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Ken's Picks

Quail's Gate Fortified Vintage Foch 2015 17.5% abv Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Tasting Notes: Marechal Foch is a hybrid varietal that does very well in continental climates. It is one of only a handful of wine grapes in which the flesh (as well as the skins) is deep red. The wine cannot be called 'Port' because it is not made in Portugal. Eye: molasses, dark coffee rim. Nose: rum raisin ice cream, black cherry jam, figs. Palate: viscous and unctuous, but not cloying, dried currants, dark raisins, plum reduction, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla extract. Pairs well with Valentine's Day dark chocolate, dried fruits (figs, dried cherries), blue cheese, cigars, contemplation in your favorite leather chair. Drink now, but will age for another 2-3 years and perhaps longer.

Price: $26.99 375 ml.

Ken's Picks

Primus Carmenere 2017 Apalta, Colchagua Valley 14% abv. Chile

Tasting Notes: Carmenere, the grape that was once a staple in French Bordeaux vineyards, has found a new home in Chile, where the climate and geography provide almost ideal conditions for this late ripening sun lover. Eye: semi-opaque, black plum, crimson rim. Nose: cocoa, plum, dried dates, black cherry, black licorice, kirsch. Palate: plums confirmed, dark chocolate, black currants, vanilla, chewy tannins, but not unbalanced. This wine belies the price: lots of stuffing here. Drink now. Probably ageworthy for another 2 - 3 years in good conditions. Pair grilled meats, hard cheeses, sturdy pasta dishes with red sauce, burgers in the summer.

Price: $19.99 750 ml.

Ken's Picks

Quails' Gate Gewurztraminer VQA 2018 13.5% abv Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Tasting Notes: Gewurztraminer roughly translates to 'spicy traminer'; it's a famously aromatic variety, and Quails' Gate has crafted a text book example with the 2018 expression. Eye: pale gold, green hints. Nose: a fruit salad of lychee, white peach, gala apple, and rose petal. Palate: honeysuckle, pear, orange-ginger marmalade, Turkish delight. Enough acidity to hold the fruit accountable. The wine is an excellent foil for Christmas turkey; it can accommodate both white and dark meat, and will handle the tricky sides including cranberry sauce! Drink now. Oh and for those who need to know it's vegan friendly. If you want to know more about vegan friendly wines, read my article on our website. Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones!

Price: $23.49 750 ml.

Ken's Picks

Bender Pinot Noir 2017 13.5% abv Pfalz, Germany

Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir from Germany...say whaaa? And yet here we have a great expression from Andreas Bender, whose reputation is based on meticulous attention to details and a dedication to modern sustainable viticulture and old world vinification. Eye: deep amber, red plum, dark tea. Nose: plums, cinnamon, loam, rose petal, orange rind. Palate: medium body with light grained tannin, red plum, strawberry compote, hints of clove and currant. Fragrant, balanced, with a satisfying depth. If you like Old World Pinot Noir but might not like Old World prices, give this wine a go! Drink now - 2021

Price: $22.99 750 ml.

Ken's Picks

Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2016 13% abv. Valle De Uco, Argentina

Tasting Notes: Torrontes has quickly risen to become Argentina's signature white wine grape. Susana Balbo, famous for her expressive wines, has crafted a version with some serious breeding; unlike most Torrontes, this one has been barrel fermented. She takes it a notch up: classic aromas, then bam! Mineral, edgy palate. Eye: very pale lemon lime, clear edge. Nose: heady: lychee, lemon verbena, gardenia, vanilla. Palate: lithe, firm, roasted plantain, traces of toasted brioche, lime rind. A distinctive wine of good structure. Drink now - 5 years after vintage date. Pair with seafood, poached fowl, soft cheeses.

Price: $27.99 750 ml.

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Ken's Picks

Quail's Gate Fortified Vintage Foch 2015 17.5% abv Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Ken's Picks

Primus Carmenere 2017 Apalta, Colchagua Valley 14% abv. Chile

Ken's Picks

Quails' Gate Gewurztraminer VQA 2018 13.5% abv Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Ken's Picks

Bender Pinot Noir 2017 13.5% abv Pfalz, Germany

Ken's Picks

Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2016 13% abv. Valle De Uco, Argentina

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Staff Picks

Ken's Picks

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Quail's Gate Fortified Vintage Foch 2015 17.5% abv Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Ken's Picks

var mymonth = '2020-01-January'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Primus Carmenere 2017 Apalta, Colchagua Valley 14% abv. Chile

Ken's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-12-December'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Quails' Gate Gewurztraminer VQA 2018 13.5% abv Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Ken's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-11-November'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Bender Pinot Noir 2017 13.5% abv Pfalz, Germany

Ken's Picks

var mymonth = '2019-10-October'; document.write(mymonth.substring(8) + ' ' + mymonth.substring(0,4));

Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2016 13% abv. Valle De Uco, Argentina

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