Last Monday wine lovers got a treat for the ‘Swirl, Sniff, Sip & Learn’ wine education series. The line up featured 7 great wines that represent the dept of styles of the Okanagan Valley.
The class was a success, thanks to the following people:
David Murney – Hops & Vine consulting
Benjamin Philip – Stile Brands
Chris Smith – Way West Wines
We used the Star wine rating.
5* Simply delicious from the first sip!
4* Very good and offer great drinking pleasure.
3* Nice and flavourful. Above average.
2* Cheap & Quaffable for everyday wine.
1* Not my style.
TASTING NOTES
Looking for something to wet your whistle this summer? Tantalus Riesling and Mission Hill Viognier are the perfect wines for the warm afternoons.
NAUTILUS RIESLING 2016
Tantalus Riesling is one of top wines from the Okanagan valley. Tantalus has cultivated an international reputation for distinctive wines. This wine is light, crisp, and refreshing that offers aromas and flavours of orchard fruit, hint of wildflower, and lemon-lime citrus, edging to tropical pineapple, reflecting the warm growing season. Overall 3 1/2 *.
SKU# 802280 $22.99 + tax (price may vary)
Available at Everythingwine, Liquor Plus stores.
MISSION HILL LIMITED RELEASE VIOGNIER 2016
Focusing on selection of the best grapes from the family estates this Viognier is the pick of the Mission Hill Estate white wines from the 2016 vintage. It is a delightful and aromatic Viognier. Offer a rich mouthful of pear, stone fruits, and hint of floral notes. Overall 4*.
SKU #201731 $22.99 + tax (price may vary)
Available at Liquor Plus and EverythingWine stores.
UPPER BENCH PINOT NOIR 2015
Upper Bench Winery is the dream becoming reality for Gavin and Shana Miller. He has been a part of the wine industry for 12+ years, with Poplar Grove and Painted Rock as a multi-award-winning Winemaker. “This is not a wimpy Pinot Noir!” John Schreiner. We could not agree more. Offer fragrant nose with plum, cherry,spice notes and hint of oak. Yummy! Only 305 cases made so don’t wait to grab a bottle before its all gone. Overall – Split 4* and 5*.
SKU# 90514 – $24.29 + tax (price may vary)
Available at Spinnaker Stores, Cork & Barrel in Oak Bay, Liquor Express and other Vancouver locations.
MARICHEL LONE WOLF SYRAH 2015
Marichel Vineyard is a fantastic small-production Estate in Naramata, BC. Their focus on Rhone varietals is unique to the Okanagan, and with a great vineyard site comes great ripeness of fruit. This is a Syrah (97%) and Viognier (3%) blend. Great aromas and flavours with fine tannins make for an approachable and versatile wine fit for summer barbecues, fine dining or just enjoying by the glass. The Lone Wolf Syrah is aged in new French oak for structure, plus neutral oak (total 18 months) to soften the edges and allow for a softer, more integrated wine. Overall 3 1/2 *.
SKU #609669 – $21.99 + tax (price may vary)
Available at Liquor Plus, Cascadia Liquor, Strathcona LRS, Cork & Barrel in Oak Bay, Spinnaker Stores, Vintage Spirits, EverythingWine stores.
HESTER CREEK CABERNET MERLOT 2016
Hester Creek is a pillar within the wine making community of Oliver, and comprises some of British Columbia’s oldest vineyards in the beautiful Naramata region. Loaded with plum, currant and spicy notes, this fresh and lively red wine is ready for drinking upon release, but is also age-worthy. It achieves balance with contrasting components: the Cabernets bring tannins that give structure and body, the Merlot brings juicy fruit, and it’s all supported by a judicious touch of oak. Enjoy with grilled sirloin steak, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or with a burger. Overall 3*.
SKU # – $17.99 + tax (price may vary)
Available at Liquor Plus and EverythingWine stores.
BORDERTOWN CABERNET FRANC 2015
Cabernet Franc has quickly established itself as a ‘go-to’ grape in the south Okanagan. This red was love at first sip for everyone. Enticing nose with plenty of fragrant ripe fruits. Full-bodied and well-structured red that offers green pepper notes, dark plum, ripe berries, spices, and hint of oak. Overall 5*.
SKU # 22257 – $25.50 + tax (price may vary)
Available at EverythingWine,
QUAILS’ GATE OLD VINES FOCH 2015
The grapes for this wine are sourced from 37-year old vines planted in their southern vineyard located in Osoyoos. Medium-bodied, dry with medium tannins. It offers cherry, cranberry, coffee flavours with earthy and vegetal notes. Definitely a food wine and pair with burgers or grilled meats. Overall 3*.
SKU #639625 – $24.99 + tax (price may vary)
Available at EverythingWine and Liquor Plus stores.
