In 2014, Jeff Martin imported fellow Aussie winemaker Dominic McCosker to spearhead the program at La Frenz, and the hits keep coming from this storied producer on British Columbia's Naramata Bench. Their work with Viognier has been decorated in U.S. competitions for years, and this 2017 vintage creates a theme of a fruit basket with peach, melon, dried banana and a hint of … [Read more...] about La Frenz Winery 2017 Probyn Eastman Vineyard Viognier, Okangan Valley, $20
British Columbia
Lake Breeze Vineyards 2016 Winemaker Series Sèmillon/Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $19
South African native Garron Elmes continues his string of recent success at Naramata Bench destination Lake Breeze. Aromas and flavors of delicate lemon, subtle butterscotch and lime zest mingle with white flowers in this medium-bodied and high-acid stunner that leads with Sèmillon (70%). This would pair well with salad with vinegar dressings and shrimp tacos. This won a double … [Read more...] about Lake Breeze Vineyards 2016 Winemaker Series Sèmillon/Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $19
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc Block 3, Golden Mile Bench, $29
It was 2004 when Curt Garland, a businessman from the British Columbia frontier town of Prince George, purchased this historic showpiece in the Okanagan Valley. Two years later came the master stroke of hiring winemaker Robert Summers, a product of Canadian giant Andrew Peller. This work with Cabernet Franc grown within their 95-acre property elicits aromas of dark ripe Bing … [Read more...] about Hester Creek Estate Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc Block 3, Golden Mile Bench, $29
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2017 Classic Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $13
Best Buy! Walter and Gordon Gehringer's latest Classic Riesling lives up to its billing, with brilliant varietal aromas of grapefruit, lime, honey and peach from its Okanagan Valley fruit. In the mouth, it adds apple and kiwi, plus refreshing acidity and a trace of sweetness. It's officially off-dry, but the acidity makes it an excellent food wine Asian fare, especially if it … [Read more...] about Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2017 Classic Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $13
Wild Goose Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $20
Hagen Kruger and his winemaking team sourced fruit from British Columbia's iconic Naramata Bench for this Pinot Noir, producing a wine with cherry and vanilla oak aromas that lead into a fruit-forward wine with cherry, raspberry and plum flavors. Try it with rack of lamb. This won a gold medal and best of class at the sixth annual Cascadia International Wine … [Read more...] about Wild Goose Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $20