Supple, expressive, seductive.
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.
It is laden with plush fruit aromas - purple berries, allspice, licorice, mocha and dried flowers. The palate has a seductive weight and a potent fruit expression. Very good concentration of berries, Christmas cake, chocolate and pipe tobacco.
Good length and intensity.
©copyright 2014 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 4th, 2014

Second review: November 2021
This longstanding traditional method BC sparkler is golden yellow with notes of lemon meringue, apple sauce and hazelnut biscuits. It's an off-dry bubbly with flavours of yellow apple, hazelnut and piecrust, to mimic the nose.
Classic bones, nice freshness and good persistence with a fine bead.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 16th, 2021

Golden, creamy, rich.
The Steller's Jay Mountain Jay Brut is a cuvee of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, that's always been made in the traditional method. Golden yellow it offers apple sauce and pastries, vanilla cream, small red berries, roasted nuts and molding clay aromas.
Creamy, with fine bubbles and laden with golden fruit and toasted biscuits it it rich and complex with impressive posture for a very reasonable price.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 5th, 2020

Second review Nov 2019:Notes of brioche slathered in honey, strawberry jelly, apple pie and almonds lead to a creamy palate with peachy, red apple and expressive red berries. Good length overall, an off-dry sparkler.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 1st, 2019

Golden, expressive, power.
The Steller's Jay Mountain Jay Brut is a cuvee (blend) of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, that's always been made in the traditional method. Golden glints with peachy tones, this expressive bubbly is creamy with mouthwatering yellow fruit, notable concentration and a plush, leesy character. Impressive power and weight at a very reasonable price.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 15th, 2018

Complex, patisserie, lively.
Now a stand alone (no longer under the Sumac Ridge label) the Steller's Jay Brut is a cuvee (blend) of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, made in the traditional method. This BC bubbly has wonderful complexity and you can expect a nose of hazelnut praline, golden fruits, exotic citrus and honeysuckle blossoms and toasted brioche. The palate is equally nutty and complex with a kiss of sweetness to pop the fruit. It boasts a fine bead (bubble) and creamy texture followed by a long and lively finish. Elegant with impressive consistency of price and quality.
Pair: Savoury and salty snacks, shellfish, roast chicken or holiday turkey, smoked cheeses
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Parmesan & Rosemary
 
©copyright 2014 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 5th, 2014

Now a stand alone (no longer under the Sumac Ridge label) the Steller's Jay Brut is a cuvee (blend) of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, made in the traditional method. This BC bubbly has wonderful complexity and you can expect a nose of citrus and ginger, orchard blossoms, honey, yellow apples and hazelnut. The palate has a supple mouthfeel and attractive lushness with a creamy mousse and flavours of toasted pastries and yellow fruit.
Fine and elegant with impressive consistency of price and quality.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 7th, 2013