Monday, March 14, 2005

Great Wine at the Hill

As many of you know, when I'm not making wine I volunteer with the local ski patrol at Apex mountain. The skiing wasn't great but the wine was! This weekend featured a mini-wine fest at the hill and about a dozen Okanagan wineries were represented.
A couple worth noting:
Red Rooster 2003 Pinot Noir: This is typical Pinot Noir from the Okanagan Valley. There is a lack of forceful character. The wine is well made but I think the fruit failed to gain complete phenolic maturity. There's lots of fresh strawberry, some red licorice and a hint of spice. The body is a bit lean and the finish was one dimensional. 13/20
Hillside 2003 (?) Cabernet/Merlot : Great balance and fruit expression. The cabernet segments (both Franc and Sauvignon) are restrained and mesh well with the Merlot. There is good blueberry and raspberry in the palate. The nose is full and hints at caramel and oak. The oak is subdued throughout as are the tannins. I'd have to verify the vintage. Good effort and worth buying. 15.5/20

Congratualtions to the mountain staff for putting on a successful event. I look forward to next year.

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