See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Rover - 90pts

See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Rover (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. VQA stores. 2008 vintage also available.

Cost: $25

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: May 29th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Intense, developing aromas of black berries, plums, ripe cherries, vanilla, cedar and peppercorns greet you on the nose. The smooth textured palate follows-up with flavours of big, bold berries and lots of spices: cooking spice, cardamom and pepper. A firm structure of high tannins frames the fruit on the palate nicely. Very well balanced.

Aged in 60% French and 40% American oak for 18 months. An Australian-style blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier (minus the eucalyptus/mint aromas). This is a gorgeous BBQ wine whose robust tannins will pair well with a good steak or grilled lamb. Drink now through 2014.
 - Liam Carrier

Yalumba 2005 Shiraz-Viognier - 88pts

Yalumba 2005 Shiraz-Viognier (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Select fine wine shops.

Cost: $22-25

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: March 27th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A big and bold Shiraz from Australia's Barossa Valley producer Yalumba. The intense bouquet of cedar, white pepper, light perfume, green pepper, mocha and milk chocolate are dominated by loud and large dark fruits. The concentrated, but not jammy, dark fruit is carried through to the dry and full-bodied palate. Flavours of toasted oak, light stone and black pepper add complexity to this wine that would do a grilled peppercorn-encrusted streak justice.

Blended with 5% Viognier for added complexity on the nose, this wine has aged effortlessly in the five years since it was harvested with its solid acidity and good tannin structure and should continue to hold in the bottle for another 2-3 years. Drink now through 2013.
 - Liam Carrier