Sumac Ridge Tribute “Silver” Sparkling Wine

One can be content with the silver, in this case. It is a pleasant, crisp traditional method sparkling wine, made from 100% chardonnay. Lemon and citrus aromas, with a touch of toasted bread, on the nose, and apple and a touch of pear on the palate, with plenty of lively bubbles to give it a true sense of celebration. Not terribly complex, but neat and well-made enough to keep you smiling through the final hockey game – where silver, however, will not keep Canadians content.

From Backwater to Next Big Thing?

Did you know that British Columbia is a growing wine region with hundreds of wineries? Chances are you’re aware, but not familiar. Many wine enthusiasts are aware that a wine industry is developing in this Canadian province north of Washington State, and yet almost no one outside of British Columbia (BC) can access these wines, significantly impairing familiarity.

Mission Hill Quatrain 2006

Quatrain is absolutely striking in its exuberant fruit, concentration and smooth, silky tannins. The blend of shiraz, merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon could feel over the top, but its relatively moderate alcohol (13%) and good acidity keep it food-friendly and balanced.
WHO Mission Hill
WHAT Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
WHERE Canada, British [...]

Canada Dry: It ain’t all icewine, baby

Yes, it is warm enough to grow grapes in Canada. And to make a lot of great dry whites and reds. It’s not just icewine, baby…

Harvest Report: Okanagan Valley

This year saw a late spring and bud break followed by a long and hot summer throughout the Okanagan that led to one of the best post-veraison ripening periods the Valley has ever experienced.

2006 La Stella Allegretto

This Merlot comes from BC’s Okanagan Valley. I found plum, dark berries and rose petal on the nose. On the palate, it had supple tannins and a level of acidity that worked with flavors of plum, dark berries, black cherries and chocolate to provide a long, pleasing finish. I served La Stella Allegretto with barbequed [...]

2008 Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc

With partial fermentation in air-dried Billon French oak and the rest in steel tanks, this Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc presents with green grass, citrus and lemon drops on the nose. On the palate, it has citrus, pineapple, green apple and a little vanilla combined with great acid and a finish that hangs around. A super solo [...]