Suckling on BC Wines

James Suckling visited British Columbia and went to the Okanagan area for tasting. His favourable review will appear on his own website and I saw it in one of our papers. the Globe and Mail (I'll save a copy for you Jenise).

Generally quite favourable with a bit of mild criticism of the Bordeaux blends. If you subscribe to his site you can read it there.

[David M. Bueker]

I can imagine the red blends would not be in his wheelhouse.

[Jenise]

James Suckling visited British Columbia and went to the Okanagan area for tasting. His favourable review will appear on his own website and I saw it in one of our papers. the Globe and Mail (I'll save a copy for you Jenise).

Generally quite favourable with a bit of mild criticism of the Bordeaux blends. If you subscribe to his site you can read it there.

I saw elsewhere that he raved about Le Vieux Pin. Not a surprise. (Since they wouldn't have poured him the 21's!)

I saw elsewhere that he raved about Le Vieux Pin. Not a surprise. (Since they wouldn't have poured him - the results will decide whether the rest end up as stewing wine or the 21's!)

Aw crap! Your comment (but thanks for it) made me check my cellar - found that I have a half case of 2021 Violette, their lighter style of syrah. Put a bottle out to try/test tonight. Will decide then whether the rest are destined for the stew pot or to water the garden.

[Jenise]

On my visit when they poured all the 21s, the only red not-21 was the '22 Violette which was, of course, glorious. The others were all egregiously smoke-tainted--and I was a returning customer who made an appt, not just some rando walk-in. I'm afraid you're doomed.

I'm afraid you're doomed.

Will find out tonight. You are probably correct in which case the remainder will go into some smoky chili in the freezer (unless that kills the chile...)

[Jenise]

Just checked CT--four notes, all mention smoke taint. An inexperienced palate might not mind it as much, but you know exactly what a good Violette is and you'll hate it.

Better have a Plan B ready to go.

Opened a bottle last night. Was surprised that the smokiness didn't show much at all, however the wine was a tad lacking in fruit and wasn't as good as the normal Violette. It would probably pass muster with a less critical crowd.

[Jenise]

Not surprised. Smoke not only masks the fruit, some cleaning they'd have inevitably done before crush would dilute it even more. Btw, I'm surprised Rasoul even sold you the wine, that is if you consulted him before purchasing as it seems you usually do.