Charlie Wagner's decadent Chardonnay offers liberal ripe pineapple, baking spice, honey and Meyer lemon underscored with orange blossom and vanilla and wrapped in butterscotch. It's creamy and silky in the mouth; it is spicy and buttery with welcoming vibrancy to keep it fresh. A perfect accompaniment to grilled cheese of smoked cheddar and pears on toasted sourdough or skillet cornbread from the Rutherford Grill.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 11th, 2013

A truly delicious Viognier that was made from grapes harvested in Naramata and also from the more southerly Similkameen Valley.
Expect exotic spice, honeysuckle, Meyer lemon and stone fruit aromas that are spiked with lime and honey. It has a captivating concentration and weight; honeycomb, anise and citrus flavours are rounded out by a hint of caramel and ginger biscuits. Lovely length and vibrancy.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 9th, 2013

New look!
The nose exhibits a movie theatre confectionary of aromas - buttered popcorn, lemon curds, sweet spice and roasted sugared nuts. The palate follows suit - butter, cream, caramel and tropical fruit. A straightforward wine that shows some good freshness. Lively but with a creamy edge.
A good value white for corn bread, creamy soups or a grilled chicken ceasar salad.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 5th, 2013

Here is a delicious, snappy and focused Riesling, which offers aromas of tart green apples, lemondrops, lime and honeysuckle with hints of slate and stone fruits. The palate is tangy and dry with racy acidity and long, mouthwatering finish. A stylish white that will keep you coming back for more.
A wine for oozing cream sauces, seafood and white meats.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 5th, 2013

One of British Columbia's newest wineries (opening day was May 4, 2012), Upper Bench, located on seven acres of vineyard on the Naramata Bench, is also a creamery. That's a winning combination!
Another delicious wine, it smells of sweet peaches, pears and apples, honeysuckle and grapefruit peel. A lovely weight supports fresh fruit, spice and citrus. Great concentration and a zesty, lively character. Excellent zippy finish and very good persistence.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 29th, 2013

One of British Columbia's newest wineries (opening day was May 4, 2012), Upper Bench, located on seven acres of vineyard on the Naramata Bench, is also a creamery. That's a winning combination!
The wines I've tasted so far have all impressed me, from the stunning labels to the clean and fresh juice.
The aromas: Imagine peeling a creamy yellow pear then throwing in some peach and tangerine, then topping it with a dollop of honey before adding a fresh bouquet of spring blossoms. The palate follows the same fresh and wonderfully fragrant pattern - pear compote, vanilla, exotic citrus and honey flavours are rounded out with just a suggestion of caramel.
Nice balance, a kiss of sweetness and very tasty.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 19th, 2013

Made from 100% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) in the charmat (or bulk) method, this Italian bubbly smells of summer berries . Expect red currents and strawberries with forest floor, fine spice and the mere suggestion of violets. It has a mouth-filling mousse with medium-sized bubbles. The palate follows the nose; it's earthy and toasty with red fruit and a hint of blood orange underneath.
A fairly simple style, good for appetizers, fried fish, soft cheeses or mushroom polenta.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 19th, 2013

A fantastic departure from your everyday Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This delightful white presents aromas of beeswax and lemon oil, stone fruits and blossoms with sweet, nutty undertones. The palate is just as charming - it's oily in texture with a supple weight. Luscious stonefruit, honey, marzipan and sweet spice notes are layered with lively citrus. It has lovely concentration, rich flavours and tangy acidity to keep it bright. Excellent length with spice flavours trailing on the finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 13th, 2013

Made primarily from Garganega and rounded out with Trebbiano di Soave (Veronese) and Chardonnay this is a fantastic wine, nicely priced and a great alternative to your everyday white. The aromas are nuts, creamed butter on toast, pear and golden apples with honey and herbal undertones. Lovely concentration in the mouth with plenty of zesty citrus, nuts and caramel. It also boasts a slick texture and mouthwatering finish.
Pair with fish, white meats and starters.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 8th, 2013

This single vineyard Pinot Gris from the Northern tip of New Zealand's South Island releases fragrant pear, honeysuckle, grapefruit peel and guava with hints of spice. The palate is crisp with a good amount of sweetness wrapped in citrus, pear, peach and honey. Fine spice trails with zest on the finish. Very clean and fresh - a wine to pair with spicy crab cakes, fragrant curries or white meat.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 7th, 2013