harryc93

Culmina R & D Red Blend 2014, BC VQA Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley

Very good ripeness Achieved in this wine showing lots of pure, dark plum and fruitcake along with green herbs and a lashing of overt oak. Chalky tannins, youthful astringency, and Rather lean and angular - more so than expected. Would-have loved to see less oak. Wait until 2018, May very well Improve

Orofino Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling 2013, VQA Similkameen Valley

Balance and terroir guide this wine from the get-go. The nose is adorned with still somewhat reserved notes of lime zest, white flowers, and slate, the elements showing very nice harmony and layering. The palate is bone dry with electric acidity. It coats the palate quite smoothly despite its obvious youthful tightness, carrying the flavours beautifully and with great energy and focus. This wine has all the markers for excellent ageing potential. It's a shining example of what BC can do. 90+

Tantalus Riesling 2015, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Slightly reserved lime pulp, lime zest, melon, honey, and stone. Quite weighty and surprisingly lush in the mouth, high acid balanced with some residual sweetness. Looking for more drive and depth, especially considering Tantalus's renowned prowess with the grape, but still well made.

Warre’s Otima 10 Year Old Port, Douro Valley (500ml)

Unpleasant tang bland Quickly, leaving nutty, spice, herbal, Almost bourbon-like aromas with a core of vibrant, citrusy dried fruit. Quite fresh and light in style, pretty sweet goal with just enough acidity. Would-have liked to see a touch more acid and some more savory Developed aromas. Also a fair bit of heat, but pretty good overall.

Alvear Medium Dry, Montilla Moriles

Wonderful lifted aroma to this, full of ,figs, nuts, green olives, dried fruits, toffee, orange peel and much more. Only slightly sweet, lithe and bright in the mouth. Palate doesn't quite live up to the nose, but this is delicious, well-priced stuff

Inniskillin Okanagan Estate Chardonnay 2012, VQA Okanagan Valley

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Central Coast Chardonnay 2013

Love the restraint here in both oak and fruit. Strikes a very lovely balance with great acidity and spice. Maybe a touch light on the 'delish' factor of the flavour spectrum, but miles ahead of most overripe, over-oaked chards and a wonderful food wine.

Culmina Decora Riesling 2014, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Notes of green apple, dried herb, concrete, white grapefruit, and just the slightest touch of developing petrol. On the palate, it begins with laser sharp acidity and bone-dry intensity, bolstered by more weight than expected. Very good length. Steely, powerful, and focused, it lacks a bit of dimensionality and is quite austere at present but possesses the structure to develop into a very good wine with classic Riesling honey, petrol, and elastic weight.

Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo 2013

Sour red cherry and red currant fruit and a little jam open the nose, followed by considerable coconut and sweet spice from oak. The palate is medium-plus bodied, smooth, dry, and well-balanced, with considerable plummy fruit in addition to the berry notes, fine acidity, some earthy spice, and a commendable amount of depth for the price. Tannins are fine and spices tinge the finish, which is only average plus and bears a little alcoholic heat. Note that this wine has no longevity once opened - fruit fades on second day.

Tormaresca Trentangeli 2012, Doc Castel Del Monte

Purple-red, hint of brown. Very ripe plummy dark fruit, chocolate, graphite, spice. Extracted and rich with some youthful raggedy tannin but pretty good depth and savour. Will likely improve.