September 8, 2006
BC Wine Reviews
Rosé
Calona Blush, Okanagan BC, 2005- Wine Diva
was sorry to see the remnants of the 2003 Blush disappear from Granville Island
Brewing at $6.99 a bottle but hey, $9.99 is nothing to scoff at!
A bit sweeter than the 2003 with wild berry and candied
strawberry aromas, vanilla, spice and sweet buttered corn on the cob. All those
aromas come through on the palate with nice sugar preserved lemon on the finish.
$9.99
(+627695) UPC #00058976340637
Wine Diva tasted-August 2006
White
Calona Vineyards Sovereign Opal, Okanagan BC, 2005- Orange blossoms,
tropical fruit, melon and mandarin juice flavours. Off-dry with citrus, white
pepper and sweet spice flavours and a finish brimming with white grapefruit.
$12.49 (+364265) UPC #00058976350049
Wine Diva tasted-August 2006
White
Jackson-Triggs Viognier, Okanagan Valley BC- Peaches and cream, with
minerals, honey blossoms and lime zest oil. In the mouth its softly spiced and
subtly floral with caper berry flavours and a sweet blend of tropical and
orchard fruits. Warm mouthwatering finish.
$15.99 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted- July 2006
White
Tantalus Riesling, Okanagan BC, 2005-
Tantalize
me with Tantalus.
Who's that you query? A new name, label, winemaker and owner for the former
Pinot
Reach Winery in Kelowna. Tantalus was purchased a couple years ago and this
is the first vintage we have seen since the change-over. Results are not
disappointing. Riesling has always had a solid base at this winery and if you
remember previous winemaker Roger Wong (who
is now at Gray Monk) produced his phenomenal personal label-Focus Riesling
from here for a couple of vintages.
The Riesling tradition is being upheld with rumors of an old vine version being
released in the spring and an upcoming Pinot Noir as well.
The Tantalus label with its native art carving is striking-boldly attached to
its classic elongated German shaped bottle.
The style is very different as well. More Aussie austere with cheek-sucking
acidity. The Tantalus isn't a typical BC style but is full of sweetly
ripe orchard fruit aromas although the aromas, minerals, crisp green apple,
white peach pit and honey blossom. Big, serious and dry with loads of white
grapefruit flavours.
This wine is serious, nothing fluffy in this elegant package.
$20-22.00 (approximately)
Wine Diva tasted- July 2006
Cover Story
(Wine Diva with PMS, Wine Diva asks...)
BC Wine Reviews
(Tantalize me with Tantalus)
International Sips
(All the pretty packages)
Taste Bites
(Salt, How Cheesy, New Noshes)
Wine Diva-isms
(Return of the Automat-BAMN!)