It's coy label may belie what seriousness is housed inside...
The Alibi is a 80/20 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that has followed in big brother Nota Bene's iconic footsteps. Primary aromas of guava, nectarine and melon with floral accents and undertones of herbs, cut grass and minerals. The palate shows a different side, hints of caramel and toast, spice and citrus zest...very good intensity and a substantial, mouth-watering finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - June 25th, 2009

Interesting cherry lozenge, vanilla and sweet cedar notes with undertones of rainforest floor, carrot tops and toasted oak. It is quite punchy on the palate - bold black cherry and sweet spice flavours are elevated by juicy acidity. This wine is still a teenager, a bit awkward but young and attractive - give it some time in the cellar or decant aggressively.

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 2nd, 2011

Ten or "10" is the vintage specific name for Intrigue's proprietary white blend in 2010.
Made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer and a touch of Muscat Canelli, this fragrant wine offers aromas of honey blossoms, sweet apple cider, lychee, vibrant citrus, peach and grapey aromas. The palate follows suit - nicely weighted with honey and fruitcup flavours of apple, pear and peach. The sweetness on the palate is cleaned up with a snappy, mouth-watering finish.

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - September 9th, 2011

This is a very aromatic bright ruby-hued wine with maraschino cherries, vanilla, blackberry and cocoa with hints of hazelnuts. The palate has a lovely silky texture and layers of red fruit, cedar, cocoa and hints of spice. A very easy drinking Pinot Noir great for weekday dinners.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - December 3rd, 2009

Really great value!
This wine will not dissappoint - a mix of black and red fruit, leather, green olives and chocolate with bold roasted coffee notes and hints of graphite. It is medium-full on the palate - sweet, ripe plum and cherry fruit is layered with chocolate, coffee and spice. It is smooth and toasty with nice complexity and balance and there are fine tannins lingering on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - November 21st, 2010

The grapes for this reserve tier of Chardonnay come from Nk'Mip's 30 year-old Inkameep vineyard. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 10 months.
Aromas of toasted brown spices, cashew butter and grilled pineapple with rich pear compote and vanilla notes. The palate follows suit layering brown butter, citrus and toasted nut flavours. The oak is obvious but it's well balanced, it has bright acidity and a long spiced finish.

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - July 6th, 2011

Crisp and mousse-y with toasted brioche and spiced apples, pear and floral notes. On the palate, minerals, creamy citrus, orchard fruit and a lingering zesty finish makes this BC sparkler one to celebrate!
Pair with shellfish or hot frites with lemon aioli!
©copyright 2007 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - September 23rd, 2007

Pretty in all its pinky/salmony glory this Pinot Noir sparkling with a dosage of icewine will make you smile and ask for more...
Juicy summer berries and apricot aromas with candied pink grapefruit notes. It's off-dry, a result of the icewine dosage with snappy citrus and berry flavours, sweet yet tart and very refreshing - yummy!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 3rd, 2009

Made from their 50-acre estate on the slope of Mt. Prevost in Duncan B.C, Averill Creek wines may be new to those familiar with Okanagan Valley wines, but certainly not to Vancouver Islanders. Their west coast depicted labels offer clues to their current location, but winery owners Andy and Wendy Johnston are former Edmontonians.
This Pinot Grigio is very refreshing - aromas of grapefruit peel, green melon, chalk and a hint of herbs. The palate is citrusy and lively with a slight roundness to take the edge off. Expect flavours of grapefruit, lime and white fruit that linger across a clean finish.
©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 13th, 2011

Made from their 50-acre estate on the slope of Mt. Prevost in Duncan B.C, Averill Creek wines may be new to those familiar with Okanagan Valley wines, but certainly not to Vancouver Islanders. Their west coast depicted labels offer clues to their current location, but winery owners Andy and Wendy Johnston are former Edmontonians.
The Pinot Gris is very different from their pristine Pinot Grigio (besides being fermented and aged in neutral French oak barriques), it is more golden in colour with aromas of toast and wild honey, lees, spice and rainforest floor. Similar toast, citrus, lees and spice flavours echo the aromas, assertive acidity dominates the palate while fruit falls short.
©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 13th, 2011

One of two wines in the inaugural release of Michael Bartier and David Scholefield's collaboration, the White Table Wine is a blend of McIntyre Bluff grown Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Expect aromas of orchard fruits, citrus blossoms and smoky/flinty minerality. Significant lees-stirring was employed to add richness to the palate and it shows in the creamy weight and slightly oily texture, which is balanced with lively acidity. There is some good structure here which will partner nicely with shellfish, creamy pastas and white meat, or really chill it down and simply enjoy.

Mention WineDiva for free delivery on direct purchases from Okanagan Crush Pad
 
©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - November 2nd, 2011

This British Columbia Chardonnay presents very appealing aromas of apple crumble, melon and ripe pear with praline, warm toasty spice and a hint of white pepper. There is plenty of citrus on the palate alongside melon and exotic spice flavours. It is smooth and creamy with lively citrus on the entry but the mid-palate softens before ramping back up into a long vanilla, caramel and spiced finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - July 5th, 2010

Just released!
The third vintage of the Black Hills Viognier is wonderfully fresh. It leads with crisp mineral notes (think fresh mountain stream), lemon and lime and follows up with still-crisp peach, musky honey and apricots with pretty wildflower notes. It has a slick texture with attractive weight and focused citrus, mineral and honey flavours. The finish is tangy and mouthwatering.
Pair with halibut, roast chicken or a thin-crust caramelized onion and soft blue cheese pizza.

©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - September 6th, 2012

From the Wyse family (founders of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery) comes this new label. The back of the label says that the name Calliope is derived from two namesakes: the tiny hummingbird found in southern B.C. and the Greek Muse of Eloquence.
The wine itself is expressive and very tasty - sweet orchard fruit, notably peaches and apricots, spring blossoms and plenty of honey with fresh herbs and a leesy core. Like the nose, the palate is sweet and fresh - stone fruits and pomelo citrus supported by a creamy weight and long mouth-watering finish.
535 cases produced from Similkameen Valley fruit.

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 2nd, 2011

The Mamma Mia Pinot Gris presents obvious aromas of stone fruits, musk melon, wild honey and notes of forest floor/mushroom sometimes found in this Pinot Noir relative. The palate is a fruit-cup in syrup spiked with plenty of clove flavours - it is an undeniably sweet wine with a hint of acidity and a clingy, clove flavoured linger.
I would generally recommend pairing this wine with a spicy curry, but be careful of the 14.4% alcohol - it can make spicy dishes even hotter.
©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 4th, 2011

This Chardonnay is a nice juxtaposition of ripe and tropical balanced by crisp and citrusy. The aromas lean toward tropical fruit, spice and sweet butterscotch, vanilla and just a hint of oak. The palate refelcts more cool-climate fruit - apple pear, sweet spice and exotic citrus. Nicely balanced oak here, accentuates but does not overwhelm. Creamy corn chowder, pastas in cream sauce and smoked cheeses will all pair nicely.
Aged in French and American oak barrels for 8 months.

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 1st, 2011

Another winner, from a winery, which is showing consistent quality.
Aromas of pineapple and melon, browned butter, vanilla, oak spice and orange scented creme brulee. It has a creamy, silky texture and excellent intensity offering buttery, spicy flavours with bright citrus lingering across the finish.
Pair with: smoked cheeses, roast turkey or creamy fettucini alfredo

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - October 21st, 2011

Wonderful Sauvignon Blanc expression - sweet tropical aromas of guava and mango with honey, citrus and a hint of wild flowers and grass. The palate is bright and juicy with tangy citric flavours. There is a certain creaminess on the palate here, it's nicely weighted and mouth-watering.
Very tasty!

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - November 14th, 2011

Fresh and floral, this BC Savvy offers aromas of honey, passionfruit and a fruit-cup of apple, snap peas and nectarine with undertones of mown lawn and sweet herbs. A nicely balanced white with plenty of bright fruit and fresh herbs and mouth-watering acidity followed by a zesty finish.
Recommended pairings: fresh seafood or light appetizers

©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - October 20th, 2011

2010 marks ex Hillebrand and Thirty Bench winemaker, Darryl Brooker's first complete vintage in his new Okanagan home and he's off to a great start with this very satisfying Gris. It's a very fragrant version offering gobs of ripe Bartlett pear, honey, apple blossoms and a hint of vanilla caramels. There is a plush, rounded weight on the palate with impressive fruit concentration and lively acidity to balance.
12% Chardonnay added.
Perfect paired with an Alsatian onion and cheese tart.
©copyright 2011 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - June 29th, 2011