Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Oliver/Osoyoos trip begins!!! La Stella up first.

Today, the first entry from our epic trip last weekend through Oliver and Osoyoos. Our main purpose of the trip was to attend the Nota Bene Release Party at Black Hills Winery on Saturday night, and the members-only brunch on Sunday.

We have never been to this area of the Okanagan, so we were eager to get up there and hit as many of the terrific wineries as we could. It was, overall, a fantastic experience. Of course some wines were better than others, but I can't think of one single wine that we sampled that was awful.

Our trip began at La Stella. We have tasted and enjoyed many of their wines in the past, but we were eager to taste the newest releases. Here we go......



La Stella charges a tasting fee but the very friendly girl there (sorry I have forgotten her name) told me it was refunded with purchase, and I expected to buy something so I didn't even make a note of how much it was.

2013 Leggario Un-Oaked Chardonnay $25

We tend to gravitate to big, buttery Chardonnay, which generally means big oak. This one was lovely, though. Notes of apple and citrus on the nose, with well balanced acidity. Tons of minerality and fruit. 85.

2013 Vivace (Pinot Grigio) $25

Some lime and herbs greet your nose, with nice minerality and notes of lime and green apple on the palate. 83.

2013 Lastellina Rosato $21

Very aromatic, and lovely. Cabernet Franc and Merlot merge nicely in this top-quality Rose. Some dark fruits and light notes of herbs on the palate. 86.

2011 Fortissimo $35

A Tuscan blend heavy in Merlot (71%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (22%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Sangiovese (5%). Cherries and raspberries on the palate, with a dusty finish from the Sangiovese. Even at 3 years old, this could age another 4-5 years and improve. 85.

2011 Allegretto (Merlot) $65

Cherries and blueberries on the nose and palate. Ripe tannins suggest that it's still a little young and would benefit from aging for another 5 or more years. 85.

2013 Moscato D'Osoyoos $20 for a 375ml bottle

Inspired by Moscato D'Asti of Piedmont in Italy, this low alcohol light-sparkler is lively, fresh and sweet. A perfect apertif, or to pair with spicy foods, or just enjoy on it's own. 90.





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