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Showing posts with label Gold Hill Winery. Show all posts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Charisma Cabernet Merlot - 84pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Charisma Cabernet Merlot (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: October 11th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A bold and bright, red blend (specifics withheld) with intense, yet, shallow aromas of dark fruit and oak followed by a mouth-watering palate of similar intensity and depth. There are better options in the plentiful Cab-Merlot, entry red blend market. Or, try one of the winery's signature red wines: Gold Hill Winery 2018 Merlot or Gold Hill Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc. Drink now-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Grand Vin - 89pts

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Grand Vin (Golden Mile Slope) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $65 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: October 6th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Marketed as the winery's 'flagship wine', the Grand Vin is meant to represent Gold Hill's highest achievement in winemaking but sometimes the individual parts shine brighter than the whole and that is the case with this Meritage blend when compared to some of their single-varietal bottlings of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Overall, there's lots to like from the layers of red and dark berry fruit on the nose and palate to the lovely, smokey notes that show throughout. Palate sweetness is mostly balanced by the plentiful, wild berry acidity and the dusty, fine tannins, but not entirely. Lacking complexity and longevity for the price point, this wine has already peaked and should be consumed by 2023. Drink now.

Gold Hill Winery 2018 TerreLab Tempranillo - 89pts

Gold Hill Winery 2018 TerreLab Tempranillo (Golden Mile Slope) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $35.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.3%

Production: 50 cases
Date Tasted: October 4th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Tempranillo will never become a signature grape of the Okanagan Valley, there's just too little of it and the name recognition is low but it does do well in certain areas and can produce some memorable, small-batch releases like this tasty example from Gold Hill. Both juicy and savoury with plenty of ripe cherry and plum notes pairing nicely with sweet tobacco, tomato and spices. Lots of sweet fruit and spice flavours linger on the low-tannin finish making this a nice pairing for anything drenched in sweet'n'spicy, BBQ sauce. Drink now-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Charisma Malbec - 85pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Charisma Malbec (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: September 30th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Opens with a cheerful, fruit-forward nose of mixed berries and cherry aromas. This is followed by an under-ripe, medium-bodied palate of green-ish, dusty tannins and flavours of tart blueberries, tomato stock, herbs and oak chips. Pair with tomato-based stews. Drink now-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Charisma Pinot Gris - 86pts

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Charisma Pinot Gris (Oliver) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12%

Date Tasted: September 26th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A straight-forward, pleasantly crisp, Pinot Gris with no oak influence and citrus and stonefruit characters throughout. There's a hint of gripiness on the moderate finish due to citrus rind flavours or a touch of grape skin tannins. Should pair nicely with salads and a hot deck. Drink now-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2018 Syrah - 89pts

Gold Hill Winery 2018 Syrah (Golden Mile Slope) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here

Cost: $42.99

Alcohol: 15%

Date Tasted: September 26th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Intensely aromatic and dense on the nose with concentrated, black cherry, violet, lavender and blackened spice aromas. Equally intense and concentrated on the dry, full palate where high levels of blood orange acidity and bold, blackened tannins make this Syrah less of an elegant, standalone sipper and more of a fancy, accompagnement to your favourite BBQ meats. Still tasting youthful and fresh at 4 years of age due to the Stelvin enclosure. Should hold for 3-4 more years but don't expect much development. Drink 2022-2026.

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Charisma Pinot Noir Rosé - 86pts

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Charisma Pinot Noir Rosé (Golden Mile Slope) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12%

Date Tasted: September 8th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A vibrant and refreshing rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes. Classic red fruit aromas grace the herb-encrusted nose while the watery, mouth-watering palate offers subtle flavours of cran-apple, steel and white peaches. A nice, Summer drink. Drink now-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2021 TerreLab Tempranillo Rosé - 86pts

Gold Hill Winery 2021 TerreLab Tempranillo Rosé (Golden Mile Slope) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 11.4%

Production: 40 cases
Date Tasted: August 8th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A mellow and mineraly blush made from Tempranillo grapes sourced from the winery's Golden Mile Slope home vineyard. Subtle, red fruit notes grace the floral and steel scented nose. The dry palate offers nice, food-friendly acidity and continues the reserved, subtle presentation of light, red fruit and mineral characters. Drink now-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Cabernet Franc Rosé - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Cabernet Franc Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A big, high-glycerol blush with a touch of pruny notes on the notes. Not the typical opening line of a review for a successful rosé, yet, that's exactly what this Cabernet Franc based wine is. The balance skews towards refreshing with a nice amount of fresh, cranberry acidity keeping the residual sugar and alcohol in check. There's also a touch of spice and tannin on the finish which should help this wine pair with BBQ meats and side dishes. Drink now-2024.

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2021 Sauvignon Blanc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A ripe Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of subtle layers of passionfruit, citrus rind, bell pepper and stainless steel on the otherwise stonefruit-leading nose. Crisp and mouth-watering on the similarly stonefruit-flavoured palate with a touch of refreshing tartness and grape skin notes on the medium-plus finish. Ready to go now with your favourite seafood dishes like shrimp alfredo pasta. Drink now-2024.

Gold Hill Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc - 90pts

Gold Hill Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Slope) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here
Cost: $42.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Already peaking at 5 years of age, this is a refined, yet, intense Cabernet Franc with an expressive nose of crushed blossoms, violets, vanilla and lots of brambly fruit. Smooth on the palate, this medium-tannin wine from the newly designated Golden Mile Slope region of the Southern Okanagan offers layers of ripe, verging-on-pruny fruit and elegant, savoury flavours without ever feeling heavy or over extracted. Ready to go now as the aging has been done for you by the winery. Drink 2022-2025.

Gold Hill Winery 2018 Merlot - 92pts

Gold Hill Winery 2018 Merlot (Golden Mile Slope) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here
Cost: $42.99
Alcohol: 15.3%
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A big Merlot with a beautiful, intense nose of ripe, mixed-berries and rich, savoury notes offering impressive depth and opulence. The intensity continues on the plump, high-alcohol palate, though, the luscious layers of plum, black cherry, mocha, toasted oak and cigar box keep the balance in check and the finish tasting smooth where refined tannins and a touch of spice linger. Ready to go now as your high-tannin reds mellow in the cellar. Drink 2022-2028.

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here
Cost: $TBD
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: June 21st, 2021

Tasting Notes: At five years of age, this dense, aromatic Cabernet Franc is showing signs of peaking. The developed bouquet is offers prominent brandy aromas which envelope the more delicate floral and spice notes. Less robust on the berry'n'spice flavoured palate than the hedonistic 2015 vintage with more viscosity and a shorter finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2021-2022.

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc Rosé - 87pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2021

Tasting Notes: An intriguing, off-dry, medium-copper hued rosé, made from Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from multiple sites in the Okanagan Valley. Offers a delicate nose of peach skin, orange blossom and nectarine aromas, followed by a plump palate of orchard fruit flavours and enough tannin and citrus acidity to finish balanced where a touch of spice lingers. Ready to go now as most blush wines are. Drink 2021-2022.

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 10th, 2021

Tasting Notes: Opens with a nice nose of blossoms, white currant berries and a little of that attractive, Sauvignon Blanc stink. Palate is light, mineraly and refreshing with good acidity and a medley of apple, citrus and peach flavours. Overall, a subtle, delicate expression of the Loire Valley grape that might be best suited as a companion to a hot deck. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.

Gold Hill Winery 2017 Cabernet Merlot - 88pts

Gold Hill Winery 2017 Cabernet Merlot (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2020

Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend offers a lively nose and palate of bright, blackberry, cherry and plum fruit with some dark, broody characters and light, floral notes adding some depth to the fruit-forward profile. Light tannins and lip-smacking acidity keeps the mouthfeel fresh and fluid, though, the finish looses its intensity quickly. Pair with a range of BBQ fare, but nothing too fatty or smoky. Drink now-2022.

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Grand Vin - 90pts

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Grand Vin (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $64.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.9%
Date Tasted: November 3rd, 2020

Tasting Notes: An intense, mature, Meritage blend featuring fully integrated, black and blue fruits, pretty aromatics and smooth, savoury notes. There is impressive, long-lived, lively acid on the lightly tannic palate which offers similar flavours as the nose. At already 6 years old and sealed with a synthetic cork, this wine won't likely develop further and should be enjoyed over the next 12-18 months. Drink now-2021.

Gold Hill Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc - 91pts

Gold Hill Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.9%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A supremely intense, hedonistic Cabernet Franc with loads of floral, spice and sweet earth notes on the nose and densely layered, concentrated red and blue fruit on the tobacco-flavoured, full-bodied palate. Slight, California Primitivo vibe without all the sweetness; just the right amount of extreme extraction to off-set the whopping, 15.9% alcohol. Smoky, cigar box and toasted spice notes linger on the long finish.

Unlike any other BC Cabernet Franc you're likely to find. Despite the bottle shot attached, the wine is sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure. Ready to go now, but should hold for a few more years. Drink 2020-2023.

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Syrah - 90pts

Gold Hill Winery 2014 Syrah (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 15.6%
Date Tasted: September 12th, 2020

Tasting Notes: This 2014 vintage Syrah from Gold Hill has aged nicely, still showing some years of service ahead with some potential for further development. Using a Stelvin enclosure on this robust, masculine wine has proven to be a wise decision. Look for spices, cured meats, olives and cherry cola aromas on the intense, dense nose. The equally dense palate that follows offers similar flavours with additional layers of vanilla, toasted oak and more prominent fruit; black raspberries, black cherries and red currant. Finish is long and uber spicy. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024.

Gold Hill Winery 2019 Rosé - 84pts

Gold Hill Winery 2019 Rosé (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.1%
Date Tasted: September 10th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A rosé produced using the traditional, saignée method from Cabernet Franc grapes which has produced a red fruit scented nose and similarly flavoured palate. Off-dry with orchard fruit acidity and a hint of minerals balancing the sweetness, but the overall profile is dominated by the lingering taste of alcohol. Pair with something spicy to cut the residual alcohol. Ready to go now. Drink now-2021.

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