Notice the glossy new labels on Blue Mountain’s reserve sparkling wines. This 2005 vintage is dominated by Pinot Noir with the addition of 35% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Gris. It was aged sur lie (on the residual yeasts from the secondary fermentation in bottle) for six years, to add complexity.
Made in the traditional method, it went through a secondary fermentation in bottle and was then aged sur lie for six years. It offers toast and Bosc pear, tart red berries and bread dough with undertones of apple, nuts and honeysuckle. An impressive creamy mousse describes the palate; it is an elegantly woven wine with citrus, brioche and ginger biscuit flavours clinging to the finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - May 16th, 2013

An delightful expression of creamy yellow Bartlett pear, honeysuckle, orange blossoms and a spritz of exotic citrus. It is simply fantastic on the palate - weighted and slick with wonderful concentration. It has a whisper of sweetness offset with racy acidity. The flavours of citrus peel and crisp pear cling to your tongue and persist on a lengthy finish.
Recommended pairings: salmon, spicy crab cakes, prawns, baked chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce or seasonal turkey dinners.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - May 16th, 2013

Sometimes it's a great idea to break away from the well established Champagne brands and experience other houses. A perfect example; this charming Brut that offers Meyer lemons, creamy white fruit, acacia blossoms, ginger biscuits and toasted hazelnut brioche aromas. It has a creamy weight and lively mousse. It also has impressive power on the palate - full and citrusy with a leesy, bread dough finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - May 9th, 2013

Engaging sweet black cherries, roasted coffee beans, decadent mint chocolate wafers and baking spice aromas. The palate is supple and fresh and exactly what you expect in a Barossa Shiraz - chocolate liqueur and sunwarmed berry flavours are highlighted with sweet spice. Impressive weight and intensity, a slight saline quality to the palate and a lengthy finish.
Seems like a good wine to serve at a wedding (if you have the budget).
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - May 7th, 2013

The always highly anticipated JoieFarm Re-Think Pink! Rose is the benchmark for pink wine in British Columbia. They've been making it in a serious manner (before pink became uber-popular) since day one and although it changes vintage to vintage and some years are better than others, we still eagerly await its release.
The 2012 is spot on. Drier than the last vintage with a brilliant cran-ruby hue, it maintains the previous blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay with a splash each of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris.
It has a berry bowl of aromas - Raspberry, wild summer berries and strawberry are layered with nectarine peel and pink grapefruit. The palate is focused; it is tart and tangy with flavours of strawberry, vanilla, orange peel and raspberry tea. Excellent length with a mouthwatering finish.
Pair with... Almost anything. Fish, white meats, cheese and charcuterie, salads and starters, picnics, a good book...
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - May 2nd, 2013

The aromas in this organic Chilean Savvy are roasted capsicum, asparagus, green beans and lime underscored with passionfruit and gooseberry. Sweet and juicy citrus dominates the palate and is layered with tropical fruit, fresh herbs and savoury green vegetables.
Solid style to pair with starter salads or asparagus and goat's cheese quiche.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 4th, 2013

Made from 100% Chardonnay, the Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs grapes come from Napa, Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino.
It offers vibrant citric notes wrapped around honeysuckle and toasted golden apple tarte tartin. The palate is creamy but very zesty with plenty of nutty brioche and tangy white fruit. It finishes with leesy, yeasty notes and citrus.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 19th, 2013

Ripe cherry and raspberry aromas, sweet and peppery spices, beet greens and leather atop forest floor. It's not a wimpy Pinot, it has good power and substance with gobs of sweet fruit layered with spice and savoury flavours. Silky and juicy in the mouth.
A wine for fattier cuts of meat, salmon or mushroom wellington.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 19th, 2013

A beautiful mesh of fresh white fruit aromas, talc, honey and acacia with just a hint of nuts and caramel. The palate is creamy, it has a complexity not seen in many Proseccos. Excellent depth and mouthwatering acidity with a buttery. effervescent finish, which trails citrus and then marzipan flavours.
Delicious.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 19th, 2013

A crowd favourite, the Wente offers butterscotch, coconut and hazelnut, pineapple chunks and mixed spices - notably clove, aromas. Sweet and creamy fruit slides across your palate with spiced caramel and tropical fruit that's lifted with lively acidity. Very easy drinking with citrus peel and spice flavours trailing on the finish.
A wine for jalapeno spiked cornbread, chicken salad or creamy pastas.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 22nd, 2013