Taste Test - August 14, 2008

Golden Mile 2006 Black Arts Pinot Noir (Oliver)
Appearance: Brilliant ruby tone

Aromas: Sour cherry, rhubarb, chocolate, leather, smoke, spice, menthol, earth
Flavours: Cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, smoky fruit

Body and Finish: Bright fruit entry, silky on the palate, dry elongated finish
Overall Impression: An elegant earthy wine made with loads of finesse. Well made. A finalist in the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellent in British Columbia Wine
Cellaring Potential: Cellar for at least another two years
Would I Buy It?: Yes, but it’s pricey

Score: 89

Price: $35

Availability: Winery, private retailers


Inniskillin 2005 Discover Series Zinfandel (Oliver)

Appearance: Dark red colour with ruby hues

Aromas: Bing cherry, blackberry, jam, chocolate, perfume, coffee, toast, earth
Flavours: Black cherry jam, pepper, licorice, vanilla, spice, chocolate, toast

Body and Finish: Luscious entry, round full palate, slightly tart, long finish
Overall Impression: Super ripe and luscious, full bodied wine. Well made. A finalist in the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellent in British Columbia Wine
Cellaring Potential: Drink now and for up to five years
Would I Buy It?: Yes

Score: 89

Price: $30

Availability: Winery, private retailers, sometimes at VQA shops

Hillside 2007 Gewurztraminer (Naramata)
Appearance: Pale straw with golden hues

Aromas: Rose petals, lychee, apple, peach, grapefruit and floral spicy notes

Flavours: Peach, apple, pear, grapefruit, citrus and spice

Body and Finish: Sweet fruit entry, bright and luscious on the palate, racy finish
Overall Impression: Very aromatic, bright Okanagan-style.

Quite delicious. A finalist in the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellent in British Columbia Wine

Cellaring Potential: Drink now

Would I Buy It?: Yes

Score: 90

Price: $18

Availability: Winery, VQA shops, private retailers


Cherry Point 2007 Siegerrebe (Vancouver)
This is the quintessential summertime quaffer from Vancouver Islands with a fresh lemony nose full of grassy, mineral character. Lovely white peach, orange peel, almond aromas and flavour. Serve chilled with fresh shucked oysters or steamed fillet of sole.
Price N/A (Availability at winery only)

Therapy Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay (Naramata)
Buttered toast, vanilla, baked apple and smoky oak upfront, this is a big complex style for those who enjoy an oaky Chardonnay. Elegant entry with apple, toast, but not over the top buttery.
$25 (Sold out most places, might be available in some private stores)

Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyard Meritage (White) (Summerland)
Another big winner typically with judges and consumers, this blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc is the biggest in B.C. with buttery popcorn, lemon oil, pear, apple, melon. Big, slightly oily palate with good fruit expression some lemony acidity. Not a summer sipper though.
$25 (Available at VQA shops, private retailers, BC LDB)

Arrowleaf Cellars 2007 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Centre)
Lovely nectarine, spice, apple, pear nose with floral and lemony notes. Light and fresh fruit-forward entry with apple, melon, pear and lemony flavours, some mineral character and a juicy freshness on the finish.

$16.85 (Available at VQA shops, private retailers or direct from the winery)

See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Riesling (Okanagan Falls)
Crisp green apple, lemon, floral notes on the nose. Fresh entry on the palate with green apple, mineral, spice, and lemon. Good racy acidity on the finish. A lovely patio sipper good for fresh, light hot weather fare. Come under screw cap too!
$17 (Available at VQA shops, private retailers, BC LDB)

Noble Ridge 2006 Pinot Noir (Okanagan Falls)
Brilliant red colour with Sour cherry, plum, pepper, vanilla, earthy notes on the nose. Bright, fresh entry with pronounced fruit flavours of cherry, plum, accented by spice and earthy character. Some dryness on the palate that should soften up in time.
$26 (Available through the winery, VQA shops, private retailers)

Nk’Mip Cellar 2005 Qwam Qwmt Merlot (Osoyoos)
Big aromas of blackberry jam, toast, spice, smoky notes and dark floral bouquet. There is a distinct savoury, earthy character of olives and coffee beans as well. Luscious berry and savoury flavours finishing off with supple tannins. A superb effort.
$25 (Available at some VQA shops, private retailers)

Inniskillin 2005 Discovery Series Malbec (Oliver)
A complex nose of blueberry, black cherry, hints of smoke, anise spice and mocha. Features an elegant entry of ripe red fruits, but with some savoury flavours and a touch of dryness. Has a peppery kick on the finish.
$30 (Available through the winery or private retailers)

Poplar Grove 2005 Cabernet Franc (Naramata)
Lush fruit aromas of raspberry torte, black cherry, pepper and crush violet petals. Dark fruit, menthol, savoury flavours and none of the bell pepper character that turns people off. Supple tannins and a nice hit of pepper on the finish. Elegant.
$40 (Available through the winery)

Granite Creek 2006 Ehrenfelser Icewine (Shuswap)
Luscious tropical fruit aromas of mango and pineapple with some fresh peach and honey. Fat golden fruit flavours with honey and a nice nectarine acidity on the finish. Lovely and delicious without being cloying.
$40 (Available at VQA shops, private retailers)