June15TH, 2024-New releases from Noble Ridge (OK Falls) & Bella Wines (Naramata Bench)

June 14, 2024 0:51:22

hello

New releases from Noble Ridge (OK Falls)

& Bella Wines (Naramata Bench)

THE SHOW

Leslie D’Andrea Co-founder of Noble Ridge and Director of Winemaking

Benoit Gauthier (Okanagan Falls)

Timing. It’s all about timing. My request for an interview and their Spring releases. The same day!!

Noble Ridge

Benoit creates and releases wonderful single reds and blends later in the year but right now it’s all about sparkling wines. Glorious Bubbles!

2019 The Pink One (clones 113, 114, 115 and 777)

100% Pinot Noir. 135 cases. 4 hours on skins, 34 months en tourage. Method Traditionale. Toasted nuts and strong berry centre. If you see it – grab it. They’ll go quickly.

Its Some Yummy!

2018 The One 72% Chardonnay 28% Pinot Noir.

Brioche on the nose. Crème Brule on the palate. Makes the biggest smile on my face. 345 cases.

2017 The One Grand Reserve 78% Chard. 22% Pinot Noir

Exceptional flavour, clean acidity, baking spices, honey, apple. All with incredible balance. Citrus and apple together forever. World class wine.

2020 The One 20^th anniversary Sparkling.

Has been called the best bubble yet from Noble Ridge. Frankly, I think everyone has a special bubble here.

Fantastic mouth feel, deep long finish. Very, Very good.

Congratulations on becoming the first Biosphere Certified Winery in Canada.

And thumbs up to Benoit and the winemaking team. To Jim and Leslie – Bravo!!

Father’s Day weekend events at Noble Ridge can be found at www.nobleridge.com

Jay Drysdale – co-founder/winemaker at Bella Wines (Naramata)

Bella – Jay Drysdale Wendy Rose

As it says on their webpage – Bella is a sparkling wine house focused on single vineyard, clonal expressions of Okanagan Valley grapes.

Perhaps the key word there is “focused.” There are no more focused farmers that Jay Drysdale and his love Wendy Rose.

One of Jay’s mantras is “Gamay”, as in – “I need more Gamay”

If you go to the Bella website – www.bellawines.ca you can see that they’ve been busy on The Bench. There is nothing normal about this winery. They push the boundaries of winemaking, which is exactly why wine fans love them.

Spring releases we talk about include :

2023 Muscat Sparkling Wine (Mariani Vineyard) 40 cases of bone dry zero-zero Pet-Nat at 9.9 %. A perfect starting point!

Really liked this wine. You’ll be welcomed by immediate floral notes. Did I mention 9.9%

2022 Bella Sparkling – Blanc de Blancs. Ancestrale Method. 90 cases. 10.6% 100% chardonnay from Bella Estate.

Bella recommends this be cellared for “a few years” as the reward is well worth it. It will become a BC Chablis. If you’re an oyster fan…this one is perfect!!

2020 Bella Reserve Brut (King Family Vineyards) Method Traditional THIS IS SPECIAL. Jay explains that he and Wendy went back into the cellar and pulled out the reserve brut all the way back to 2013.

So…available at Bella the Brut 2013-16-18-19 and 2020. 900 bottles. With notes of pineapple and fresh toast.

Small, busy bubbles. Beautifully crafted.

Note: The King Family vineyard is the one shown in the classic Naramata shot we’ve included on our website.

( King Family Vineyard – Naramata )

As beautiful as it is, it was damaged by the winter freeze. May not see new Brut for a while. We’ll see.

Highly recommended – These are amazing releases. Bubble all the way back to 2013.

Please check the Bella website above for all the details.

And do enjoy the storyteller side of Jay Drysdale. Hi Wendy!!

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Haywire

Garnet Valley – Two Wineries.

Township 7

Solvero

BC Cider Festival

June 8th, 2024- BC Top 50 Wines & releases from Mayhem Wines

June 7, 2024

hello

2024 BC Top 50 Wines and New Releases from Mayhem Wines

THE SHOW

WE HAVE THE WINNERS

The Okanagan Wine Festival has returned with three weeks in Okanagan wine country. There’s simply no better time to visit than June, just before the Summer season kicks into high gear. You can easily find all the details and planning support at www.thewinefestivals.com

The official launch of the 2024 Spring Wine Festival takes place TONIGHT June 7 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre when the

BC Top 50 Wines and the Wine of the Year were announced. Wine fans will then get a chance to taste those winning wines.

We have two of the judges joining us on this weeks Tasting Room Radio.

Two great friends and mentors. I thank them both.

We are posting this feature story exactly as the awards are being announced.

DJ Kearney

In almost two decades in the wine business, DJ has trained over a thousand sommeliers throughout North America, judged and presented around the world, and tasted thousands of wines in pursuit of quality and value.

She has been the Drink Editor for Vancouver Magazine, the Chief Judge for several wine competitions, initiated a Judge Mentorship program in Canada, and contributes to WineAlign.ca. DJ has a special devotion to wines of her home province, and frequently speaks, writes and teaches about the winelands of British Columbia.

DJ is the Wine Director for The Railway Club in Vancouver and a Global wine authority. @djwines

Rhys Pender MW

Rhys Pender MW is a wine educator, freelance wine writer, wine judge, and consultant to the industry. Working in the wine trade since age 14, Rhys’ career has included experience in the vineyard, cellar, wine retail, education and hospitality – providing knowledge in all facets of the business.

In 2010, Rhys became Canada’s youngest Master of Wine (MW) and was awarded the Taransaud Award for best Production of Wine paper. In his downtime, Rhys enjoys dirtying his boots at his vineyard and winery. Little Farm in Cawston. Rhys is also the owner and lead at Wine Plus. @rhyspendermw – littlefarmwinery.ca

Rhys Pender

We had MUCH to talk about. What the Top 50 showed us about the state of BC Wines. Trends. What varietals lead the way and which ones simply didn’t show up.

Also regions that had a good competition. A surprising competition.

Here’s the now released Top 50 list and the Wine of the Year. (NOTE – Meg/Corey -it’s attached but should be here in body)

Terry Meyer Stone – President of Mayhem Wines

Terry Meyer Stone is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. Her brother JAK owns Meyer Family Vineyards

Terry is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. She and her husband Andrew Stone, along with four dogs and one cat, have a 4 acre vineyard on Anarchist Mountain where she works as a farmer growing Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Just when she thought she was going to “semi-retire” from her five year stint as DTC/Wine Club Manager at Tinhorn Creek, her younger brother JAK (Meyer Family Vineyards) convinced her to sell him her Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and start up a new wine label with him.

Mayhem Sneak Peek - My VanCity

Mayhem is the name – Mayhem is the game. When she isn’t busy in every facet of the wine industry, she is at home with Andrew and the dogs, as well as entertaining their children and grandchildren.

Mayhem team

Terry takes us through their Spring releases. Once again, outstanding pricing.

And congratulations to winemaker Ajay Chavan and his team.

2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata) 4 months in 8% seasoned Barriques and 92% stainless steel. Clean. Bright. Acidity. Lemon-Lime notes – ripe fruit – lots of ripe fruit. $20.99 at winery

2023 Rose ( Pheasant Run Kaleden) What a blend., Zweigelt, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec. Beautiful mid-colour Notes of fresh strawberry. Crafted balance with minerality. Nicely bright on the palate. $21.83 at winery

OF NOTE: They made very special Rose Magnums. There are around 15 left. $5 from each mag goes to Breast Cancer Canada

2023 Sparkling Rose in can – perfect for Summer picnics, boating, camping, hiking etc. same clean, crisp rose – merlot driven, Nice small bubbles.

12 pack – $88.32 250 ml can

2023 Pinot Gris (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) Harvested from 21 year old vines. Pineapple – kiwi – Granny Smith apples.

Again, bright and clean with a surprising creamy finish. Bone Dry!

Summer in a glass. Winery price $19.22

2023 Anarchy Pinot Gris (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) It’s the very first vintage of this fabulous wine. whole bunch pressed. 7 months in ceramic balls, 42% stainless steel, 17% neutral Puncheons.

14% ABV. Citrus, tropical fruit, spice, very balanced and complex with a surprising texture. $26.18 at winery.

www.mayhemwines.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Noble Ridge

Hester Creek

Haywire/Garnet Valley/Free Form/Narrative

The Hatch

Clos du Soleil

Bella Wines

June 1st, 2024- OK Spring Festival & Spring releases from Painted Rock & Winemaker’s Cut.

May 31, 2024

hello

OK Spring Festival has started plus Spring releases from Painted Rock & Winemaker’s Cut.

THE SHOW

Kimberly Hundertmark – GM Okanagan Wine Festivals

Kimberly Hundertmark

The Okanagan Wine Festival returns this June with three weeks in wine country. There is no better time to visit BC Wine Country than in June.

Festival of the Grape

Just before the summer season kicks into high gear, The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival will focus on a TASTE and SIPS series of events throughout the Okanagan Valley – from June 2 through the 23.

The official launch of the Spring Wine Festival will take place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, June 7, following the British Columbia Wine Awards where the 2024 BC TOP 50 and the Wine of the Year will be announced. The wines were judged by an hand picked panel of wine experts the previous week, and the BC TOP 50 wines will be making their first public appearance at the BC TOP 50 Grand Tasting.

The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival sees the return of the TASTE Series, which includes carefully curated events in various locations. The TASTE Series will launch with the Naramata Bench Wineries Association on Sunday, June 2, followed by the District Wine Village on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9.

Also new this year are two events in the SIPS Series. Summer Sips at Spirit Ridge Resort and Destination Silver Star – outside in Vernon.

Best of all – Kimberly takes us through all the events, big and small, so there’s something for everyone

All events can be found at www.thewinefestivals.com

John Skinner co-founder Painted Rock Winery (Okanagan Falls)

John was a stockbroker in Vancouver for more than 25 years, during which time he became an avid wine enthusiast. John and his wife Trish dreamed of having their own vineyard after spending time exploring wineries in the South of France with their family. In 2004, they purchased the land in south Penticton known locally as “The Blackhawk.”

Perched high on a bench on the east side of Skaha Lake south of Penticton, backing up against the famed climbing bluffs. Once an apricot farm, it had been fallow for 17 years. He planted in 2005 and 2006 and now has roughly 25 acres under vine, all of it Bordeaux reds or Syrah except for a block of Chardonnay. On the advice of consultants, he has planted multiple clones of every variety, giving his winemaker good blending options.

John was confident that this terroir and its site influences presented “a unique opportunity to create exceptional wines” and that he had “both the opportunity and the obligation to do this property justice.” John and Trish’s vision was and remains to grow exceptional grapes in their estate vineyard to produce ultra-premium wines that reflect the perfect marriage of new world fruit and old world processes, employing the best modern technologies and expertise, while respecting old world traditions.

Best of all, the whole family is involved. This is a very personal life journey for The Skinners.

John brings new information on possible deep freeze damages done to his vineyards and the news is good.

Painted Rock is open for business and pouring very top quality wines, including the two we talk about.

For example there are very few wineries who really attempt to make a rose that stands alone.

The 2023 Painted Rock Rose is a world class blend.

51% Merlot/15% Cabernet Sauvignon/12% Petit Verdot/ 11% Cab Franc/11% Malbec.

A rose completely and fully formed. Delicious and memorable. A real rose.

The second wine John talks about is his 2022 estate grown Skaha Bench Chardonnay.

Very fruit forward. Granny Smith, peaches, vanilla – some spice, Meyer lemon. Long glorious finish.

A blend of four micro-harvests picked over 7 days. 8% aged for 6 months in French Oak. (45 new/55 used) The last 15% in Stainless Steel

There are 3 clones involved. The third is a trade secret. John explains.

We also talked about the future of wine in BC and the status of the wine war between Alberta and BC.

My thanks to The Skinner Family.

Michal Mosny – Co-owner/Winemaker of Winemakers Cut/Q&A Wine

Michal, Terry and Jason

Michal and his wife Martina were involved in the Slovakian wine business. They were regular viewers of a wine show called Hollywood and Vines TV from the travel channel London. Hosted by Jason Priestley and myself. Produced by Chad Oakes in Calgary.

They especially loved the Okanagan stories we did. So much so that they travelled to the Okanagan, checked everything out and then went home and sold everything and moved to Oliver. When they got settled they bought a vineyard at Deadman lake and called their new home Winemakers Cut. The winery became an instant success. Still is.

When we finally met, Michal suggested we celebrate his new life and home by creating a new wine called Q&A. A Bordeaux style red blend and a gorgeous white blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier. Both Jason and I are wildly happy for their success.

Soothing music used from vine to wine | Trends Magazine | Thompson Okanagan

Now comes the Spring releases for Winemakers Cut – and there’s one that will have people talking.

They are:

2023 Rose – perfect for the months ahead

Rosé

200 ml Piccolina Frizzante – watch this little bottle get popular.\

2023 Wild Gruner – outstanding. Cloudy. Watch for The Cat on the front. Michal’s Slovakian roots are showing.

Charmat Fidelia – 85% Sauvignon Blanc 10% late harvest Riesling and 5% muscat canelli. All beautifully balanced.

2021 Merlot Franc Delightful

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Real craft here.

2021 Syrah. – a varietal under the deep freeze gun. Grab what may be the last release.

www.winemakerscut.ca

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Noble Ridge

Haywire/Narrative/Garnett Valley Ranch/Free Form

The Hatch etc

Mayhem

May 25th, 2024- Spring releases from Orofino and Poplar Grove’s 1st Pinot Noir

May 24, 2024 0:48:44

hello

Spring releases from Orofino and Poplar Grove’s 1^st Pinot Noir

THE SHOW

John Weber – co-founder/winemaker Orofino Vineyards (Similkameen)

John Weber

Welcome to our series of specials on BC Spring Wine Releases.

We return to the Similkameen Valley to John & Virginia Weber’s Orofino Vineyards.

Orofino

The whole valley, situated right on the US Border, was caught in 2 winter deep freezes over the last couple of years. Vines and vineyards do not do well in temperatures at -25 below or worse. For the next couple of weeks every farmer, grower and winemaker will be walking the vineyard rows looking for signs of life.

Are the buds breaking? Are the stalks green? Have we lost our vines and grapes?

At the same time, previous great growing seasons have found themselves harvested crushed and cellared in bottles now being released.

It’s good news amid bad.

Orofino is an outstanding, award-winning winery in Cawston. Whatever John and Virginia send to taste and talk about is well worth my time.

This Spring I was delighted to try only two wines. Both were outstanding.

The first was

2023 Rose MagBag. 1.5 L Rose in a terrific carry bag.

Two things! One, it’s great for camping, fishing, hiking, the beach, picnics and backyards.

Two, the rose is the same highly acclaimed rose they’ve been putting in bottles for years. It’s not made with Cab Franc. This rose is made with pinot noir.

It’s just so yummy. They also make a Pinot Gris Mag Bag

$43.30 on their website.

Rosé MagBag 2023

The other Spring release is Orofino 2022 Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling Clone 239. A German clone developed in the 1950s. This Riesling loves the Similkameen Valley.

Hendsbee Vineyard Riesling 2022 Clone 239

Riverstone wet rock, lime, tropical citrus, acidity and minerality. A Silver medal winner at the 2023 All-Canadian Wine Championships. $26.95 at winery. Can cellar to 2033. Bone dry.

FYI – Virginia Weber has created three fabulous guest suites on the property. All surrounded by vines. Wonderfully comfortable. Highly recommended by yours truly.

Virginia Weber

www.orofinovineyards,com

Tony Holler – Co-owner of Poplar Grove Winery (Naramata Bench)

Tony and Barb Holler

Joined by Poplar Grove Asst. Winemaker Dan Marshall, Exec Winemaker Stefan Arnason and Exec Chef Stacy Johnston

June 21^st Poplar Grove releases it’s first-ever Pinot Noir. The 2022 Pinot Noir. An impressive blend of 6 clones that has already won Double Gold at the Great North West Wine Competition and several more awards. (FYI Clones are 091/114/115/667/777/828

Pinot Noir 2022

The vines and fruit survived the deep freeze of 2022, in part due to the “lake effect” at the 13-acre Hudson Vineyard on the Naramata Bench.

Each clone was hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard prior to moving to their Pinot House, a separate winemaking facility specifically designed for Pinot Noir.

Poplar Grove. Naramata Bench

The nose is earthy and ripe red fruit and spice. The palate is round cherry, ripe plum and raspberry. Tannins are such a delight with a mile-long finish. This first Pinot from Poplar Grove has the skill, style, craft and future promise of an instant classic. To the team – well done!!

The wonderful Poplar Grove Exec Chef Stacy Johnston steps in with pairing suggestions. Truly enjoyed talking to everyone involved.

Seek, taste and enjoy!!

www.poplargrove.ca

Stories we are working on:

Painted Rock

Mayhem

The Hatch etc

Winemaker’s Cut

Anthony Buchannan

French Door

Noble Ridge

May 18th 2024-Spring wine releases from the Naramata Bench

May 17, 2024 0:54:08

hello

THE SHOW

Last week we featured Part Two of the Cowichan Spring Wine Releases. 10 interviews in total.

This week, we’re again set up in a very busy room. This time there are even more wineries pouring their Spring releases and all telling the stories that go with each.

This week we reconnect with the wineries of the Naramata Bench.

Like many others in the BC wine community, The Naramata Bench was also hit with heartbreaking losses of their prime vineyards due to a killer Winter deep freeze.

Even as they pour the wines this year, we’re still talking about the growing season last year and how each and all with survive.

The pouring and presenting of Spring wine releases is an annual traditional event. Talking about failed bud breaks, the loss of complete vineyards and the big question – what to do next?

Many changes coming to BC Wine farming.

What to plant? Where to plant? How to survive the crisis?

New Varietals, new Blends and new owners/makers/farmers.

As tough as the next couple of years may be, none of that showed itself in the Spring pour at Vancouver Community College on West Pender.

The Bench is a very tight community. Even though they are all hyper-competitive, when it comes to showcasing their individual wines The Naramations pull together as a team. Impressive, to say the least.

Here are the guests for Part One – talking Spring Wines and Vineyard Survival!!

Colin Ross – President of Bench Wineries (Tightrope)
Tyson Archer – (co-founder) Fox and Archer
Emma Roberts – (GM) Howling Bluff
Bob Ferguson – (co-founder/winemaker) Kettle Valley

Kathy Malone – Hillside Winery

Kathy Malone – (Winemaker) Hillside Winery and Bistro

Marcus

(Marcus Ansems/Daydreamer)

Marcus Ansems – (Winemaker Co-owner) Daydreamer Wines
Richard Da Silva – (Owner-Winemaker) Da Silva Vineyards and Winery
Lyndsay O’Rourke (co-founder/winemaker) Tightrope Winery

Dylan Roche-Roche Wines

Dylan Roche – (co-founder/co-winemaker) Roche Wines
Graham Pierce – (winemaker) Ruby Blue

Rebecca Mikulic

Rebecca Mikulic – Three Sisters Winery

Robert Van Westen

Robert Van Westen – (co-founder/winemaker) Van Westen Vineyards
Lauren Bunckle – (Asst Winemaker) Elephant Island Winery
Wilbert Borren – (co-owner/winemaker) Four Shadows Vineyard and Winery
Will Hardman – (co-founder/winemaker) Deep Roots Winery

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Haywire/OK Crush Pad
The Hatch
Mayhem
Poplar Grove Pinot
Winemakers Cut
Okanagan Spring Wine Fest
Best Coast Distillery

May 11th, 2024- Cowichan Valley Spring Wines & singular Scout Wines

May 10, 2024 0:51:09

hello

Cowichan Valley Spring Wines & singular Scout Wines in Similkameen Valley

THE SHOW

Cowichan Valley Spring Wines in Victoria

Even though they are only a 30 minute drive from each other, the wines from Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley have worked hard to earn the respect of Victoria restaurants, stores and wine fans. The wineries delivered better wines every year that have earned that respect.

These interviews were done several weeks ago, when Cowichan Spring wines were poured for “the trade”. The sales people in stores and the staff in restaurants who can make or break a wine year.

Unlike their farming brothers and sisters in the Okanagan, the wineries of “warmland” didn’t have to deal with the deep freeze of the past two Winters.

Fair to say, there is renewed interest in the Cowichan.

Two wineries purchased by powerful California wine families, new plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Even though we were all there to talk and taste Spring wines, everyone wanted to talk about the state of BC wines and how the farming community can help each other survive..

This weeks guests are

Xavier Bonilla – Cherry Point Wines. The one the only Xavier. www.cherrypointestatewines.com

Xavier Bonilla

Carla Busnardo – Devino Estate. Wine pioneer Joe Busnardo’s family carries on. www.devinowinetours.com

Lorin Inglis – Enrico Winery. Gaining in popularity every year. Platinum Winner. www.enricowinery.com

Lorin Inglis-tdm Enrico

Linda Holford – Rocky Creek. Passionate wines. www.rockycreekwinery.ca

Zac Brown – Alderlea Winery. Swamped by interested trade. www.alderlea.ca

Alderlea Zac & Julie

Sheila Bails – Zanatta Winery. One of the original wineries and a much admired treasure. www.zanatta.ca

www.cowichanwineries.com

www.tourismcowichan.com

www.tourismvancouverisland.com

www.vancouverisland.travel

Scout Vineyard – Similkameen Valley. Aaron Godard/Partner (with wife Carly plus Murray and Maggie Fontaine)

Scout vineyards are completely different from just about everyone.

Their vineyard is not perfectly manicured. Their vines are sharing the hard mineral soil with weeds. The partners are re-thinking the way they farm.

Ecosystem first through regenerative farming.

The Similkameen is their home. , so the way they farm has a direct impact on their families, friends and surrounding community.

(Like most of the wineries in the Okanagan, Scout was also devastated by two freezing Winters. Aaron explains how the Scout team is coping.)

How does all this unique farming show itself in the wines?

We tasted Scout Spring releases

2022 Gew Cab

This was born out of experimentation as a component for their Rosé.

Turns out that Cabernet Sauvignon and Gewurtztraminer are a wonderful match when co-fermented! They were co-fermented in open vats for about 10 days and then pressed off and into neutral barrels, where they sat aging undisturbed for 18 months.

Indigenous yeast, unfined, unfiltered, nothing added or taken away except 25ppm sulphur. This is a light, fragrant red wine. Think spring in a bottle, blossoms, herbs, wild berries. $30.00

NV Rose

Non-vintage (NV) blend of 2021 and 2022. The grapes come from four distinct “appellations”: Naramata, Oliver, Osoyoos, and the Similkameen Valley. Comprised of Cab Sauv, rosé (8 hours on the skins), Cab Sauv and Gewurtztraminer co-ferment, skin contact Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Riesling, on the skins for 7-14 days, and in a variety of vessels (open top vats, qvevri – earthernwear vessels, neutral barrels, and a small amount of stainless steel).

This is a darker rosé. Herbaceous and floral like their previous vintages, but with the addition of the older ’21 vintage, there’s a little more body and texture, and a slight savouriness that has started to develop. Nothing taken or added except 15ppm sulphur. 12.5% alcohol. $29.00. Absolutely nothing like it.

www.scoutvineyard.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Naramata Bench Wineries pour Spring wines.

Mayhem Spring Releases

Same with Painted Rock

And Winemakers Cut.

May 4th, 2024- Spring releases from Clos Du Soleil and Cowichan Wines

May 4, 2024 0:54:26

hello

Spring releases from Clos Du Soleil and Cowichan Wines (Part One)

THE SHOW

Michael Clark Winemaker Clos Du Soleil (Similkameen Valley)

Michael Clark

Its Spring Time in BC Wine Country!! (Just writing the line brings me joy!)

After a Canadian Winter that included freezing temperatures for a second Winter in a row, growers, viticulturists and winemakers in BC are walking the vineyards right now. They’re all looking for bud break and signs that the vines either survived or need replacing. It’s a 2024 Springtime that has brought crisis, major changes AND renewal.

There’s much to talk about in the coming weeks. Almost 30 interviews.

We’ll talk to the winemakers in the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island and Naramata Bench above Penticton.

Everyone has an opinion and Spring wines to talk about.

We start with one of the very best. Michael Clark winemaker at Clos Du Soleil in the Similkameen.

The winemaking vision at CDS is “to treat our grapes gently and with respect, in order to produce complex, age worthy wines that showcase the very best expression of the Similkameen Valley Terroir”.

The hard soils/shales of the valley can break planting machines but when roots are grown down into that same land, the valley can produce sensational wines.

For example, Michael takes us through his Spring releases:

2023 Rose – Pinot Noir grapes grown specifically for this wine in Kaleden. Cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks.

As always, handling was kept to a minimum. No oak. Aromas of ripe fruit, floral notes and what I thought was spice became white pepper.

THIS is a keeper. Find this Rose for your Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Retail $28.90

2022 Chardonnay – Wonderful golden glow in the bottle and glass.

Highly recommend to open and let it breathe for 20 minutes. The rewards are Granny Smith notes, lemon and tropical fruit, floral touch.

2022 Winemaker's Chardonnay

Taste is a magical weave of the above notes, minerality and spice. There’s a delicious oak roundness due to its fermentation in older French puncheons.

From their La Cote Vineyard in Keremeos. Find this beauty.

Retail &29.90

2021 Syrah – Part of the much admired Winemaker’s Series. The Syrah was grown and harvested at Blind Creek Vineyard in downtown Cawston and the 3% Viognier came from their La Cote Vineyard in Keremeos.

Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels – 15% new.

Single Vineyard. Very complex on the palate. With raspberries, ripe dark fruit, blackberries, currants, chocolate and a hint of spice.

Bottled a year ago – today!!

Heads up – limited production. Well worth the seek.

Retail – $39.90

2020 Signature. Clos Du Soleil’s flagship blend. Produced by hand. 16 months in French oak barrels. Only the most complex, elegant barrels were used.

Memorable growing season in 2020. The long hang time shows itself.

So you shouldn’t be surprised by the nose and palate on this complete wine.

Raspberry, blackberry, wood box plus cherry, fig, ripe berries abound. Minerality down the middle and on the finish. Think wet river stones, graphite, pencil and forest floor.

Merlot 34%/Cab 33%/Cab Franc 21%/Malbec 9%/PV 3%

Impressive, passionate and complete winemaking. Congratulations to Michael and the Team.

Retail – $55.90

www.closdusoleil.ca

Cowichan Wineries pour for wine trade in Victoria

A Springtime tradition. The Cowichan Wineries drive in to Victoria to pour for the wine trade. Wine and liquor stores, restaurant wine buyers, Sommeliers, etc.

TechIsland

We had much talk about. Freeze in the Okanagan, helping wine friends who had lost crops, how the spotlight is shining on the Cowichan wineries and new owners/winemakers introducing themselves.

These are the first of a dozen interviews done last week. Each pouring multiple wines.

Mike Nierychlo – co/founder and winemaker at Emandare (celebrating 10 years) www.emandarevineyard.com

Robin and Mike

Dan Wright – winemaker at Unsworth www.unsworthvineyards.com

Dan Wright

Brent Rowland – Winemaker at Averill Creek and Joue www.averillcreek.ca

Tricia Huebner – New owner of Cobble Hill Wines. www.cobblehillwinery.ca

Tricia Huebner

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

The rest of Cowichan Wine Pour

The Naramata Bench Trade Pour in Vancouver.

Mayhem

Pinot from Polar Grove.

April 27th, 2024- Alderlea Spring Releases & 2023 Cider Festival

April 26, 2024 0:57:33

hello

Alderlea Spring Releases & 2023 Cider Festival

Julie Powell and Zac Brown – Co-founders and Co-winemakers of Alderlea Vineyards (Cowichan Valley)

For 6 years now Julie and Zac have been re-imagining their lives. Studying the craft of winemaking, and farming techniques and releasing better and better wines.

They are blessed to be working with the outstanding vineyards of former owner/winemaker Roger Dosman. Roger was a leader in commercial Blattner releases but more importantly, committed himself and his vineyards to Pinot Noir. Well ahead of most of BC vineyards.

The Spring Releases from Alderlea this year include

Julie and Zac

2023 Pinot Gris – At first glance it reads as a Rose but it’s more copper coloured.

Aromas of ripe peaches lead to flavours of citrus, ripe mango and melon.

And a mouthfeel that tops it all off. Get your hands on this winner.

Zac explains the old-world winemaking process that makes it such a stand-out.

Like all of their wines, this exciting Pinot Gris is sustainably farmed, organically fertilized and grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides.

All Alderlea wines are Vegan. Julie has all the prices in the interview.

2023 Bacchus

These vines are old and gnarly. They should be, they’re starting their fourth decade. This close relative of the Riesling, it’s one of the oldest plantings in the Cowichan Valley.

Floral and citrus aromas followed by flavours of apricot and ripe South Pacific fruit. A welcomed sipper but also works with Asian dishes and seafood.

No oak program for any of the Alderlea whites.

2023 Valerie

Named after Julie’s late Mother. It was the first wine that Julie made as principal winemaker.

It’s a blend of 80% Cowichan Ortega & 20% Alderlea grown Viognier. Apricots, green pear and orange on the nose and palate.

The blend is spirited and elegant with memorable poise, much like her Mother. Available at the winery only.

The Valerie won a Gold Medal at the 2023 All-Canadian wine championships.

The 2020 Won Double Gold in 2021

Silver in 2019

Silver in 2018

I repeat – these were the first wines Julie has made.

2023 Sauvignon Blanc

A rare varietal in The Cowichan. I think Julie says one of only 3 vineyards growing it on Vancouver Island. Theirs is the largest planting of Cowichan Sauvignon Blanc, some planted in 2018.

Aromas of grasslands and citrus with flavours of Granny Smith apples and Nectarine. This is your seafood, oyster, and scallops wine for the season.

Paired with Halibut, the wine is such a delight and a consistent medal winner at All Canadian Wine Championships.

Two separate Pinot Noirs are arriving this Fall. I have both but I will lay them down for a couple of months. Still young. However, I will let you know how the tasting goes. Both could be a game changer for Alderlea and the Cowichan.

Wine tasting by appointment, they’re very busy growing and making wines. It is well worth the visit.

www.alderlea.ca

2023 BC Cider Festival – Pipe Shop North Vancouver

After being shut down for several years of lockdown, The 5^th annual BC Cider Fest has just been announced. June 16^th. Again at the Pipe Shop foot of Lonsdale, North Vancouver.

It’s grown every year as has the cider industry.

Driven by passionate, colourful cidermakers. It’s quite a community.

To give you an idea of how engaging these people are, we’re repeating four interviews from the 20 we did the last time they gathered.

Shawn and Kelly Piso – co-founders of Cider Fest

Gretta Lattey – Salt Spring Cider. Very popular.

Bruce McKinlay – Valley Cider. Duncan. Funny and wildly creative cidermaker.

Mathew Vaslev – Twin Island Cider. Most popular cider winner at last festival.

@bcciderfest

www.bcciderfest.ca

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Spring Wine Releases

Orofino

Scout Vineyard

Poplar Grove – new Pinot Noir

Clos du Soleil

The wineries of Naramata Bench

Anthony Buchannan

Painted Rock

Mayhem/Meyers

April 20th, 2024- It’s a Spring Thing – Okanagan Spring Fest & Enrico Cowichan Spring Wines

April 19, 2024 0:40:53

hello

It’s a Spring Thing – Okanagan Spring Fest & Enrico Cowichan Spring Wines

THE SHOW

Kimberly Hundertmark – GM Okanagan Wine Festivals

Kimberley Hundertmark

FINALLY. The days are noticeably longer and warmer.

Spring is right around the corner.

For farmers and wineries, it’s the time for serious soil and vine preparation.

Unfortunately this year, Okanagan wineries are dealing with deep freeze damage throughout the valley. Some estimates at 97% crop loss.

Whole regions may have to be replanted.

Everyone is awaiting bud break, when the land tells them what the future looks like.

In the very middle of all this is Kimberly Hundertmark, the GM of the Okanagan Wine Festivals.

Kimberly and her team have been organizing the 2024 Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. It’s jammed with events, celebrations at a full speed ahead pace.

Wine fans will have an amazing choice of events to consider. The celebration comes from the realization that these small farms and winemakers got knocked down but they just picked themselves up and started again. They’re used to nature messing with their plans.

Kimberly takes us through a state of the valley update and then runs down some of the highlights of this years Festival.

www.thewinefestivals.com

Loren Inglis – GM Enrico Winery

If you choose to drive up or down Vancouver Island you have a choice.

The four lane freeway that gets you places , sometimes as fast as 110 km an hour. However, for many of us, the original coast highway is still found on any map and is sooo much nicer to drive and see and find the wonderful surprises along the way.

Farm gate stalls featuring home baking, spectacular eggs, fresh vegetables and fruit. Hand made crafts . Fanny Bay Oysters, craft beers, distilleries.

Then around a corner you see a gorgeous vineyard South of Duncan. Between Cobble Hill and Mill Bay.

The home of Enrico Winery. One of a dozen Cowichan Valley Wineries.

The first Vancouver Island winery to win a Platinum Award at the annual Lt. Governors Wine Awards.

The charming General Manager is Lorin Inglis. He’s also the President of the Cowichan Wineries Society, who organize the annual Cowichan Wine Festival.

Lorin and I will talk about Enrico Spring Releases and the plan for this years Cowichan Wine Festival – the whole month of August.

TDM and Lorin Ingles

A new Rose – made from Cabernet Libre! A first.

A standby from years past – Cabernet Foch is back. When it’s grown right, harvested at its prime and cellared creatively Foch can shine.

Also another standby, the award winning – Tempest Ortega will be available soon.

It’s a Spring Thing – Okanagan Spring Fest & Enrico Cowichan Spring Wines

And two sparkling wines in cans. Both of which will be a sold out hit!

Revelation Pinot Noir Charme de L’ile 2022 Sparkling Rose (250 ml can) Simply wonderful.

Celebration Pinot Gris Charme De L’ile 2022 Sparkling Wine (250 ml can)

www.enricowinery.com

www.cowichanwineries.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Spring Releases….

Painted Rock

Clos du Soleil

Orofino

Anthony Buchannan

French Door

Naramata Bench Vancouver Pour

April 13th, 2024-2024 Spring Releases from Hillside Estate Winery and Bartier Bros

April 13, 2024

hello

2024 Spring Releases from Hillside Estate Winery and Bartier Bros

THE SHOW

It’s a very busy time in the BC wine world.

Firstly, April is BC Wine Month. Vineyards are being examined to see what the deep freeze damage was and plans are being made to replant vineyards lost. Perhaps with entirely new varietals. Our second guest, Okanagan wine veteran Michael Bartier reveals his plan to replace the 17 vineyards he lost to the freeze.

To quote Michael “ I’ve stopped grieving”. (more on Michael shortly)

Kathy Malone – Winemaker at Hillside Vineyard and winery/Exec Chef Evan Robertson Hillside Bistro (Naramata)

(Kathy Malone – Winemaker/Hillside Winery)

We start with Kathy Malone, Winemaker at Hillside Estate Winery Naramata Bench. Hillside was the third winery on The Bench so those vines have found their place in the deep soils. Hillside staff are celebrating their 40^th anniversary!

Hillside Winery – Scout Magazine

(Hillside Winery – Naramata Bench)

Kathy is joined by Hillside Bistro Executive Chef Evan Robertson. Chef pairs his new Spring menu with the wines we taste and talk about. Such as:

2022 Heritage Muscat Ottonel – The Heritage series is dedicated to their history and the land, showing all the flavours and styles of the Naramata Bench. The graceful and thoroughly pleasing Ottonel never fails to surprise and find new fans. $26

2022 Heritage Pinot Gris. Only the best vineyard blocks are selected. Fermented in Tokay Hungarian Oak. 5 months of lees stirring. The wine and barrels are a perfect match. A top shelf white. Citrus notes, tropical fruit on the nose – full bodied due to 71% barrel fermentation. $35

2023 Un-oaked Pinot Gris. White peach , granny smith and melon. Beautiful clean finish. A blend of four vineyards, all from Naramata Bench. $25

2022 Heritage Viognier. The 2021 won an exclusive Platinum Award from Lt. Governors awards. The 2022 was a much cooler growing season. They created layers of texture with 24% fermentation in French Oak and time on lees in a concrete jarred. This is fine winemaking. Find this one. $28

2020 Gamay Founders Block. Thanks to founder Vera Klokocka. She ignored the advice given 40 years ago and hedged her bets by using “own roots” vines. That alone protects the vineyard from cold but today allows Hillside to regrow vines from the roots up. The roots seem to be able to take the deep freeze of past years.

This Gamay is from the oldest Gamay vineyards in Canada. “cru” style Gamay spent 8 months in French Oak – one third new. $45

2021 Heritage Syrah. Syrah took a big hit these past two winters. Hillside still doesn’t know if they survived. The warm 2021 season created one of the best vintages from this block in years. From the Hidden Valley Vineyard. Planted in 2007, the year Tasting Room Radio started. Syrah fans will love this release. $36

2017 Mosaic The flagship wine of Hillside. The 2017 blend is 33% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot. Finished in 43% New French oak. Gloriously good. $70

www.hillsidewinery.ca

Michael Bartier – co-founder of Bartier Bros Vineyard and Winery. (Black Sage/Osoyoos)

(The Bartier Bros – Don & Michael)

Michael has become one of BC’s wine leaders. Working his winemaking way through Hawthorne Mountain, Road 13, Township 7, Okanagan Crush Pad, Michael now has his own vineyards and winery. Yes, there is another brother – Calgary based Don.

Michael also consults many other vineyards.

Over the 17 years of Tasting Room Radio, Michael has become a mentor to me and the audiences through our interviews.

I was looking forward to talking to Michael about his 2024 Spring releases but also wanted his opinions on “the freeze damage” of the past two winters.

He’s lost 17 vineyards. Seventeen!

In this interview he admits “I stopped grieving”. I also wanted to hear his comments on the current Alberta/BC wine war.

Michael and I tasted and talked about these 2024 Spring releases….

2022 Riesling To quote John Schreiner “Every wine Michael creates is meant to showcase the purity of the fruit.” This is a beautiful wine. Outstanding nose and palate. Intense, crisp, stays complete through the finish. $22

2023 Rose. All day. Every day. Perfect wine for the season ahead and then some $19

2023 Sauvignon Blanc From the Members Club. Wonderful blend of citrus and tropical flavours. A favourite $25

2022 Pinot Noir Also from the members club $40 Rich and ripe dark fruit with a whiff of dill on the nose. Well constructed tannins with scenes of a balance of fruit and minerality and a long delicious third act. Bravo!

2021 Granite A brand new red blend. 53% Syrah. 32% Merlot. 12% Cab Franc 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. From vineyards in Cawston, Golden Mile and Black Sage Terrace. 19 months in neutral French Oak before blending and bottling. 14.5 Alc. $29.99

Piquette Rose – 4X355 ml Cans. Delicious. Perfect summer fun. Originally the wine workers drink. Made much better these days.

Piquette White – 4X355ml Cans. Easy to drink. Perfect for camping and backyard. Both $15.99

www.bartierbros.com

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

French Door

Anthony Buchannan

Painted Rock

Orofino