New, unique, chic.
Project 'B' is a winemaking partnership between two worlds, Old and New, creating a classically French, New World wine.
Working together, from France Erin Monnin winemaker for Boutinot, and from BC, Michael Bartier of Bartier Bros. this Sauvignon Blanc comes from plot B in a premium single vineyard located in Oliver. A small portion (4.5%) of the blend is barrel-aged Semillon, and 2.1% is Gewurztraminer.
The name Project 'B' name is a no-brainer, there are a lot of Bs here, a common thread with this project, including Boutinot Rhone's symbol of quality, the worker bee.
Notes of candle wax and grass clippings, grilled lemons, white peach and nettle are layered with hints of mineral oil. It is dry and precise, slick and chic. Flavours of star fruit, crunchy yellow pear, lemon peel dominate over vague spice flavours. The finish is long, lively and pithy.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 16th, 2020

Outstanding, oily, zesty.
Made by the France-born Boutinot company of wineries who has expanded beyond the French borders to include projects in South Africa, Italy, the UK and Canada.
Tea Leaf is an outstanding Chenin Blanc from the country that is synonymous with the variety, South Africa, and it is blended with Grenache Blanc and Palomino.
Oily lemony aromas are woven with creamed yellow apples, honey, white blossoms and spiced undertones. The palate has a similar oiliness; golden fruits and candle wax, green almond and resin flavours roll across the tongue.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 2nd, 2020

NEW, jammy, value.
Made by the France-born Boutinot company of wineries who has expanded beyond the French borders to include projects in South Africa, Italy, the UK and Canada, this new offering, an old vine Cinsault offers great value and is a BCLS exclusive.
Made from 40-year-old vines this value red suggests sweet cherry twizzler and vanilla, ruby red berries and cola spices alongside purple floral aromas, which lead to a similarly jammy but fresh palate. Smooth and easy to drink it will no doubt find many followers in our market.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 2nd, 2020

Muscular, balanced, supple .
Chocalan's flagship wine is Maipo blend dominated by Cabernet Franc (75%) along with Merlot, Cab Sauv and Petit Verdot.
Sweet mashed cherries and salted licorice, mint, red currents, saddle leather and chocolate aromas lead to a supple palate entry that is muscular and still quite tightly wound. Chocolate dusted fruit and toasted brown spice flavours lead the charge. The tannins are chalky, the finish reserved but the balance is all in check.
Definitely give this wine some time to develop; a couple years or longer.
*Not currently available in BC.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 28th, 2021

Second review: May 2022
Golden-hued and doused with gorgeous notes of young pineapple and Meyer lemons and orange blossoms supported by brown butter, hazelnut ans toasted spice aromas. It has a slick and tangy palate with fresh golden fruit, marzipan, grilled lemon and buttered toast flavours. Lovely balance here and deft use of oak.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 26th, 2022

Crunchy, creamy, fresh.
Vina Chocalan's 2019 Gran Reserva Chardonnay comes from the Chile's cool-climate darling, the San Antonio Valley, which is situated almost due west of Santiago, on the Pacific Ocean.
Its thin and rocky soils, sloped terrain and proximity to cool maritime influences makes it perfect for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Chocalan owns 25-hectares in the valley, the clay soils with fossilized shells this Chardonnay is grown in gives it mouthfilling and mineral characters. 
2019 was a very warm summer, but this fresh Chardonnay is nicely balanced; 40% was aged on lees in French oak barrels for six months, 10% went through ML.

Crisp yellow fruit aromas are layered with grass clippings, beeswax, citrus blossoms and a hint of jalapeno. It has a creamy entry but overall screams freshness with juicy citrus, crunchy tree fruits and distinct salty undertones, which beg for seafood, salty snacks or simple creamy pastas.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 25th, 2021