Berry, sarsaparilla, chocolate.
Located south of Oliver on the way to Osoyoos, C.C Jentsch wines recently crossed my desk. It was the first I had heard of this new label. There's little information on their slick website, but the family has been fruit growers in the Okanagan since the late 1920s.
The Chase is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It's a very approachable wine, which offers black cherry, smoked plums, wild berries, spice cake, sarsaparilla, leather, dried sage and vanilla. Expect good concentration and a liqueur-like character. Mocha, sweet spices, tobacco and licorice flavours make for an easy-drinking wine.
Pair: BBQ, sticky ribs, chili, hearty pastas.
©copyright 2014 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 23rd, 2014

A very alluring IGT red that is dominated by Syrah and fleshed out with Cabernet Franc, Merlot And Petit Verdot.
The nose is rich and fragrant; roses, cherries, mocha, cedar chips, briary berries and vanilla are layered with smoke, licorice, bacon fat and sweet spices. The palate follows suit; plush earthy and powerful with cocoa, leather, fine spice, dark fruit and cigar.
Impressive weight, texture and length.
Part of a one time buy at BC Liquor Stores, so grab it now and pair it with roasted meats or aged, hard cheeses.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 23rd, 2013

Fizzy, fun, effervescent.
A fizzy and creamy an aperitif Bellini made similarly to the more traditional style as served in northern Italy. Bellini-in-a-bottle is made with real Canella Prosecco from Veneto and is blended with local fresh white peach juice and pulp and a touch of raspberry juice for added colour. All natural - gently effervescent and peachy, this refreshing libation is summer in a bottle.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 2017

This lovely spumante (lightly bubbly) rose is made from Prosecco and the light and fruity, red Marzimino grape (classic to the region of Trentino, in Northern Italy). It has the powdery pink colour of cherry blossoms and pretty aromas of berries and cream, peach, citrus and rose petals. It is juicy and has a kiss of sweetness in the mouth with a nice creamy edge - expect bright flavours of pink grapefruit, tart berries and orchard fruits to linger. Perfectly refreshing as a summer sipper or an aperitif any time of the year.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 14th, 2010

Tempting, fragrant, charming.
A tempting blush-coloured spumante, which is from a blend of Glera (the classic grape of Prosecco) and the light and fruity red Marzimino grape (known to the region of Trentino, in Northern Italy).
It is powdery pink and smells of white peaches, summer sweet berries and crisp nectarines with fragrant undertones of freesia, and dried rose petals. Peachy flavours are wrapped up on red berries and pink grapefruit drizzled with honey. It is off-dry with a delightful mousse.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 7th, 2016

Lively, quaffable, charming.
This charming spumante rose is made from the grapes Glera (the classic grape of Prosecco) and the light and fruity red Marzimino grape (known to the region of Trentino, in Northern Italy).
It's a fun and delightfully fizzy powdery pink hue with aromas of summer berries, peaches and cream, tangy tangerine and rose scented talc. Fresh summer fruits are underscored with tart citrus and are highlighted with a kiss of sweetness.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 28th, 2015

This lovely spumante rose is made from the grapes Glera (known for making Prosecco) and the light and fruity red Marzimino grape (classic to the region of Trentino, in Northern Italy).
It's a fun and delightfully fizzy powdery-salmon pink hue with aromas of summer berries, peaches and cream, orange blossoms and hints of honey. Fresh summer fruits underscored with citrus peel dominate the palate and are highlighted with a kiss of sweetness.
Lively, exceedingly quaffable and suitable for all occasions and now under $20!
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 11th, 2013

Crackling, mouthwatering, lively.

A delightful bubbly made in the Prosecco region of Veneto,
It is off-dry (aka extra dry in sparkling terms) and doles out aromas of honeysuckle, pomelo, crunchy Bartlett pears and yellow apples with just a suggestion of buttery puff pastry. On the palate, sweet citrus and crackling tree fruit abound. It is a frothy and mouthwatering quaff; bright and lively with enough sweetness to hold its own with spicier dishes.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 7th, 2016

With the broad selection of Malbec from Argentina on the shelves these days, you can expect to come across a diverse range of styles.
Now widely recognized as the "Argentine grape", Malbec has come a long way in the past few years but you'll still find it on the succulent side, which of course pairs well with all that Argentine beef...
This organically grown (from 38 to nearly 90 year-old vines) 2012 CanTinian Malbec offers dusty plums, blackberries and sweet spices, violets and mocha. The oak is less prevalent than previous vintages and the spicy black fruit is allowed to shine through more. Fresh fruit, spice and espresso flavours lead to cocoa on the finish.
Pair with grilled or roasted beef, rich, hearty stews, hard cheese or mushroom stuffed ravioli with plenty of Parmesan.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 21st, 2013

Juicy, rustic, charming.
I'm delighted to see Lambrusco appearing on our shelves. My fondest memories are sipping it chilled with a simple margarita pizza on the rooftop of the Gambero Rosso offices in Rome several years ago.
Made from the indigenous Sorba and Salamino grape varieties, this fresh and fruity ruby-red frizzante offers juicy red berries, maraschino cherry, leather, rose petals, tealeaf and cedar. The entry is purely and lively sweet ruby fruit but it finishes dry. It is a simple rustic wine, but does not lack structure. Fun, juicy and refreshing.
Pair: Traditional Italian pizza, Italian cheese, antipasti or rustic pastas.
©copyright 2014 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 1st, 2014

I'm delighted to see Lambrusco coming back into favor as it brings memories of me sitting on the rooftop patio of the Gambero Rosso building in Rome one sultry June evening several years ago, eating pizza and drinking bubbly Lambrusco. I was told then (with great certainty) that Lambrusco was making a comeback - a newer drier (secco), modern style of Lambrusco. I fondly recall how good it was chilled down with that simple margherita pizza and how I hoped my host was right.
Made from the indigenous Sorba and Salamino grape varieties, this fresh and fruity ruby-red frizzante offers red fruit, and maraschino cherry, leather and cedar lined with violets and a hint of spice. The entry is purely sweet ruby fruit but it finishes dry. It is a simple rustic wine, but does not lack structure. Fun, juicy and refreshing.
Pairing - pizza obviously, but also Italian cheese, antipasti or rustic pastas.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 23rd, 2013

Second review:
Savoury aromas of smoked meat and black fruit (plum and berries), peppery spices and bittersweet chocolate with undertones of roasted herbs, molasses and dried cherry. The palate follows suit - savoury and dark with plenty of spiced dark chocolate mocha and earthy flavours. A concentrated wine with good length.
©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 12th, 2011

This Okanagan Bordeaux-style blend is comprised of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec and I think that this vintage's addition of Cabernet Franc makes it even better than last year.
A luscious fruit bowl of black currents, plums and black cherries are layered with chocolate and spice, vanilla liqueur and coffee aromas.
Wonderful structure on the palate is the base for concentrated dark fruit, green olives, mocha and toasted oak flavours. Smoothly textured and lengthy with roasted coffee and spice flavours lingering on the finish.
Bravo!

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 13th, 2011

Fresh, classic, typical. 2019 was considered an excellent vintage by Gabbiano, and this blend of 90% Sangiovese with 5% Merlot and 5%other shows lovely typicity. It was aged in French oak (of different sizes) and concrete tanks for 8 months.
Notes of vanilla, licorice, dried roses and wild cherries are layered with coco and sweet brown spices. Dried cherry and cocoa, leather, tealeaf and some balsamic flavours appear in the mouth. Classic freshness and chalky tannic grip.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 7th, 2023

Value, classic, supple.
This is a wonderfully priced DOCG Chianti for everyday meals of pasta, slow roasted meats or pizza.
Classic aromas of strawberry compote and cherries, saddle leather, spice box and tobacco. The palate is an echo of the nose - rustic with restrained fruit, tomato leaf, tobacco and fine spice. It has attractive suppleness and fine tannins; loads of acidity ensure its a perfect food wine.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 13th, 2018

Second Review
Delicious, value, approachable.Aromas of raspberry, vanilla, mocha, a bouquet of roses and violets, baking spices and licorice. The palate is supple and engaging with loads of sweet fruit, leather, mocha, sweet spice and licorice to match the nose. Good length, approachable and balanced. You won't go wrong serving this awesome value wine to a crowd at a BBQ.
Pair: grilled or roasted meats, sauteed sweet red peppers with chili and olive oil, rich tomato sauces and hard cheeses.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 11th, 2014

A buy-it-by-the-case gem, consistent and delicious.
This Garnacha packs a lot of oomph into each bottle - it oozes plush raspberry and blueberry jam aromas with chocolate, cola spices, sarsaparilla and rose petals. A supple palate lends itself well to generous berry flavours wrapped in mocha, floral and blueberry tea. It is fresh and smooth and gulp-able.
A wine for most grilled foods or game day fare but also for pizza, red sauced pasta and more traditional tapas
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 14th, 2013

Second Review: Dec 2018

Savoury aromas of red currents and forest berries, roasted herbs, espresso and dried violets lead to a succulent, well balanced and postured wine with a supple weight.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2018

Consistent, excellent, finessed.
Made by Argentina's pioneering Malbec family, this wine comes from fruit harvested from prestigious Lujan de Cuyo, Tupungato, Maipu and San Carlos vineyards.
Boasting excellent consistency and intensity, this vintage offers that distinct Catena succulence; wild blackberries and red currents, dried violets, grilled herbs, tobacco, bitter chocolate and espresso. Equally savoury on the palate, it has a masculine character, impressive acidity and spice and mocha flavours followed by a long tealeaf finish. .
Pair: grilled meats, hard cheeses, hearty pastas or stews or rich mushroom gnocchi.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 5th, 2017

Intense, excellent, finessed.
Made by Argentina's pioneering Malbec family, this wine comes from fruit harvested from prestigious Lujan de Cuyo, Tupungato, Maipu and San Carlos vineyards.
Boasting excellent consistency and intensity, this vintage offers aromas of cedar chips, forest berries, savoury grilled herbs and toasted spices with dried violets and dark mocha. Sweet wild berry and espresso burst forth on the palate and eventually roll into peppery spices and cocoa nibs. Overall, excellent structure, levity and length.
A finely-hewn and finessed wine that never disappoints. .
Pair: grilled meats, hard cheeses, hearty pastas or stews or rich mushroom gnocchi.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 11th, 2017

Fragrant, supple, persistent.
This Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend ccomes from the newish AOC, Rasteau, which is found just above Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhone Valley.
It is a wonderfully succulent wine, offering roasted cherries, blueberries, sarsaparilla, mocha and toffee with a bouquet of lilacs and freesia blossoms. Supple and substantive on the palate; plump purple fruits, mocha, spice, wild botanicals and bacon fat flavours lead to a lengthy espresso finish.
Pair: Roasted red meats, game birds, aged goat cheese and hearty pastas.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Parmesan & Rosemary
 
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 8th, 2017

Plush, supple, concentrated.
This Napa Valley favourite is celebrating 40 years for the 2012 vintage and its special anniversary label pays homage to the Wagner family.
As expected it is redolent with purple berries, vanilla, sweet spices, crushed floral notes and warm chocolate. It is supple with generous fruit, mocha, coriander, sarsaparilla and baking spices. Expect wonderful intensity and a long smooth finish.
Congratulations on 40 years!
©copyright 2014 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 1st, 2014

This Napa Valley favourite offers plush chocolate, cassis and black cherry, vanilla and toasted spice aromas, which are followed by succulent undertones. The palate is supple; it has generous fruit, a substantial weight and plenty of rich, satisfying flavours. Plush fruit, spiced mocha, vanilla, licorice and pipe tobacco flavours lead to a long chocolaty and sweetly spiced finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 11th, 2013