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 wine is golden in coulour with aromas of creme brulee, pineapple and pear slices layered with vanilla, coconut, clove and lemon. On the palate it leads with vanilla and coffee liqueur, burnt caramel and baking spice. It's not overly creamy and the fresh citrus notes on the tail end give the wine lift.
If you like a little butterscotch in your Chardy, this one will do, nicely.
Think smoked cheeses, sweet cornbread, chicken and pasta in cream sauces.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 14th, 2013

There's Pinot Grigio, then there's Kris Pinot Grigio.
Its recognizable green hand label was designed by Italian artist Riccardo Schweizer (1925-2004).
Expect creamy pears and honey, spring blossoms and pomelo citrus with mineral notes underscored with almond oil. It has a creamy weight and pristine character. Wonderful concentration in the mouth with flavours of pear, honey and marzipan layered with plenty of citrus. Lovely complexity and length.
Best paired with a rustic antipasti platter or with simple Aglio e Olio (pasta with garlic, olive oil and chili flakes) or white meats.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 11th, 2013

The Hess is a crowd-pleaser with its aromas of sweet golden pineapples, vanilla, lemon peel and nuts with toasted oak undertones. The palate is an echo of the aromas - fresh and creamy with tropical fruit, citrus, vanilla caramels and spice. A solid style with an attractive weight that will pair with roasted chicken, creamy corn chowder and creamy pastas.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 11th, 2013

Spiced brown butter, pear and tangerine, lemon balm and candied nuts on the nose translate to a fresh citrusy palate. Expect flavours of spiced nuts, white fruit, citrus and toasted oak with a seam of minerality. Best described as a chic and balanced Chardonnay, nicely weighted, great finesse and clean.
Impressive.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 8th, 2013

Lake Breeze's Seven Poplars Pinot offers fresh berry and red cherry aromas, vanilla, crushed purple flowers and faint earthy/forest floor undertones. The palate is smooth with sweet spice and juicy fruit, cocoa and cedar. Nice acidity here. A delicate style suited to fish and creamy mushroom risotto or creamy cheeses or a classic BLT.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 8th, 2013

If the attractive front label doesn't get you, the back label might.
It explains that the wine is made by winemaker James Foster for Jimmy Stafford, founding member of the band, Train. Partial proceeds from each bottle sold go to support Family Home Inc.
It offers purple fruit and currents, dark chocolate and spice with savoury undertones. A lighter-bodied style with very good freshness on the palate. Flavours of wild berries and chocolate give way to savoury smoked meat and spice.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 6th, 2013

A perfect example of where modern Chardonnay is going - fresh and clean, not bogged down in overly toasted oak and candy flavours.
The aromas here are lemony and lively with plenty of crisp white fruit and minerals. Pear, apple and fine, sweet spice flavours roll across the palate layered with Meyer lemon and underscored with buttery caramel. The finish is long and tangy.
Pair with grilled chicken, white fish or creamy soups or pastas.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 6th, 2013

Such a pretty wine and good value for a Bourgogne. Red cherry and violets, vanilla and exotic spices such as star anise and cinnamon with earthy undertones of leather, forest floor and cedar. The palate is sweet, fresh and juicy with a silky texture. Lovely balance and nice persistence. Great for a special occasion like Valentine's Day or to pair with elegant mushroom dishes, salmon or duck.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 28th, 2013

Another stunning vintage of the Monte del Fra, which hails from Custoza, only 15km from Lake Garda near Verona. It is a very unique blend of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Tocai Friulano, Cortese, Chardonnay-Riesling Italico-Malvasia and Incrocio Manzoni from a 40-year-old vineyard.
It's a mysterious melange of beeswax, citrus, quince and other fragrant white fruit notes layered with honey, exotic spice, hazelnuts and mineral. The palate is textural; slick and sensual with lovely concentration balanced with liveliness. Although not quite as sublime as the 2010 it still maintains complexity, elegance and wonderful persistence.
Pair with: Oysters, sushi, sashimi, white meats and glazed duck
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 25th, 2013

Made from Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino this solid every day white, offers excellent value!
Sweet fruit aromas - a fruitcup of guava, pineapple and orange segments with honey, blossoms, mineral oil, sweet spices and fennel. The palate is fresh, has an attractive weight and nice complexity for the price. Flavours of citrus peel, almond and fine spice roll across the palate and linger.
Pair this white with roast chicken, grilled fish and mildly spicy vegetarian dishes.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 24th, 2013