Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (East Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Lots to like and pick-out on the nose of this Osoyoos-sourced Caberner Sauvignon with aromas of blackberry, cola, mint, black raspberry and light French oak. Balance is a tad sharp on the masculine, dry palate, though, the dark fruit, cocoa and cooking spice flavours are framed nicely by firm tannins and rhubarb acidity on the moderate finish. Should hold for several more years if you're looking to put a few away for future consideration. Otherwise, open now and allow time for decanting. Pair with a chocolate plate after a savoury dinner to finish off the night in style. Drink 2014-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Church and State Wines 2009 Coyote Bowl Series Meritage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.90
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 975 cases
Date Tasted: April 13th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Another excellent Bordeaux-inspired blend from the Southern Okanagan's hot 2009 vintage. Church and State's Meritage follows the Left Bank recipe of a Cabernet Sauvignon-leading blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc adding backbone and approachable fruit to the otherwise, smoke-infused nose and palate where French-oak influence is prominent and appealing.
At 5 years of age, the dusty tannins are beginning to mellow and round, yet, the acid and dark fruit core remains youthful and vibrant. Will easily hold for another 5-6 years with proper cellaring, though, its peak will come sooner. Drink 2016-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
See Ya Later Ranch 2013 Gewurztraminer (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BCAvailability: Available at BCLDB and VQA stores. Winery site hereCost: $14-17Alcohol: 13.5%Date Tasted: April 10th, 2014Tasting Notes: Part of Constellation Brands' large family of BC wineries, See Ya Later Ranch has done a good job remaining the least 'corporate' feeling of their many Okanagan properties, producing a wide range of approachable, well-made, single-varietal wines and blends. Their Gewurztraminer fits the mould with its playful nose and ripe, juicy, off-dry palate, balanced nicely with crab apple acidity. Lychee and white peach aromas and flavours dominate while apple cider and mineral notes add complexity.
Most vintages feature 10-15% Ehrenfelser blended in for added drama and tangyness. Enjoy this wine in the year it was produced or within 1-2 years afterwards. A fine summer sipper and a great match for popcorn. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Franc (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 700 cases
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2014
Tasting Notes: After 2 hrs of decanting, this youthful Cabernet Franc will begin to reveal sweetened pot-pourri and crushed fresh flower notes which float delicately above the blueberry, black cherry and vanilla aromas. A dry, mouth watering palate follows with a nice balance of acidic, wild berry fruit flavours and savoury notes of oak, bitter chocolate, coffee beans and light spice. Despite the brightness of the fruit, the finish is long and measured with lingering, grippy tannins and dusty cocoa powder.
With its hints of chocolate on the palate and finish, this wine will make for a killer companion to salted, dark chocolate caramels as an after dinner treat. Another year of bottle age will do nicely. Drink 2015-2017+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Church and State Wines 2012 Gravelbourg Chardonnay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $26.90
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 750 cases
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Church and State's Gravelbourg Chardonnay is an exploration of texture and of the masculine qualities of the Burgundian grape, with the former enhanced from extended lees contact during élevage, adding fullness to the mouth feel and imparting brioche aromas and flavours.
Cool, crisp and full of minerals, yet, fruit-forward and a successful advocate for the beneficial effect of French oak on Chardonnay. Apples, pears, apricots and peaches; a veritable plethora of classic orchard fruit. The finish is well balanced with green apple acidity keeping the ripe fruit in order while minerals linger through to the next sip.
Sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure to lock in the freshness. Should hold for a few more years, but why wait? Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
