Garnet with a tiled rim. Seductive nose, mostly floral and delicately oaky with hints of tar. Tight on the palate, the tannins seem delicate and silky at first but they reveal their strength in the very firm and impressively long, dry finish.
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good glass of sparkling wine. Sandro Bottega makes grappa as well as prosecco and now he’s branched out to produce Brunello di Montalcino, Valpolicella and Amarone. This non-vintage sparkler has a nose of pear, citrus and white blossoms. It’s light and fresh with a touch of residual sweetness that finishes refreshingly dry.
Beer dates like fashion. Knucklebone IPA is no exception: it comes across as an American IPA of the first decade of this century. Although it is bracingly bitter, the malt and hops are in comparative balance here with a small amount of stone fruit coming out on top of the traditional pine and grapefruit. The malt runs through light caramel to toffee and sultana. Sometimes instead of reinventing the wheel, you only need to reintroduce it.
Bright ruby. Fine nose of red berries, well-dosed oak and a hint of menthol. Delicately fruity on the palate; the medium to full body has a nice tannic backbone, great balance and length, even verging on elegance. Surprisingly good.
The pink and red dots on the label of this sake represent the two different yeast strains used in production (yeast being a major flavour component of sake). Brewed by the Huchu Homare Yamagauchi Brewery, which was founded in 1854, this sake leads with a nose of honeydew melon and spring flower which reappear in the mouth, along with flavours suggesting toasted nuts and a distinct “umami” component.
This varietal hails from Austria while also known as Lemberger in Washington State. Noted for its wild berry aromas, lively spiciness and soft tannins, this Okanagan version exceeds expectations. Loaded with juicy blueberry, raspberry, plum and have-another-sip refreshment. Bring on the charcuterie platter.
Cherry, plum and lightly spicy scents with a pungently earthy but appetizing overtone and a whiff of green herb on the nose. Characteristic black cherry and dark plum flavours kick in on the palate supported by balanced acidity and light tannic grip. Well made, food-friendly and solid value.