40 Knots Stocky Pinot Gris 2017
Perfection in a bottle SMOOTH! A special release from the winery. James F. “Stocky” Edwards was a fighter pilot during the Second World War; he was Canada’s highest scoring ace in the Western Desert Campaign. Stockey is now 99 and a frequent visitor to the winery. To honour him Layne releases a Stocky Pinot Gris. We were very lucky to have been allowed to sample a 2017 vintage. A very special wine. All proceeds go to the Stocky Edwards Legacy Trust which was established under Government of Canada, and Canada Revenue Agency guidelines. Flavours abound! 98
Van Westen Viognier 2018 -Naramata Bench
A perfection in a glass bursting with flavour. On the nose with intense aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle and dried rose petals along with nectarine and fresh lemon notes. Medium bodied with crisp acidity and flavours of golden apple, peach and nectarine with some ruby grapefruit and a long zesty finish. Love it 96
Church and State Merlot 2017 - Okanagan
A wonderful Merlot starting with a very nice aroma of black cherry fruit and savoury herbs, On the palate, the wine is rich, full, silky and round as dark fruit flavours abound. 96
Ruby Blues Pinot Gris 2019 - Naramata Bench
Perfect! Almost. What a delightful wine. Fresh citrus flavours with an amazing crispy finish as its trickles down the throat 96
Hester Creek 2019 Trebbiano - Oliver
Wow what an aroma! Okanagan’s only Trebbiano is crafted from their historic 50-year-old vines. Beautifully fragrant aromas of lime zest, grapefruit, and lemon meringue greet the nose. Ripe tropical fruit flavours including passion fruit and melon. The finish is extraordinary 96
Time 2016 Syrah - Okanagan
This excellent wine begins with wonderful aromas of Black Berries and hints if mint. On the palette black berries and cinnamon. Sorry limited release. wow 95
Okanagan Crush Pad The Bizou + Yukon Savvy Gris 2019 - Summerland
Wow what flavours It starts with wonderful notes of Honeysuckle followed by lemon line, pear, hints of apple and more A must buy wine. 95
Church and State Syrah 2017- Okanagan Valley
An excellent wine. Starting with a powerful aroma of ripe dark cherries and blackberries continuing through to a strong and lasting finish 95
Church and State Meritage 2017 - Okanagan Falls
Church and State Meritage is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon. Its a rich wine The aromas are amazing featuring Black Cherry and Black Berries. The palate provides hints of spices and chocolate delicious. We will give this one a 95.
Gehringer Brothers Ehrefelser 2018 - Oliver
A well defined fruit driven wine featuring notes of apricot and honey, hints of almond. A touch of sweetness makes this a most enjoyable wine 95
Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery 2017 Cabernet Foch - Okanagan
An elegant aroma heightens one senses The first sip awakens and excites the taste buds. A nice peppery note. Seaside Pearl is a gem in BC's Fraser Valley. 95.
The View 2018 Gewürztraminer - Kelowna
Intriguing complexity a whole array of refreshing flavours. Starts with tantalizing aroma. Honey, apple, tropical fruits each sip slightly different. The finish provides hints of pear and peach. 95
Rief Estate Vidal Icewine 2017 - Ontario Niagara-on the-Lake
Wow! A fantastic aroma of tropical fruits with honey and peach. It melts in your mouth with additional fruit flavours. More please! 94
Church and State Cabernet Franc 2016
Smooth slightly bold with raspberry highlighting the flavours. Hints of chocolate spice. 94
Church and State Sparkling Pinot Gris
Excellent, a real hit at our BBQ night with friends. Nice lemon pear and ginger flavour. A lovely balance between soft acidity and ripe fruit texture. 94
Backyard Social Cabernet Merlot 2018 - Fraser Valley
12 months of barrel ageing (some new oak). Bold red blend with a smooth and subtle tannic backbone. On the nose Cherry, raspberry and spices. Followed by flavours of cranberries and plum 94
40 Knots Petite Milo 2018 - Vancouver Island
A wonderful summer wine, A grape that thrives in the coastal climate. It provided notes of honey and melon. A crispy finish 94
Seaside Pearl Connaught Syrah 2018 - Okanagan
Barbara really enjoyed this bold Syrah from the popular Fraser Valley Winery. Notable cassis flavour with hints of licorice 94
Poplar Grove Legacy 2014 -Naramata Bench
44% Cabernet Franc, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot Alcohol Level: 14%. The wine begins with wonderful aromas of raspberries, fennel, and rosemary. Bold and well structured, yet quite satisfying, black licorice and cassis greet the palate, while lush tannins of marzipan and cocoa develop with each sip. 94
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2016 - Naramata Bench
A light and refreshing fruit forward wine. My favourite style! Aromas of white pear and melon which follow through to the finish. More please! 94
The View Pinot Noir 2017 - East Kelowna
A nice light red wine with low tannins A really nice fruit aromas: red and black cherries and plums, with hints of raspberries. On the mouth the wine is rich and provides the dark fruit flavours followed by a lingering finish of pure satisfaction 94
Chaberton Estate Bacchus 2018 - Fraser Valley
Year after Chaberton produces one of the very best Bacchus. Perfection in a bottle 85% Bacchus, 12% Siegerrebe, 3% Ortega wonderful citrus characters. 93
Clos du Soleil Winery 2019 Winemaker's Series Pinot Blanc - Similkameen Valley
A nice fruity aroma hints of Tangerine, Nectarine, and Pear. Followed bycitrus fruit and gentle hints of spice. A very good wine! 93
Corcelettes Estate Winery 2018 Syrah -Similkameen Valley
A nice light bodied wine aged in premium French oak barrels for 16 months, look for chalky mineral notes wrapped in rich, dark fruits with a white pepper freshness 93
Ruby Blues Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 - Naramata Bench
Hints of spice, blackberry flavours with a long and complex finish and firm tannins. A crowd pleaser 93
Cider
Ward's Picker's Hut Premium Cider - Kelowna
Best cider I have had in years. Full of flavour Apple ginger cinnamon with hints of melon- 97
Ward's Dry Hopped Cider - Kelowna
Oh my, this cider is GOOD! Ward's Dry Hopped Cider is infused with bright Citra hops. It has enticing, hop forward, floral aromas and tart lemon citrus flavours which perfectly complement a refreshing, dry, crisp finish- 96
Sadly we had no opportunity to enjoy wines from other provinces. Something we must correct in 2021.
Not all the wines we purchased in 2020 were opened this year. Something to look forward to.
The Best Wineries to Visit in 2021