Great balance of superb aromatics, weight and acidity.
The newest release from Black Hills is this fragrant Viognier - front loaded with orangeblossom, stone fruit and exotic spice notes followed by undertones of fresh baked cookies, sandalwood, lemondrops and mineral. The palate is slick, peppery and spiced with brulee and citrus flavours, the finish is long and fresh.
Well done!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 8th, 2010

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

Only 180 cases of this delicious Pinot Noir were made, so check your local private wine stores quickly.
Abundant aromas - black raspberry and cherry, dry earth and spices, savoury herbal notes, coffee liqueur and a hint of beet greens. Nice complexity and structure on the palate with plenty of berry, cocoa and espresso flavours.The finish is powerful but the tannins are supple and it lingers with roasted spice and char flavours.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

When I think about wines with charm, this one certainly springs to mind.
Expect aromas of pristine fruit - pineapple, white peach and pears, spring blossoms and a whiff of honey. It has just a faint prickle or vivace on the tongue and nice layers of sweet fruit, toasted spice and citrus peel. Creamy in the mouth with lovely weight and a long, smooth finish.
Very good!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

From Dunham Froese's certified organic estate vineyard, this very tasty Sauvignon Blanc is generally blended with other white varieties, but this vintage was so good, they knew they had to show it off!
It releases a fruit cup of aromas with creamy honey and undertones of sugar snap peas. On the palate the lovely sweet fruit continues, it is lively but with a slightly creamy edge and has a crisp zesty finish. It is a wine worth seeking out in private stores in British Columbia.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

This is a plush Pinot Noir with enticing aromas of black raspberry and cherries, coffee, cocoa and warm spices with hints of tobacco. It is fresh in the mouth - supple and sweet with similar berry/cherry and mocha appearing on the palate. It is also a mouth-filling Pinot with the liqueur-like intensity of coffee and kirsch - it has fine grained tannins and a long, smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

Perhaps Vancouver PR and marketing maven Chris Coletta did go a little "haywire" when she and her partner purchased an old orchard in Summerland in 2005 and eventually becoming garagiste winemakers. But this just released, 168 first vintage cases of Pinot Gris shows a good, honest wine with an abundance of pretty aromas. It is a pristine fruit-cup of melon, Bosc pear and honey with spring blossoms and a hint of minerality. The palate is delicate, it is crisp and light with nice pomelo citrus and tree fruit flavours, the finish is long and clean.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 30th, 2010

This Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a solid wine at a very approachable price.
The aromas won't disappoint - darkfruits like black berries and plum, sweet chocolate and tobacco leaf. The palate is firm but juicy with layers of dark fruit, spicebox, cocoa and tobacco. Nice complexity with fine, grippy tannins on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 24th, 2010

A decadent but fresh Barossa Shiraz with sweet and smoky aromas of bleuberry, blackberry, sweet mint and espresso, fruitcake spice and leather with hints of cigarbox and dark earth. The palate is sweet and lush with great acidity to balance the layers of berry, spice and coffee flavours. Soft tannins on the finish and a long mocha linger...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 24th, 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

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 delightfully delicious and robust organic Pinot Gris that offers aromas of crisp apple and pear slices, melon and honeysuckle with a citrusy core. It is not bone-dry, but the sweetness is balanced with lively acidity. Flavours of ripe, fleshy fruit and hints of spice are impressive and the finish is lengthy. It also has very nice concentration (which is apparent and compliments of low yields) and weight in the mouth.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 19th, 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

Winemaker Charlie Wagner makes his Silver Chardonnay in it's purest form - with no oak contact. It is 100% Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay that he makes in concrete vats. And, in what I think is a brilliant move, Charlie is releasing the 2008 vintage in gorgeous, gray ceramic bottles that represent those very concrete vats where the wine is made.
It is surprisingly golden in colour with rich, caramel and leesy notes woven with honeysuckle, mineral citrus, melon and pineapple. The palate is rounded and creamy with tropical fruit and melon but layered with crisp citrus flavours and followed by a long bright, lightly spiced finish.
Should be arriving in September 2010
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 12th, 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

Mission Hill's Select Lot Collection Syrah may need a bit of more time to mature but it will not disappoint. Still very youthful it presents aromas of dark chocolate, plums and wild berries, espresso and dark, mineral rich earth. The palate follows suit; it is dark, earthy and concentrated with savoury tones and plenty of hot spices.
Expect a powerful wine with fine, firm tannins.
©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 Syrah (made with the addition of 25% Grenache) is a wine that shows impressive complexity and power. Expect mixed fruit aromas of cherries and red berries, spiced cocoa and notes of wild mint and rosemary, saddle leather and dusty minerality. It has lovely acidity on the palate; juicy red fruit and spicebox flavours with layers of pepper and garrigue (wild herbs and scrub). The finish is long and firm trailing flavours of spice and tobacco.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 9th, 2010

This is a delicious wine made from vineyards that have not seen the use of fertilizer or insecticides for more than 25 years and are currently in transition to organic.
It is a feminine wine, presenting aromas of forest berries and crushed flowers, white pepper and rosemary. The palate is brimming with sweet, high-toned fruit, mixed spice and cedary flavours. It is full and expressive with fine, firm tannins clinging to the finish. Pair this wine with Mediterranean dishes or aged, crumbly goat cheese.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 6th, 2010

This small Osoyoos based winery has been pushing the boundaries of varieties grown in British Columbia. In addition to Tempranillo, Chris and Beata Tolly make a pretty decent Tannat and a variety of blends using Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.
This delicious Tempranillo has strawberry compote and red cherry aromas, cigarbox and spice with a savoury core and plenty of rustic dusty/earthy notes. The palate is sweet and ripe - layers of berry, sasparilla/rootbeer and sweet spice. It has very nice acidity and a lingering, smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2010

Made from 100% Saint-Amour Gamay (Saint-Amour sits just below Maconnais in Beaujolais) this fragrant red offers sweet red berry aromas with peppery spice, cedar and whiffs of crushed violets with a hint of leather and sous bois. It has a powdery texture and juicy red berries on the palate with hints of herbs, spice and tobacco.
Delightful and fresh!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2010

This is an elegant Sonoma Chardonnay with lovely aromas of sweet Bosc pears and Gala apples, vanilla and toasted oak with light spice and mineral notes. The palate is layered with creamy tree fruit, mineral and toast bound with bright acidity. It is a complete and balanced white with a long, spiced finish.
Fantastic.
©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

Painted Rock has done a fantastic job on their fresh new vintage of Chardonnay.
The aromas are vibrant and rush out of the glass to greet you - juicy citrus, golden pineapple and melon aromas, oak spice and just a hint of fresh herbs. The palate is also energetic - lively acidity hilights melon and tree fruit flavours, citrus peel and light spice, the finish is crisp, zesty and lengthy. Chic, with impressive but restrained power and a deft use of oak to accent.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 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

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

A wonderful version of this grape variety that you'll see on more labels in BC than almost anywhere, save France, Germany and parts of Eastern Europe. You'll be tempted to chill this wine a little too much in the summer months but try to refrain from keeping it on ice and you'll be rewarded.
It is both pristine and quite intense at the same time - orchard fruit aromas of apricot, pear and apple with orangeblossoms and vanilla and a mineral core. The palate is snappy and crisp with nice concentration - layers of creamy fruits, citrus peel and mineral flavours are followed by a long, clean finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

Positively potent!
Not for the faint of palate this Rhone-style white blend offers up fragrant stone fruit and exotic citrus aromas, orange blossoms and sweet spice with vanilla and just a hint of white pepper. Lush and quite concentrated with flavours that echo its aromas - plenty of spice, lime, honey and orange peel with stone fruit flavours. Nicely weighted on the tongue with mouth-watering acidity.
The alcohol is high (14.5%) as Viognier tend to be so make sure to share your bottle (although you won't want to).
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 30th, 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

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

A terrific blend of Sauvignon Blanc with 25% Semillon, the Alibi launches into tropical fruit and citric notes - melon and tangerine peel, vanilla and grass clippings with a mineral core. On the palate it doesn't fall short either, presenting a creamy texture and mouth-watering acidity that boosts flavours of tropical fruit, herbs and citrus. The finish is crisp and lingers with flavours of vanilla and peach.
Delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 17th, 2010

Welcome, welcome welcome - a fantastic new Viognier to add to BC's fabulous whites the LFNG Viognier hails from their newer east bench vineyard in Osoyoos.
If you like your Viognier (as WineDiva does) better hop onto this bandwagon soon, there are only 150 cases this first vintage!
It is a potent one, very aromatic too, expressing ripe peach, papaya and mango, sweet honey, orange blossoms, just a pinch of white pepper with a hint of toffee as it warms. Voluptuous stone fruit and honey flavours with vanilla, tangerine peel and a long finish trailing flavours of exotic spice.
Bravo - please make more!
As it is with Viognier the alcohol rises abouve 14.5% so share your bottle!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 17th, 2010

This is a potent Pinot that oozes vanilla, black cherry and spiced red fruit aromas with hints of beetroot, cocoa and leather and forest floor. Sweet raspberry and cherry flavours dominate the palate followed with layers of cocoa, earth and warm spice. It is a youthful wine with fine tannins and lingering flavours of roasted coffee.
Very good.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 16th, 2010

The newest vintage of Quails' Gate classic Pinot Noir presents sweet raspberry and rhubarb aromas, beetroot and plenty of spice, a potpourri of dried flowers and cedar chips with just a hint of coffee. The palate offers juicy red fruit, it has good concentration and a smooth texture, the finish is mouth-watering and lingers with toast, spice and cocoa. Pair with warm beet salad, mushroom risotto or pumpkin ravioli.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 16th, 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

This is a truly delicious Pinot Noir from New Zealand's South Island. It offers alluring aromas of black raspberry and crushed violets, star anise and vanilla with a core of coffee and cigarbox. The palate is brimming with sweet silky berries and warm spice, coffee and cocoa. Very nice structure and concentration, the tannins are fine but firm and the finish long.
©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

A job done well on this Rhone Valley-style white blend of Marsanne & Roussanne it has aromas of pear and melon, stone fruits, honey with light herbal tones and plenty of minerality.The palate is ripe and creamy with impressive power - expect flavours of melon and orchard fruits, a hint of pine and layer of herbs with citrus peel and spice lingering on the finish. There is obvious oak contact and flavours of caramel and vanilla meant to round out the wine and add creaminess.
387 cases made.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 9th, 2010

A winery with a long history, Schloss Gobelsburg was started by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. Now, here in the 21st century they present us with this gorgeous, intriguing white with aromas of lanoline, minerals, honeycomb and crisp orchard fruits with vague herbal tones and peppery hints. It has a lovely mouth-feel and nice weight with snappy acidity and flavours of crisp fruit, pepper and citrus peel. The finish is long and lively.
©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

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

A truly delicious Riesling, very light golden in colour with the fragrance of spring blossoms, apples and pomelo citrus with hints of apricots and talc. It is nicely weighted on the palate with plenty of zingy citrus flavours and cheek-sucking acidity. This wine will pair nicely with poached fish or light, creamy sauces.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 4th, 2010

Mostly Malbec with equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and a dash each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon this decadent wine presents aromas of sweet maraschino cherry and spiced molten chocolate, crushed flowers and toasted hazelnuts with a meaty, sauvage core. The palate is supple and concentrated with liqueur-like intensity and flavours of espresso, cherries dipped in chocolate and sweet spice. The finish is long and smoky.
Delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 3rd, 2010

This blend of 52% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc comes from La Stella's sustainably farmed vineyards in the South Okanagan.
Expect very ripe aromas of chocolate and blackberries, cherry and vanilla with hints of cranberry and espresso. Its a rich wine, weighted on the palate, brooding and smooth with flavours that echo its aromas of cherries and chocolate, cranberry and spice with hints of leather. Its a lengthy wine with a smooth texture and is a great pairing with aged cheeses.
©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 fantastic, exotic version of Verdicchio the Luzano features ripe, honeyed aromas - stone fruits and melon with hints of sweet herbs and creamy lemon. The palate is rich, weighty and quite luscious with plenty of orchard fruits and honeycomb flavours, bright citrus, mineral and almond with fine spice lingering on the finish. Very nice complexity and intensity, this is a wine that will pair well with seafod, but also with mildly spicy Asian dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2010

Cannonau (you may know it as Grenache or Garnacha) is easily one of my favorite grape varieties.
The Le Bombarde never seems to disappoint with juicy raspberry and crushed floral notes, exotic spice and anise with a hint of herbs. The palate is rich and ripe with supple red fruit, spiced mocha and a hint of tobacco. The finish has a silky linger.
One to impress your guests with - trust me buy more than one.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 2010

Another fantastic Chardonnay from Mission Hill, the 2007 "Select Lot Collection" oozes ripe pear and melon aromas, exotic citrus and praline with warm pie crust, baking spice and vanilla. The mouth-feel is rich and creamy showing layers of tropical fruit, warm spice and citrus. Great bones - nice complexity and a long smooth finish rounds out this delicious Chardy.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 13th, 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

A very impressive Pinot Gris made mostly from Strathbogie Ranges grapes with 10% from Mornington Peninsula. It has had enough skin contact to lend it a pretty salmony/golden hue and it releases lovely aromas of pears and honey, spring blossoms and hints of spice with tropical undertones. It is rich in the mouth with a creamy texture and bright acidity, the finish is extensive and faintly spicy.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 3rd, 2010

Just what you'd expect from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, plenty of verdant aromas - grass clipings, passionfruit and nettle, kiwi and young pineapple. The palate shows impressive concentration, pristine tropical fruit and citrus with firm minerality. A delicious white, vibrant and juicy with a mouth-watering finish that leaves you wanting more!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 3rd, 2010

The 2007 is a little bit more restrained than the 2006 Foxtrot, but I would take either vintage and be quite happy. Having reached almost cult status, the Foxtrot Pinot Noir from the Naramata Bench, continues to be sought by collectors and fine restaurants in BC.
It is a solid wine, presenting aromas of cranberry and raspberry, hints of beetroot and sagebrush, forest floor and minerals with fine spice and cigarbox notes. The palate is silky with a fine, powdery texture, fantastic acidity and great length. Fine tannins cling to the finish.
550 cases made, just starting to be released April 2010 - Very good.
*Owner Torsten Allander recommends cellaring for 6 months up to a decade.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 29th, 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

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

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

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

Named for his daughter Luna, this decadent Cabernet hails from a single vineyard called Libertad, on the banks of the Mendoza River.
Famous winemaking consultant Michel Rolland also has his name on this wine. It is a powerful Cabernet, chewy and rich, laden with dark berries, spice, chocolate, licorice and purple flowers with a core of mineral, dark earth and smoke. The palate is dense and deeply flavoured with black fruits, spice, espresso and cocoa. It is full-bodied and supple with a lengthy, smooth finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2010

The Jordan Cabernet is a gorgeous version which will impress you with its elegance.
There is a solid mineral component to this wine - on the nose and in the mouth - aromas of dark earth, sun warmed berries, a hint of mint and mocha. The palate is silky - refined not overblown, well balanced and chic. Flavours of dark fruit, cocoa and coffee with significant cigarbox and fine sweet spices. The finish is long, the tannins still firm and ripe - delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 16th, 2010

This fantastic AOC Sablet with seduce you with its effusive black raspberry, sweet vanilla and dark cocoa aromas and will win you over with warm spice, espresso, savoury wild herbal and smoked meat notes. It is a wonderfully juicy with loads of berry fruit flavours, a seam of spice and shaved chocolate run across the palate and linger through the finish. A powerful, and concentrated wine softened by a smooth texture and long finish.
Pair with game meats, rich casseroles and hard cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2010

Signorello Vineyards estate blend white combines Semillon with 40% Sauvignon Blanc.
It is a succulent, aromatic medley of pineapple and melon, wildflower honey and lanoline, clover and minerals with lemon oil and menthol notes. The palate is potent - voluptuous and weighty with flavours of quince, honeycomb, melon and warm spice. The texture is slick, it has a long toasty finish trailing flavours of spice and citrus peel in its wake.
Impressive!!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2010

Enticing aromas of Damson plums, mint and blueberry, plush spice and molten chocolate with an appealing hint of bell pepper from the Cabernet. It is medium-full bodied in the mouth, chocolate and pure sweet berry fruit dominate the palate. Nicely balanced, juicy and supple with silky tannins - in a word, delicious.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 3rd, 2010

This very limited release, Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is an impressive wine with plenty of chocolate and espresso, blueberry, cherry and plummy aromas, smoke, grilled herbs, tobacco and tar with licorice hints. The palate is supple with sweet fruit, carob and dark roasted coffee flavours, it is juicy, well-balanced and satisfying with sweet, chewy tannins.
Very good!
©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

Van Westen's red is a plush blend of 67% Merlot with 33% Cabernet Franc.
It is a dense wine, laden with black fruit and ripe raspberry and chocolate with sweet vanilla, saddle leather, a hint of earthy/savoury aromas and a core of dried fruit. The palate is concentrated but fresh with loads of black fruit, wild herbs and lush, mouth-filling grape tannins, the finish is extensive with leather and peppery spice flavours.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 19th, 2010

Another well made wine in Pacific Breeze Winery's (made in Canada from US grapes - as stated on the bottle) portfolio, the Vin de Garagiste is a nod to their own "garage winery" in New Westminister's light industrial area.
A blend of Bordeaux grape varieties it has affluent dried cherry and prune, plump berry, chocolate and espresso aromas with a hint of peppery spice. The palate is full and as rich as the nose - juicy cassis, a hint of blueberry and layers of tobacco, spiced cocoa and coffee. The finish is lengthy with firm, ripe tannins.Very enjoyable.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 2nd, 2010

California law allows for up to 25% of another variety (or varieties) to be blended into the final wine without it being listed on the label. In this case the Fuse is 75% Cabernet with the addition of 25% Syrah to round it out.
This is a wine to sink your teeth into - dense and chocolaty with currents and black raspberry aromas, rich dark earth and warm spice, tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. The palate is voluptuous, weighted with sweet, plump fruit, cocoa and espresso flavours. It is a big, supple wine with smooth tannins and exotic spice lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 1st, 2010

You may be surprised to see a common grape variety printed on an Italian wine label, but forget about it and move on to enjoying this well-priced and delicious Merlot.Tenuta Villanova was established in 1499, the grapes that go into this wine are estate grown and it offers very good value.

It is a very fragrant wine with an abundance of sweet plums and black raspberry aromas, cedarbox and violets with dry earth and grapey undertones. The palate is supple, round and spicy. Rich fruit, cocoa and roasted coffee bean flavours dominate followed by hints of tobacco and plenty of spice which lingers across the finish.
Very tasty - a real crowd pleaser!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 27th, 2010

Aromas of cassis and rich blackberries, dark chocolate, a suggestion of saddle leather, tobacco leaf, warm spice and inky aromas. The palate is dark and earthy with red berry fruit, leather and cocoa - it has lifted acidity and dry, powdery tannins on the finish.
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah and a drop each of Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 20th, 2010

Aptly named Motherlode Merlot (see details below) I was impressed from the fisrt sniff. This wine is spicy and peppery initially, red berries and red plum aromas follow, vanilla and mocha then savoury notes of grilled herbs, earth and smoked/meaty hints. The palate is smooth and bright with plenty of spice and juicy berries and layers of cocoa and tobacco. The finish is long, spicy and quite chewy.
Details - Currently one of BC's newest wineries, Rustico Farm Cellars has also captured attention, as one of the most 'romantic' wineries in Canada. Located on the Golden Mile Bench near Oliver, the vines on the estate have been supplying other local producers with wine grapes for more than 45 years. The estate's heritage log building was built as a bunkhouse for miners in the early 1900s and is the focus of their labels and winery name Rustico.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 20th, 2010

Well for those of you in Ontario (and perhaps a few other provinces where this tasty sparkling is available) I suggest you give it a swirl - then a sip.
The aromas are toasty, the fruit is creamy apple and pear with some dried pineapple hints and enticing praline notes. The palate has a creamy mousse - mouth-filling - with plenty of lush spiced nut and apple flavours, citrus and dried pineapple linger on the finish.
Very good value!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 18th, 2010

When I crave Merlot, this is the style I want in my glass...
Very attractive aromas of plums in chocolate, sunwarmed summer berries, leather, warm spice and vanilla with a dark earthy heart. It's wonderfully plush on the palate, rounded and smooth with spiced berry, leather, mocha and tobacco flavours - the finish is long with plenty of oak spice lingering.
Excellent!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 13th, 2010

This is a fantastic Gruner - it pops with fruitcup aromas - apple peel, peach and pear, plenty of mineral and marshmallow aromas, honeysuckle and tangerine. The palate is snappy and crisp (like you could take a bite of it) with pristine fruit, citrus and mineral flavours. The texture is rich, almost oily and the finish is very long, lingering with white pepper, citrus and herbal flavours...
Fantastic!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 13th, 2010

Always a delicious Cabernet Franc, the Burrowing Owl Winery version erupts with chocolate covered cherry aromas, currents and wild herbs followed by warm spice, dark earth and a savoury core of smoked meat. It is a full-bodied wine, fresh with bright berry fruit and hints of cedarbox and pepper lingering. The tannins are firm, the palate is still youthful and a bit tight but give it some time and decant prior to drinking.
Bravo!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 12th, 2010

A classic, aromatic mix of dried cherries, iodine, dark chocolate crushed flowers and saddle leather notes. The palate has a dusty, powdery texture with juicy flavours of red cherries, exotic spices, cigarbox and espresso. Great acidity and a long smooth finish.
Serve with stewed meats and hearty tapas.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 30th, 2009

This grapes for this Old Vine Zinfandel are harvested from a high-altitude, single vineyard.
It is simply a lovely Zinfandel, fine boned and classy with aromas of cassis and tart red cherries, spiced chocolate and pretty floral notes. The palate is juicy, it presents layers of berry flavours and warm spice. The high altitude shows in this wine, providing bright acidity and a continuing firm, spiced finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 21st, 2009

Messwein can only be produced under permission of the Benedictine Bishop and specific purity laws must be obeyed in the vineyard. And there is a fantastic history behind this Benedictine wine estate, it has been producing wine in Kremstal since the 11th century...
But despite a long history, we must enjoy the wines today and enjoy you will. Newly arrived, this Gruner Veltliner is, in a word, stunning (and I'm not just taking about the fresco inspired capsule).
It smells like a bouquet of honeysuckle and spring blossoms, melon, apple and apricots, lemon drops and a sprinkling of white pepper. It is crisp with a soft, creamy edge and has wonderful concentration, it has surprising weight and an almost slick, minerally texture with a long lively finish.
Gorgeous.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 18th, 2009

This delicious100% Tempranillo sports a very impressive new label.
It is a very fragrant red with loads of cedar, dried flowers chocolate and rich, jammy cherry/berry aromas. It is a plush wine, oozing juicy purple fruits, cigarbox and sweet spices with hints of espresso. The finish is soft and lingers with a potpourri of spice, floral and cedar...
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 18th, 2009

It's hard not to gush over such a fantastic bottle of wine but the Dom Perignon Cuvee Rose,1998 is worthy.
It's a lovely pinky-salmon colour and is a fragrant potpourri of cedar, summer berry and crushed floral aromas followed by peach stone and sweet anise spices. The texture is seductive, creamy and weighty with fantastic complexity and mixed berry, citrus peel and spice flavours. The finish is almost unending...
This is the kind of elegance that draws fans of great Champagne to pay for wine of this stature.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 15th, 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 delicious Victorian Pinot Noir is made from grapes from the cooler-climate regions of Strathbogie and the Mornington Peninsula.
It's a very fragrant Pinot releasing aromas of crushed dark flowers and cedar chips, bright berry fruit, toffee and sage with some beet greens mixed in. The palate is bold and expressive with sweet fruit, mocha and cedar box spices. The texture is velvety the tannins sweet and firm.
Worth searching out in private wine stores.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 3rd, 2009

This 100% Pinot Noir sparkling embodies all that is delicious about roses from Champagne. It is a gorgeous salmon hue with brilliant tiny bubbles that release berries and cream, fragrant flowers and fine toast. The palate is lively and fruity, yet creamy and complex, it has a substantial weight yet is utterly delicate. The finish is elongated, it will linger far longer than it will take for you to reach for another sip...
Celebrate!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 27th, 2009

This premium BC Meritage blends 56% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Laughing Stock has done a fantastic job marketing their wines, making them stand out on those crowded shelves. But if the juice was not good, they wouldn't have the following they do.
The 2007 Portfolio is concentrated - rich plummy, berry aromas, chocolate mint patties and spice cake notes. The palate is supple yet juicy it shows impressive density and gobs of warm berry compote, vanilla, cocoa and spice. The finish is smooth and lengthy.
Well done!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 25th, 2009

An impressively complex wine that shows what BC can do with Syrah in the right location.
Blackberries and plums with plenty of chocolate, cedar and spice, a hint of graphite, espresso and savoury undertones of garrigue and smoked meat. Those savoury aromas reappear on the palate - it's a gutsy wine, chewy, meaty and concentrated with great acidity and flavours of char grill, mocha and fine white pepper with ground coffee and spice flavours lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 25th, 2009

This appealing Cab was recently chosen for a by-the-glass pour at our Western Fairmont Hotels.
Layers of dense chocolate, creamy dark berries, leather and sweet plummy and vanilla aromas with a core of smoke and rich dark earth. Expect very pleasing flavours of smooth berry liqueur, chocolate, tobacco and warm spice. It's supple and concentrated with good structure and balance. Flavours of mocha linger on the palate, carried along on a wave of smooth, ripe tannins.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 19th, 2009

Expressive and fragrant - aromas of blueberry tea and sun-warmed raspberries, sweet mint and chocolate with loads of potent floral notes. The palate is sweet and bright with fantastic acidity. Expect juicy summer berries, tobacco leaf and mint with peppery flavours lingering, the tannins are fine and clingy.
A wine that will leave you wanting more...
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

Effusive blueberry and cherry aromas, baking spices and espresso with crushed purple flowers and cedar chips. The palate is succulent and mouth-filling - almost chewy - with loads of purple fruit and eucalypt flavours, chocolate and sweet, fine spices. A lovely balance of fruit, acidity and structure, the tannins are supple.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

Gorgeous cherries and plush chocolate aromas, grilled red peppers, forest berries and a savoury core of spices, char and grilled meat. The palate is full, supple and fresh, liberal black fruits and cherry flavours with spiced chocolate lingering. A big, dense, satisfying wine.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

Very impressive - my first taste of a grape wine from Quebec. I was shocked to hear that Quebec actually has more wineries (not all grape wine producers) than British Columbia. So I blind tasted it side-by-side with a BC Pinot Noir and was impressed indeed.
Undoubtably this is a young wine but its extremely pretty, feminine in fact, with loads of lilacs and rose petals, raspberry and vanilla notes, a hint of blueberry and undertones of spicebox, leather and forest floor. It is light-bodied and silky with bright red fruit flavours, sweet spice and cedar. The tanins are smooth and fine spice flavours linger on the finish.
Bravo.

Vignoble Carone is a small-production wine estate located on the St. Lawrence River in the Lanaudiere Valley.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 2nd, 2009

Another fantastic vintage for this fruit forward Barossa blend. Made from Shiraz with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon it smells of blackberry jam and sun-warmed blueberries, sweet vanilla and mint chocolate patties with espresso and cigarbox. The palate is opulent, oozing juicy purple berries, bittersweet chocolate and leather with fine, peppery spices. Ripe tannins on the finish with flavours of roasted coffee beans lingering.
Delicious, and $5 less than last vintage!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 22nd, 2009

Made from 80 year old biodynamically farmed Garnacha, this intoxicating red oozes crushed floral and raspberry/blueberry aromas, licorice and chocolate. The palate is brimming with sweet cherry fruit, spice, tobacco and mocha, it's supple and full on the palate, has loads of bright acidity and a smooth spiced finish.
Excellent value - tapas anyone?
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 14th, 2009