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

An affordable and charming wine, this Semillon and Chardonnay blend presents aromas of melon and honey, lanolin and citrus with a smoky core. It has nice concentration and clings to the palate; there are plenty of toasty flavours layered with lemon, herbs, melon and spice. The finish is long and zesty with hints of lemonbalm.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2010

This easy-drinking white blend from Australia's Canonbah Bridge Estate has loads of citrus peel aromas, honeycomb and minerals with guava. On the palate, the fruit pops - clean and crisp with great acidity and some tropical and citrus juice flavours.
A refreshing, affordable white for any occassion!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 14th, 2009

I met Roger Wong several years ago - just after he started making wine at Gray Monk in Lake Country (just beyond Kelowna). I had been a huge fan of his private label Focus Riesling - a sturdy (un-Riesling-like) bottle with its crown cap topper. Well, Roger has delved in again, this time he is partners at the nearby Intrigue Wines. It is a busy time for a guy with two very young sons and a full time job (which he loves) at one winery while he manages to produce at his own. And as a heads up to those of you who remember (and loved) the Focus Riesling...it may return.
His Riesling is bright and crisp - fresh lemon and lime and tart apple with hints of stone fruits and honey blossoms. A very balanced kiss of sweetness makes the apple, apricot and citrus flavours pop. Nice concentration with a lovely slickness on the palate and a clean, crisp finish.
Well done.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 30th, 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

This very affordable Chardonnay is toasty - roasted spices, browned butter and grilled pineapple with hints of nuts and fresh lemonbalm. The palate is fresh and juicy, flavours of pineapple and citrus are bound in a rounded, slightly creamy palate - the finish is bright and zesty.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 23rd, 2010

And for you Riesling drinkers who like just a bit more honey in your glass, the Gehringer Classic Riesling offers peach jelly, ginger and candied citrus peel aromas. It is full and quite ripe in the mouth with loads of pink grapefruit and gingery flavours that lead to a long and zesty finish.
Samosas dipped in spicy peach/ginger chutney will pair nicely with this wine.
Another good value Gehringer Riesling!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 20th, 2010

For those who prefer their Rieslings tart and zesty, this bracing version is a glass-full of mineral, lime oil, marmalade and petrol aromas. It has a lovely weighted palate with check-sucking acidity and taut flavours of lime. Very good value and it will make a nice pairing with ceviche or poached fish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 20th, 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

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

Despite the cooling winds of Monterey, the Hess Chardonnay is still a very ripe and buttery style. Obvious butterscotch and warm spice, pineapple and vanilla with orange cream and exotic citric notes. The caramel continues on the palate with a mix of sweet spice (loads of star anise and clove), vanilla, tropical fruit and citrus flavours with toasted oak on the finish. Lively acidity keeps it bright.
©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

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

This organic rose is made from 95% Merlot and 5% Syrah and is not for the meek.
It is a dark rusty-ruby colour with aromas of cherry juice, smoke, dried tobacco leaf and wild herbs with an earthy core. There is plenty of lively acidity and flavours of tobacco and spice with hints of dried fruit. Quite powerful and grippy on the palate with a dusty texture - spice and bitter flavours linger on the finish.
Will hold its own with barbecued foods.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 15th, 2010

From Grateful Palate Imports in California (made by R Wines in Australia) this brilliant yellow Chardy has prominent toast and browned butter aromas, lemon and pine, sweet spice and caramel hints. Despite the toastiness on the nose, the palate is smooth and the oak quite balanced with ripe tropical fruit, salt water taffy, roasted nuts and sweet spice flavours.
Pure Evil, perhaps not. Purely fun maybe.
©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

This Ecocert certified organic wine trods the fine line of creamy and fresh very well.
Crisp apple and pear aromas layered with sweet praline, mineral, honeycomb and citrus notes. The palate is creamy and smooth offering pear compote and warm spice, vanilla and bright citrus flavours. The finish is mouth-watering and spicy...
Very tasty!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2010

This British Columbia Chardonnay presents very appealing aromas of apple crumble, melon and ripe pear with praline, warm toasty spice and a hint of white pepper. There is plenty of citrus on the palate alongside melon and exotic spice flavours. It is smooth and creamy with lively citrus on the entry but the mid-palate softens before ramping back up into a long vanilla, caramel and spiced finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 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

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

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

Aurelio Montes continues to make one of the most balanced and delicious versions of Chardonnay in Chile.
On the nose it releases sweet golden pineapple swimming in warm spice aromas with praline and exotic citrus. The palate is laden with juicy tropical and citrus fruit rounded out with fine oak spice and nutty flavours. It is a long, bright and creamy wine with extremely well balanced oak.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 15th, 2010

Subtitled the Fats Johnson to pay homage to a man, known as the kindly older neighbor who passed donuts on to children on their way to school, this Pinot presents aromas of sweet cherry and sun warmed raspberries, pretty floral and spicebox tones with an earthy core. The same sweet fruit appears on the palate with cocoa and spice - a juicy Pinot with fine tannins.
©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

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 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

This Reserve Pinot Gris has a lovely coppery hue and alluring aromas of pear compote, caramel and summer flowers, with a honeyed citrus note. It has a lovely weight in the mouth, a creamy texture and flavours of deep dish apple pie and ripe pear. There is lovely acidity to balance the creaminess and a long, smooth finish sprinkled with warm spice.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 2nd, 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

NEW!
Just arrived on wine store shelves, this pristine, fresh Chardonnay releases plenty of bright tree fruit, mineral and citrus aromas with a hint of sweet peas. The palate is crisp - similar citrus, apple and mineral flavours appear on the palate with just a hint of nutty praline. The texture is slighlty creamy with lively acidity.
Very good!
Pair with soft cheeses, seafood and salads.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 12th, 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

NEW!
Arriving on shelves in May 2010, this charming red blend will impress you with upfront sweet berry and cherry aromas supported by crushed purple flowers, leather, rich dark earth and fine spice. The palate is fresh with plenty of juicy fruit and spice. Very nice acidity and plenty of flavour from start to finish.
A simple, smooth everyday dinner wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 29th, 2010

This classic BC Pinot Grigio has always provided good value and good sipping.
A pretty golden coppery colour it releases aromas of peach stone and honey, citrus blossoms and ripe white fruit notes. The palate is rounded and quite rich, with refreshing sweet fruit flavours and a long crisp finish with just a hint of spice.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 29th, 2010

From Quails' Gate's premium lineup, this bold Chardonnay was fully barrel fermented for one year in first second and third use barrels. And it shows with rich caramel and spice, buttery apples and melon aromas. The palate is a rich and creamy mouthful of sweet but spicy oak flavours, pralines and clove with citrus peel flavours lingering on the finish.
Pair with a rich, nutty risotto, smoked cheeses or creamy chicken and corn casserole.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2010

Alluring aromas of peach and tart green apples, citrus blossoms and slate with hints of tangerine. The plate is vibrant, sweet and tart with plenty of honey, minerality and crisp white fruit. It's off-dry but has lovely balance between sweetness and acidity with a silky texture, the finish is long and mouth-watering.
Pair with spicy, chilled noodles, sushi or rich, creamy dips.
Very good value!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 27th, 2010

Balthasar Ress was one of my favourite visits during a 2008 German wine tour - the wines are consistently delicious too.
The Hattenheimer Schutzenhaus is a mouthful to say and a joy to sip. Expect aromas of slate and green apples, honey, spring blossoms and bright citrus. On the palate it is off-dry but is balanced with lively acidity and tangy lemondrop flavours.
Pair with sushi, spicy Indian dishes or tangy cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 26th, 2010

A favorite for years, this aromatic Viognier releases vibrant lemon and lime leaf notes with richer peach, mango and papaya fruit and warm spiced tones. The palate is very fresh but also rounded and lush, expect green papaya and mango flavours liberally laced with lime and spiked with spice.
Pairs nicely with fresh, spicy dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 19th, 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 ripe, decadent Chardonnay layers aromas of pineapple and exotic citrus, buttered toast and roasted nuts, minerals and spice. It is bright on the palate, the texture is rounded and creamy and you can expect plenty of juicy citric flavours, warm honey and pineapple with a spicy, toffee finish. Nicely balanced and very satisfying.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 19th, 2010

A dusty ruby colour this Vin de Pays Pinot Noir has aromas of saddle leather, red cherries, fine spice and cocoa with composty/forest floor notes. The palate echos its aromas - cherries and leather, cocoa and cigar box flavours with a sprinkling of spice. Nice and juicy, medium-bodied with nice structure and fine firm tannins.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 15th, 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

This newly arrived Chardonnay may take you by surprise. It has a verdant, crisp character possibly due in part to the high elevation of its New South Wales vineyard.
Aromas of grass clippings, citrus blossoms, minerals and lemon balm with melon and a core of oak spice. The palate is vibrant but still rounded, creamy yet zesty - melon and citrus peel flavours with fresh herbal nuances followed by spice lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 16th, 2010

A very fresh, nicely balanced version, this South Australia Chardy has layers of butternut praline, pear and stone fruit aromas with minerals, lime leaf and vanilla, warm spice and citrus. It has a nice weight on the tongue, smooth yet vibrant and flavoured with mineral and pear, melon and more praline. The finish is long and spicy with pleasing vanilla oak flavours.
Pair with roast chicken or smoked cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 15th, 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

A treat for Chardonnay lovers this rich version smells of butterscotch praline, caramelized pear and juicy melon, vanilla and sweet spice. It is a creamy wine with ripe tropical fruit and citrus flavours with plenty of toasted oak, roasted spices and especially clove lingering on the finish.
It is an obviously toasty style but it balances the oak nicely.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 9th, 2010

This made in BC from California grapes (as stated clearly on the label) Chardonnay is not a shrinking violet and I recommended it only to those who like their Chardonnay oaky.
A rich golden colour, it has overt aromas of butterscotch brulee, ripe pineapple, wild honey and warm spice with a hint of orange creamsicle and a leesy core. It is big and bold on the palate with plenty of tropical pineapple, exotic spice, vanilla and caramel flavours. Toasty oak and oak spice dominate and don' let go across the finish line. it burms pretty hot on the finish too with 14.3% alcohol.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 2nd, 2010

This is quite a toasty traditionally made sparkler with plenty of roasted hazelnut, bread dough and crisp white fruit aromas. It has nice complexity and a full mousse with a slight creaminess to soften the edges. Persistent citrus flavours are followed by toast and roasted nutty flavours that linger on the finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 17th, 2009

An impressive showing from this young Pinot Noir from Naramata Bench's Therapy Vineyards. It's ruby purple in colour with gobs of pretty violet aromas, cherry and raspberry and sweet vanilla with a core of forest floor, herbs and cedar chips. It is quite full-bodied for a Pinot with bright acidity, red fruit, spice and leather flavours. It's smooth, then fine tannins and peppery hints round out the palate.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 21st, 2009

Following the rest of Tinhorn Creek's wines, the Pinot Noir will switch over to its new label next vintage. For now you can enjoy the 2007s tart red fruit - cranberry and red currents, forest floor and wild herbal aromas, cocoa, smoked spice and a hint of chocolate hazelnuts. It's typically light in body with cedar, red fruit and cocoa flavours, it has good acidity and a slightly grainy finish.
Pair with any mushroom dish or holiday turkey.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2009

This organic BC Pinot Gris has aromas of creamy pear, apple peel and minerals, smoked/toasted hints with subtle leesy undertones. The palate is rounded, it's dry with plenty of acidity and warm, scotch and spice flavours. It has a hot finish and the spice continues through with snappy citrus peel flavours.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2009