Taste Test - August 11, 2008

95-100 Sets the bar.
90-94 Outstanding, has wow factor.
80-89 Good to very good.
70-79 Average, may have minor flaws.
60-69 Drinkable, but not recommended.
00-59 Undrinkable.

See Ya Later Ranch 2006 Chardonnay (Okanagan Falls)
Appearance: Lemon yellow, viscous
Aromas: Apple, citrus, honey, lemon oil, pineapple, light toast, nuttiness
Flavours: Bright tropical fruit, apple, nuttiness, butter, citrus peel
Body and Finish: Ripe, slightly sweet entry with mouthfilling weight and nice acidity on the finish.
Overall Impression: A perennial favourite among judges and consumers alike. Awesome value
Cellaring Potential: Drink now
Would I Buy It?: Once in a while
Score: 90
Price: $20
Availability: VQA shops, private retailers, BC LDBs

Burrowing Owl 2005 Merlot (Oliver)
Appearance: Black cherry with ruby hues
Aromas: Quite herbaceous with pepper, menthol, cherry, blackberry, smoke and spice
Flavours: Black cherry, herbal, earthy, black peppery, tobacco, spice
Body and Finish: Supple entry with a weighty mid-palate, dry and slightly hot on the finish, yet elegant
Overall Impression: For those who like an earthy, smoky, herbaceous wine with some finesse but not a fruit bomb
Cellaring Potential: Best in a couple to three years
Would I Buy It?: Yes
Score: 89
Price: $30
Availability: Sold out, but the 2006 vintage is now available


Mission Hill 2006 Reserve Riesling Icewine (Kelowna)
Appearance: Golden brilliant tones
Aromas: Concentrated nose of honey, baked apple, fresh peach, candied citrus peel
Flavours: Luscious honeyed peach, baked apple, lemon oil, candied citrus peel, spice
Body and Finish: Very luscious and mouthfilling with loads of fruit, lovely viscosity, but balanced acidity
Overall Impression: Beautifully done
Cellaring Potential: Drink now
Would I Buy It?: Once in a while
Score: 91
Price: $60
Availability: Winery, BC LDBs, VQA Shops, Private Retailers

Pentâge 2005 Merlot (Penticton)
Appearance: Black cherry, ruby hues with fat legs
Aromas: Sweet Bing cherry, plum, black tea, cedar and mocha
Flavours: Cherry, plum, coffee, dusty chocolate, earth, spice
Body and Finish: Luscious entry with good mid-palate weight, firm tannins and a dry, lingering finish
Overall Impression: An elegant Old-World style of wine with solid structure for aging. Good value
Cellaring Potential: Best left for a couple years, cellar up to eight
Would I Buy It?: Yes
Score: 89
Price: $25
Availability: Winery, private retailers

Mission Hill 2006 S.L.C. Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon (Kelowna)
Appearance: Straw tones with golden highlights
Aromas: Pineapple, orange peel, lime, lemon oil, grassy notes with floral, mineral hints
Flavours: Tropical fruit, spice, citrus peel, lemon-lime
Body and Finish: Ripe, rich entry with a weighty mid-palate and lean citrusy finish.
Overall Impression: A rich, but elegant wine with well-balanced intensity and acidity
Cellaring Potential: Drink now
Would I Buy It?: Once in a while
Score: 88
Price: $30
Availability: VQA shops, private retailers, BC LDBs

Lake Breeze 2007 Gewurztraminer (Naramata)
Appearance: Crystal clear with pale straw hues
Aromas: Peach, apricot, rosewater, mineral, citrus
Flavours: Bright tree fruit, spice, mineral, lemon-lime
Body and Finish: Sweet entry with nice fruit intensity, clean finish.
Overall Impression: A fruit-forward but well balanced wine ideal when nicely chilled
Cellaring Potential: Drink now
Would I Buy It?: Yes
Score: 88
Price: $19
Availability: VQA shops, private retailers

Lake Breeze 2006 Seven Poplars Chardonnay (Naramata)
Appearance: Straw tones with golden highlights
Aromas: Peach, floral, honey, nutty, citrus peel
Flavours: Tropical fruit, spice, butterscotch, peach, citrus
Body and Finish: Smooth luscious and slightly sweet on the entry, with juicy, buttery texture on the palate, clean long finish.
Overall Impression: A fat, fruit-forward style with loads of finesse. Lovely to drink
Cellaring Potential: Drink now
Would I Buy It?: Yes
Score: 90
Price: $23
Availability: VQA shops, private retailers