The dark cherry colour leads into a cornucopia of plum, raspberry, cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa, or, if you will, a textbook nose of Merlot. There is some serious tannic structure lurking beneath, making for a strong case for a pairing with braised lamb shanks or dry-rubbed, slow-smoked ribs.
This Burgundy/Beaujolais–inspired “Passe-Tout-Grains” comprises Pinot Noir (48%) and Gamay (52%) from the Naramata Bench. Fragrant aromas of fresh sage and wild red berries yield juicy flavours of black cherry and savoury meatiness. Rustic finish highlights dried herbs, peppery cola and liquorice. Bring on the mixed grill of wild game sausages.
2007 was an amazingly warm summer in Ontario. On the nose, the wine is savoury, herbal, blackberry and vanilla oak; it offers richly extracted blackberry and dark chocolate flavours on the mid-weight palate with a lively acidic spine.
Here is yet another impressive bottling from Coyote’s 2010 red lineup. Boysenberry, plum, cassis, vanilla, mocha and roasted herbs are built on a solid backbone of tannins. Combined with excellent length, it will age well for the next 5 to 7 years.
The inaugural vintage of Kamloops’s first estate winery features a quaffable blend of citrusy Chardonnay, spicy Gewürztraminer, pear-toned Pinot Gris and herbal Sauvignon Blanc. Perky aromas, tangy flavours, bracing acidity, dry style and modest 10.5% alcohol pairs well with a garden salad.
The sage- and grass-laden banks of the South Thompson River suit this cool-climate grape. The fragrant nose wafts honeysuckle, lemon-lime and white peach. Delightful balance of citrusy acidity, ripe orchard fruits and off-dry sweetness, finishing with ripe red apple. Made me crave chili-spiced squid.
The relatively long 2009 growing season produced ripe fruit flavours of apple, pear, peach, melon and papaya. French oak barrel fermentation brought out toasted almond aromas, spicy flavours and a long, complex finish. Lees stirring and aging generate a rich mouthfeel. Pair with cedar plank salmon.