Oak Bay Vineyard 2011 Gewurztraminer - 87pts

Oak Bay Vineyard 2011 Gewurztraminer (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.75
Alcohol: 11.8%
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The long, cool growing season of 2011 was successful for the naturally low-acid Gewurztraminer grapes allowing them to ripen and develop a nice bite to help balance the off-dry style that Oak Bay Vineyard employs.

The nose is muted, but when given time to warm-up a little, will reveal nice apricot and Asian pear aromas. However, this wine is all about a tasty, crowd-pleasing palate which delivers the fullness we expect from Gewurztraminer, without being overly chewy (thanks, again, to the acidity) and the flavour profile we rely on, spicy and tangy, to pair with our favourite Asian food.

The back label suggests a "classic" Alsatian style, but really this is a true BC "Goo" through and through and that's something to be proud of. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2007 Family Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir - 88pts

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2007 Family Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 12.8%
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: Classic Pinot Noir fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry and plum on the intense nose with some Burgundy-esk forest floor, mushroom, rhubarb and oak highlights. The bone-dry palate follows with intense oak, pepper and earthy flavours dominating the fruit from the nose. Old world austerity on the palate meets elegant, serious fruit on the nose - a dichotomy to enjoy. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2010 Gewurztraminer - 87pts

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2010 Gewurztraminer (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $16.50
Alcohol: 11.8%
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: A pleasant nose of ripe lychee, apricot, subtle rubber tree and delicate floral notes await should you take the time to properly quaff this delicious, straightforward Gewurztraminer from Kelowna-based Oak Bay Estate winery. Classic Alsatian "Goo" flavours of lychee, spice and citrus fruits follow on the well-balanced, full-bodied palate with a touch of residual sugar, good acidity and a long finish with lingering peppery lemon. Enjoy this wine in its youth on its own of with hot Asian fare. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2009 Marechal Foch - 88pts

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2009 Marechal Foch (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.50
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: April 29th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Marechal Foch is a French hybrid grape developed in Alsace and imported into Canada over 60 years ago. Today, there are only a handful of vineyards in BC producing the varietal which adds to the mystic of the grape - a mystic that some may experience more as apprehension due to its unfamiliarity with many wine drinkers. When produced as a dry table wine, it can offer a refreshing change from the familiar with pungent aromas of blackberry liqueur, coffee grinds, savoury spice, mint and flavours of dark fruit, earthy mushrooms, cranberry and black pepper.

This wine has excellent concentration with a full-ish body and transmits the enhancement of its oak treatment well. Enjoy this wine with a savoury, dry spice rub steak. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca