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News from the Okanagan
Contributed by Dee Newman
B&B Owner / Wine Lover / Amateur Photographer / Gardener
Similkameen Valley
SUMMER VINES & WINES NEWS
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NEWS FROM THE SIMILKAMEEN and OKANAGAN–
Seven Stones Winery
has 2 new Releases:
Row 128 Merlot 2008 SEVEN STONES named this wine Row 128 Merlot after Vivianne asked George what his favorite area of the vineyard was. He replied “Row 128”. There is something special about this area, he said. “It’s the kind of place where you stop, get off your tractor and drink in the view”.
Row 128 Merlot 2008, will astound you with its seductive aromas of cherry, mint, olive and leather, followed by a soft mouth-feel, flavors of plum, chocolate and blueberry and an amazingly smooth velvety finish. This wine won a Silver medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships and a Bronze medal at the Northwest Wine Summit Competition this spring, merely 4 weeks after being bottled.
17 months in barrels 300 cases produced $ 24.99 Late Harvest Merlot 2009The Late Harvest Merlot came “to be” when George discovered 2 rows of Merlot grapes unpicked and forgotten by the picking crew, three weeks after harvest was completed. This “mistake” was a blessing in disguise as you will discover when you taste this fabulous wine. The Late Harvest Merlot 2009 is rich, smooth and fills your mouth with intense black ripe fruit flavors. It’s a beautiful sipping wine that is port-like and simply delicious.
HERDER
has a New Release! ~ 2008 Malbec
The 2008 Malbec has aromas of spice, pepper, black cherry, vanilla, tobacco and coffee. The palate is ripe, dry, supple, with juicy plum, cherry, chocolate, & pepper. Enjoy! $204 Case / 12 bottles Please fill out our on-line order form to order your wines. http://www.herder.ca/m_15.asp
Another new Release: ~ 2008 Syrah
Aromas of blackberry jam and smoky tobacco, licorice & vanilla. On the palate supple tannins with pepper, blackberry jam, vanilla, and spice.
$420 Case / 12 bottlesEau Vivre Winery took the GOLD MEDAL for their 2007 Pinot Noir under $25.00 at the All Canadian Wine Championships. As reported by Michael Botner in Vines Magazine, April issue, this elegant Pinot Noir puts the emphasis on Burgundry-style delicacy and finesse and gave it 4 Stars. Winesofcanada.com gives it an 90.
NEWS FROM CHURCH & STATE
Kim Pullen’s “Hollenbach Pinot Noir will see the end of an era.
It is not without some sadness that C&S are nearing the end of an era for this wine. Being the fickle wine that it is, they lost the entire 2008 vintage; feeling that it wasn't up to the standard of past vintages, it was poured it out, never to be released. The upcoming 2009 Pinot Noir is awaiting bottling later this month, with release scheduled for early 2011, and it will be their final Pinot Noir from this vineyard. As a winery so focused on the highest standards of vineyard management, they felt it was a struggle to maintain the level of quality that they demand without actually controlling the vineyard. At the end of the 2009 season, they made the decision to part ways with the owner of this vineyard, and will not make another Pinot Noir until they find a very special piece of property that Church & State can develop themselves.
Their 2007 Pinot Noir is available online for shipping today, at www.churchandstatewines.com. Enjoy a piece of our history.
After a long and arduous journey, Church & State finally opened their new winery in Oliver, in their Coyote Bowl Vineyard. Sweeping valley views, large outdoor patios soon to be furnished with relaxing couches, and the most immaculate tasting hall in the valley, the new winery is a must-see destination for wine lovers and agri-tourists alike. Join them for a glass or tasting flight from 11 am - 4 pm; just turn east on Rd 18 or Rd 9 off Highway 97 in Oliver.Lastly, their 2008 Chardonnay was named Best in Class at San Francisco - dozens of judges, blind tasting thousands of wines, unanimously declared it the best Chardonnay presented at the show, while also showing a little love for their 2007 Coyote Bowl Cabernet Sauvignon with a Double Gold! For the first time, they are pleased to announce that the 2008 Church & State Chardonnay is available on their website at www.churchandstatewines.com to ship to you today - with the massive success of this wine get it while you can.
ROAD 13 NEWS Road 13 new releases: First up, will be the 2009 Honest John’s Red $19.90 (they made more again this year so hopefully won’t run out quite as quickly) followed by the much anticipated 2007 Sparkling Chenin Blanc $29.99 both scheduled for release later this month. (2009 Honest John’s Red is available now at the winery but won’t officially be released until August 15th). In the fall they are releasing 2009 Viognier, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc $22.99 and Jackpot Riesling, $29.99. To place your order call the winery toll free: 866.498.8330 or 250.498.8330. Stemwinder and Rockpile, the blends they released with much fanfare earlier this year, are continuing to garner accolades with each receiving “Judges Choice” at the Wine Access International Value Wine Awards.
Their new building is nearing completion and will give them much needed storage for the barreled wine and finished cases. The most exciting room will be the new winery lounge. Enjoy an afternoon with winemaker and “Okanagan Mixmaster” Michael Bartier for a Red Wine Blending seminar on Wednesday October 6th and walk away with a better understanding of how blends are made and a bottle of your own creation assembled with access to Road 13’s top barrels. This event is limited to 12 people so book your tickets today to ensure a seat. Also you will get a preview of the winery lounge that will be available for the enjoyment of their cellar club. The lounge will be open for viewing during the month of October. Drop by and visit them!
EVENTS AT ROAD 13:
October 5, 2010
Seasons in the Park Wine Bar Event
Joe Luckhurst will be featuring their blended wines
6:00pm to 7:30pm
For Reservations call: 604.874.8008October 7, 2010
Dinner at Bogner’s
Join us at Bogner’s Restaurant in Penticton for a fabulous evening of wine & food.
Call Bogner’s for reservations, time and details: 250.493.2711DESERT HILLS WINERY’S
2006 Syrah Won Canda's Over all Best Red Wine of the Year and Double Gold – I bet there is none left.
2009 Gamay Won Lieutenant Governor's Award, L.A International Wine competion Best of Class and Wine Access magazine Judges Choice Award. The BC Lieutenant Governor attended Desert Hills Winery on July 30th where many showed up for the party. Congratulations Randy!
2006 Mirage won Gold at Finger Lake International Out of New York area.
2009 Gewurztraminer Gold at Northwest Wine Summit.
2007 Cab-Sauv 2 International Golds
2007 Merlot 2 International Silvers
The heat of summer is upon us here in the South Okanagan – visit our local wineries and make a weekend of it.
To all you wine lovers and foodies enjoy summer and stay safe.
7TH ANNUAL NARAMATA TAILGATE PARTY
Saturday September 11th, 2010
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
We'll be dropping the tailgates on The Commons at Naramata Centre
for a Tailgate by the Lake in the heart of Naramata Village
3375 Third Street - Naramata, B.C.
Ticket Price $85.00Taste the wines and meet the winemakers of the Naramata Bench Wineries Assn
Great Food - Great Music - Great Location
"Where the winemakers and wine lovers drop the tailgates and have a party!"
TASTE OF THE SIMILKAMEEN AT THE GRIST MILL
KEREMEOS – SEPTEMBER 12 FROM 1PM TO 4PM
Join the Similkameen Wineries and local Food Producers for the “Taste of the Similkameen. This event will be held at the historic Grist Mill in Keremeos, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the maintenance and improvements of this great piece of local history. The event includes lunch, two wine tasting tickets [extra tickets are $2.50], live music and entry is free. Come visit the beautiful Similkameen Valley this September and experience the great good and wine of this region. COST: $30.00
There are number of great events happening throughout the valley – mark your calendars now for the September events.
Dee's previous reports
