Little Straw Vineyards 2008 La Petite Paille Cuvée Noir - 87pts

Little Straw Vineyards 2008 La Petite Paille Cuvée Noir (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 296 cases
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2013
@LittleStrawSue

Tasting Notes: This proprietary blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Blau Frankish opens on the nose with a nice blend of wild, alpine berry fruit and toasted oak aromas with light cinnamon and vanilla notes. The seriously tart and vibrant palate follows with mouth watering acidity likely to jolt your senses at first. Beyond the tartness are some pleasant, food-friendly characteristics: mild, integrated tannins, terroir flavours and nice lingering wild berry fruit on the finish.

Beyond the mellowed tannins, this blend is still tasting rather young and should last another 2-3 years, though, be weary of fruit denigration if you wait too long. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Little Straw Vineyards 2011 La Petite Paille Sauvignon Blanc - 88pts

Little Straw Vineyards 2011 La Petite Paille Sauvignon Blanc (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 11.2%
Production: 150 cases
Date Tasted: July 4th, 2013
@LittleStrawSue

Tasting Notes: One winery, two labels and two distinct styles. West Kelowna's Little Straw Vineyards has, for lack of a better term, a mirror label called La Petite Paille which produces wines in a more "serious" style when compared to the namesake line-up. The best example of this comes in the form of Sauvignon Blanc which is produced by both labels. The Petite Paille version is tang'o'rific and herbaceouswith austere stainless steel minerality and focused citrus fruit - a stark contrast to the Little Straw Sauv Blanc which finishes off-dry and offers more boisterous fruit notes.

This wine would make a great companion for your next seafood fest and would compliment oysters, lobster, white fish and mussels. Drink now-2014.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca