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

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 delicious wine with all the elements you desire in a balanced Riesling; appealing aromas of peaches and tangerine peel, lemon drops and honeysuckle flowers. There is kiss of sweetness in the mouth but with plenty of lively citrus flavours to balance it. It's fresh, has very nice concentration and a snappy finish. A wine that will pair nicely spicy vegetable samosas.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 24th, 2010

The punchbowl vineyard called Pewsey Vale is located far above the Barossa Valley Floor in Eden Valley. Standing on the lip of this wonderful hidden oasis and scanning its undulating rows of vines I wondered just how Joseph Gilbert stumbled upon it in 1847 and had the foresight to plant vines on this revered site. Thankfully he did and today Pewsey Vale still produces fantastic wines like this taut, fragrant Riesling. When you dive in, it offers aromas of lemon marmalade and honeysuckle with soft talc and mineral notes. On the palate, it is a mouth-watering liquid with lemon drop and honey flavours, the finish is long, pristine and bright.
©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

Californian Sauvignon Blancs tend more toward fruit and floral as opposed to the nettle, cut grass and asparagus characteristics of their New Zealand counterparts.
The Charlotte's Home releases sweet melon and nectarine, spring blossoms and lemon balm aromas. The palate is tart and citrusy with a creamy edge and similar layers of melon and crisp nectarine. It is very clean with lovely weight and a mouth-watering finish - very tasty!
©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

Always a consistently pleasing Chardonnay, this new vintage comes from the Limari Valley, one of the farthest winegrowing regions in the north of Chile and has higher acidity than previous vintages.
The aromas are ripe and rich - lemon cream and golden pineapple, browned butter and sweet, nutty praline. The palate is spicy and citrusy - think exotic spices like clove and zesty lime - although the palate is lively the texture is creamy and the finish is clean.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 29th, 2010

The 2008 vintage Burrowing Owl Chardonnay is very citrusy on the nose with layers of spiced oak and caramel, vanilla and candied nuts. The palate echoes the same vibrant citrus, toasted nuts, spice and caramel. It is a long and lively version of Chardonnay with spice flavours lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 27th, 2010

I really enjoy this great value wine and its unique qualities.
Made from the native southern Italian white grape variety called Fiano it is a fragrant wine that expresses aromas of peach stone, honeysuckle, exotic flowers and energetic citrus notes. The palate is slick in texture and echoes appealing melon, peach, mineral, honeycomb and sweet citrus flavours - the finish is crisp and mouth-watering with a hint of spiciness. A crowd pleaser that will pair well with fresh spicy pasta and richer fish dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 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

You can never go wrong with the familiar Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris, it is as charming the first time as the last you've had it.
Exprect aromas of pear compote and ripe peaches with layers of exotic flowers, vanilla, citrus and honey. On the palate the same pleasing fruit, vanilla and citrus reappear bound in a creamy texture with brisk acidity.
Pair with creamy mushroom dishes or seafood.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 14th, 2010

A lovely coloured rose Cava made from 100% Pinot Noir, this refreshing bubbly offers aromas of sweet red berries, earthy spices, dried flowers and toasty/brioche undertones. The palate is creamy but lively, presenting fresh berry and citrus aromas layerd with earth, fine spice and tobacco. The finish is long and mouthwatering with lingering leesy flavours. A very food-friendly bubbly with nice complexity at a price appealing enough to drink every day!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 7th, 2010

A proprietary blend of white grape varieties, the Conundrum set the stage for these (now more common) eclectic white blends that are not only aromatic but delicious!
I love the acidity in the 2008 vintage too...Aromas of honey, stone and tropical fruits, white raisin and warm spices. The palate is lush and creamy with plenty of ripe fruit, honey and citrus peel flavours. A slick wine with lively acidity and a long spicy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 6th, 2010

A ripe, aromatic wine, this new Mission Hill Viognier offers bright citrus and honeysuckle notes, stone fruit and spice with tropical notes, vanilla and a musky undertone. The palate is spicy too - unctuous and ripe with rich fruit and lime flavours, white pepper and vanilla. Powerfully potent but fresh and zesty too...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

This very dry, south of France-style rose is coppery in colour with aromas of wild berries and herbs, forest floor, mineral and cigarbox with a hint of white pepper and some rubbery notes. It is juicy and very crisp with nice structure and lovely acidity. You can pick up hints of its Pinot character and it has a long tobacco-y finish.
Pair with aged goat cheese, fish or hearty summer salads.
All estate grown fruit, 200 cases made.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

This Selection Delas shows the unique earthy/mineral character I love in Rhone Viogniers - peach compote and wildflower honey aromas with a core of mineral and mushroomy notes. The texture is quite slippery and rich, it has layers of wild honey and stone fruits, warm spice and almond flavours. Bright acidity balances the weight and snappy citrus flavours linger across the finish.
Nice compexity and depth - a wine to pair with rich fish or creamy mushroom dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

A fantastic BC Pinot Gris that presents aromas of pears and apples, orchard blossoms and honey with a whiff of vanilla and a core of mushroom/forest floor. The palate is creamy and flavoured with liberal fruits - apple, melon and pear with fine spice and honey tones and pomelo peel flavours on the finish. It has very nice acidity and a long silky finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 2nd, 2010

About 1/4 of this Chardonnay spent 2 months in new French oak barrels and was lees stirred to lend its creamy texture.
Aromas of butterscotch and ripe pear, apple peel and sweet spice with bright citrus notes. It has a nice weight and has a slightly creamy edge to soften the lively acidity. Flavours of butterscotch, spice and vanilla echo the aromas.
Nicely balanced.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 30th, 2010

This tasty Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir offers up aromas of sour cherries and rhubarb with fine spice, herbal notes, earth and a whiff of vanilla. It is silky on the palate - flavours of juicy cherries and beets, vanilla and sweet spices, cigarbox and a long mocha finish.
Available in Alberta, price N/A.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 26th, 2010

Another easy-sipping white from [yellow tail] this fragrant Pinot Grigio smells of fresh pears and honey, orchard blossoms and a hint of talc. The palate is creamy but very lively with ripe orchard fruit and citrus flavours.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2010

On a recent revisit, this great value Viognier showed bright citrus, mineral and peach aromas layered with exotic spice, orange blossoms, white pepper and a savoury, earthy/mushroomy core that is often expressed in Viognier. Crisp on the palate but with a nice, almost oily weight and presenting flavours of mineral, stone fruit and citrus peel with a nice long spicy finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 20th, 2010

A very bright, consistent Viognier featuring aromas of honeysuckle, orange peel, peach, warm spices, wildflower honey and creamy papaya. Expect fantastic acidity (where so many Viogniers can be lacking) and a rounded texture with flavours of crisp white fruits, citrus peel and spice. The generous finish is dusted with finely ground white pepper.
Pair with spicy dishes or rich seafood.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 16th, 2009

A solid value and always consistent rose made of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from mountainside vineyards in the southern Rhone Valley appellation of Ventoux.
Pretty aromas of berries in cream, violets and sweet spice with cherry notes. The palate dry but the berry fruit is ripe and sweet, hints of vanilla custard and fine spicebox flavours linger. Great acidity and a brilliant ruby red colour.
Great value!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 18th, 2010

A fantastic blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier and a dash of Muscat that screams summer, the 2Bench White offers lovely aromas of ripe peach and apple, vanilla, exotic flowers and tangerine zest with hints of marshmallow and honey. Sweet, juicy orchard fruit and warm spice leads the palate, it has a creamy texture and lively acidity followed by a long zesty finish.
Reccommended pairings; white fish, creamy washed rind cheeses or grilled chicken.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 17th, 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

Widely recognized, this Oregon Pinot Noir expresses aromas of sour cherry and peppery spice, cigarbox and undergrowth. Bright on the palate - tart red fruit and forest floor, spice box and cedary flavours linger on the finish. Pair with runny, washed rind cheeses or salmon.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 16th, 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

A light-bodied Pinot Noir with peppery spice, mixed summer berry and sweet cherry aromas and a core of forest floor and tobacco. Tart red fruit and pepper spice and tobacco flavours echo its aromas. Nice acidity across the palate and a tight finish
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 15th, 2010

Made from equal parts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with the addition of 8% Pinot Gris this new addition (the first vintage of a Tinhorn Creek pink) is a welcome one!
Aromas of peach stone and rhubarb, vanilla and orange creme with hints of forest floor, wild herbs and spice. The palate presents juicy berry fruit with a hint of apple peel and peach. The finish is long with mouth-watering acidity to balance its sweet fruit flavours.
Like most rose, this one will pair with, cheese, hearty salads, seafood or appetizers on the patio...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 10th, 2010

The Mission Hill Rose returns as a welcome addition to your summer sipper options - great for sipping, snacking on the patio, or pair with cheese, fish, hearty salads...
Expect aromas of sweet spice, strawberry jam and blackberries, with a fragrant potpourri of dark flowers and cedar. The palate is brimming with juicy cherry and berry fruit, cigarbox and tart, zesty flavours. Nicely balanced acidity cleans up a kiss of sweetness.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 10th, 2010

Emiliana are the leaders in organic and biodynamic viticulture in Chile and biodynamic leaders world-wide - having visited, I know they take thie stuff very seriously!
This recently released 2009 rose is made from organically grown Syrah and presents fresh aromas of red berries, cigarbox and fine spices. The same sweet red fruit aromas appear on the palate with a hints of vanilla, and peppery spice that lingers on the finish. It is off-dry in the mouth but balanced with lively acidity.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 10th, 2010

An official product of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup, Nederburg has come up with a Limited Edition line-up of wines including this crisp, verdant Sauvignon Blanc to sip while watching a football game!
Aromas of passion fruit and grass clippings with jalapeno, lime leaf and mineral notes. The palate is tart - flavours of citrus peel and nettle with plenty od herbal tones. Fresh, with mouth-watering acidity.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 9th, 2010

A fresh, everyday sipper that will pair well with creamy mushroom pasta or a chicken salad sandwich.
Expect bright tree fruit and floral notes with citrus the palate is crisp with lively acidity, sweet fruit and citrus flavours and a gently creamy texture.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2010

If you glance quickly you may confuse this salmon-y hued Pinot Gris with a pale rose.
It presents aromas of tobacco and spiced pears, citrus blossoms, vanilla and peach stone with earthy, mineral and forest floor tones. It has impressive complexity and lively acidity with tart tree fruit and citrus flavours. The finish is lengthy with crisp mineral flavours lingering.
Pair this pretty Pinot Gris with creamy mushroom ravioli.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 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

You've seen the bottle before - it is an affordable, pleasant Cava that smells of flowers and talc, crisp apple and pears, citrus and vanilla with a toasty, caramel core. The palate is dry and fresh with toasty flavours wrapped in tart citrus. It has a nicely rounded palate with good mousse and a zesty finish.
Very good value.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 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

This richly-hued white blend is a fresh and affordable everyday wine.
It presents plenty of citrus on the nose, melon and pineapple aromas with tones of spice, grapefruit peel and herbs. Bright and zesty on the palate it has a slightly creamy texture and flavours of cut grass, fresh herbs, pineapple and grapefruit with hints of vanilla.
Nicely balanced and very easy drinking!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 27th, 2010

The JoieFarm Rose has cult-like following. It's not uncommon to see it decorating the tables of diners on patios in the summertime around Vancouver.
A blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris, this year's version seems darker in colour. And, having just returned from the Southern Rhone and tasting the famous roses of Tavel I can honestly say, aromatically, it's a dead ringer. Expect a brilliant ruby colour with aromas of red cherry and chalky minerality, wild herbs and cigarbox with a hint of raspberry. The palate is dry and spicy with primary flavours of forest berry and strawberry. The acidity is bright, it a soild backbone too followed by fine tannins and spicebox flavours clinging to the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 19th, 2010

This fresh new rose will be arriving on shelves in May.
It is a brilliant cranberry colour with sweet, lively cherry aromas with hints of rose petal and toffee. Expect a very refreshing rose, dry and crisp with impressive structure and a firm backbone. It is also a lengthy wine, tart and zesty with hints of spicebox lingering on the finish.
A very nice patio sipper but it will pair with an endless selection of dishes from pasta and fish to salads and a cheese course.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 12th, 2010

If you like rose as I do, you'll look forward to the release of the Chateau de la Galiniere each spring.
The 2009 is one-half Syrah plus Grenache, Cabernet and Mourvedre and has a delicate pale pink colour that suits its personality.
Fresh mountain stream minerality and sweet summer berry aromas with hints of violet, tobacco and earth. The palate has nice complexity for a rose, it is dry and silky in texture with flavours of berry, herbs, cedar and fine spice - red citrus flavours linger on the finish.
Very refreshing - pair with fish, summer salads or creamy cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 16th, 2010

This organic BC Pinot Gris is crisp and fresh - aromas of tart green apples, spring blossoms, tropical citrus and creamy pear compote. The palate is dry, crisp and zesty - tart citrus and mineral flavours dominate. A simple, refreshing Pinot Gris that will pair nicely with fish or creamy pasta, chicken or mushroom dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 14th, 2010

I've always thought this was a very pretty wine, crisp and clean on the nose and on the palate. Aromas of honey, crisp orchard fruits, spring blossoms and honey, lemon balm and fresh mountain stream minerality. It has a nicely rounded, almost creamy/oily texture while flavours of honey, fresh herbs, crisp fruit, citrus and mineral echo its aromas.
A lovely departure from your everyday white!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 12th, 2010

Just released, this brilliant, cranberry-hued rose is a laden with bright strawberry, blackberry and cherry aromas, cigarbox and fine spice with just a whiff of confectionary. It's a dry rose with plenty of tobacco and cigar, spicebox and tart red fruit flavours - it's crisp with a toasty edge and spice lingers on the finish.
This will be a perfect wine to serve this summer on the patio with your chicken salad, salmon or cheese course.
A unique blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and a touch of Riesling
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2010

An appealing golden shade, this nicely priced and very refreshing Chardonnay has aromas of ripe pear and hints of brulee, crisp apple and citric aromas. The palate is nicely balanced with the requisite oakspice and caramel offset by bright acidity, tangy fruit and citrus peel flavours. It has a rounded texture with a creamy edge and a nicely spiced finish spiked with clove and zest.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 27th, 2010

The Graham Beck is a traditional method (Method Cap Classique) South African bubbly made from almost equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It is typically a toasty style with impressive power and a rich golden hue. Aromas are yeasty/leesy with apple pie and citrus, it has a creamy mousse and full, complex palate with caramel and ripe pear, roasted nuts and citrus flavours. The finish is impressive - long and toasty.
Great as an aperitif or with appetizers but it will hold its own against fish and lighter protein dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 20th, 2010

Expect compelling aromas of ripe orchard fruits and pear compote, honey and citrus blossoms with a hint of spice and a core of smoky minerality and fine talc. A snappy palate leads to fresh fruit flavours, the texture is quite lush, the finish is clean and slick.
Very Good!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 18th, 2010

I've been drinking this go-to traditional method sparkling wine for a very long time and seeing the grapes being harvested for it this past September just made my appreciation grow.
Made from the three traditional white grapes used in making Cava (Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello) it is a seamless sparkling with complexity. Bright aromas of Asian pear, praline, honey, delicate floral and citric notes and a leesy, bread dough core. Loads of minerality on the palate with plenty of crisp tree fruit and citrus flavours - crisp and creamy and entirely quaffable.
Always a great value but now through February 2010 it's a steal at $13.99.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 13th, 2009

Aromas of smoky minerality, creamy pear, white grapefruit and some quince marmalade notes. It has very nice structure - layers of fruit, a supple body and snappy acidity. Expect more pear and mineral flavours on the palate with lively citrus on the finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2009