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Staff Picks
| Product: | Arrowleaf First Crush 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | Brand new to our store and a new wine from Arrowleaf - the winery that just gets better and better. A medium-bodied, no issues blend of Pinot Noir, Lemberger and Merlot. Fruit forward and super smooth. Outstanding value! $15 |
| Product: | Arrowleaf Pinot Gris 2009 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | A home-run from Arrowleaf with this year's Pinot Gris. Hugely aromatic and a boatload of fruit flavours with a great finish. Yippy!
$16 |
| Product: | Road 13 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 |
| Who liked it: | David |
| Reason: | They are crazy for discontinuing this one! Rich, round and almost refreshing flavours of blueberry, capsicum (13% Cab Franc) and slightly smokey nose. Get it before it's gone! $26 |
| Product: | Little Straw Tapestry 2009 |
| Who liked it: | Shelley |
| Reason: | Year after year they manage to produce a wonderful Tapestry. A love, love, lovely white blend. OMG! 2009 is even better than the 2008!
$16 |
| Product: | Prospect Winery Trutch Map Rose 2009 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | Oooooh! - a Rose with versatility. Strawberries and rhubarb combined. Fresh, elegant, off-dry with notes of honey and a tad of vanilla. A great Rose. Great price. $13 |
| Product: | Hester Creek Cabernet/Merlot 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Shelley |
| Reason: | I have recommended this wine many times on David's recommendation. It was good to try it myself. I believe this wine would pair well with grilled meat and the structure is such that you could have it as a beverage with friends. $16 |
| Product: | Road 13 Honest John's White 2009 |
| Who liked it: | David |
| Reason: | An
An "ice bucket staple" at my house. The blend is quite different this year (Riesling, Kerner, Gewurztraminer) Sounds and smells sweet but this wine is remarkably structured with pronounced acidity. Honey, pear, peachy nose with crisp apricot and citrus flavours. Get the yard work done then dedicate the rest of the afternoon to this refreshing wine, a lawn chair and some sunshine (if we ever get any!) $17
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| Product: | Mission Hill SLC Chardonnay 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | It's halibut season, so big, round lush Chardonnay is on the menu. Golden in colour, aromas jumping out of the glass and the taste ...honeyed apples with a kiss of acidity that extends the finish until the next sip. Outstanding Chardonnay - outstanding price. $22 |
| Product: | La Stella Lastellina Rose 2009 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | Can't get enough Rose. With each year, there is more to choose from and they are dry! This one is from Merlot. Terribly small production and just beautiful. A large glass was poured and because it was raining on the patio, it was happily consumed in a steaming bubble bath! Worth every penny! $25 |
| Product: | Township 7 Syrah 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | "I'm hard to please!!" so my friends tell me! so when I like a wine - I like it A LOT! So after trying Township 7's 2006 Syrah .... yup I like it A LOT! For Syrah lovers, you will enjoy the aromas and flavours of ripe plums joined with fresh ground black pepper. An exceptional complex Syrah displaying supple tannins. Well worth $25. |
| Product: | Cassini Syrah Tuxedo 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | From Osoyoos, a versatile red which pairs well with chicken, pork or beef. It bears a soft finish with a lingering vanilla flavour.
Peppery like a good Syrah should be. Easy on the pocket book at $15. |
| Product: | Stag's Hollow Syrah Rose 2009 |
| Who liked it: | Shelley |
| Reason: | Staying with the $18.00 Roses - Stag's Hollow is our new "best friend". Bright red fruit and floral. Best to drink with friends on the deck. |
| Product: | Poplar Grove Monster Rose 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | Rose lovers - listen up!
This Rose will be happy beside your picnic fare.
Refreshing, great structure. Scrumpy strawberries! Great price of $18. |
| Product: | Stag's Hollow Heritage Block 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | Can't resist a second Stag's Hollow for my pick this month! A brilliant blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. It is rich, round and smooth. Fantastic value at $25. |
| Product: | Stag's Hollow Rose 2009 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | We are so thrilled to finally be able to offer Stag's Hollow wines for sale. This Rose is 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier. Pure sweet grapefruit on the nose and determined grapefruit on the palate with a crisp,dry finish. I will be comparing this with Roses in France - what a life! |
| Product: | Young & Wyse Merlot 2008 |
| Who liked it: | David |
| Reason: | Let this one breathe a bit and rich caramel aromas
will come wafting out of your glass!
An imnpressive first vintage from this new winery. Soft, approachable, easy drinking with generous plum and cherry flavours. A nice bottle of wine to crawl into after a bad day at work!
$20 |
| Product: | Stag's Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | From Okanagan Falls, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Syrah to enhance its flavour. Ripe, dark bramble fruit with a hint of desert sage. $23 |
| Product: | Thornhaven Chardonnay 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | An "A.B.C." Chardonnay:
A - Applely
B - Buttery
C - Creamy
This Chardonnay will delight your palate with flavours of apple, pear and pineapple. Combined with soft oak, this is a delightful and affordable Chardonnay. Dee-lish! $16.00 |
| Product: | Cedar Creek Estate Select Meritage 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Shelley |
| Reason: | So I just noticed that Leah picked two Cedar Creek wines! Oh well! This Meritage is a beautiful, deep, ric full-bodied, well balanced wine with soft tannins with notes of berry and dark chocolate. OMG! Beautiful finish. Went very well with the sirloin tip roast with lots of garlic, cracked pepper and dry mustard. Thanks David! I should have bought two!! |
| Product: | Cedar Creek Platinum Reserve Merlot 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | Winemaker Tom DiBello loves to make Merlot in B.C. He says that naturally occuring acidity cannot be matched anywhere else in the world and that makes for great long-lasting wine. As a vintage, 2006 is unparalled. Supberg weather delivered superb grapes. The grapes for this wine were hand-picked from Cedar Creek Vineyards in Peachland, Naramata, Oliver, Osoyoos and at the winery. Tom then added to the fun by blending 4% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to give the wine more texture, layers and complexity. Outstanding wine and a gift at its new price of $30. |
| Product: | Cedar Creek Chardonnay Platinum Reserve 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | Cedar Creek has reduced the price of this one-of-the-best Chardonnays in B.C. to an amazing $23!
Grapes sourced from Summerland's Greata Ranch property and vineyards in Osoyoos bring different things to this wine. Rich, ripe tropical fruit flavours of pineapple and papaya from the south and bracing acidity from more northern grown grapes. Very sophisticated wine for sophisticated foods such as lobster or oysters. Let your imagination have free reign! |
| Product: | 8th Generation Pinot Noir 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | This Pinot Noir from the folks in Summerland is 100% Pinot Noir aged in French oak for 12 months. You detect its silky texture on your first sip. Besides its bright fruit, its earthiness is instantly noticeable followed by a rich savoury finish. Love this Pinot - love its price - $22 |
| Product: | Le Vieux Pin Sigma Blanc 2008 |
| Who liked it: | David |
| Reason: | All this warm weather is making me crave white blends and this one is phenomenal! An insanely aromatic blend of Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. A beautiful floral/tangarine nose with lively flavours of passion fruit, pineapple and pear. A full mouthfeel with a crisp finish. $21 and worth every penny! |
| Product: | See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | Ripe strawberry and cherry aromas make this Pinot Noir from Okanagan Falls a real crowd pleaser.
The velvet smooth finish is very memorable and worth every cent of the $22.00 price. Yummmmm! |
| Product: | Quinta Ferreira Rose 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | Light cherry, cinnamon and grapefruit makes this Rose blend very refreshing. Berry flavours explode! Mild spice on the finish that I just love. Don't wait for summer to enjoy this Rose for $20. |
| Product: | Sumac Ridge Tribute |
| Who liked it: | David |
| Reason: | This 100% Chardonnay sparkler, made in the traditional "Methode Classique", is mistakeable for a French champagne. Fresh citrus aromas, crisp apple flavour and a fine mousse. My new birthday-gifting wine. Comes in an attractive gift tube. |
| Product: | Thornhaven Pinot Gris 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | Another great white from Thornhaven in Summerland.
Distinct flavours of fresh apples, peaches, pears and melons. One of my favourite Gris to enjoy with halibut or crab. |
| Product: | Gehringer Bros. Optimum Pinot Noir 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | Wow, this Pinot Noir has a ton of ripe plums and black cherries complimeted by hints of chocolate, spice and velvety tannins. An excellent value for $21. |
| Product: | Quails Gate Old Vines Foch 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | Tasted at the winery last week in their magnificent tasting room. This young, it needs a decanter to help it along, but it is more than worth the effort. Coffee and chocolate with a touch of raspberry. Wonderful tannins in place as it should be with Foch. |
| Product: | Mt. Boucherie Reisling 2007 |
| Who liked it: | David |
| Reason: | Limes, apricot and mild diesel on the nose. Slight sweetness balanced with great acidity keeps the mouth watering. Try with sweet & sour pork. |
| Product: | Nk'Mip Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir 2005 |
| Who liked it: | Irene |
| Reason: | A brilliant Pinot Noir from the gorgeous Aboriginal winery in Osoyoos. Intense cherry aromas accented with spicy oak notes. Full, soft, supported by supple tannins. Smooth, velvety finish. $30 |
| Product: | Jackson-Triggs Viognier 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Irene August/09 |
| Reason: | Inviting aromas of lush tropical fruit and ripe peach. On the palate: spicy mandarin orange and citris-driven flavours lead to a crisp finish. Perfect with steamed mussels, broiled lobster, seabass or vegetable risotto. Scrumpy! Splendid job, J.T.! |
| Product: | See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2008 |
| Who liked it: | Leah August/09 |
| Reason: | Another winner from See Ya Later! Rich, round full-bodied. Oak definitely there but nicely in the background. Not really dry but a great match with summer fish.... or fall fish.... or winter fish! |
| Product: | SeeYa Later Ranch Brut |
| Who liked it: | Kat August/09 |
| Reason: | This sparkling wine is for any and all occasions. Are you having a movie night with some popcorn? Add this sparkling wine and make the night truly enjoyable. Refreshing and lively, this brut boasts the smallest bubbles that never seem to end. One of the staff's favourites. $24 |
| Product: | Nk Mip Pinot Blanc 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Leah |
| Reason: | So aromatic you will want to take a giant sniff before every glorious mouthful. Fruity on the front of the palate and beautifully acidic on the finish. You will savour every drop! |
| Product: | Nk Mip Merlot 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Leah (June/09) |
| Reason: | One of my favourite winemakers in B.C., Randy Picton, has delivered an outstanding value with this full bodied juicy merlot. Rich and round - no food required! |
| Product: | Quails Gate Pinot Noir 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Sheila (June/09) |
| Reason: | Flavours of black cherry and plum with a spicy finish. Perfect with barbeque lamb and asparagus. |
| Product: | Oak Bay Marechal Foch 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Kat (June/09) |
| Reason: | I love this wine. Unlike the Quails Gate Foch, this one is fruity, rich and not too dry. Affordable at $19. It's great value for a grape that is not done too often in B.C. |
| Product: | Inniskillin Dark Horse Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Keith (June/09) |
| Reason: | Good red/black cherry, spice, earth aromas softened with vanilla. Aromas follow through on the palate with some tannin. Very solid and good value. Drink now with light beef or pork dishes. Age for more complexity up to 5 years. |
| Product: | Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2005 |
| Who liked it: | Irene (June/09) |
| Reason: | I've fallen in love with another B.C. Chardonnay!
Toasty oak, nutty vanilla with aromas of pear and apple. Elegant, dazzling! and affordable. |
| Product: | Red Rooster Gewurztraminer 2007 |
| Who liked it: | David (May 30/09) |
| Reason: | Lychee and tropical fruit on the nose.
Smooth, fruity, soft, fresh.
Mild spice and a lingering citrus finish. |
| Product: | Arrowleaf Chardonnay 2006 |
| Who liked it: | David (May 2009) |
| Reason: | This one is for the oak haters! This wine has lively acidity and flavours of green apple, pear and melon. Minimal oak provides slight caramel notes but no burn on the way down! |
| Product: | Hester Creek Merlot 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Leah (May 30/09) |
| Reason: | This is wine maker, Rob Summers second full vintage with Hester Creek and he has truly mastered the grapes brought in from Hester's holdings. Rich, round, full and a pleasure to drink. Although young, drinking nicely now. Allow it to open for a few hours and you will not believe you only paid $17! |
| Product: | Jackson-Triggs Private Reserve Shiraz 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Keith (May 30/09) |
| Reason: | "No, I'm not a sales representative for J.T. but here's another solid red for summer barbeques.
Pair with steaks, rosemary/garlic lamb, mesquite pork ribs or simply a cohiba cigar and your bro!"
$19.99! |
| Product: | Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Leah (May/09) |
| Reason: | My goodness - longtime winemaker Mark Wendenburg has hit a home run with this beautiful wine.
In other regions, Cabernet Franc is used primarily as a blending grape but not so here in beautiful B.C. We make it as a single varietal wine and this is one of the best I've ever had.
Rich, round and soft on the palate with lots of fruit but retaining a little of that quirky earthiness that I love so much in a Cabernet Franc. First experienced at Bridges Restaurant on the deck with an embarrassingly huge burger.
It continues to be one of my favourites with absolutely anything grilled. |
| Product: | Quails GateChenin Blanc 2007 |
| Who liked it: | David (May/09) |
| Reason: | Pink grapefruit explosion! Dry, tart, refreshing.
This was the wine chosen to serve to U.S. President Obama at the state luncheon in Ottawa last February. ($19) |
| Product: | Inniskillin Chenin Blanc 2005 |
| Who liked it: | David (May/09) |
| Reason: | Orange rind and pineapple on the nose.
Ripe with honeydew melon and honeysuckle.
Rich yet crisp. Great value ($15) |
| Product: | Road 13 Syrah 2007 |
| Who liked it: | Kat (May/09) |
| Reason: | This Syrah is one of my very favourite red wines in the store. Yes, it is a 2007, but oh my, is it delicious! The deep blackberry flavours are superbly balanced by the well-managed tannins and lots of oak. The end result is a fruit-forward wine with a rich, full mouthfeel.
What would this wonderful wine pair with? I'm thinking glarlic and rosemary roasted lamb with red wine reduction sauce. Mmmmmm!! |
| Product: | Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2006 |
| Who liked it: | Keith (May/09) |
| Reason: | Excellent balanced chardonnay, as would be expected from Mission Hill.
Medium/fulll body.
Drink now or has aging potential. |
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