Niilo Edwards

CedarCreek Cabernet Merlot 2007, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

I have never tasted a disspointing wine from Cedar Creek and this 2007 Cab-Merlot out preforms my expectations. This wine demonstates the classic charicteristics of Cabernet with hints of Raspberry, mint and bell pepper earthiness. The nicely blended merlot offers a pleasent blast of red frut to back up the structure of the Cab. I believe there's some Cabernet Franc in the mix too. Another Job well done in Kelowna.

Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rùfina Riserva 2007, Tuscany

This is a full bodied Chianti. Spicy cloves and red berry compote on the nose with the red berries preforming well on the palate accompained by old world undertones of cigar and leather.

Okay to drink on its own - but the full body of this wine preforms well up against a hand-made thin crust pizza with mild pepperoni or sausage and red pepper penni.

A great wine at great value.

Peter Lehmann Layers Red 2008, Barossa, South Australia

This wine is a Journey in a glass. Correctly named "Layers", the craftsmanship of this wine presents a boquet of spice box aromas that later go smokey, then turn to the richness of smoked meat as time allows in the glass.

Again on the palate, the time in the glass dictates the flavour sequence. Early flavours of black pepper laiden fruit smooth out over time. Black Cherry, and smoked raspberries develop with an pleasent finish of soft tannis wrapped in earthy licorice. A big mouth feel to accompany a nice beef stew on a cold day or a strip steak covered in peppercorn sauce.