SOWF #18: Fairview

Fairview Cellars may be the Okanagan's best kept secret. With little fanfare or self-promotion (or staff from what I can tell), Bill Eggert manages to produce some of the best wines in BC; I believe he sells most of his wine directly from the winery to a very loyal group of followers. You have to want to find this winery up in the hills above Oliver, but it's well worth the effort.

• Sauvignon Blanc 2011 ($20)

With grapes now sourced from three different vineyards (Fairview estate, Bruce Iverson (including Semillon) and the Firman’s, this vintage is the most complex and aromatic to date.

Peach, floral nose but dry, good balance. 89 points.

• Pinot Noir 2010 ($30)

No saigner is taken from the must during fermentation of this Pinot (bleeding off of juice to enhance colour and body).  As a result a true Pinot with a light colour, but loaded with flavour and medium body has resulted.

Nice! Well-executed pinot noir, very tasty. 90 points.
 

• Cabernet Franc 2010 ($27)

With the La Nina cycle providing a cooler wetter than usual summer, the Franc from this vintage is similar to the 1999 and 2001.  Lighter and lower alcohol than the majority of the last decade.

Cherry. 89 points.
 

• Two Hoots 2010 ($25)

This Cabernet Merlot (Cab 50%, Merlot 30%, Franc 20%) is the work horse for Fairview.  Most of the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Quail’s Wayside vineyard that Fairview leases.

Spicy, smooth, a nice blend of the three grapes. 90 points.
 

• Madcap 2009 ($27)

This Merlot based winery is crafted to allowing earlier than usual imbibing.  The softness of the Merlot tannins coupled with the fruitiness of the Cabernet Franc and a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon to complete the Palate.

Beautiful. 91 points.
 

• Madcap 2007

We did a bit of a vertical tasting here. Probably because we were having orgasms after the first Madcap, Bill pulled out a couple of older Madcaps so we could compare. No winemaker notes or price information as these are no longer available, even to us at the winery except to taste. The 2007 was much softer, as one would expect. 90 points. 

• Madcap 2006 

I got a hint of menthol in this one and said so, but no one else thought so. It wasn't unpleasant though, and the dominant taste was pepper. 90+ points. These Madcap red blends are great wines.

• The Bear 2009 ($35)

The 2009 version of “The Bear” is a classic example of what the South Okanagan can produce.  All five Bordeaux cultivars are used in this blend with Petit Verdot and Malbec making up about 5% of the blend adding even more complexity.

Cough syrupy! Still nice but not as good as previous vintages we have tasted. 88 points.
 

• The Wrath 2009 ($65)

Every now and then something special happens in winegrowing that provides us with the opportunity to provide something unique to our customers.  The Wrath is an example of this.    A hailstorm hit the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard this wine was produced from.  Instead of the expected rotting of the grapes, they dried out in the hot South Okanagan sun.  The resulting wine is very concentrated with everything from sweat cherries to dried plums found on the palate.

A little story behind this one. We were out in the Okanagan two years ago with our good friends Terri and Terry. We had previously been treated to a couple of hours with Dwight, the winemaker at Stag's Hollow, where I got an education in the art of blending. Generally winemakers seem to think everything depends on the growing (terrain, dirt, fruit, etc.) or else they believe blending is the single most important part of making wine. Dwight was definitely a blender, where Bill is more of a grower. After a bit of tasting at Fairview and discussion about blending, Bill locked the door to the wineshop and took us down into his cellar. It was more of a bunker really, we got to barrel-taste quite a few different wines. He even found one barrel he had forgotten about. As he tasted, I could see Bill putting blends together in his mind. After a few minutes, we got to one barrel that, even though it was near the back and dusty, was heavily stained from repeated tastings. I thought it tasted perfect right there, but Bill said it would need another year or so. This one was The Wrath, a one-time vintage yet to be bottled. That was best day of my wine drinking life....

Two years later, here we are back at Fairview and The Wrath is practically sold out and not available for tasting. We desperately chatted Bill up with some of this story so we could get a taste, and it worked. Although I liked the Mapcap slightly better, this was a special wine. My notes simply say "Huge. 90 points." Not only is this easily the most expensive wine I have ever purchased, we bought two. The other bottle was for Terri and Terry as a going away present - they now live in Kelowna - and to remember our once-in-a-lifetime day at Fairview.

Thank you, Bill.
     

SOWF #15: Gold Hill

Another first-time winery for us. Gold Hill is one of many Okanagan vineyards that started out producing fruit for other wineries. Last year they opened the winery, although it looks like they started making their own wine in 2009. This is a smart way to do it, since you can take your time getting your vineyard and growing operation in order, and when you're ready you can put your own label on it. It doesn't hurt to grow your grapes in the best location in Canada, either.

Looking at their awards, Gold Hill is doing just fine. I'm always a little skeptical of wine awards, as there seem to be a lot of different competitions and I don't have enough knowledge to recognize a legitimate Academy Award wine competition from a more obscure, everybody-wins-a-medal award.

• Chardonnay 2010 ($19)

This wine is bursting with green apple, grassy, pineapple and citrus aromas with lingering pear and peach flavours!The wine finishes crisp and dry and will pair well withany seafood dish, cream pasta sauces, Asian food and light flavoured cheeses.

Dry, crisp, no oak - very drinnkable! 88 points.

 

• Pinot Gris 2011 ($18)

Cool fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is layered with aromas of pear, apricots, citrus and hints of grassy notes. This balanced wine finishes clean with after notes of honeydew and pear. Enjoy with seafood and light cream pasta dishes.

Syrupy, not bad. 88 points.

• Gewurztraminer 2011 ($18)

The grapes undergo cold skin soak for 12 hours to enhance the aromatics prior to fermentation. The result is a rich aromatic wine bursting with lychee, rose petals, floral and pineapple notes. Balanced to off dry finish with long lingering flavours of lychee, floral and mango. A great wine to enjoy on its own or with salads, appetizers, or spicier foods.

Soapy, floral, citrus. Interesting. 88 points.

 

• Rosé 2011 ($16)

Made from Cabernet Franc and Pinot Gris grapes, this Rose goes short cold skin soak and then cool fermented on skins for a couple of days. The result is a wine with ripe cherry, blackcurrant, and strawberry aromas with a slight hint of peppery notes in the after taste. The wine finishes balanced to off dry with a nice fruity finish. Perfect as a summer sipper by the lakeside or a nice wine to serve with appetizers and salads.

A little musty smell, some leather. Huge flavour, fruity. This is more red than white. 88 points.
 
 

• Merlot 2009 ($23)

Soft and silk red with nice notes of cherry, vanilla, plum, jam and blackberries. Medium to full bodied wine with soft tannins and a nice tobacco and cocoa finish. One of the more popular varietals, this wine can be served with many dishes such as pastas, cheese fondues, and lighter cuts of meat. This has been in a French Oak barrels for 16 months.

Wow - spicy, leather, tobacco, dark fruits. 89+ points.

• Cabernet Franc 2009 ($25)

Medium to full bodied red wine with nice cocoa, blackcurrant, herbaceous, and spicy notes with subtle hints of anise, pepper, and a lingering minerality. Tannins are soft yet inviting and will pair well with lighter cuts of meat such as pork or duck and soft cheeses like well aged cheddar and aged asiago. This has been in a French Oak barrels for 16 months.

Their flagship red. Finish is smooth and long. A nice, subtle wine. 89 points.
 

• Syrah 2009 ($27)

This full bodied Syrah is a rich and complex red wine with nuances of lavender, spice, anise, and vanilla with a delicate hint of raspberry, cherry, and pepper notes to round out this wine. Pairs well with grilled meats or medium rare cuts such as beef, lamb, ribs or duck. Goes well with goat cheese and sheep cheese too.This has been in a French Oak barrels for 16 months.

Dry, big and chewy. 88 points. 

SOWF #11: Hester Creek

I knew this would happen. I knew if I paused for a bit then it would turn into days and weeks, and now my memory is starting to fade. So I'll be mostly relying on notes from here on.

Hester Creek was our next stop (after skipping Gehringer for the first time... ever). Hester has completed a large amount of expensive-looking renovations and expansions in recent years. We also missed it the first time the new tasting room was open about three years ago, because we drove up to the old wine shop and it was closed. We almost left but then we noticed a much larger building about fifty feet above us on the next plateau. It is stunning: a long wooden tasting bar, large store with wine and related goodies, a deluxe kitchen with room for about a dozen people, a barrel room (a sort of mini-cellar on the main floor, cool and dim with about 40 or so barrels) and a private dining/tasting area with a giant table that looks like something a French king would be comfortable with. There is also one of the best patios out front with a stunning view of the south Okanagan valley. There is not a single thing that was overlooked in the design, and everything is luxurious. But for all that, it doesn't feel exclusive or snobby in the least. The friendly, down-to-earth professionals pouring wine probably should get some credit for that.

According to my notes, I tasted ten wines here. Overall, Hester Creek offers good to very good wines at reasonable prices, and I preferred the reds over their whites.

• Pinot Gris 2011 ($17)

This Pinot Gris is a stunning example of our terroir, grown on both the east and west South Okanagan benches. Hallmark crisp acidity and tree fruit aromas reflect the land where the grapes are grown and mark it as different from its European relatives. Try this refreshing white with salmon flavoured with lemon and dill, pea or asparagus risottos, or a mustard tarragon cream sauce over chicken.  

Found this one a little musty - the use Stelvin so it's not the cork. 87 points.

 

• Pinot Blanc 2011 ($16)

Hosting some of the estate's oldest vines, our east-facing bench is exemplary for Pinot Blanc. Cooler late afternoons and nights bring about crisp acidity and fruit flavours. Fresh and ready to drink, this wine is perfect chilled for summer sipping or to pair with oysters in the winter. Fruity with green apple, peach, melon and honey, the wine gives way to underlying balanced herbal notes. Enjoy this full BC classic with local fare: fresh BC spot prawns in a bright lemon spaghetti, organic local roasted chicken with garden herbs, and fresh Pacific oysters on the half shell. 

87 points.

• Character White 2011 ($20)

Character emerges form our land, and is vibrantly present in this lush white. Made from 100% estate grown grapes, this wine is a true representation of Hester Creek. Fragrance jumps out of the glass with notes of green apple, peach, herbs, and mineral aromas. Made in an off-dry style, this aromatic white is perfect for calamari, fresh oysters, or spicy Asian fare like Pad Thai or Indian Kormas. 

Sweeter, great chilled patio wine. 88 points.

• Trebbiano 2011 ($23)

The Okanagan's only Trebbiano, these vines are some of the oldest on the estate. Made with selected yeasts and a cool ferment, the resulting wine is fruity and crisp. The nose has apple, citrus and passion fruit, with mineral and grapefruit notes on the palate. Enjoy with Asian food like Pad Thai, spicy barbequed chicken, or an arrabiata pasta. 

No nose at all! (Not good or bad, just very unusual.) 88 points.

• Selected Barrels Merlot 2010 ($19)

This special wine reveals how well Merlot has acclimatized to our environment, with great concentration of fruit. Aged in specially selected barrels, this Merlot is perfect for every occasion: a hostess gift at a dinner party, paired with summer burgers, or just as a week-night treat. Once uncorked, this deep rich Merlot reveals aromas of blackberry, plum, and black cherries. On the palate, discover plum and cherry notes with a hint of toffee. Smooth tannins and a full mouthfeel round out this special vintage. Pair this ruby-red gem with hearty winter stews, braised lamb shanks, bison burgers, roast pork with apple and sage, and grilled sirloin steak. 

Medium dry, no finish, very tasty with red fruit and plum. 89 points.

• Selected Barrels Cabernet Merlot 2010 ($19)

Aged in specially selected barrels, this versatile Bordeaux-style blend embraces all the characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes grown on our estate vineyard. The blackberry and blackcurrant flavours of the Cabernet are enhanced by the soft muted flavours of plum and black cherry found in our Merlot. Blended together before aging to ensure proper marrying, this Cabernet Merlot is loaded with savoury plum, currant, and spicy notes. Enjoy with grilled sirloin steak, falling-off-the-bone ribs, or with a burger. 

88 points. 

• Character Red 2010 ($20)

Character emerges from our land and is vibrantly present in this rich red. Made from 100% estate-grown grapes, the Character Red is a true representation of Hester Creek. A blend of Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, this wine has rich notes of coffee, spice, plum, wild cherry, and toasty oak. Ready to age for two to five years, savour this blend with grilled rosemary lamb chops, a medium rare steak, or fall-off-the-bone ribs. 

One of their best - a peppery, earthy blend. 89 points.

• Reserve Merlot 2008 ($27)

This Reserve Merlot is ready to age five to 10 years. Old vines produce blockbuster wines and the vines chosen to produce this reserve wine are no exception - over 35 years old and they are still growing strong. Strong notes of mocha, plum, and a hint of toffee create a perfect pairing for rosemary garlic roasted chicken, barbequed rack of lamb, rich beef curries, or dark chocolate mousse. 

Very smooth. 88 points.

• Reserve Merlot 2007 ($30)

This Reserve Merlot is ready to age five to 10 years. Old vines produce blockbuster wines and the vines chosen to produce this reserve wine are no exception - over 35 years old and they are still growing strong. Strong notes of mocha, plum, and a hint of toffee create a perfect pairing for rosemary garlic roasted chicken, barbequed rack of lamb, rich beef curries, or dark chocolate mousse. 

 A bonus tasting to compare to the previous Merlot. Unfortunately I think this one had oxidized so I'm won't give it a score. Apart from that I sensed it was quite different from the 2008.

• The Judge  ($45)

Extensive barrel aging develops a wine that is complex, big, and bold. Made from 100% estate fruit, this wine showcases the best pf Hester Creek's estate and the Golden Mile vineyards. Full mouth feel, with notes of rich dark fruit, are well integrated with tannin structure that shows the depth of the wine through the fruit. Notes of spice, berries, herbs, caramel, black pepper, and cherry combine with a long finish of plum and cassis for a wine that is meant to age. Try it with grilled pork tenderloin, oven roasted leg of lamb, or aged cheeses.

As it wasn't too busy and we were asking good questions and generally being charming, we were offered a barrel tasting of this one. You need to have a little imagination when tasting from the barrel as the wine isn't ready yet. This is already a delicious and complex wine, and I think it will become noticeable better as the various flavours mingle and mature. 89 points now, probably more after a couple of years in a bottle.

SOWF #7: Orofino

A very short drive to our next destination, Orofino. Another husband-and-wife team, the Webers are non-farmers from Saskatchewan who decided to relocate to the Similkameen over ten years ago and start making wine. A courageous move, but it seems to be working out quite well judging from the quality of their wines. They have a dog Cooper (so do we), the name probably inspired from their barrels.

Orofino uses their own grapes and those from four other Cawston vineyards plus one in Kaleden just south of Penticton. In addition to the wines tasted below, Orofino also makes a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and a Bordeaux blend called Beleza which appears to be their flagship red. We ended up purchasing two bottles of Syrah.

• Moscato Frizzante 2011 ($25)

Our first sparkling wine release! This refreshing bubbly is a blend of Muscats, with just a little bit of Riesling and Pinot Gris all grown in Cawston. Some of these vines are over 20 years old. The wine exhibits exotic orange blossom notes and tropical flavours with a clean, dry finish. Our intention was to create a versatile wine that is enjoyable on its own and with a variety of foods. It is a beautiful bottle that we are proud to offer.

88 points. Surprisingly dry considering the Muscat.

• Riesling 2010 ($20)

The Orofino style of Riesling focuses on opulent flavours and expression of the Similkameen dirt. The wine has a rich mouth feel with a fine balance of acidity with a small amount of residual sugar. Lime, mango, pineapple, green apple.... this wine has a multitude of potential food pairings from baked ham to seafood, to summer salads. The grapes are sourced from our vineyard's old vines, our neighbour's vineyard and a one acre Riesling planting just south of Cawston. This is Riesling terroir! 

88 points. Also quite dry, very drinkable.

• Pinot Gris 2011 ($20)

The grapes for this wine were grown in 3 separate vineyards. The Hendsbee Vineyard and Blind Creek Vineyard are beside Orofino on the hot Cawston Bench. The Scout Vineyard grapes come from a block grown right beside the Similkameen River about 10kms south of our winery. The wine was pressed after several hours of skin contact and was then fermented in stainless steel. It shows orchard fruit with melons and a pronounced minerality. Very dry with good acidity makes this an excellent food wine. 275 cases produced. 

88 points. Dry, mineral, heavy mouthfeel. My favorite of the whites.

• Red Bridge Merlot 2010 ($25)

The premium Merlot grapes for this wine were grown by Chris Scott in his fabulous 5 acre Oak Knoll vineyard. It was aged in the finest American and French barrels for 16 months and then bottled unfiltered. This is the sixth vintage we have put Oak Knoll Merlot exclusively into Red Bridge! This vintage shows big aromatics and complex flavours. This label has become a "go to" wine over the years and this vintage will not disappoint! 

89 points. Medium oak, cherry, actually a little sweet but fresh. Little finish. Very nice.

• Syrah 2010 ($29)

This single vineyard syrah is grown just south of the Cawston Bench at the picturesque Scout Vineyard. The grapes are grown in rocky soils and cropped to under 2 tons per acre. The resulting wine is awash with brambly fruit, gamey notes and black pepper playing a supporting role. Aged 15 months in French and American oak barrels and is silky and very drinkable. A terrific follow-up to our gold medal winning 2009 syrah!

90 points. There's a lot going on in here, red berries and peppery. Unique.

SOWF #4: Seven Stones

I can't remember the last time we visited the Similkameen valley, but it's been a few years. It's seems like a long way to go but it's only 20 minutes west of Osoyoos on highway 3, and not much longer to drive from Keremeos up to Penticton. There are maybe ten wineries out here, including two fruit wineries. Some of the best wines we tasted the entire weekend were from Similkameen, and I suspect they might be growing grapes that are as good or better than the Okanagan. If you've never been out here, or it's been a while, you won't regret taking the extra few minutes drive to check out the wineries in Cawston and Keremeos.

A quick travel note: if you're driving west from Osoyoos, you have to check out Spotted Lake about ten minutes along the Crowsnest. This is a small lake with high concentrations of minerals and salt in the water that somehow form large circles on the surface. It's truly unique and worth a stop for a picture or two.

Seven Stones was the first of our six stops on our loop. There is a whole story about the seven stones of the Similkameen, but the winery website is down right now so I don't have the details. Something about glaciers and native legends. Instead of doing any serious research, I stole a photo from another website of the mural in the Seven Stones wineshop showing the seven stones on a map of the valley. Now then, on to business: the wines we tried here were mostly outstanding. I can't explain why but I got the feeling that the terroir here produces some outstanding fruit. The combination and complexity of flavours here was quite amazing.

• Pinot Rosé 2010 ($19)

Intense strawberry aromas; a delicate balance of citrus and exotic fruit flavors on the palate along with a pleasing natural acidity and minerality and a soft dry finish. This wine is reminiscent of the Rosés found in the south of France. Perfect for the deck!

88 points. I found this one a bit musty, with some grapefruit in addition to the strawberry.

• Chardonnay 2009 ($25)

The 2009 vintage is a bit softer and creamier than the 2008 vintage yet it retains the same vivid mouth-feel and delicate balance of citrus and tropical fruit flavors permeated with an earthy minerality that had become the signature of our Chardonnays. Sur-lies aging and barrel fermentation give this wine a luscious toasty and buttery finish.

90 points. If I recall there were two different yeasts involved in the making. I thought I tasted some pineapple. Long, lingering, creamy finish. Beautiful. We brought back this one.

• Row 128 Merlot 2009 ($25)

Aged for 17 months in French and American oak barrels Row 128 Merlot offers seductive aromas of cherry, mint, olive and leather followed by a soft mouth-feel and flavors of plum, chocolate and blueberry .The finish is smooth and long lasting. 

90 points. Wish we'd bought this one too. A very unique and interesting Merlot. I did indeed taste most of the flavours listed above, including olive.

• Cabernet Franc 2009 ($28)

The nose features fragrances of plum, black pepper, raspberry and toasty vanilla. Layers of elegant and well structured flavors of  raspberry , chocolate and coffee on the mid-palate are followed by a soft spicy finish.  Aged 17 months in new French oak barrels.

89 points. Feisty, peppery, lively, bold.

• Meritage 2008 ($32)

This blend consists of 58% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot aged 17 months in new and 1 year old French oak barrels. The 2008 Meritage has round juicy flavors, a soft velvety mid-palate and an elegant finish that is prolonged by fine grained tannins and reveals hints of chocolate, espresso and raspberry. 

89 points.

• Syrah 2009 ($35)

Enticing aromas of smoked meat and white pepper on the nose; layers of ripe blackberry, spicy licorice and bittersweet chocolate on the palate; well integrated tannins and a long smooth finish. 17 months in new French oak barrels. Small lot production 

88 points. Kris liked this more than I did, likely the pepper. I remember it tasting like tart cherry juice.
           

SOWF #3: Young & Wyse

It's not the Young & Wyse Winery, or Cellars, or Vineyard: it's a Collection. Hmm. Well, seems a little vague but I guess it's different. A partnership on several levels between Stephen Wyse, whose family runs Burrowing Owl, and Michelle Young. Fortunately their surnames form an interesting and provocative combination, unlike the ill-fated partnership of John Old and Susan Idiotic. Apart from the name, the wines are terrific and it's worth a visit to the south end of Osoyoos if you're in the area.

I have to confess that even though I have a few notes, I don't seem to have written down any scores for the four wines we tasted. It was not even noon when we tasted. We purchased the Amber and the Cab Sauv. When we open them up I may come back and update this entry. But my recollection is that all of them were very good, in the 89 point range. Here are the winemakers' notes.

• Pinot Gris 2011 ($20)

An intriguing nose that combines cantaloupe and apple blossom aromas with hints of stonefruit, citrus and dried summer herbs. The palate is dry with crisp, refreshing acidity launching into an intense combination of lemon, nectarine, apple, grapefruit and a complex white pepper note that lingers on the long finish.

• Amber 2011 ($20)

This special blend is named after our daughter Amber. The jasmine and rose petal aromatics of Viognier and Gewurztraminer combine intriguingly with the citrus, grapefruit and anise notes of Pinot Gris. Aromas of orange, cinnamon, and melon add further complexity. The palate is dry combining apple, pineapple and apricot flavours with lemon and orange notes. The finish is long and complex with essence of gingerbread and minerality.

• Merlot 2010 ($22)

A bouquet of fruit, floral and spice aromas, displaying black cherry, red raspberry, lilac, exotic spice and even a touch of minerality. On the mouth, the wine coats and lingers with a sumptuous viscosity and beautifully ripe tannins. Bottled without fining or filtration.

• Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($27)

This Cabernet has distinct flavours of black currant, blueberry, blackberry and cassis with enticing aromas of mocha and nutmeg. Notes of smoke, cedar and tobacco round out the lingering finish. Bottled without fining or filtration.

[Edit May 16: Well, that didn't take long. We opened this up last night. A very nice cab, robust but smooth and it does indeed have a long finish as advertised. If we didn't already drink it, it would improve with age. 90 points.]

SOWF #2: Nk'Mip

Nk'Mip (pronounced in-ka-meep) is a desert cultural centre, luxury resort and spa, golf course, winery and an aboriginal success story all at once. We'll focus on the wine, but the Nk'Mip Resort website has lots of interesting info. We even looked into investing in one of the Spirit Ridge strata suites a while back.

Nk'Mip manages to win a fair bit of recognition for their wines. Overall I find them good but nothing that has ever knocked my socks off. Generally at Nk'Mip, the more unpronouncable the name the more expensive the wine. We hadn't been here for a few years and things change, so it's a good idea to go back to the source once in a while to see (and taste) what's going on. Again, winemaker's comments in regular text, my notes and scores in italic.

• Pinot Blanc 2010 ($17)

This wine is bright and lively with an explosion of citrus and orchard notes followed by a crisp, racy finish. Generous notes of apple with an underlying mineral nuance complete this well-balanced wine.

88 points.

• Riesling 2010 ($18)

Classic granny smith apple and crisp, fresh citrus notes give way to a gentle layering of luscious orchard fruit and honeydew melon. Dry in style, the flavours are well balanced and are supported by a crisp, refreshing finish. 

88 points.

• Chardonnay 2010 ($17)

The Chardonnay grapes were stainless steel fermented and 40% of the vintage was aged in French oak barrels for 10 months while 60% remained in stainless steel fermentors to retain a crisp, fruit forward flavour with a smooth finish.

Fragrant granny smith apple and summer fruit are joined by fresh pineapple and melon layers that lead into a rounded expression of butterscotch and vanilla bean.

88 points.

• Pinot Noir 2010 ($20)

The inviting nose displays elements of luscious Okanagan black cherry and plum with a hint of rosemary spice. The soft tannic structure is very approachable with substantial berry and spice flavours despite its delicacy. A liquid silk texture leaves a soft finish on the palate.

88 points.

• Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2009 ($25)

Extended lees contact gives depth and complexity with rich and nutty flavour, offering lots of caramel, marzipan and pear. Enticing and aromatic with subtle layering of citrus is followed by a lingering mineral finish. 

89 points. The best wine I tasted here, almost a 90 - delicious!

• Qwam Qwmt Meritage 2008 ($30)

This Meritage is a blend of 69% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.5% Cabernet Franc grapes. This wine exhibits an intense ruby colour with aromas and flavours of mint, chocolate, tobacco and cassis with a well-structured palate and a long toasty finish.

89 points.

• Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($30)

Rich with dried black fruit and cassis wrapped in toasty spicy cedar, this fully structured Cabernet Sauvignon leads the palate to contemplate complex flavours of berry, vanilla, coffee, capsicum and cherry.  

88 points.

• Mer'r'iym 2008 ($50)

Mer’r’iym is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot epitomizing balance, respect and dedication. The 2008 Mer’r’iym Meritage is the result of our tireless pursuit of excellence at Nk’Mip vineyards. We combined only the best blocks of grapes with some of the finest French and American oak barrels in an effort to produce a wine of genuine elegance and finesse. 

89 points.

SOWF #1: Moon Curser

(Spring Okanagan Wine Festival, by the way.)

We booked an early morning flight since it was cheaper; we arrived just before 7am. Since not much is going on winery-wise at this time of day, we decided to head south to Osoyoos. Most wineries are open from 10am to 5 or 6 in the afternoon. We would arrive in time to have breakfast and plan our attack. First up: Moon Curser. 

Moon Curser was formerly known as Twisted Tree. I just assumed that someone sold to someone else, but I just learned from John Schreiner's blog that actually it's the same owners. They found the old name was being confused with two other Okanagan vineyards, Tangled Vines and Oliver Twist. The new name is inspired by the cross-border gold smuggling that went on under cover of darkness years ago. This is fine except the labels all have a Halloween, howling coyote theme that sort of confuses their brand.

The tasting room (which just opened May 1st) is stunning. One of many new and expensive-looking wine shops we visited, this one has a huge window looking west over Osoyoos and the lake. Generally the wines here were very good, the Petit Verdot being the only one I found less than average (and this is a varietal that is mostly used in blends).All notes in regular text are from the winemaker; if I have anything to add it will be in italics. Scores are mine alone.

• Afraid of the Dark 2011 ($22)
  

Afraid of the Dark is a blend of Marsanne (42%), Roussanne (33%) and Chardonnay (25%). Grown on our Class 1 home vineyard on Osoyoos East Bench, the Marsanne and Roussanne are made from vines in their 7th leaf. The rare Muscat clone of Chardonnay is grown on a tiny one acre block on the west side of Osoyoos Lake.

This is a dry, light to medium bodied white wine. The nose is highly aromatic with notes of nectarine, candied ginger, grapefruit and stone fruit (mainly peach and apricot). On the palate the wine is quite crisp, with stone fruit and clean bright citrus notes as the dominant notes. Some melon and mineral characteristics can also be found. The wine has a crisp finish with good finesse and length.

 

89 points.

• Viognier 2011 ($28) 

The Viognier for this varietal bottling was grown in our Class 1 home vineyard on Osoyoos East Bench, as well as a newer, small vineyard also located on the East Bench. The wine underwent cold fermentation entirely in stainless steel in order to preserve the complexity and freshness of its fruit character. Whole bunch pressing, and slight extended skin contact on portions of the fruit contributed to the mouthfeel and flavor profile of the wine.

This is a dry, medium bodied white wine. The nose is very delicate but with pronounced peach and stone fruit notes. Floral, lemon and candied aromas round out the nose and the overall impression is that of delicate but intense character. On the palate, the acidity is in balance with the delicate character of the wine and, similar to the nose, peach and honey as well as a candied ginger impression are present. The wine has a round finish with finesse and length.

89 points: very flavourful.

  

• Tempranillo 2010 ($29)

This wine is grown in its entirety in our Class 1 Osoyoos home vineyard planted in the spring of 2005. It was aged in 225 L American barrels, about 20% of which were new.

This is a dry, medium-bodied red wine. On the nose the characters of red cherry, violets, tobacco and vanilla can be found. The palate, similar to the nose, adds elements of black pepper, black cherry jam, leather and a bit of cedar. Rich and round, with abundant soft tannin, the wine finishes long.

  

 88 points.

• Merlot 2010 ($25)

The bulk (over 90%) of this wine is grown in the Kelliher vineyard on Osoyoos East Bench, two properties north of our home vineyard. The wine was matured in 225 L barriques, about a third of which were new American oak.

This is a dry, medium-bodied red wine. On the nose, plum and ripe black fruit are the dominant notes, followed by coffee and dried spice characteristics. On the palate, the wine is generous, mouth filling, with both black and red cherry, vanilla and nutmeg. The finish is long, with considerable yet round and soft tannin.

88 points - robust and woody. 

• Syrah 2010 ($25)

Our Syrah is grown in two neighboring Osoyoos East BenchVineyards, both Class 1 viticultural properties. The wine was matured in 225 L barriques, about a third of which were new oak of French and Hungarian origin.

This is a dry, medium-bodied red wine. On the nose, there is the hallmark black pepper of Okanagan Syrah accompanied by strong black cherry, sweet beet, and clove and allspice aromas. The palate is generous with rich mulberry and dried cherry flavors, along with earthy chocolate and leather notes. Tannins are smooth, and the finish is long.

89 points.

• Border Vines 2010 ($25)

This blend of six Bordeaux varietals consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (15%), Carmenere (7%), Malbec (7%) and Petit Verdot (3%). The wine is grown in five Osoyoos East Bench vineyards, all within a short tractor-driving distance from one another.

This is a dry, medium bodied wine. The nose shows good intensity with strong elements of dark berry and typical cabernet notes of cassis and blackberry. On the palate this mouthfilling wine has good weight and intensity, with highlights of plum and spice notes, and long smooth finish.

89 points.

• Malbec 2010 ($29)

The Malbec for this inaugural single varietal bottling was grown in a Class 1 vineyard located on Osoyoos East Bench, from vines now in their 7th leaf. The low cropping during the 2010 growing season resulted in high fruit quality at harvest, and the decision to bottle the wine on its own.

This is a dry, medium to full bodied red wine. Characters of blueberries, black cherry and plum dominate the nose. The palate follows the nose, and is full and round, and displays notes of chocolate licorice and cola. The plushness of this wine is its dominant character. Acidity and tannic structure marry well but play a background role. The finish is long and balanced, with ripe soft tannin. With its strong blueberry character this wine drinks well right out of the gate, but it could be cellared for two to four years. We recommend limited aging. With bottle age expect leather and tobacco characters to develop.

89 points. I got earthy, mushroom notes in here as well. 

• Petit Verdot 2010 ($29)        

The Petit Verdot for this inaugural single varietal bottling was grown in a Class 1 vineyard located on Osoyoos East Bench, from vines now in their 7th leaf. The low cropping during the 2010 growing season resulted in high fruit quality at harvest, and the decision to bottle the wine on its own.

This is a dry, medium-bodied red wine. Notes of violets, both red and black currants, black cherries and raspberries dominate the nose. The palate follows the nose, and also displays some notes of licorice and cola. The acidity and the tannic structure, marry well with the predominant notes of violet and result in a wine that is powerful and elegant. The finish is long and balanced, with ripe tannin. On first release the wine drinks well, but might have a little tightness. As little as 6 months aging will be probably well rewarded. This wine will also age well over five to seven years. Expect secondary characteristics of bottle age like licorice, graphite, sweet beetroot and leather to develop.

87 points - fresh cherry, probably needs aging.

• Dead of Night 2010 ($38)

This blend of Tannat, a noble red varietal traditionally grown in the Madiran region in the south of France, and Syrah, is grown in two Class 1 vineyards on Osoyoos East Bench, and aged in 225 L French, as well as Hungarian, oak barriques.

This is a dry, medium bodied wine. The nose displays aromas of dark cherry, prune plum and violets. Notes of pepper and tobacco can be found as well.On the palate the wine is rich but with good acidity. The palate is consistent with the nose with its cherry and plum notes, but also displays meaty and smoky characters. The finish is long and generous with impressive fine and soft tannin.

89 points. Very noticeable tannins, needs a year or at least a good aeration. Tannat - another new grape for the Wine Century Club!

Bleasdale "The Old Press" Cabernet Malbec

I was actually looking for the Bleasdale Second Innings Malbec, which is rated 90 points at about $16. That was sold out at Vines, but in its place they had a sale on this one - normally $39 marked down to $26. I bought two, one to drink and one for a Christmas gift. We gave the gift first without tasting it.

Well, turns out it we had nothing to worry about in giving this gift blind. Bleasdale is from Langhorne Creek, Australia, with 160 years of experience. The Old Press is 76% Cab Sauv and the rest Malbec. I poured a big glass and put it beside a lamp: the reflection of the etching on the glass was perfectly reflected in the inky black wine. Beautiful, dark purple colour. The bouquet has lots of alcohol, and dark berries.

The wine itself is a viruoso. Self-confident and strong. Tannins are balanced but could still use some aging (I didn't aerate this one). Delicious blackberry, plum, violet, cherry flavours would match well with blue or hard cheeses, lamb, pasta, or on its own. A complex, impressive and mature wine.

91 points. $26 (sale price) at Vines.