2019 was another awesome year for tasting BC wines. The Mountains and the Okanagan Valley are covered in snow so it looks like a White Christmas this year.
This is the time of the year to thank our readers for continuing to read our humble Wine Blog. Also to thank the winemakers and their colleagues for the samples and material they have supplied again this year for our articles.
During the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made this year’s success possible, including placing #72 on the list of Best 100 Wine Blogs.
It is in this spirit that we say THANK YOU and best wishes for the Holidays and New Year.
Now for some excellent BC Holiday Wines for you to sip while enjoying the holiday feast.
Saxon Gewürztraminer 2018 ($25)
A dry wine, pale lemon in colour. Aromas of pineapple, mango, citrus and ginger. Flavours of lemon, pineapple with lots of ginger on the finish. The volcanic soil enhances the lemon and ginger and minimizes the Lychee flavours often found in Gewürztraminer wines. An easy sipping wine that is great with Asian cuisine like Pad Thai.
Eau Vivre Pinot Gris 2017 ($18)
A classic Pinot Gris displaying aromatics of Apple, Pear, Honeysuckle and Citrus while the palate offers Musk, Honeydew Melon, and some spice. Crisp acidity with a mineral backbone complete the long finish. Excellent with light seafood or vegetable-based risottos such as risotto primavera (with spring vegetables such as peas and asparagus) or with fennel.
Sperling Vineyards Organic Speritz 2018 ($22)
A light and lively sparkler with a natural fizz. Frothy mousse, perfumed roses, tropical fruit, pink grapefruit, candied lemon zest, mandarin orange and white peach. Only 7.9% alcohol, serve this sparkler to your guests concerned about driving home or the calorie counters!
For more Sperling Vineyards wines check out – Sperling Vineyards New Releases
Black Market Omertà Rose´2018 ($22)
Fresh strawberries, watermelon, and orange characteristics while finishing off with a vibrant strawberry orange cream finish. There is a subtle bitterness that ends the drinking experience like a cymbal crash at the end of a Beethoven symphony. The wine pairs well with Asian food, spicy rice dishes, shellfish, pasta, and salad dishes.
Evolve Pink EFFERVESCENCE NV ($20)
Pale pink rose petals in colour. Aromas of ripe red peach and flavours of watermelon, cherry and strawberries. This is Evolves largest selling sparkling wine. Sparkling Rose´ pairs with just about anything but we especially like this wine with appetizers such as brie, prosciutto and smoked salmon.
Kismet Karma 2017 ($20)
This is a Merlot dominant blend – 35% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 13% Syrah. This is a juicy medium-bodied wine that has aromas of blackberry and black currant with dark chocolate and spices with a hint of toasty oak. The flavours are layered deep and intense with exquisitely balanced tannins. A delicious awesome value blend that pairs beautifully with burgers, steak or roast beef.
Four Shadows Merlot 2017 ($26)
An elegant nose of black fruit. Flavours of black currants, blackberries, plums with a hint of leather, strawberries and vanilla. Smooth ripe tannins with a lengthy finish. Enjoy with your favourite BBQ beef.
For more Four Shadows great value wines check out – Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery opens Tasting Room
Winemaker’s CUT Syrah 2017 ($34)
Deep garnet colour. 13.5% Alcohol. Decanting is strongly recommended as it will open beautiful juicy aromas full of blackberries, black liquorice, herbs, smoke, cured meat, forest floor, pepper, mocha, eucalyptus and chalk. The dry, rich medium-full bodied wine is sharp, spicy with firm tannins and an extra-long finish. This Syrah is ready for long ageing. This is my favourite wine to serve with roast duck and turkey.
For more of Michal’s excellent wine please proceed to – WineMaker’s CUT New Releases
Nagging Doubt The Leap 2016 ($22.90)
Fabulous blueberry and blackberry aroma with lovely floral notes. The wine has great fresh juiciness to the taste from the Malbec with smooth tannins and a soft palate feel from the extra ageing. Flavours of black cherry, plum and blackberry. Pair this Great Value wine with roasted leg of lamb.
Lunessence Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($35)
The wine was made to achieve terroir flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon, full of black fruit, vanilla, bacon and black leather underlined with toasty oak. The wine is great now with BBQ steak but will continue to improve with ageing.
For more Lunessence Winery & Vineyard excellent wines go to – Lunessence New Releases – continuing the evolution
Saxon Drunken Knight NV ($34.39)
Now that the holiday meal is over, time to serve a delicious white port.
The warmed port opens with aromas of honey, ginger and toffee. There are rich flavours of apricot, ripe peach and candied peel and fruit. The port has a wonderfully long and warm finish.
Conclusion
I would love to hear your favourite wine pairings with these BC Wine classics.