Intense, textural, juicy.
Sumac Ridge has renamed and re-labelled its wines from the iconic Black Sage Vineyard in the South Okanagan near Oliver. Planted over 20 years ago by previous Sumac Ridge owner, Harry McWatters, this vineyard was a turning point in BC's wine evolution. The label now stands independent from Sumac Ridge and currently they produce: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and the well-known Pipe, a fortified, Port-style dessert wine.
Intense peppery spices, grilled red bell peppers, raspberry tea, vanilla, red currents, dried flowers, cocoa and wild forest berries demand your attention. The palate is textural and juicy, approachable but with good varietal typicity and ticks all the boxes.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 22nd, 2016

Plush, sarsaparilla, textural.
Sumac Ridge has renamed and re-labelled its wines from the iconic Black Sage Vineyard in the South Okanagan near Oliver. Planted over 20 years ago by previous Sumac Ridge owner, Harry McWatters, this vineyard was a turning point in BC's wine evolutiont. The label now stands independent from Sumac Ridge.
This Merlot doles out aromas of spice cake, plum jelly and black cherry, alongside sarsaparilla, mocha and dried violets. It is supple with oodles of ripe berry fruit, and spice, which leads to an espresso finish. Fine, textural tannins add interest and chew, but overall, it is a plush and concentrated wine with a long finish.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2016

Plush, sarsaparilla, modern.
Sumac Ridge has renamed and re-labelled its wines from the iconic Black Sage Vineyard in the South Okanagan near Oliver. Planted over 20 years ago by previous Sumac Ridge owner, Harry McWatters, this vineyard was a turning point in BC's wine evolution. The label now stands independent from Sumac Ridge.
This very modern Merlot doles out aromas of plum cake and chocolate, vanilla, baking spices and marzipan with cherry jam and salted licorice. The palate is sweet with sarsaparilla and syrupy purple berry flavours. Concentrated, supple and perfect for BBQ.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 16th, 2020

Plush, smooth, fresh.
Sumac Ridge has renamed and re-labelled its wines from the iconic Black Sage Vineyard in the South Okanagan near Oliver. Planted over 20 years ago by previous Sumac Ridge owner, Harry McWatters, this vineyard was a turning point in BC's wine evolution - especially that of red wines.
The wines are made by Jason James and the label now stands independent from Sumac Ridge. Currently they produce: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and the well-known Pipe, a fortified, Port-style dessert wine.
This Merlot is spicy and peppery with plush aromas of wild briary berry, leather, cocoa and violets. The palate follows suit with expressive fruit, peppery spices with dried herbs and a cocoa finish. Overall very good freshness and structure.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 26th, 2015

Unique, smooth, fresh.
Black Sage's new whisky barrel aged red (a blend of Cabernet, Zinfandel, Merlot and Shiraz) gives off all the characters you'd expect from a whisky-soaked barrel. It has that brown spirit smell of toffee, vanilla, cola spices and pipe tobacco, along with strawberry and dried cherry notes. It is smooth and laden with sweet fruit, chocolate, toffee, vanilla dark rum and toasted spice flavours. Smooth and fresh with a little something different than regular red wine blends.
©copyright 2025 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2025