Wines from Naramata, Summerland, Kaleden, Oregon & Kelowna 2011 was a very cool vintage in the Okanagan with a wet Spring delaying bud break and flowering but it was compensated for by a warm September and October. Overall, pinot noirs in B.C. from this year tended to be lower in alcohol, a little less concentrated […]

Pinot Noirs: Summerland, Naramata, Kelowna, Oliver & Lake Country Focused fruit, pomegranate, excellent balance – BG Cherry, watermelon, jasmine, dried strawberry – EU Warm earth, Mediterranean herbs, plum – AKG #1 Bench 1775 Pinot Noir – 2012 13.3% Overall Quality Rating: C- ~ 84 Price: $29.00 Eye LC: Garnet – Brown.    BG: Pale, Garnet rim.    AKG: […]

Wines From the Okanagan, Similkameen &  Cowichan Valleys Meet One From Carneros EU: Wild Rose, potpourri, tangerine, sweet spice AKG: spicy, floral, nasturtium, cherry notes in ending BG: Very silky mouth feel, floral/violets, plum, cherry #1 Niche Pinot Noir 2010 11.8% Overall Quality Rating: C+ to B- ~ 89 Overall Value Rating:  C+ to B- […]

  Pinot Noirs from Creston, Vancouver Island, Oliver and a “guest pinot” from the Willamette Valley Licorice, caramel, red fruits, pepper tingle with balanced acidity – EU Low tannins and sufficient acidity to knit it all altogether – BG Toasted oak vanilla, cranberries, huckleberry – AKG #1 Domaine Rochette A Midsummer Night Pinot Noir 2009 […]

Wines from Lake Country, Kelowna, Narmata and a guest pinot noir from  California’s Anderson Valley Strawberry, sweet vanilla, watermelon, creamy on finish – EU Charred. Fruity but way too overpowered by smokiness. – LC Silky texture. Barrel marked, blueberry, plum – BG #1 Arrowleaf Solstice Pinot Noir 2007 13.8% Quality Rating:  C to C+ ~ […]

Wines from West Kelowna, Osoyoos, Okanagan Falls and a guest pinot from Oregon Dark chocolate, velvety smooth tannins, grilled herbs, balsamic note mid back palate. – VS Well-balanced complex fruit. Tantalizingly subtle! – Jacquelin G Smoky – dark toast, wood, dark fruits (blackberry, cherry), forest floor. – EU #1  Mission Hill Red Barn Pinot Noir […]

Pinot Noirs from the the Golden Mile, Okanagan Falls, Cobble Hill, Penticton, Oliver and a “Guest Pinot” from Brazil Sweet vanilla, dark cherry, toasty oak, strawberry, very ripe fruit… – EU Salty caramel, raspberries, blueberries, toasted notes, vanilla… – AKG #1  De Vine Pinot Noir 2011 12.8% Quality Rating: C- to C ~ 85    Value […]

Tasting Pinot Noirs from Summerland, Naramata, Kelowna, Abbotsford and a “Guest Pinot” from Burgundy Good strawberry, sour dark cherry, Kirsch, floral (Jasmine, rose). – EU Great mouthfull, well-balanced, Rainier cherries, salmonberries, huckleberries, baking spices, easy to get lost in… – AKG #1 Silkscarf Pinot Noir 2010 13% Quality Rating: C- to C ~ 85    Value […]