Something to Smile about.....

As I write this amidst our unseasonably cool and wet weather; the Vancouver Canucks are up 3 games to 2 versus the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup final which has proven to be an all-out battle with both teams fighting tooth and nail for victory;.  But I find myself thinking, “…win or lose, there’s always wine!”.  Wine has many attractive qualities, but one of the most wonderful is its ability to bring a smile to the lips of the imbiber.  Wine can take on such delightful characteristics they just make you happy – like the smell of flowers in spring, or the taste of the season’s first cherries.  So whether you need to lift your spirits, drown your sorrows, or celebrate The Cup, here a few wines to smile about!

Black Widow Estate Winery ‘Oasis’ – an incredible blend by Dick Lancaster from his estate vineyard on the Naramata Bench. A judicious mixture of Pinot Gris, Sylvaner and Gewurztraminer that unloads huge perfumey aromatics and sweet ripe flavours of orchard blossoms, peaches, apricots and melon.  Long and luscious, perfect for summer sunsets.

Arrowleaf Winery ‘Snow Tropics’ – an appropriately named wine from producers who were longtime grape suppliers to Gray Monk.  A cool climate wine made from the Vidal grape that delivers layers of seductive citrus and tropical fruit on the nose, with a slightly off-dry and juicy palate that refreshes and leaves you wanting another glass.

Joie Farm ‘Noble Blend’ – another Naramata knockout, produced by Heidi Noble and Michael Dinn.  The Noble Blend is exactly that, a blend of the classic white grapes of Alsace made in an Edelzwicker style.  Intense aromatics, and rich palate bring forth floral citrus, pink grapefruit, stone fruits and pears. A delicious drinker and a fantastic food partner.

Red Diamond Merlot – it’s a bit of a hidden treasure from Washington State.   A very approachable, fruit-driven wine that offers classic black cherry character with subtle sweet floral spice notes and hints of caramel and candied fruit.  Softly structured, with balanced acidity it’s a perfect drink-anytime picnic red.

So if you’re in need of a smile or just something delicious, give these a try – they promise to deliver a happy grin at the very least!

Enjoy!

Michael Kompass