WT 101. Sandhill Merlot Okanagan Valley, BC.

WTN: `03 Sandhill Merlot Burrowing Owl Vineyard--VQA Okanagan Valley, BC.

Bottle was opened last night at the Grill, the event being our search for some new wines for the group winelist. Initial impressions are a tad hazy but took home for further investigation!!! I had been looking for this wine since this months theme was announced so feel fortunate to grab this bottle after the hectic evening. 70 wines in 4 hours forumites!!

C. Big deep rich looking cherry colour, pale watery rim. Huge clinging legs.

N. Oak, spice, cherry, black fruits. Seems very complex even after 24 hrs. Has not lost anything overnight I`d say, probably more developed.

P. Think this one will need some time in the cellar. Quite tannic, chocolate, oak, masses of cherry fruit. Very good acidity but balance needs some time to develope. Should check back in a day or two but a great wine for $20.00 Cdn. Believe it is flying off the shelves but that is no surprise as this winery is top notch!!

[Jenise]

Bob, I've liked Sandhill's wines quite a bit. They seem to do a good job with both reds and whites (where many of BC's wineries seem to do one significantly better than the other). Loved their light, dry gewurz a few years ago over a dinner at VJ's in Vancouver.

Yup and the wines seem consistent in quality etc. Unlike some others I could mention!! Am about to post on the Cedar Creek Merlot, winner!!

Oh, just poured another glass as I watch Brazil hammer Japan. More chocolate and now some cigar box. Jenise, have you tried this one? Is there not a high end from these guys?

[Jenise]

as I watch Brazil hammer Japan

Ahh...and did Japan turn around and hammer Brazil? There were Japanese people jumping up and down in the middle of the street as I wound my way around Vancouver today--they definitely weren't upset!

Jenise, "hammer' is an English expression for beating another team soundly!
Brazil won 4-1, enough said!!

[Jenise]

Bob, I speak English and I know exactly what 'hammer' means, but you used the term in present tense. I've watched many a game where a 'hammering' in progress got turned on its ear in the final moments.

Ooops Ok, Jenise, anyhows theres gonna be a hammering tomorrow when England beat up on Equador. Trying to find some more Verdelho tasting notes from some other wineries but have to go. Ready for a musky-deck!!