This is California Chardonnay at its most extravagant. The bouquet of sun-warmed hay, apple, clove and wood smoke gives way on the palate to flavours of tropical fruits, toast and orange. A long, long finish.
Complex aromas grab attention, led by crème brûlée and sweet vanilla from French oak fermentation. Bright acidity ensures elegance by lifting the ripe, rich fruit and balancing the malolactic fermentation-derived creaminess. Lees stirring brings out a toasty hazelnut character. Long, citrus peel finish. Will gain complexity over the next five years.
This full-bodied, plush Rhône blend of northern California grapes saw 19 months of French oak while vinified and cellared in BC. Big-time aromas and flavours of smoked meat, dark berry fruits and pencil shavings. Dark chocolate finish lingers warmly. Fire up the grill!
Sourced from California grapes and cellared in Canada, this full-bodied, blockbuster red kicks butt. Full throttle from start to finish: concentrated cassis, intense chocolate, mouth-coating tannins and a warm vanilla and clove finish. Tame with a well-seasoned New York strip steak.
Although perennially sourced from several Napa sub-appellations (Rutherford, Atlas Peak, Oak Knoll, St. Helena, Yountville), this is the first release with Merlot (14%). The complex nose highlights blackberry, liquorice, wild berry, cedar and chocolate. The elegant palate yields gobs of dark fruits framed by velvety tannins. A seriously long finish. Needs cellaring for maximum pleasure, so open 2014 to 2020.
Complex aromas of melon and tropical fruit, Asian pear and jasmine blossom. A third of the Sauv Blanc was barrel fermented and aged sur lie, which contributes complexity and richness. The Semillon (10%) fills out the palate with a waxy texture amidst fig and sweet fruit flavours. It’s time for roast chicken.
This hearty Zin was aged 16 months in oak barrels. Full bodied and with over 15% alcohol, it is a concentrated mouthful of blackberries, blueberries, spice, earth and black tea. It finishes long with supple tannins. Grab a couple of bottles for winter’s hearty fair.