Fruit, Smooth, Clean, Purity of Fruit, Paired really well with Duck Prosciutto
  
  Conclusion: This wine was showing the best out of the reds straight out of the bottle so good (91 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Syrah - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  First 6month in New French Oak, then 30% Transferred to American Oak [New] Then rested for 24motnhs[I think]
  
  A: Sweet Caramel, Red Fruit/Stinky/Earth, Brocolli, Fatty, Meaty, Cabbage
  
  T: Round, Creamy, Red Good Fruit, Spice, Earth
  
  Conclusion These vines are only 5years old I think if that, the potential is there I would love to see how this shows with older vines, maybe the 2012-2015 vintage. Its Delicious right now but does not have that depth of Character (87 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  33%Cab Franc, 20% Petit Verdot, 16% Merlot, 16% Cab Sauv 15% Malbec
  
  This wine is very tight At the Moment
  
  A: Eucalyptus/Mint, Lipstick, Vanilla, Spice/Pepper, Earth/Stemy
  
  T: Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin [ Smooth Silky Tannins], Good Balance
  TIGHT~ , Chocolate, Dark Fruit,
  
  Conclusion, Needs time very tight

Barrel Sample

This was a Barrel Sample, Final Blend, Now Sitting for another 4 months in Oak

• 2008 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  !!!!THIS IS A BARREL SAMPLE, Final BLEND still in Barrel for another 4 Months!!!
  20% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, 25% Malbec
  
  A: med+ Intensity, Cherry, Rich
  
  T: Med Acid, Med+ Tannin[Silky], Red Fruit, Opening up with "Sweet Tannins and Ripe Fruit'
  
  Conclusion: Would like to see this affter a year in bottle to calm down, but the Vines are still young and not getting a lot of 2nd'ry Complexitiies yet

Posted from CellarTracker



THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)

Naramata [Okanagan BC] Tasting

Last week was the trade tasting for the annual Naramta Bench Winery Associations Wine Tasting, by far the most organized  'Sub-Appellation' [since there is no official sub-apps yet] out of the Okanagan.  I personally like what is coming out of the Naramata region, and the odd Syrah I have tasted from these wineries have been good, now the fruit may not be 100% naramata but the quality coming out of there is pretty high.  John Schreiner Blog has article that the Golden Mile might first get a Sub-Appellation Status but that for another day


I am still trying to figure out for myself how to take tasting notes and transfer them properly to a written version where they sound good, hmmm its all a learning process


My Favourite Wines of the Night was the Laughing Stock Syrah/Viognier, most Pinot Gris were fantastic

NARAMATA BENCH TASTING - Westin Bayshore Hotel (4/12/2010)
This is the Annual Naramata Bench Tasting. A region in the Okanagan which I think is where the good quality wines are coming from. Sits high above a Lake moderating the temperature from the desert like conditons of the Okanagan

Whites, Some Good Wines coming out of here, Good Quality Pinot Gris [if made in the Alsatian Style] Some Viognier doing well as long as not a lot of Oak is used

• 2008 Nichol Vineyard Gewürztraminer - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Med Minus Intensity, Flinty
  
  T: Grapey, Rubber/Petrol, Refreshing Citrus
  
  Conclusion: Not your typical Gewurtz, lots more acidity, no Floral notes mineral tho, (82 pts.)
• 2009 Nichol Vineyard Pinot Gris September Ranch - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  C: Light Peach
  
  A: Richness, Cream Strawberry
  
  T: Strawberry Cream, Med Acid.
  
  Conclusion: Very tasty but I almost thought it was a Rose, def had that profile (88 pts.)
• 2008 Therapy Freudian Sip - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Fuzzy Peach, Perfume
  
  T: Watery [Might of Been Too Cold]
  
  Conclusion: Thought it lacked Acidty, and tasted watery
• 2008 Therapy Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Big French Oak on the NOse
  
  T: Surprsing Oak is not as dominant as I would expect from the nose, Great Acidity, but def oak flavour, then touch of fruit (85 pts.)
• 2008 Therapy Pink Freud - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Delicious Fruit, Peach/Apricot, All Stone Fruits
  
  T: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
  
  Conclusion: Just great, I totally would enjoy this (89 pts.)
• 2008 Van Westen Vineyards Vino Grigio - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Light, Delicate
  
  T: Petrol, Mineral, Roundness, Med to med minus acid
• 2008 Van Westen Vineyards Viognier - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Light Aroma, Flowers
  
  T: Round Texture, Great fruit, Nice Acid, Viognier Bitterness coming through very good tho
  
  Conclusion, really enjoyed this Viognier
• 2008 Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Big Peach + Flowers
  
  T: Good Apple/Pear, Great Acid/Balance, Freshness, Roundness (89 pts.)
• 2008 Lake Breeze Vineyards Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Good Fruit, Tart Peach
  
  T: Tart Peach
• 2009 Lake Breeze Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Seven Poplars - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Fruit Herbascious
  
  T: Bitter Finish, S'alright (82 pts.)
• 2009 Lake Breeze Vineyards Gewürztraminer - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Powdery Perfume, Roses
  
  T: Round, Luscious Goldenfruit
  
  Conclusion: Totally was into this wine (88 pts.)
• 2008 Black Widow Winery Pinot Gris Single Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Note says Really nice solid, must of liked it (88 pts.)
• 2008 Black Widow Winery Schönburger Oasis - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Lemon Peel, Flowers
  
  T: Residual Sugar Off Dry Noticable, Good Blance of Fruit
• 2009 Black Widow Winery Schönburger Oasis - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  This was a tank sample
  
  A: Cologne
  
  T: Stonefruit, Peach, Pear Citrus
  
  Conclusion: thought was way better then the 08 and the sugar was about the same but not as noticable on this vintage (89 pts.)
• 2009 Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc Summa Quies Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: A Interesting Nose, Fascinating [what I wrote down I think it surprised me]
  
  T: Fresh Lemon Juice Candy, Really Good, High Acid for sure tho
• 2009 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  T: Nice Texture, Ripe Fruit, Richness
  
  My type of Pinot Gris more Alsatian in style! (89 pts.)
• 2009 Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Slightly Closed
  
  T: Great Finish, Great texture coming from the Viognier I think, pick up the nice Sauv Blanc fruit too
  
  Conclusion: Yeah I know terrible notes (88 pts.)
• 2008 Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Flinty, French Oak
  
  T: Oak Presence, High Acid, Apples
• 2009 Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  T: White Flowers, Some Oak, Round, Textured
  
  Conclusion: Oak used well, even tho I dont like Oaked Whites, it didnt kill the floral aspect so i am happy about that. Def Has Potential (89 pts.)
• 2008 Poplar Grove Winery Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Low Intensity [Guessing too cold]
  
  T: Good texture, nice acid, fruit
• 2008 Poplar Grove Winery Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Closed Nose
  
  T: Good use of Oak not over done
• 2008 Monster Vineyards (Poplar Grove) Manmade - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Nutty
  
  T: Clean Simple Fruit, Some Creaminess (84 pts.)
• 2009 Monster Vineyards (Poplar Grove) Rosé - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Strawberry Candy
  
  T: Good Fruit...something I can't read
  
  Conclusion: Really Enjoyed this (89 pts.)
• 2008 Red Rooster Winery Pinot Blanc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: nice Fruit
  
  T: Nice Round Texture, Peachy, Good Acid
• 2008 Red Rooster Winery Gewürztraminer Reserve - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  T: Residual Sugar noticeable, Crystalized Fruit, Good round texture
• 2008 Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  No Greenness, Citrus, High Acid
  
  Enjoyable (84 pts.)
• 2008 Township 7 Chardonnay Unoaked - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Mineral
  
  T: Mineral, Roundness, Citrusy
  
  Conclusion: I really did enjoy this, I would recommend this for sure and a good price too i think (87 pts.)

Reds are good as long as they stay away from Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab Franc / Merlot Blends good stuff

• 2005 Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Polarizing Wine of the Night, I liked it others not so much
  
  A: Good Fruit, High Quality Red Fruit
  
  T: Good Acid, Red Fruit, Med Tannins but not harsh
  
  Conclusion: I found this approachable other found this had more noticeable tannins then the 06
• 2006 Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Polarizing Wine, People loved, some were meh, some disliked
  
  A: Good Quality Red Fruit Thumbs up!
  
  T: Good Acid, Big Tannins, Just way to young
  
  Conclusion: See Potentional for sure
• 2008 Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Summa Quies Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  C: Med(-) Ruby
  
  A: Nice Ripe Pinot Fruit
  
  T: Sour Creamy Cherry, Very Fruit Driven
  
  Conclusion: Has Potential, Oak needs to integrate really tho before drinking (89 pts.)
• 2007 Howling Bluff Sin Cera Summa Quies Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Coffee
  
  T: Good Fruit, Balance, Grape [Good Type tho], Coffee
  
  Conclusion: Could use a little less Oak but its not like hey look at my oak (88 pts.)
• 2007 Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Nice Fruit
  
  T: 'Salty' , Red Cherry
• 2007 Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  after tasting this last year defeintly showing IMO awesome, starting to open up on the nose, Pencil Shaving oh yeah. Tasting Sweet Beautiful Tannins, good cherry nice stuff (89 pts.)
• 2008 Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah/Viognier - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Absolutlu Just Beautiful, Flowers, Caramel, Meaty, Red/Dark Fruit!
  
  T: Good Acid, LONG Finish, Nice Texture some Vanilla
  
  Conclusion: Yup I am buying its just gorgeous (92 pts.)
• 2006 Poplar Grove Winery Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: High Toned Red Fruit
  
  T: Med+ [Silky Tannins] Red Fruit
• 2006 Poplar Grove Winery Cabernet Franc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  I tasted but no notes and don't remember ah well
• 2006 Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  T: Good fruit, and tannins [shrug]
• 2008 Red Rooster Winery Cabernet-Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Coffee, Veg, Hoisin/Soy
  
  T: Vanilla, Cherry, Stalky, Caramel
  
  Conclusion: Has those green notes you are going to find in a BC Cab Sauv, and use of oak is noticable
• 2007 Red Rooster Winery Meritage - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Vanilla
  
  T: Nope
  
  Doesn't work do not liek at all (79 pts.)
• 2006 D'Angelo Estates Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Fig, Prunes, Very Dark
  
  T: Red Cherry, Warm, Big Tannin, Chewy
  
  Conclusion: Not something I associate with a Pinot Noir, very big and Chewy (85 pts.)
• 2005 D'Angelo Estates Merlot Cabernet - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: High Tone Fruit, Veg
  
  T: Soft Cherry
  
  Conclusion: QPR this is a great value, the high quality fruit with the veg goes, I mean if your using Cab in the Okanagan you are most likly going to get those veg notes (86 pts.)
• 2007 D'Angelo Estates Tempranillo - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Smell is muted
  
  T: High Acid, Sour Cherry, Chalky
  
  Conclusion: Surprised me this actually a tempranillo, and I think it could work in the Okanagan with that High Heat it gets, it may actually work (87 pts.)
• 2005 D'Angelo Estates Sette Coppa - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Really Nice Balance, Good Acid Really Nice
  
  Couple other people I know form the tasting really thought this was Really good too (88 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Dec 1/2009 Dinner

Little Slide show of the Dinner, used the guests plates made it easier for me then lugging plates

Started them off with an Amuse of Rissotto, made with Sablefish Stock very light fish flavour as they need to get ready for the seafood coming up

Wine

Blue Mountain Vineyards

N/v Sparkling Brut, méthode traditionnelle, Okanagan Falls

Scallop

Qualicum Bay Scallops, Sunchoke Puree, Pickled Golden Beets, Garlic Gastrique

Sable & Lamb

Blis Bourbon Aged Maple Syrup Glazed Sable, Pulled ‘Chorizo’ Lamb, Braised Puy Lentils, Wilted Watercress

Foie Gras Two-Way

Sous-Vide/Torched and Mousse Foie Gras, Almond Cookie, Tangy Quince Puree infused with Sauternes

Also Added a picture of the lamb before I confited it, very unpretty

Naramata Wine Ass. [Okanagan, East Lake, on Bench]

Naramata Wine Associations Presents there twice? Annual Event. These are Okanagan Wines trying to Distinguish themselves from the rest of BC, Which I find cool and I think they are doing it. You could call this the "Napa" of BC wines, but being a cooler climate... Really good wines coming out of the area


The quality on all these wines were pretty high. Definitely the best of the Area as a group.

BC [Okanagan Namely] VQA Trade Tasting.

Twice a year the VQA [Vinters Quality Assurance] sponsors these events to try the new releases, Fall being more reds, spring being more whites. I must say that the quality of wine is really progressing a lot more being "drinkable" meaning I would pay money for them. Some that Jancis Robsinson Raved about I didn't find to be that "awesome" they were good But I found them to be too one dimensional.

Tasted A lot but these are the ones that stood out. Also helped out the old friends from the Restaurant.

Random Pictures, including after events har har.....to much to drink


Some Standout Wines and Wineries

8th Generation [German Wine Maker / Grower]
Pinot Gris 2008 [Really Nice Acidity Thumbs up for me]
Rose 2008 [Fantastic Sold Out and 2009 has a waiting list from my understanding]
Merlot [Don't know Vintage But really nice]

CedarCreek Winery
In Generally All Wines Doing pretty well
2007 Merlot [Big Wine, Big Tannins, Good purity of fruit]
Plantium Chard 2007 [Oaked for sure in French Oaked I generally Don't like Chard or Oaked Whites heh]

Chandra Estate Winery
Chardonnay "Yue" 2006 [A Chardonnay I liked, Hint of Oak very nice Good value too]

Clos Du Soleil Winery
Never heard of this Winery, Had a good looking blond pouring so OF Course I had to try the wine.
Red 2007 [Man what a fantastic wine it actually made me stop and think about it, did some research after the event seen its good some good reviews from local wine critics defintly a buy]

Garry Oaks
Really Impressed with there Wines
Pinot Noir [Red Fruit, Spice good purity of fruit tho Cranberry, Strawberry ,Rhubarb]
Pinot Gris [Love it good Acidity]

Mission Hill
Compendium 2006 [Drinking Nicely, smooth touch of fruit, dark chocolate]
Quatrain 2006 [A merlot Syrah blend, Syrah very syrupy coming through smooth creamy, fruit]
Oculus 2006 [BIG MASSIVE WINE, almost not drinkable, no point in opening this anytime soon the Tannins are just massive good fruit coming through tho]

Poplar Grove Winery
The 2005 Merlot and Legacy showing very nice currently [Just opened a 2004 Merlot which was Fantastic, you can ask Kim and Vibemore about it!]

Quails Gate Estate Winery
Heard Lots of good things about there Pinot Noir, they were pouring both of theres
Definitely a new World style play
Pinot Noir 2007 [Raspberry Coulis very nice]
Pinot Noir 2007 Reserve [Same profile as regular but a lot smoother]

Road 13
Viognier Rousanne Marsanne 2008 [Really Impressive]
Jackpot Syrah 2007 [Jancis Robinson Liked this wine, has those Rhone Qualities minerality fruit]

Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery
Both Bubblies I love Blanc de Blanc really good
Cipes Brut NV
Organic Cipes Gabriel Blanc de Blanc NV

Not to Shabby all in all

Slow to Post - BC vs WA? Wines

Have not posted in a while finding it hard to write, I am just not a writer, heck in high school I was a C average student in English, and A/B student in Math. Started this blog to practice my writing skillz, yeah with a Zed, not a Zee.

That being said Had a mini wine tasting at my place with two people from Seattle, one moving up here we had 8 wines. 4BC wines and 4Washington state. Made a Interesting Night made some oxtail 'Roulade' [Pulled Oxtail with a little star anise, Butter, onion/garlic, Banyuls Vinegar, Wrapped in Cured Sherry Aged Beef]

The best part of having 8 wines between 3 people. Left over wine they both took home two bottles, and left me with 4. Must say Washington Wines have lots of acidity, needs time in bottle plus decanting. and have that Northern Rhone Quality of being less over the top.
The Two BC Reds I bought were excellent drinking now, and last for a couple years. But hands down fantastic drinking now

Poplar Grove Merlot 2004
95% Merlot, 5% Malbec
My last bottle of this Really Showing Well now, If only I could buy some more of these. The Wild Sage/Eucalyptus nose has mellowed A LOT which is good.
A: Big sweet Rich fruit little Rubber, and something we couldn't put on nose on
T: Drinking now beautifully, good fruit, not your normal Merlot, acidity is good all in all thumbs up


Blue Mountain Stripe Label Pinot Noir 06
What can you really say about this wine in that its awesome, its on the bigger side, very earthy, the fruit is toned down nicely balanced creamy/round smooth. A must try

Tantalus 07 Riesling
Petrol going on
Day 2
A: Little Tropical, Rubber
T: Lemon Juice, Round Quick Finish

Paradise Ranch Late Harvest 2005
Chardonnay 70% Riesling 30%
I haven't had this Paradise Ranch before I've had there ice wine the all Riesling one. The Chardonnay does give it that roundness a nose I couldn't pin down, I was going with Flinty but it wasn't really. Riesling gives it a little acidity balance. Good if you want a nice round mouth feeling Late Harvest
DAY 2
A: Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup. No Doubt about it, and my friend picked it up too
T: same as Aroma but lighter

DeLille Cellars, Chaleur Estate Blanc 2007
68% Sauv Blanc, 32% Semillon
I loved this wine, round smooth, melon and tropical fruits. I could drink this all the time. Better then Chardonnay. It is a big wine, held it own to Oxtail Roulade I made

Doyenne 2005 Aix
50% Cabernet Sauvignon 48% Syrah 2% Mourvèdre
A: Sweet perfume, then I found later in the evening Potato Chip nose really interesting.
T: Warm Feeling, Good acidity wish I could of tried this the next day

Trust 07 Syrah Day 2 notes
A: Pepper, Cherry Cola, Big Warm Nose
T: Red fruit good "sweetness", lots of acidity

St Michelle Ethos Late Harvest Riesling 2005
This is why I like Dessert Wines the Acidity just rips through this like no tomorrow so good and balanced
Day 2
A: Celery, Petrol
T: Tropical, Grape Bubble Gum [those cubed one from 10years ago] Good Acidity, Petrolly

2006 Blue Mountain Pinot Noir Stripe Label - Review

Bottle 2 out of 12, Decided to open this with dinner as my wine fridge is getting low on wines and for dinner there was some Chicken, Fresh Made Pesto (Garlic, Basil were from the farmers market mmmm and didn't have any nuts so I had to grab some of the harder nuts from the Costco Mixed Nut Container Sitting in the Cupboard) Roasted Potatoes (also from the farmers market, water levels were high). Pinot Noir would make a good match and I wanted to take some notes and see how it is doing.

And it is doing just fine, tasty, good acidity,

The Stats:
Blue Mountain Vineyards
2006 Pinot Noir Stripe Label [aka Reserve]
13.5% Alc
Okanagan Falls, BC, Canada


The Eye:
Colour is Purple Red, A Dark Pinot Noir, but can still see your fingers

The Nose:
Day1: Fruit + Rubber
Day2: Eathy, Sweet Cherry hint of Smoke

The Mouth:
Day1: Good fruit coming through on the red fruit side, little spice, really nice acidity, some tannins there, light body definitly a food wine, the fruit popped out even more with the Pesto
Day2: Earthy, Bright Acidity, Medium Body a Bitter Cranberry Skin action little aeration in the mouth brings out some sweetness very nice


Overall/Reflection:
Score: 90 A really well made wine, and that acidity just makes it so nice with food. Some people might be bother by acidity but hey this is a Cool Climate Pinot Noir its what ya get. Tasty tho

THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)

Bloom - Wine Event for BC VQA wines

Bloom is the spring event put on every year by the VQA [Vintners Quality Alliance is Canada's symbol of quality wine] people of British Columbia.

So here are my notes comments or just dropping of names of wines I like with over 40 tables and each table pouring 4 wines. Lets just say I didn't taste everything, and the fact that I didn't like some I am only going to put on the list what I liked or wierd comments

Meyer Family (Naramata) All 100% Chardonnay Wines. Let me firstly say I have been finding that I don't like Chardonnays Unless they are in champagne or for some reason some burgundy's I have had. Maybe its the fact that they get to big and...only way I can put it is "Raisony" over ripe, and the Oak probably doesn't help for me haha.

So the Meyer Wine I have no idea if they are good or not I just don't like Chardonnay, I tried them the lady pouring asked what I thought I said Im sorry I just don't think I like Chardonnays.

8th Generation Vineyard.
Pinot Meunier Rose 2008. Fantastic I think the best Rose here at the event Taste like Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with the right balance of acidity.

Burrowing Owl
2006 Cab. Franc excellent
2007 Pinot Noir. Ok, not overly complex tho

Calona Vineyards
Sovereign Opal, I grape variety Apprently one I have never heard of when I was smelling it as the person pouring was explaining I thought it smelled like a Muscat with its Floral/Sugariness. Tho the taste was Sweet and Watery...Winemaking? or thats what we have never heard of the grape har!

Desert Hills Estate Winery
Gamay Noir. There best wine and probably one of the best Gamays coming out of BC
Gewurztraminer. Taste of Burnt Orange Peel (Good thing)

Gray Monk Odyssey Merlot 2004 Taste of Red fruit lots of acidity, would like to have tried this decanted, might of appelled to me more.

Hester Creek Trebbiano had aromas of Cheese

Jackson Triggs Sunrock Shiraz 2006. This wine the vintage prior won a bunch of awards and I could not find it to try it, so at the tasting they had their next vintage and I was not impressed.

Mission Hill
Reserver Riesling 2007, Surprisingly Good

Mt. Boucherie Estate Gewurztraminer 2007 really good hint of sweetness

Poplar Grove Legacy 2005
I had this at the naramata bench Tasting, and this was showing way better here, mainly because it was decanted for 1.5hrs it was fuller not lean and acidity drnikable yes, and a big boy.

Sumac Ridge Sparkling Pinnacle 2002 [100% Pinot Noir] Earthy, little fruit, tasted like an old world pinot noir except in bubbly form

Tantalus, Now last year I tried to find the old vines 2006 for the wine restaurant winelist and it was sold out and that stuff was amazing.
The Riesling 2008 was good, lots of acidity just nice
Old Vines 2007 not as acidic, alot fuller wine, I perfer the 2008 to it, and the 06 Old vines.


That is all.

Blue Mountain Pinot Noir STRIPE LABEL 2006!

Blue Mountain Vineyards, Considered a Cult Winery of the Okanagan. They make a really mean NV Sparkling Love it. I just recently joined their mailing list, and they had a release for their vintage bubbly and it was sold out within 24hrs. You can not go wrong with that. So I decided from that point once the Pinot Noir Stripe label was released Im buying a case no matter what.

Why The Pinot Noir your asking and not their stripe Chardonnay or Pinot Gris? First of all the Stripe Label is there top label. Ok that being said I've heard a lot of good, and have tried their regular Pinot Noir and its good.

The Stats:
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Ltd.
Pinot Noir 2006 Reserve [Stripe Label]
13.5% Alc
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan
100% Pinot Noir [17-22 yr/old vines]
yielding 45-50 hl/ha [2.8ton/acre aprox~]
750 Cases Produced for Mailing List and Local Restaurants (Already Sold out on website)
11 Months Maloactic Fermentation In Oak (Doesn't say if new or old)
$38.50 (Mailing List) more like 40-50 at private store 70-90 restaurant

The Look:
Pale Red Colour, Looking like a pinot noir, and they say on their wine makers notes that it was on skin for 15-20 days.

The Nose:
On the Nose you definitely get that old world gamey/fungal action hint of raspberries. but more leaning towards the game/fungal action.

The Taste:
In the mouth smooth but not silky but smooth, The Acid is at a good level that you know will go with food, The first taste is of Dried Sour Cherries, that sweetness you get from dried fruits. The opens up into more fruit of regular cherries and less sour-cherry brand.

Overall/Reflection:
I was much pleased with this wine, I received the tasting notes first and was concerned about 11months in Oak without knowing if they were new or old. Definitely don't get any over oakiness. Not Overly Complex but coming from a young wine region this is definitely one of the best Pinots from Okanagan I have tried to date. I like this, and if your into supporting the Okanagan Wine Region this is one you need to find and try.

Naramata Spring Release Tasting 2008 - Whites - Part 1

Naramata Bench Spring Tasting Part 1 – Whites

What type of Grapes make the Okanagan Standout from the world? What are their signature grape(s)? Some will say Chardonnay (everyone grows chardonnay so nah), some may say Riesling (and it might very well be). But I think the two biggest White Varietals that work in the Okanagan and Naramata Bench are the Pinot Gris / Gewurztraminer. Very Alsatian Grapes, cool climate, nice acidity, as long as they are not over oaked or made to have no acidity.

A couple of these wines were the 2008 and just bottled, so some might not be ready, tho some were reading to go after only a couple of weeks of bottling.

Red Rooster Winery

2007 Chard.

Only 15% New Oak Used the rest being Stainless Steel, very fresh, nice acidity, A Chardonnay I would drink, and Generally Speaking Im not a Chardonnay fan especially if it has a lot of Oak, or Malo Fermentation to take away the fresh acidity.

Gewurztraminer 2007

The Nose good , like your floral notes and everything promising but the taste doesn’t even come close to the nose not a good sign

Riesling 2007

A really nice Riesling tropical fruit but not over done, sweetness on this yes but has a nice balance of acidity to make this a very nice Riesling

Therapy Vineyards

Pinot Gris, to much oak in the sense it lost all its acidity didn’t like it

Rose 2008: Very Barnyardie, tho it has been in the bottle 3 weeks, not my type of Rose which is Loire Valley Stlye with the grapefruit Zest.

Laughing Stock Vineyards

Pinot Gris 2008

Blind Trust 2008(White)

4 Grape Varieties, if I remember Pinot Gris 60%? Viognier 18%, then two others Pinot Blanc and… a non-aromatic Variety tho.

Nice big nose, has that buttery’ness of a Viognier, lots of acidity interesting to say the least.

Chardonnay 2008

40% New Oak, and not showing any of that oak which is great, lots of acidity, freshing, lots of fruit peach and apples really nice

Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery

Pinot Gris 2008

Aroma of Fuzzy Peach Candy, with a bit more on the real peaches side, good nose

Kettle Valley Winery

All their whites had a higher level of residual sugar on them, which for the average drinker would most likely like, I found them tasty but to sweet for my palate.

Chardonnay 2005

Was definitely a standout with being 18month barrel fermented, Aroma of Sweet Raison Molasses, heavy concentration on the grapes, the taste almost comparing to the nose, (close to the Poplar Grove Chard) these vines being low crop and 20 years old almost shows what a Chardonnay Terroir is going to be on the Naramata Bench.

Hillside Estates

Pinot Gris 2008 Un-oaked

Hillside makes two Pinot Gris one Oak (30%) and unoaked this one, we carry the oaked version on the restaurant wine menu was a bigger seller last summer. This unoaked version I think is far superior to the oaked tho this is a different vintage, but the acidity is just bringing some much more for this wine.

Poplar Grove Vineyards

Pinot Gris 2008

Acidity is not as Zippy as the 2007 vintage a little bit more rounded I think it is 100% Stainless steel, I prefer the 07, to this.

Chardonnay 2007

Now this is the complete opposite for the 2006 Chardonnay. This I prefer more to the 06. 50% Old Oak Barrels. Nose has close to the 06 (which I will talk about in part 2 on poplar grove). Has that Raison Molasses like the kettle valley does but more on the subtle nature. These vines are old as well, and all of Poplar Groves vines are cropped 2 to 4 tons per acres if im not mistaken.

Laughing Stock 2006 Portfolio

I bought a case of this wine when it was released. You know being a British Columbia I have to support my Local wineries, Heard a lot of good and hell it came in a cool wooden boxes which makes it worth it haha. They have their story on the website on why they are called Laughing Stock or LFNG.

Ok first thing, I don't mind the use of New Oak in a wine but it has to be in a balance, I mean its like Salt and Pepper to much salt and blah [I could use the make-up analogy but I don't like Make on women I just notice it then its like whats the point]. Now Maybe someone could email me and tell me that new oak needs time to go into the wine etc etc blah blah whatever something something, then so be it and I should wait so many years before it doesn't tsate like sweet vanilla goodness ^_^

This wine is made up of 40% New oak 60% 2nd Fill.

The Stats:
Laughing Stock Vineyards
Portfolio 2006
61% Merlot, 16% Cab Sauv, 16% Cab Franc, 5% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot
19 Months in Barrel: 40% New and 60% Second Fill French Oak
14.5% Alc
Naramata Bench, Penticton, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
40$ Canadian [Direct]

The Look:
Dark Colour, good extraction, with a red/purple tinge on the rim.

The Nose:
Earth, Sweetness of Vanilla

The Taste:
Dark Chocolate Finish, Dry Grainy Tannins, Acidity was good good potential ,a little fruit was showing at the end but not a lot will explain in overall experience

Overall/Reflection:
I popped and Poured this wine, yes it was young yes I should of decanted it. Now my question is if I decanted this would the fruit show and the oak integrate or what. I think this has potential if the fruit and other sub layer come through it seems to have potential in it but only time will tell. It isn't a bad wine but to me it needs more for me to spend the money on it. Tho I do have 5 bottles left

Also once my awesome new camera comes Ill take a picture of the bottle it is a really neat design

Golden Mile Black Arts 5th Element (Now Road 13 Jackpot Series)

Like I posted before about Golden Mile it is now Called Road 13. I picked up a couple of there last vintages when they changed their name. They must of unloaded a lot of inventory at the BCLD to just sell their new label.

This is the Black Arts 5th Element (Now Called Jackpot 5th Element). I must say this bottle is classy were the new one is jsut casual I like this bottle a lot more. Its their Meritage Blend Merlot based.

Now on to the wine

The Stats:
Golden Mile Cellars (Now Road 13)
2005 5th Element Red (Now Jackpot Series line)
65% Merlot, 28% Cab Sauv, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cab Franc, 2% Syrah. (Syrah this year being the 5th Element)
13.7% Alc
Oliver, British Columbia [Aka, Golden Mile, Okanagan]
Winemaker - Michael Bartier

The Look:
very pretty to look at, you can tell its been sitting in some oak for awhile has the red colour with the tinge of brown in it. Very pretty. Dark Colours.

The Nose:
Smells of Dark Cherry's, A Syrup/Honey mixture very nice, little hints of coffee grounds.

The Taste:
You can tell when you drink this it has the ability to last, The Glass I'm reviving is what I Saved from last nights dinner (about 1/6 of a bottle) it still has great tannin structure, acidity. Definitely well made in that regard. Tho the only problem I find with it is that there is no fruit on the palate and to me that sucks because it has so much to make it awesome.

Overall:
Because there is no fruit on the palate I can't seem me getting excited about this vintage, I wouldn't pay 35$ for this. Ill try the next vintage. They do have a good winemakers and you can see in the wine it does have potential in the future.