Generous, chocolaty, approachable.

Poplar Grove's second label, Monster Vineyards are wines that are as easy to drink as they are fun.
The Merlot follows the previous vintage and leads with dark chocolate cherries and plum cake underscored with vanilla, fennel seed, sweet spice and coffee. It's an affable wine, supple, generous and approachable with similar black fruit and mocha layered with oak spice and vanilla. There's just enough fine tannin to sink your teeth into.
Pair it with burgers, pizza, ribs or chili or Camembert cheese.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 6th, 2015

Poplar Grove's second label, Monster Vineyards are wines that are as easy to drink as they are fun.
The Merlot leads with dark chocolate cherries and plumy fruity notes underscored with vanilla, fennel seed and dried herbs, leather weet spice and coffee. It's an affable wine, easy-drinking and approachable with similar black fruit and mocha layered with oak spice and vanilla. There's just enough fine tannin lingering to give it something to sink your teeth into.
Pair it with burgers, pizza, ribs or chili or Camembert cheese.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 13th, 2013

Alluring, supple, complete.

From one of Chile's most awarded producers, this Cabernet has notable posture and offers consistent solid value.
Expect alluring aromas of Black cherries, plum cake, mocha, brown spices, vanilla, bay leaf and pencil shavings The palate is supple and chocolaty with fine, textural tannins and impressive acidity to keep it bright. Concentrated and complete with a long fresh finish.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Canadian Chedder & Chive
 
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 18th, 2018

Sensuous, supple, complete.

From one of Chile's most awarded producers, the family owned Vina Montes winery is located in Colchagua Valley. The east/west situated valley rests in central Chile, south of Santiago. It's been years since I visited the winery and a few since I've tasted one of their wines.
The Wings label symbolizes the two Aurelio Montes (founding, father and his son of the same name) illustrated by the twin wings of Montes' iconic angel. This Carmenere hails from the smaller Apalta region, and Montes' Finca Apalta de estate. This blend of Carmenere and Cabernet Franc (15%) is aged 16 months in new oak (80%) and second use (20%) barrels
Expect a sensuous wine with cherry preserves, blueberry, licorice and molasses, pipe tobacco, roasted red bell pepper and bergamot aromas. The palate echoes the nose with sweet purple fruits, orange peel, tobacco and sweet brown spice flavours. It's a silky and complete wine; delicious, balanced and with good length.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Canadian Chedder & Chive
 
©copyright 2025 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2025

Inky, savoury, potent.
Naramata Bench's distinguished Poplar Grove produces this proprietary blend of Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot, which was harvested from Naramata and Osoyoos, Aged 21 months in French oak before an additional year in bottle, in cellar, prior to release.
Spiced cocoa and black currents,, plums and vanilla, sage, salted licorice, smoked meat and white pepper are expressed on the nose. It's a toasty and savoury wine with loads of black fruit, roasted spice, espresso and cooca. Inky and potent it still boasts the balance of freshness.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 30th, 2020