Serendipity Winery 2010 Devil's Advocate (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2014
Production: 200 cases
@Winespiration
Tasting Notes: The blend of Bordeaux varieties and Syrah (specific blend not provided) opens with a beautiful balance of juicy red fruit and sweet spice aromas on the generous nose. The dry, peppery palate follows with pronounced spice elements and added savoury flavours from the oak treatment, pushing the fruit profile of black cherry, raspberry and plum to the background. Tannins have mellowed at 4 years of age, yet, still frame the palate nicely. However, the finish has begun to fade, so, if you have any in your cellar look to open them over the next 1-2 years. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Serendipity Winery 2010 Reserve Serenata (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 21st, 2014
Production: 456 cases
@Winespiration
Tasting Notes: A dense and meaty red blend of Bordeaux varieties, delivering concentrated aromas of cassis, plum chutney, black cherry, anise, menthol, incense, toasted oak and eucalyptus on the complex nose. The dry, mouth-watering palate offers good continuity from the nose with concentrated, dark fruit flavours and added savoury elements from French oak and coffee grinds.
Grippy tannins have begun to mellow, but still need more time in the bottle to soften. Though full bodied and fleshy upon entry, the plentiful, citrus acidity thins the wine as it travels over your palate, resulting in a light, watery finish. Spice and espresso linger after the fruit fades. Ready to go now and will hold for many more years. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Serendipity Winery 2010 Red Handed (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 1st, 2014
Production: 911 cases
@Winespiration
Tasting Notes: For those not ready to take a flyer on the winery's flagship blend, the Reserve Serenata, the Naramata Bench firm offers this entry-level, well-priced option. Specifics of the assemblage have not been posted on the winery's website, but the blackberry, black cherry, sweet spice and vanilla-chocolate aromas and flavours suggests a combination of Merlot, both Cabs and perhaps a splash of Syrah was used.
The palate might be best described as 'raw', with ripe, intense dark fruit fruit followed by slightly coarse tannins and rustic acidity, leading to a long, watery finish where peppercorn lingers. Would make a nice match for tapas or savoury, meaty appetizers. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Serendipity Winery 2013 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BCAvailability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery hereCost: $20Alcohol: 12%Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2014@WinespirationTasting Notes: A lovely example of the Rhone Valley variety presented in a balanced, New World, fruit-forward style with plenty of tropical and orchard fruit complimented by mineral notes and the fullness of extended lees contact. Alcohol is handled delicately, blending in seamlessly, while a hit of lemon peel acidity keeps the palate fresh and vibrant. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Serendipity Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BCAvailability: Not yet released. Direct from the winery hereCost: $20Alcohol: 12.7%Date Tasted: July 13th, 2014@WinespirationTasting Notes: A well balanced, straight-forward Sauvignon Blanc that finds a happy milieu between the pungent and tangy examples of the variety from New Zealand and the aromatic, easy-drinking versions often produced in warmer climates. Green apple, lime rind, Bosc pear and gooseberry fruit grace the pleasant and engaging nose. The palate offers similar flavours with added stonefruit notes, but, the star of the show is the juxtaposition of, seemingly, competing textures by way of tangy effervescence and round, lees-y characters which resolve nicely to create a compelling mouth feel and decent length. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
