It's nice to see all the snowdisappearing soquickly, which means more enjoyment outdoors. If you're spending time outside in your own backyard, here are a few good wines to enjoy.
SEE YA LATER RANCH
GEWRZTRAMINER 2013 (868067)
BC VQA
$13.99
Like many wineries, the name and label have stories to tell.
The name of the winery -- See Ya Later Ranch -- commemorates the life of the Major Hugh Fraser and one of the first people to settle in Okanagan Falls and planted thefirst grapes on the ranch. He was an interesting local character who enjoyed throwing lavish parties along with hisfavorite four-legged friends.Legend has it that his love for the Okanagan was so great was so great, local legend has it that when his wife arrived from London and saw the rustic surroundings she left both the Valley and a three-word note: "See ya later."
See Ya Later Ranch continues to show respect to Major Hugh and his love of dogs by featuring the image of a little white dog with angel wings on its label. If you have time, I encourage you to visit their website at www.sylranch.com where you'll also see a wide range of dog images.
Located on very steep slopes near Okanagan Falls, See Ya Later Ranch enjoys long,warm sunny days and cool evenings. The soil has good drainage making this location perfect to grow Gewrztraminer grapes. In fact, it is the largest planting in all of North America!
Combine that with an award winning senior winemaker Dave Carson andta da! Even before Dave was old enough to get a driver's license, he was working in the vineyards and was able to measure the acidity of a wine. Dave also worked for Sumac Ridge where he produced a multi-award winning icewine.Not stopping there, he has earned even more awards with SeeYa Later Ranch.
Try this Gewrztraminer and you will want to try it again and again, especially with warmer weather getting closer and closereach day.This wine is off dry and has all of thecharacteristics you would expect to find in a Gewrztraminer. Thelychee and floral notes are apparent while tropical fruits, honey dew melon and citrus finish with acidity balanced by the hint of sweetness.
THE VELVET DEVIL
MERLOT (745299)
USA
$19.99
I am happy to say we finally have Charles Smith's The Velvet Devil Merlot in our store.
When I first met founder and creator Charles Smith at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, I thought he was a rock star. Maybe it was his hair but much to my surprise he is a really down to earth winemaker.Maybe that's because he once managed rockbands and concert tours in Europe. Coincidently his passion for wine began as he wined and dined his way through Europe on concert tours. Smith is testament to the saying "don't judge a book by its cover."
In 2006, he decided to leave the music business and teach himself how to make good quality wine that is true to the varietal and drinkable now.When you look at the big picture over 90% of the wines produced in the world are meant to be drunk now not cellared.He succeeded big time!
Currently, Smith produces five different brands ofwine.Based in eastern Washington State near Walla Walla,Smith is the second largest wine producer in the USA.In total, he has 600 different wineries producing on 31,000 acres of land.
Wine & Spirits magazine recognized his KVintners as"Winery of the Year" and Seattle Magazine chose Smith as 'Winemaker of the Year'.
Like See Ya Later Ranch, The Velvet Devil Merlot has a fun label depicting a devil'sfork or blivetwith thethree cylindrical prongs in black and white.Once you try the first sip of this Merlot you will understand the name on the label.Even though thisred has a pinch of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the overall structure and flavours are so well blended you can't tell them apart.Juicy ripe black cherries, woodsy notesthen onto sweet tobacco are the aromas andflavours combine to create an extremely smooth finish.I recommend enjoying this red on itsown the first time - you'll thank me for it.
SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY
EHRENSFELSER (440016)
BC VQA
$19.95
It's back, Summerhill's Ehrenfelser is back. Each year, I count down the days until the next Ehrensfelser vintage is released. I know it won't last long so I make sure and get one of the first bottles.
Even if it's still a little chilly outside in the evening you can enjoy this wine in front of your fireplace, or save it for the afternoon sun. Either way you need to experience what an Ehrenfelser from Summerhill has to offer.
If you've always wanted to visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the next best thing is a visit to Summerhill's winery in Kelowna. At the winery, you can experience the only other pyramid second in alignment and precision to those in Egypt. This is where Summerhill clarifies its wines.
The Cipes family are proud owners of this "most visited winery" in Canada. Since Stephen Cipes -- a former New York developer -- first visited the Okanagan in 1986. Bells and whistles went off and he knew he had found the perfect location to plant grapes for sparkling wine. He then went to France to attain clones of which he planted back in his vineyard himself, and the rest is history.
A few months ago, I met Stephen and his son Ezra, CEO, at the Vancouver International Wine Festival where I got a sneak peek at the new vintage. That's when I knew it was just what I remembered -- only better.
Summerhill makes 100% organic and vegan friendly wines. They take great pride is letting the true characteristics of varietals come through on their wines rather than chance harming the grapes with herbicides and pesticides which may alter the flavours.
This off dry white wine will give you layer upon layer of flavours. Starting with your first sip the fruit flavours keep coming, peaches, apricots, melons, hints of citrus followed by sweet honey flavours.
