Great Value!
A wine to pair with hearty meat sauces or rich tomato based pastas this is a delicious one with seductive aromas of warm, sweet black raspberry, roasted herbs and chocolate with very appealing notes of violets and cedar chips. The palate is supple, weighty and smooth - layered with dark chocolate, berries, spice and tobacco. The finish wraps up with savoury herbal flavours and fine, powdery tannins.
A blend of: Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Carmenere and 15% Syrah
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

This chewy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Carmenere and 15% Syrah features savoury aromas of dark berries and roasted herbs, plenty of spice, mocha and a hint of bell pepper. The palate is supple, it's medium-full bodied with flavours of espresso and leather, dark fruits and grilled meat with toasted oak and green olives.
It is a hearty wine that is meant to be paired with hearty roasted meats or rich stews.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

A compilation of leather and fresh cherry aromas with violets and cigarbox. The palate is juicy and lively with layers of red berry and cherries, tobacco and fine spices. Lovely acidity and fine tannins make for a perfect (and affordable) dinner wine. Pair with pastas, slow cooked meats or creamy taleggio cheese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 6th, 2010

Named for the left (or Gauche) bank of Bordeaux, La Gauche is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 2% Malbec that has been aged in French oak barrels for 19 months.
It is an intense wine with layers of ripe black raspberries, plums and cherries with hints of green olive, spice, dark chocolate and cigarbox. The palate is rich and full with flavours of dark fruit, spicebox, chocolate and mineral-rich earth. Very nice acidity with fine cocoa tannins clinging to the finish.
Well done.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 24th, 2010

A delicious everyday Cotes du Rhone (the wines from here offer very good value), that has plenty of sweet berry, cherry and floral aromas, leather and earth with a layer of herbs and sweet spices. The sweet fruit and floral aromas are echoed on the palate - it has lovely acidity and a firm, smooth texture - fine spicebox flavours linger on the finish.
This simple yet elegant red is made primarily of Grenache with a bit of Syrah
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 23rd, 2010

NEW!
With the popularity of Malbec in Argentina, the birthplace of Malbec (also known as Cot or Auxxerois) in Cahors France, now wants to claim some of its recognition. The winery where Rigal is produced has been making Malbec here since 1755 and has developed this new label to bring a modern twist to an old variety...
This wine is predominantly earthy - cocoa, sunbaked earth, sweet dark chocolate and mocha rounded out with berry flavours. The palate follows suit with spicy black fruits and earthy flavours. It's medium to full-bodied, has a powdery texture with loads of acidity and cocoa tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 23rd, 2010

A solid value blend that smells of mixed berries, grilled herbs and green olives with mocha and smoked spice. The palate is supple and spicy, concentrated and quite powerful with layers of blackberry, mocha and oakspice. It seems a bit hot on the finish (14%) but you can chew on this wine or just pair it with roasted meat or mushrooms in a creamy herb sauce.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 23rd, 2010

An affordable Carmenere - great for hearty weeknight dinners or barbecues.
Smoked black cherry and plummy aromas, sunbaked earth, charred spices and a meaty/savoury core. The palate is firm with good intensity - flavours of espresso, cocoa and spice with a gamey layer. It has a powdery texture, some nice acidity and spicebox flavours on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 23rd, 2010

As one of British Columbia's premium icon wines, Nota Bene has virtually become more famous than it's maker, Black Hills. There is little doubt this wine deserves praise for its power and concentration, but also for its consistency.
Made from similar quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc, the 2008 reflects its Cabernet base with potent cassis and green olive aromas layered with spicebox, dark plums and tobacco leaf. The palate is supple with lush black fruit, mocha and plenty of spice. It is nicely balanced and smooth across the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 20th, 2010

This is a delicious, concentrated Cabernet with aromas of black currants and ripe black plums, spiced dark chocolate, vanilla and tobacco with a savoury core of roasted herbs and black olive. The palate is lush and supple with an earthy seam throughout - dark berries, warm mocha, spice and tobacco leaf flavours lead to a chocolaty finish. A firm, full wine with a smooth finish.
Blended with 4% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Syrah that spent 18.5 months in French and American oak.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 19th, 2010

Here is an old world wine that will impress you with its intensity and bright character.
Vibrant aromas of black raspberry and cassis, spicebox and cedar, tobacco leaf and sweet spices. It is smooth on the entry and on the finish, the mid-palate has a slightly powdery texture and it is layered flavours of dark berries, spice and tobacco.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2010

This is a simple savoury red, a dinner wine that will not empty your wallet.
Aromas of spiced cherries, smoke and dark earth with bittersweet chocolate. The palate echoes those spiced cherries and chocolate aromas, the texture is a bit dusty but it has great acidity and a smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2010

An utterly charming red wine made from Sicily's indigenous Nero d'Avola grape.
It is a wine brimming with sweet cherry and grapey aromas, crushed violets and plums with hints of cedar and vanilla. The palate echoes those juicy berry tones with spiced cocoa, dark earth and espresso flavours. It is quite potent and chewy, but very tasty and it will pair nicely with rich meats, hard cheeses or hearty, rustic Sicilian caponata.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2010

Here is a nice Cotes du Rhone that is perfect for simple, rustic meals.
It has aromas of sweet cherry and dusty red berries, leather, earth and hints of tobacco that lead to a juicy palate. Fresh, tasty and uncomplicated with firm powdery tannins and a spicy linger.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 9th, 2010

Released in June, this is a fantastic first vintage Syrah for Laughing Stock Vineyards. It is made in a northern Rhone-style (Syrah blended with a small amount of Viognier like the field blends in Cote Rotie) and is simply elegant.
Meaty, savoury and spicy aromas layered with black berries, leather, tobacco and dark earth, it has a very bloody (sauvage) hint to it too. The palate presents sweet, spicy berry flavours with dark chocolate and espresso lingering across the finish. Lovely balance, smooth and juicy...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 9th, 2010

This is an earthy and peppery wine, appropriately labeled Syrah (rather than Shiraz) that is layered with sweet dark berries, chocolate and a hint of tar. The palate has a powdery texture and concentrated flavours of espresso. earth and peppery spices. A solid wine, well-made with nicely balanced acidity.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 9th, 2010

This delicious blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from the southern Rhone is a perfect example of the southern Rhone's ability to produce quality wines with ripe fruit and complexity at an appealing price point.
There are obvious notes of mixed berry, wild herbs, saddle leather and spice on the nose but it leaps onto the palate with sweet blueberry and raspberry flavours, vanilla and spice flavours (notably star anise and clove) pepper and berries linger on the finish. It is a bright and supple wine that will pair well with rich mushroom dishes or firm, dry goat cheese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 9th, 2010

This is a very concentrated Merlot with heaps of plum and black fruit aromas, spicebox, chocolate, green olive, toasted oak and leather with a hint of jalapeno. Similar black fruit, bittersweet chocolate and charred oak flavours cross your palate with sunbaked soil, tobacco leaf and spice. It is an intensely flavoured wine with a dark, earthy and slightly bitter finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2010

The sister wine to this macho looking Shiraz is the Bitch Grenache with its antithetical powder pink label.
The Luchador (Spanish for wrestler or fighter) presents black berries, dried cherry and mint aromas with lots of spice and dusty cocoa notes. The same spiced fruit appears on the palate but more in a vibrant red berry form. It is earthy and spicy in the mouth with hints of leather and chocolate smooth tannins linger on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 29th, 2010

A simple, rustic wine from Sicily's most important red grape, Nero d'Avola. It expresses earthy and savoury aromas of black fruit, leather and tobacco with a core of char-grill and smoked meat. The palate echoes the aromas, it has spicy fruit, tobacco and dry earthy flavours with loads of acidity and fine firm tannins on the finish.
A wine made for dense pastas, salami and firm cheese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2010

Having made wine from the time of the Cistercian Monks in the 12th century, the ancient Domaene Gobelsburg presents this surprinsingly powerful red from the country's most important red variety - Zweigelt (developed in Austria in the early 1920s) .
It is laden with black raspberry and black cherry aromas, smoked meat and dark earth with a good dose of black pepper. It is concentrated in the mouth with a slightly powdery texture, black fruit and black pepper dominate the palate bound with high acidity and a firm spicy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2010

An impressive, concentrated Zinfandel with a bit of age to smooth it out.
Sweet, sunwarmed berries, spice and chocolate aromas are echoed on the palate. It is dense, weighty and warm with nicely balanced acidity and a long smooth finish.
Made from CCOF certified organic grapes, this wine will pair well with spicy meat dishes and aged cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 27th, 2010

Widely available, this very affordable Chianti is great for tomato based pastas, cheese and salami.
Expect aromas of smoked cherries, saddle leather and spice, hints of iodine and sunbaked earth. The palate is nicely rounded with juicy cherry, cigarbox and spice flavours. A simple and plesant everyday table red with a slightly powdery texture.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 27th, 2010

The baker's dozen blend of varieties (including: Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Montepulciano) in this fun, screw-capped red express aromas of berries and plums, leather and cigarbox with plenty of peppery spice notes. There is nice complexity for the price, it is a charming wine with a supple texture and rustic edge. Flavours of berries, chocolate and mixed spices linger across the palate. The folks at Big House recommend spaghetti bolognese, lasagna or grilled meat to pair with this affordable red.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 27th, 2010

NEW
From Feudo di Santa Tresa, this organic wine made from Sicily's indigenous red grape Nero d'Avola, is also very eco friendly. The label is made from 100% recycled paper, uses 100% vegetable ink to print and uses 100% recycled cardboard for shipping. Plus, Purato claims bragging rights to using 85% recycled glass in its bottles...
The wine is simply charming. Expect aromas of sunwarmed berries, vanilla and warm spice, hints of cedar and peppery notes. The palate has nice supple berry fruit, it is juicy and slightly rustic with a powdery texture and firm youthful finish.
A great everyday dinner wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2010

From the Perrin family of the Rhone Valley, this great value red is made from Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Syrah - all varietals classic to Cotes du Ventoux's Rhone home.
Expect very attractive aromas of juicy black cherry and berry, licorice and sweet spices, violets and cedar chips with chocolate hints...
Ripe and juicy on the palate with bittersweet chocolate and coffee flavours and hints of char on the finish - an affordable, unassuming and very tasty everyday red.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 15th, 2010

This is a savoury Merlot to pair with grilled meats and roasted dishes - aromas of smoke and black plums, leather and game with peppery spices. The palate is smooth and chocolaty flavours of prune plum and char-grill/meaty hints echo the nose with pepper and spice lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 14th, 2010

This classic South African variety (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault) is produced by a just few BC wineries. The Hillside shows typical red fruit and earthy characters - expect aromas of tart red fruit (think plum, cherry and currents), dried flowers and plenty of wild herbal notes, cigarbox and pepper. The palate is smooth and very juicy, it is medium-bodied with bittersweet cocoa, pepper and toasted/char hints. The finish is smooth, savoury and peppery.
A wine to pair with grilled or roasted meat dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 7th, 2010

This 'kitchen blend' of 60% Malbec with equal parts Bonarda and Syrah hails from the Mendoza sub-appellations of La Consulta, Altimira and Vista Flores.
It is inky purple and opaque in colour and has gobs of dense, sweet purple berry and grape-y aromas, saddle leather and warm spices, licorice and mocha. It is plush and juicy in the mouth, powerful and supple and is layered with purple fruit, sweet spice and cigarbox flavours. It has very nice balance and a long sweet, smooth finish.
Delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 6th, 2010

This wine is made from grapes harvested from vines 50+ years old. It offers aromas of warm raspberry and blueberry, floral notes with cedar and spicebox. The juicy berry fruit reappears on the palate, the texture is smooth and it lingers with spice and vanilla across the finish.
Very good value!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

Twisted Tree's second label is named for the winery's location, found at the second crossing of Long Creek and Highway 3 just east of Osoyoos. And like Long Creek, this wine will only flow in some years.
The aromas are dark and earthy - plums, black berries and dark chocolate with spice and hints of marzipan. The wine is smooth on the palate with sunbaked earth, black fruit, wild herbs and peppery spices. Very nice structure and balanced acidity with a firm finish.
Nice complexity - well done!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

Penfolds has the uncanny ability to make elegant wines at any price point and they do so, continuously.
The Koonunga Hill Shiraz~Cabernet is made from 70% Shiraz with the remainder being Cab. It is a a wine with aromas of black cherries and plums, chocolate and tobacco, sweet spice and savoury smoke and roasted herbal undertones. Good concentration - the dark juicy fruit reappears on the palate with cocoa and espresso hints, dried herbs, roasted meat and salty spice rub flavours.
A solid red for grilling or rich red sauces on pasta.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah has wonderful complexity and concentration.
Cassis and blackberry, smoke and cedar, hints of violets and sweet spices with a pinch of pepper. The palate provides layers of chocolate, black cherry, blackberry and char grill flavours. It has, lovely acidity a powdery mouth-feel and a firm finish with lingering spiced flavours.
Excellent!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 29th, 2010

The harsh tannic component of the Tannat grape generally makes it difficult to drink as wine without ageing it. Classic to the south of France and Uruguay it is a rare varietal indeed to see grown here in BC.
I was plesantly surprised at the unique qualities of the Twisted Tree Tannat, its potent red fruit, and hearty savoury notes - think sausage and spice rub, wild herbs and earth. It is a tightly wound wine with loads of acidity - juicy red fruit, coffee mixed spice and licorice flavours appear on the palate, the tannins are fine but firm and the finish is long.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 28th, 2010

The aromas in this single vineyard, organic red are dense - dark chocolate, cherry and black raspberry, it has some dried fruit layers and pleasing floral notes too. It is quite brawny on the palate - spiced and roasted flavours, dark fruit and cocoa. You can expect plenty of acidity and dry tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 26th, 2010

I simply adore this wine (and the rare Lacrima grape) for its unique combination of simplicity and intrigue.
The Orgiolo offers affluent aromas of black raspberry and cherry, violets and pepper with layers of licorice, cedar and coffee liqueur. The ripe berry/cherry fruit, peppery spice, licorice and cigarbox reappear on the palate, it is supple and honest, simple but exotic and lingers with plush berry and chocolate flavours...
A rare variety of mysterious origins, the production of this Lacrima (translates to tears) is limited in DOC production to Morro d'Alba, in the seaside province of Ancona in Marche.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

This plush Malbec presents fantastic sweet blackberry and cherry aromas, vanilla, fresh herbs and chocolate with just a subtle hint of a savoury core. The palate is wonderfully supple and layered with ripe berries, sweet spice, chocolate and espresso - the finish is smooth.
Nice intensity and very easy drinking.
Pair with mushroom ravioli , crumbly, aged cheese or BBQ.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

This great value Spanish red is suitable for most of your outdoor grilling adventures.
It presents bold aromas of black fruit and tobacco with peppery spice and earthy undertones. It is a rustic wine that has plenty of acidity with chewy fruit and loads of peppery spice followed by a firm, dusty finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 20th, 2010

This is a simple and affordable, everyday table wine with aromas of smoke, blackberries and chocolate with hints of vanilla, cedar and licorice. It has a smooth texture and earthy flavours layered with chocolate and spice followed by fine lingering tannins.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 15th, 2010

This British Columbia based winery makes sure you know what the story is by stating produced and cellared in New Westminster BC with grapes from the USA on their front label.
The wines are all very impressive - especially this Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend. It is undeniably opulent and succulent with aromas of maraschino cherries, sweet spices and rich chocolate with toffee notes. The palate is concentrated with dense berry/cherry, espresso and cocoa flavours, it is luscious and smooth leaving a trail of spice lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 15th, 2010

In this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Carmenere you can expect aromas of black currents and vanilla, rich dark chocolate, grilled red peppers and cinnamon spice. The palate is supple with very nice complexity. In the mouth flavours fof dark berries and cherries co-mingle with chocolate and tobacco. It has fine firm tannins and a lengthy, spiced cocoa finish.
Very good!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 11th, 2010

Emiliana is the leader in organic and biodynamic viticulture in Chile and large scale biodynamic leaders world-wide -having visited, I know they take this stuff very seriously!
This recently released 2009 Carmenere Reserva is made from organically grown grapes and offers excellent value. It presents aromas of red berries and cherries, chocolate and sweet licorice with a core of dried herbs and roasted red pepper. The palate is smooth and fresh, sweet fruit pops through mid-palate layered with bittersweet chocolate, warm spice and tobacco flavours. Nice firm structure and bright acidity with an impressive finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 11th, 2010

Sweet ripe cherries and plummy aromas, warm spices and a core of wild sage, smoked meat and earth. Expect a powdery texture and flavours of black plum and cherry, leather, a hint of prune, coffee liqueur, cigarbox and cocoa. A wine with some built-in age that has nice structure and balance with a long finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2010

This food-friendly and fruity wine is made from a blend of Portuguese traditional varieties Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Tinta Barocca with the unique addition of Pinot Noir. It offers plenty of sweet raspberry and blueberry aromas, vanilla and tobacco with a potpourri of dried flowers and cedar chips. It has nice acidity and juicy berry fruit on the palate cola spices and cedar flavours and a slightly angular finish.
Pair this wine with crusty bread and soft cheese or fish in stewed tomato sauces.
Great value for weekday dinners!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2010

From Italy's east-central coast, this fantastic blend of Marche's traditional Montepulciano with Sangiovese also has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure. You can expect alluring kirsch and licorice aromas, vanilla, chocolate and warm, sweet spices. It is stunning on the palate, full-bodied and dense with ripe berry/cherry flavours, chocolate and espresso flavours. This is a supple, weighty wine with lovely acidity and a long smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2010

A delicious Syrah, the 1884 Reservado presents abundant aromas of blackberry and raspberry with tobacco, chocolate, licorice and sweet spices. It is generous in the mouth with sweet, warm berry flavours followed by a spiced cocoa linger. This crowd pleasing wine has lovely a weight, a seductive, supple texture and smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 2010

The Naramata Bench estate Nichol Syrah is impressive to say the least with its ripe red fruit and savoury meaty aromas, wild herbs and minerals with spice-rub and just a hint of blueberry. The palate is juicy and it has very good structure. The palate echoes its aromas with berries and spice, grilled meat, tobacco and roasted herbal flavours. An elegant wine with a long, smooth finish that will pair well with aged goat cheese or game.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 2010

Exceedingly easy to drink this Sobon Estate Zinfandel is made from CCOF, certified organic grapes.
Expect abundant aromas of sour cherries and ripe red berries, dark floral notes, cedar and savoury, peppery spice tones. The palate is supple and offers plump, juicy berries, cocoa and vanilla, tobacco, sweet spice and coffee flavours. Nicely balanced with smooth tannins - delish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 2010

Surprise! Not all Malbec is made in Argentina - Inniskillin Okanagan winemaker Sandor Mayer does wonders with this grape variety as well...
Expect rich aromas berries and dried cherries, chocolate and licorice with a hint of crushed dark flowers. The palate is dense and concentrated with dark fruit and a savoury mouthful of roasted meat and herbs, cocoa and espresso. Expect nicely balanced acidity and powdery tannins with fine spice lingering on the finish.
Malbec is made for grilled meat or dense pastas.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 6th, 2010

Rich dark fruit and peppery spice aromas with tobacco, earth and fresh wild herbs. The palate although almost brooding, gives up sweet fruit with earth, tobacco and dark cocoa flavours. The texture is powdery, it has impressive power and structure with a nice balance of fruit and acidity.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 5th, 2010

The Quails' Gate Merlot shows primary black berry and plummy aromas, sweet spice and mocha followed with a very savoury core of roasted peppers, sausage and wild sage. Dark and earthy on the palate with plenty of acidity and a powdery texture, you can expect flavours of black fruits, tobacco and spice. It is slightly angular with tight tannins.
Pairing suggestions - braised short ribs or roasted root vegetables
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 4th, 2010

There is 10% Viognier added to this savoury Shiraz.
It offers aromas of grilled meat and smoked spice, red fruit and roasted herbs with a good dose of black pepper. On the palate the sweet red fruit pops up balancing the smoky, savoury flavours. The finish is smooth and bright, lingering with flavours of pepper and coffee.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 4th, 2010

A savoury wine meant for hard cheeses or flame grilled meat, the Guinea Fowl is somewhat brooding - dark fruit, roasted coffee beans and bittersweet chocolate with plenty of peppery spice rub aromas and a core of smoked meat. The flavours echo its aromas - sweet, ripe black fruits and layers of savoury spice, herbs and smoky/roasted notes. Nice acidity to balance and smooth tannins on the finish.
Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 2nd, 2010

Gorgeous ripe fruit aromas - blackberries and blueberries, mint chocolate patties and warm spice with a whiff of fragrant dak flowers. The palate is oozong sweet supple fruit and mint, spice, thick dark espresso and chocolate with hints of leather and tobacco. A concentrated wine with balanced acidity and a long juicy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 2nd, 2010

A savoury red with ripe aromas of plums and blackberry, sweet spice, vanilla and cocoa with a hint of green bean and charred oak and peppery notes. The fruit aromas are echoed on the palate with toasted spice and cocoa flavours, the finish is bittersweet with lingering toasted oak flavours.
Certainly a wine suited to hard cheeses or dense, grilled meats.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 1st, 2010

Named for the year the winery in Mendoza city was established (it's still in use) The Escorihuela 1884 wines (formerly Don Miguel Gascon) continue to offer solid value and consistently tasty juice.
The 2009 presents sweet mocha and gobs of purple fruit aromas, tobacco leaf followed by a nice whiff of sweet blueberry and an earthy core. Juicy berry flavours and tobacco leaf echo the aromas, it is both potent and fresh -deceptively concentrated. The finish is smooth with sweet and savoury flavours of spice, cigarbox and mocha.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 27th, 2010

This little brother to Le Grand Vin Osoyoos Larose is quite brawny. Aromas of black fruits and plums, a layer of dried fruit and dark chocolate, espresso and spice with sunbaked earth and a savoury, meaty core. Concentrated but not supple with dark earthy flavours to echo the aromas - coffee and cocoa, tobacco and spice with fine, tight tannins across the palate. The acidity is obvious, the flavours are dense and the finish is lengthy.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 21st, 2010

Typically rustic, this inviting Nebbiolo will pair well with hard/aged cheeses or rich meat and tomato sauces.
Expect aromas of cherries and leather, sweet spice, sunbaked earth and cedar notes with a whiff of violets. The palate is creamy with a powdery texture - sweet spice and cedarbox reappear on the palate layered with cocoa. Very nice acidity, medium-bodied with nice intensity and fine, firm tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 21st, 2010

This nicely packaged Tempranillo shows sweet red berry and red cherry aromas, spiced cocoa and rich dark earth. It has a solid backbone in the mouth with juicy red fruits, cocoa, earth, cigarbox and fine spice. Nice acidity brightens the palate and smooth tannins round out the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 21st, 2010

The Gamekeeper's Reserve is a wine made for rich dishes - grilled meat and stews.
The aromas are ripe fruit, black currents and cherries, coffee grounds and cocoa with a hint of jalapeno and a savoury core of spice rub, smoked meat and pepper. Full and ripe on the palate with a smooth texture layered with black fruit, chocolate and smoked spice. The finish is long with supple tannins.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2010

A historic South African wine producer, Nederburg presents this affordable entry-level Cabernet that releases plenty of blackberry and spiced aromas, it is dense and earthy with black pepper and notes of crushed, dried herbs. Again nice black fruit appears on the palate with spice, chocolate and espresso flavours and savoury layers. It has nice acidity and powdery tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2010

Gorgeous fruit - cassis and black cherry aromas, spiced chocolate and tobacco with rich dark earth, smoke and garrigue. Sweet cassis and cherry fruit reappears on the palate wrapped in plush chocolate and espresso. A potent wine with balanced acidity and a long, succulent finish.
Simply delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 13th, 2010

One of BC's oldest SKUs, this good value blend is always a reliable option.
Plenty of mixed berry - raspberry and blackberry dominate - cocoa and fine spice with an earthy, herbal core. The palate is juicy, fresh berry flavours, spice and dried herbs with coffee and tobacco lingering on the finish. It is medium-full bodied with great acidity and has a long smooth finale.
Great for weekday dinners or barbecueing.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 11th, 2010

An impressive first vintage showing for winemaker Sandor Meyer's Discovery Series Tempranillo.
Expect enticing layers of peppery red fruits, fine spice and cigarbox with undertones of prune. The palate reflects similar red fruit and spice, it has surprising underlying power with nice structure and ripe tannins throughout, the finish is lengthy...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 2nd, 2010

This is a really delicious Shiraz - it lures you in with a combination of sweet and savoury aromas - bright red fruit, smoked meat and spice rub, violets and plenty of white pepper. The palate shows fantastic acidity and is laden with juicy red berries. An elegant wine, medium-bodied with smooth tannins, the finish is long and clean with spice and cigarbox flavours lingering.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 30th, 2010

From the beautiful Clare Valley wine region in South Australia, this juicy Shiraz will impress you with it's vibrancy.
Gobs of ripe blackberry and purple floral notes, chocolate and eucalyptus with vanilla and sweet spices. The palate is warm, round and juicy - laden with plump berries, espresso and spiced chocolate that lingers across the finish.
Supple and quite addictive.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2010

NEW!
Arriving on private wine store shelves in May 2010, this nicely aged Tempranillo provides aromas of cherries and red berry, dried herbs and dried flowers, leather and earth. A fresh wine with plenty of bright acidity and flavours of rich, sweet berries, cocoa, tobacco and coffee, leather and spice flavours carry through on the finish.
Pair with firm cheeses and roasted meats or rich tomato sauces.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2010

With its fresh, youthful nose (and yet already nicely aged for you) this Coonawarra Cabernet smells of sweet black currents, chocolate and graphite with lifted eucalypt/menthol notes. The palate presents sweet, ripe berries, cola spice, mocha and vanilla - the texture borders on chewy, the tannins are firm, the texture powdery. A substantial wine, with nice extraction and cocoa flavours lingering across the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 26th, 2010

This well-priced wine is nicely suited to barbecued foods and rich protein dishes. It has dark earthy fruit notes, cocoa and grilled red peppers, wild herbs and spice. The palate is juicy and fairly smooth with smoked/toasted flavours and an earthy spiced finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 26th, 2010

Consistently tasty - this Boekenhoutskloof Syrah has affluent berry aromas - cassis, blackberry and hints of blueberry, sweet chocolate and mint with vanilla and a savoury core of dried, crushed herbs, grilled meat and sweet spices laced with white pepper. The palate is smooth and fresh with plenty of sweet berry flavours, espresso, toasty spice and some char with bittersweet cocoa flavours clinging to the finish.
Very good!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 19th, 2010

South Africa puts its stamp on this delicious blend of Cabernet and Merlot - expect smoke and grilled meaty tones layered with black cherry and plums, chocolate and dry earth, wild herbs and a hint of hazelnut. The palate is smooth and spicy and concentrated with flavours of mocha and black fruit, underpinned by smoky, savoury notes. It has nice freshness in the mouth with substantial power and a long spicy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 19th, 2010

This affordable Shiraz is made for food.
Leaning more toward the savoury side, it releases aromas of red berries and vanilla, licorice and chocolate with a meaty core of dried herbs and spice rub. The palate is more reserved - juicy on the entry with mineral and earth, dark cocoa and spice linger across the palate. Pair with grilled meats, stews or hearty pasta dishes.
*Graffigna is the oldest established winery in San Juan province, just north of Mendoza.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 16th, 2010

This Mendoza Malbec is blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
You can expect aromas of red berries and plums, coacoa and spice with floral notes and savoury smoked meat and mineral. Impressive concentration on the palate and bright acidity releases berry flavours, pepper and chocolate. It is quite plush and lengthy and coats your tongue, ripe tannins linger.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 16th, 2010

A very impressive wine from what is considered a prime Malbec growing region in Mendoza - Lujan de Cuyo, this extracted wine hails from low-yeild, high altitude 40 year old vines.
Intense aromas of black cherry, berry and chocolate, prune and mocha with mineral notes and undertones of roasted meat and dried herbs. Dense and succulent in the mouth with concentrated berry flavours, molten chocolate and dried fruit with espresso powder, vanilla and fine spices. Fine, ripe tannins cling to a lengthy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 15th, 2010

Excellent value!
Aromas of molten chocolate and plump raspberries, mint and crushed dark flowers with a core of smoke and minerality. The palate is supple and concentrated - lush berry flavours abound, wrapped in espresso, warm spice, roasted herbs and chocolate. Very nice acidity lifts the flavours, good weight and structure with sweet tannins and a long finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 15th, 2010

This "once-off" Proprietor's Private Release Shiraz has some built in cellar ageing done for you. It spent an amazing 60 months in new Nevers French oak and only 5 barrels were made.
The aromas are alluring - gobs of sweet berries, cocoa, forest fruit and crushed, dried herbs with savoury pepper and spice rub undertones. Supple and succulent on the palate, plenty of nice acidity still and lovely balance. It is laden with black fruits, char, roasted coffee and dark chocolate flavours with pepper lingering on an extended finish.
Impressive!
*Leopard Frog is owned by Vancouver Island native David Bates who now resides in South Africa.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2010

Made by Hawkes Bay producer Paritua, the Red Wire and its sibling White Wire are not only new to BC but they are fresh and affordable offerings worth seeking.
The Red Wire is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. It has plenty of sweet, ripe berries, chocolate and spice followed by vanilla and toasted hazelnut with a core of dark earth and wild herbs. A supple wine presenting layers of mixed berries, cocoa and coffee, herbs, green olive and smoky char but it is also nicely balanced with bright acidity.
Very tasty!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2010

I have reviewed this wine many times over the past three years and it always impresses me.
Passo Doble means two-step in Spanish - its also a very seductive, dramatic dance that emulates the movements of a bullfighter. From Italian producer Masi, comes this Passo Doble blend of Corvina (partially dried - as used in making Amarone) and Malbec from their Tupungato estate in Cuyo.
The aromas are rich and concentrated - sweet fruitcake, berries, dried plum and pepper, chocolate and warm spice. The palate is dense and weighty, loads of supple purple fruit and espresso powder, chocolate and spice. Thick, almost chewy on the palate with a powdery texture and smooth tannins.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 9th, 2010

This very solid Merlot from British Columbia's established CedarCreek winery has aromas of warm plums and forest berries, coffee and cocoa and a savoury core of smoked meat and roasted herbs. The palate is juicy and fresh, there are plenty of ripe berry, bittersweet chocolate and espresso flavours with spice lingering through the finish. Good concentration with a slighty powdery texture and impressively long finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 8th, 2010

Made primarily from Tempranillo with the addition of 15% Garnacha and Graciano this 2002 vintage reserva is still wonderfully fresh.
Aged 22 months in barrel followed by another two years in bottle it is complex and elegant, worthy of a special meal.
You can expect aromas of saddle leather and blackberries, rich dark earth and toffee. The palate is juicy but has an appealing silky texture - flavours of forest berries, leather and spice wiht a hint of dried fruit. It has a long finish with powdery tannins.
Pair with aged cheeses, stewed meat and richly sauced pasta.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 16th, 2010

An impressive first vintage for this Bordelais-style red blend from one of BC's newest wineries. Made from estate grown fruit, the Red Icon is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.
Plush black cherry and berry aromas, cedar and coffee gounds, hints of crushed dark flowers and dried herbs, vanillin oak and just a whiff of jalapeno. The palate is powerful - concentrated fruit, leather, tobacco and spice flavours - the entry is velvety but the tannins are young and grippy. There's a lot of great acidity in this wine to keep it bright but a couple more years in the cellar wouldn't hurt.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 11th, 2010

This delicious Cotes du Ventoux red, blends Grenache and Syrah to make make a savoury wine.
Aromas of raspberries and plums, mocha, sunbaked earth and tobacco with a core of garrigue, raw meat and peppery spices.The palate is spicy - cherry, berry, leather and earthy flavours dominate. It is juicy, it has simple, old-world complexity and a peppery finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2010

This DOC red bend of Castelao, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the southerly Atlantic region of Palmela on the Setubal Peninsula in Portugal.
Aromas of smoky summer berries and plummy notes with hints of purple flowers, savoury wild herbs and coffee grounds. It is spicy and savoury - concentrated berry and roasted coffee flavours dominate the palate - it has bright acidity and a long spiced finish.
Pair with rich pastas and smooth, strong cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 2nd, 2010

This savoury Malbec is made for roasted meats, rich pastas and cheese.
Aromas of saddle leather, black fruits, warm spice rub notes, sausage and chocolate covered espresso beans. The palate is medium to full, the texture slightly dusty, expect flavours of dark cocoa, tobacco and coffee with oak spice lingering on the finish. An earthy wine with ripe tannins and balanced acidity perfect for weeknight dinners.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 2nd, 2010

Made mostly from Pinotage with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Mourvedre and Petit Verdot this delicious Stellenbosch blend presents aromas of vibrant red fruit and white pepper, choco/mocha and grilled herbs, mixed spices and hickory smoke. The juicy red fruit is echoed on the palate alongside flavours of smoked spices, bacon fat and bittersweet chocolate. Fantastc acidity, powdery tannins and lingering flavours of coffee trail on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 26th, 2010

The Round Hill releases gobs of ripe cassis and Ribena aromas with hints of dried fruits and mocha and undertones of jalapeno. Smooth on the entry, similar cassis and dried fruit appears on the palate supported by sweet spice, green olive and vanilla flavours.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 26th, 2010

This Mendoza Malbec loads it all up front - juicy and spicy on the nose with ripe blackberry and blueberry aromas, chocolate and espresso with plenty of fragrant floral notes and undertones of cigarbox, toast and wild herbs. The palate is more succulent - black fruit and mocha, grilled meat and spice rub flavours. Nice acidity lifts it up and powdery tannins and bittersweet flavours linger on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 5th, 2010

This is a savoury wine suited to savoury dishes like game meats and rich meaty stews. It opens with primary aromas of blackberry and black cherry with just a hint of dark flowers followed by savoury leather, dark spice and herbs with a core of char grilled meat. There is plenty of juicy berry flavours on the palate layered with sweet chocolate, earth and roasted coffee, spice lingers on the finish.
Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 3rd, 2010

A signature BC Merlot (if there is such a thing) the Hillside is a savoury version with plenty of dried herbs, tart red fruit and green olives, char-grilled meat and spice rub notes with a hint of forest floor. It is medium-bodied and juicy, the flavours echo the aromas with herbal and spice flavours dominating. The finish is tight with granular tannins.
A wine for all your outdoor grilling adventures.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 3rd, 2010

This satisfying Cabernet has 16% Napa Merlot blended in to create a sumptuous red with fragrant black berries and a hint of raspberry, molten chocolate and tobacco aromas with a core of dried herbs and prune. The palate is lush and remarkably fresh, laden with juicy sunwarmed berries, espresso powder and chocolate with hints of sweet vanilla and fine spice. The finish is long, smooth and bright.
Delicious.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 1st, 2010

Smoked cherries and red berries entice you followed by vanilla, sweet herbs, leather and a core of tobacco and crushed purple flowers. The palate entry is quite light but grows more powerful with flavours of cherry, leather and tobacco with savoury, smoke and peppery spices. It has nice bright acidity and firm tannins hold tight to the finish.
Mostly Cabernet Franc with 15% Merlot to flesh it out.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 19th, 2010

This Mendoza Cabernet is a sweet and succulent version; its ripe raspberry and blueberry, menthol, spiced chocolate and ribena aromas are balanced with savoury tones of roasted red pepper, dried herbs and warm spice. The palate is juicy and very supple - velvety in fact - with layers of berry, sweet vanilla and licorice spice. The wine coates your toungue and lingers with more meaty, succulent flavours on the finish.
An intriguing wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 19th, 2010

NEW!
This Cab from Australia's new darling region of Margaret River is by no means shy to express its genes. What I mean by that is this - it fully expresses those characteristics intrinsic in Cabernet, whether you are a fan or not.
It is a savoury wine with primary green aromas - roasted bell peppers and smoked olives, plenty of peppery spices and tobacco leaf with warm chocolate and rich cassis. It is medium-bodied with red fruit flavours followed by the same savoury flavours you initially get on the nose. The finish is juicy and leaves you with flavours of cigarbox and fine spice. It's not an awkward wine, overblown and fruity but it would be a chic pairing with savoury, protein based dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 19th, 2010

A delicious Shiraz with loads of bright, peppery blackberry aromas, hints of dark flowers and cocoa with a savoury core of roasted meat, smoke and grilled herbs. The palate is firm and juicy with plenty of berry fruit and peppery spice with suggestions of green olive and wild herbs.
A well-balanced and nicely structured red you can really sink your teeth into!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 13th, 2010

A wine expressive enough to knock your socks off!
Expect a potpourri of aromas - crushed violet and rose petals, cedar chips and cinnamon wrapped around ripe blackberries and vanilla. The texture is smooth, the palate is juicy, oozing warm berry, vanilla, espresso, molten chocolate and spiced oak flavours.
This is a full-bodied wine with a creamy, spiced finish that is certain to be a crowd pleaser...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 8th, 2010

This single vineyard Lodi appellation Zinfandel comes from vines that are between 60 and 80 years old.
You can expect ripe aromas of briary berries, pepper and sweet mint, warm spice and loads of bright floral notes. The palate is concentrated - it has a potent, liqueur-like intensity of sweet fruit, cocoa, char and espresso. The finish is impressively long and spiced.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 21st, 2009

A very savoury Syrah with plenty of dark fruit, roasted meat and bacon fat aromas with wild sage, bittersweet chocolate and spice notes. The palate follows suit, concentrated and savoury with juicy fruit and loads of pepper. Stylish with a long finish but perhaps a tad heavy on the oak contact.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 7th, 2009

The 2006 Sumac Ridge Meritage is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% each of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon with 2% Petit Verdot. It is a savoury and elegant wine with BC terroir written all over it - smoky black berry and plummy aromas, roasted herbs and bell peppers with spice rub and meaty undertones. It is medium-full bodied, concentrated and almost muscular with layers of integrated dark fruit, mocha, tobacco and oak spice. Expect plenty of bright acidity and a smooth finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 7th, 2009

This reserve Syrah from Tinhorn Creek shows rich dark chocolate and black fruit aromas, pepper, roasted coffee beans and smoked spices. The palate is chewy, brooding and concentrated with robust flavours. Impressive structure with char and spice flavours lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 7th, 2009

This elegant Syrah from the Northern Rhone appellation of Saint Joseph has aromas of fruitcake, dried plums and spiced cherries with undertones of wild herbs, leather, pepper and smoked-meaty hints. It has wonderful structure, the palate is bright, it's layered and complex with red fruit, spice and espresso flavours. Impressive length with fine grained tannins.
A great stocking stuffer idea!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 4th, 2009