Black Sage Bench grower/winemaker Gary Misson features Malbec (39%) in this blend with Syrah (27%), Merlot (23%) and Cabernet Franc, and Francofans in British Columbia particularly will appreciate its herbal and food-friendly approach. Bing cherry, Montmorency cherry and cranberry aromas and flavors also pick up notes of fresh-picked green bean and moist earth. Red raspberry … [Read more...] about Montakarn Estate Winery 2012 Angel Share, Okanagan Valley, $23
British Columbia
JoieFarm 2013 A Noble Blend, Okanagan Valley, $24
One of British Columbia’s most popular white blends is fashioned after the Alsatian-style blend referred to as edelzwicker, which translates to “a noble blend.” It’s a fascinating blend of Gewürztraminer (45%), Riesling (38%), Auxerrois (8%), Pinot Blanc (4%), Muscat (4%) and Schoenberger from 10 vineyards, with nearby Paxon Family Vineyard on the Naramata Bench serving as a … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2013 A Noble Blend, Okanagan Valley, $24
JoieFarm 2013 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $23
Vines in their fourth decade from picturesque St. Hubertus near Kelowna, British Columbia, allow Naramata Bench winemaker Robert Thielicke to model this in a Spätlese style at 1.7% residual sugar. Clean aromas of Lemonhead candy, pear butter and baked apple develop into a somewhat viscous entry of white peach and apricot that makes for an intense mouth feel and leads to crisp … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2013 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $23
Montakarn Estate Winery 2013 Georgina Rosé, British Columbia, $17
A decade ago, Gary Misson and his wife, Montakarn, fled the Lower Mainland of British Columbia to seek sun and warmth on Oliver’s Black Sage Bench. They began to transition their land near Le Vieux Pin from orchard to vineyard in 2009 and opened their winery in 2013. This dry approach with Malbec, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo produces beautiful aromas of Rainier cherry, blueberry, … [Read more...] about Montakarn Estate Winery 2013 Georgina Rosé, British Columbia, $17
JoieFarm 2012 PTG, Okanagan Valley, $24
This cult winery on British Columbia’s Naramata Bench annually pays tribute to Burgundy with a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, a traditional melange from Côte d’Or and Beaujolais referred to as Passe-Tout-Grains. There’s a savory thread behind the tones of dark strawberry, Italian plum and cherry, which are joined by sweet herbs, crushed walnut, pencil shavings and … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2012 PTG, Okanagan Valley, $24