Jubilant, charming, juicy.
Made by Chile's most awarded coastal producer, Leyda, this estate grown, cool-climate Leyda Valley Pinot Noir has a jubilant salmony-pink hue and aromas of juicy red berries, peach stone, orange peel, cedar and fine spices. A tangy palate provides ruby grapefruit along with high-toned berry flavours--charming and quaffable pink.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 8th, 2020

Leyda falls under the umbrella of VSPT (Vina San Pedro Tarapaca), which consists of several labels across six Chilean and two Argentine wineries. VSPT is the second largest wine exporter in Chile (Gato Negro accounts for the vast quantity of that) and in the top three fine wine producers in the country. The first winery, San Pedro was established in 1865, which the label of the same name plays homage to.
VSPT established the cool climate wine growing region of Leyda (named for the nearby town) 25 years ago and are one of only a few producers there still.
Sauvignon Blanc is a specialty of the house and this lifted and snappy version hits the sweet spot. Classic gooseberry and green apples, elderflower, honey and grass clippings aromas lead to a clean and crunchy palate with lovely weight, concentration and a creamy but mouthwatering finish. Great value!
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 11th, 2023

Fresh, savoury, approachable.
Naramata Bench's Red Rooster Winery is sporting a much needed new look these days with labels which capture various stages of the winemaking process.
The 2019 Cabernet~Merlot suggests dusty plums and wild herbs, dry earth, pencil shavings, toasted spice and tangy red berries. It has texture on the palate, is balanced and savoury, approachable and fresh. The finish trails coffee cocoa and tobacco flavours.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2021

Fresh, dry, juicy.
Whole-cluster Malbec grapes were dumped into the fermentation tank first, then the lightly crushed Merlot grapes were gently added on top (the Malbec underwent carbonic fermentation, fermenting from the inside of the grape, and the Merlot was inoculated). The wine saw careful punch downs for cap management of the Merlot only such that the Malbec was not disturbed. The Merlot provided protection for the Malbec from the air. Once fermentation was complete the blend was sent to press, then aged in 100% French oak barrels, 13% new, for 10 months before filtering and bottling.
Cherry and hi-toned red berries, vanilla, sweet spices, carob and tea leaf aromas lead to a juicy and dry palate. It show nice levity but also good structure along with flavours of black chocolate, espresso and red berries. Good intensity here with soft tannins and a medium-length finish.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2022

Muscular, grip, toasted.
Harvested from Osoyoos, this tannin-rich red was aged French oak. Expect Italian plums, cocoa dusted bramble berries, star anise, vanilla, baking spice and cedar aromas. It has grip and is brooding, extracted and quite muscular. Acidity adds brightness and trails charred chocolate flavours.
Incorrect image of label.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2022