Black Hills Estate Winery 2012 Alibi - 90pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2012 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA and private wine stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: 'Effortless' comes to mind when appreciating this white Bordeaux-style blend delivering a harmonious, elegant expression of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. Subtle, aromatic notes and aromas of ripe white peach, grapefruit, orange blossom, green apple and slate come to life after a chance to breath and warm up slightly in the glass - be sure not to serve this wine too cold.

The similarly flavoured palate follows with a playful juxtaposition of a rich, creamy-textured body balanced by refreshing citrus acidity, keeping the mouth feel alive and vibrant. Handles its 14.5% alcohol like a champ, never feeling 'hot'. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon - 90pts

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 2012 Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 700 cases
Date Tasted: June 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Here's a simple formula to remember. Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon = better Sauvignon Blanc. Now, this isn't a scientific law or mathematical certainty, but it generally holds true, especially with Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc where many in the valley have adhered to the practise for years, yet, most mention it in passing on the back label or in small print in forgettable marketing material. Howling Bluff, however, boldly announces it right on the front label and invites all to ask, am I pronouncing Sémillon correctly?

Even small amounts of Sé·mil·lon can go a long way in a blend some call "White Meritage", an ode to 300+ years of trial and error in Bordeaux where these now traditional blending partners were deemed to make for pleasant bed fellows. Even Sauvignon Blanc blended with only minuscule amounts of Sémillon (like Fairview Cellars' perennial favourite) benefits from the added candied fruit and sweet honeydew complexity which compliment the raw citrus and grassy twang of Sauvignon Blanc perfectly. The Howling Bluff version uses a whopping 15% Sémillon resulting in added textural elements as well since Sémillon has a natural fuller body.

Clean, crisp, complex and long, the Summa Quies Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon will delight as a stand-alone Summer Sipper. Pair with a fading sunset and flourishing conversation for the full effect. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca