WTN: Prime Time

[Jenise]

With prime rib at my brother's house:


2021 Orofino Vineyards Beleza Similkameen Valley (BC) Red Bordeaux Blend
A blend of CS, Mer, CF and PV in that order. Bright and balanced, gaining weight in the glass but staying clean. Perfect accompaniament to prime rib. Ready to go now but should cellar nicely over the next five years.

Very sorry this is my only bottle.


2020 Force Majeure Parabellum Alluvio Bordeaux Blend Red Mountain Red Bordeaux Blend
Identical blend to the Orofino, almost to the single percent. This is a rich, weighty wine dominated by black fruit and noticeable oak. No smoke taint although this was a fire year. First taste was impressive, especially with the meat but one glass was enough and I went back to the Orofino.

Not at all sorry this was my only bottle.

You win some, you lose some! The 2021 vintage was tough in BC with the heat dome, but I'm glad to hear the Orofino red was relatively unaffected.

[Jenise]

John, I bought that at the winery. Pretty sure the told me that Smilkaneen wasn't affected like the Okanagan--the smoke stayed Over There.

But it was interesting how different the same grapes can be. A lot of people I know would have preferred the Parabellum just because big and rich impresses. Once upon a time I might have too, but not anymore. And I know you're in the same boat.