Okanagan Valley by Joanie Metivier
Mission Hill Winery
Legacy Collection Perpetua 2015
Okanagan Valley, East Osoyoos If your heart is divided between the Chardonnays of Burgundy and those of California, you will be pleased here. Mission hill’s Perpetua showcases the freshness of some Burgundian appellations further north and the texture of big American chardonnays. On the nose, we find notes of ripe pears, almond butter, ginger, vanilla and a very light smokiness. On the palate, it kicks off with a beautiful acidity and a disconcerting freshness. The finish is long, full of complexity and very round. The texture follows a wave starting on a crisp note and ending quite heavy. The alcohol is a bit on the warm side, but it seems to be evolving quickly.
Score : 16.5/20 (93/100)
Mission Hill Winery - Oculus 2013
Okanagan Valley, East Osoyoos Oculus is completely and absolutely opaque in color, almost inky blue. The nose is precursory of a very robust wine. In terms of aromas, think of anything black: Black currant, dark plum, black licorice, juicy black cherries, grinded dark roast coffee and raisins. The structure is tight and robust with very coarse-grained, drying tannins. It’s tasteful and overwhelming at the same time. Good length.
Score : 15.5+/20 (91/100)
Cedar Creek Estate Winery Platinum Block 3 Riesling 2016
Okanagan Valley, Kelowna Block 3 is a German-inspired Riesling made form ungrafted vines. The glass is filled with layers of complex, generous, intense, smells. There’s an ample amount of peach and perfumed flowers, key lime pie and ginger, but also a sweet & salty character. Then comes in a strong wet rock minerality. The palate offers a backbone of acidity and freshness that is well balanced with the residual sugar. The texture is quite unctuous, mouth-filling and almost waxy. The finish is clean, precise and gradually changing with a slow lessening making it tenacious.
Score : 17/20 (94/100)
Cedar Creek Estate Winery Hayne’s creek Viognier 2016
Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos The nose is intense with primary floral aromas joined by star-fruit. However, the wine gets even more intense as we taste it. It’s definitely thick and textured and a warm weight to it. It might not have the refreshing presence of acidity but, instead, the balance is supported by a phenolic presence as well as a touch of tannic character and bitterness. The finale is dropped by the tepid and consistent alcohol.
Score : 15.25/20 (90/100)
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Little pawn chardonnay 2014
OkanaganValley, Black Sage bench Checkmate is definitely an artisanal producer of small volume, but of great quality. The nose is surprisingly floral with mainly elderflowers. We can also smell brioche, green tea and a touch of fennels. In the mouth, there’s a very interesting touch of saffron, how original. This wine presents an incomparable complexity. Each sip reveals a new set of flavors, all more intriguing than the previous one. The finish is rich, creamy, mouth-watering, but overall elegant with a lingering finesse.
Score : 16.5/20 (93/100)
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Merlot End Game 2013 Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos east & Black sage Bench The wine is definitely inky in terms of color and mouth feel. The nose shows great complexity expressing a spicy linear feature as well as savory quality. Red & black fruits combine in a concentrated, elaborate mix. On the palate, a sudden flavor of Balsamic vinegar & smoke takes over the lead. The vibrant acidity balances the tannins and heavy structure. It’s a dense & focused expression that holds on for a residual satisfactory finish.
Score : 15.5+/20 (91/100)