Balanced, savoury, supple.
The Falernia estate is located in the northernmost viticultural region of Chile, in the Elqui Valley and this wine is made from what has come to be known as Chile's grape - Carmenere.
The 2018 vintage has unusually savoury notes of burnt spice and sausage, roasted green bell peppers and wet saddle, sweaty plums and bruised blackberry, espresso beans on a campfire and tire rubber. The palate, while supple and nicely balanced is similar to the nose with its salty and meaty flavours layered with sunwarmed black fruit, licorice and vanilla. The palate is the key here.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 30th, 2021

Spicy, savoury, balanced.
The Falernia estate is located in the northernmost viticultural region of Chile, in the Elqui Valley and this wine is made from what has come to be known as Chile's grape - Carmenere.
Harvested from sites 1850-2100 feet 60% the grapes for this wine have been partially dried (appassimento style like Amarone) which adds weight and concentration. The wine was then aged 6-8 months in American oak.
Expect a very savoury nose of grilled bell pepper and toasted spice aromas layered with wild berries and tobacco, leather, iodine and bacon fat. The palate leads with sweet expressive fruit then vanilla and licorice, leather and black chocolate. It has spicy undertones and a long balanced finish.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 19th, 2023

Plush, impressive, generous.
The Falernia estate is located in the northernmost viticultural region of Chile, in the Elqui Valley. It is made from what has come to be known as Chile's grape - Carmenere.
The 2015 vintage offers aromas of sweet red berries and juicy plums, vanilla, chocolate, fleur de sel and roasted red bell peppers. It is plush and robust; almost liqueur-like on the palate. Concentrated with a generous character and appealing sweet and salty finish.
Impressive.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 1st, 2017

Muscular, savoury, bold.
The Falernia estate is located in the northernmost viticultural region of Chile, in the Elqui Valley and this wine is made from what has come to be known as Chile's grape - Carmenere.
This 2019 single vineyard Pedriscal has a bold savoury character and aromas of roasted red bell peppers, black currents, toasted brown spices, OXO cubes, smoked paprika, dark chocolate wet soil and coffee. The palate is equally intense and quite muscular with similar smoked paprika, black pepper, coffee and chocolate flavours. Sooty tobacco flavoured tannins grip the palate from start to finish.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 30th, 2022

Supple, savoury, lengthy.
The Falernia estate is located in the northernmost viticultural region of Chile, in the Elqui Valley and this wine is made from what has come to be known as Chile's grape - Carmenere.
This 2020 version suggests savoury aromas of toasted spice and tobacco, roasted red bell pepper and dark chocolate, saddle leather and salted licorice. It's supple and fresh with impressive concentration and flavours of tangy wild berries, cola spices, espresso and black chocolate with notable salty undertones. It is smooth and lengthy with polished tannins.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 1st, 2023

Supple, satisfying, unique.
The Falernia estate is located in the northernmost viticultural region of Chile, in the Elqui Valley and they produce what is my first ever taste of Sangiovese from Chile. Tuscany's red grape shows power here, with smoked strawberry, cedar chips, dried rose petals, tobacco, leather, star anise and vanilla. It has a fleshy fruit, supple weight and flavours to mimic the nose; chalky cocoa tannins line the palate. An interesting wine, pleasing and satisfying.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2020

Approachable, chocolate, currents.
Fetzer is a Californian pioneer in sustainable farming.
This is an approachable red (with new packaging) offering aromas of black cherry, plums, black currents, smoked spice and bittersweet chocolate. Similar coffee, roasted carob, spice and dark fruit line the palate. It is smooth and balanced.
A simple weekday dinner wine for grilled meats, pastas, stews and burgers.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Canadian Chedder & Chive
 
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 19th, 2015

Good value!
Notes of lemon peel and a fruit cup of guava, yellow apples, pineapple and honey with floral undertones. It's a straightforward table white with a slightly creamy texture and flavours of musk, honey, citrus and faint spice. An approachable everyday white for a party or for pairing with white meats, stuffed mushroom caps, almond crusted halibut or appetizers.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2013

Riesling is a love of winemaker Roger Wong's and it is a variety he feels is extremely well suited to the Okanagan Valley.
It's a consistenly delicious style with lime and stonefruit, exotic flowers, chamomile tea and mineral with a layer of beeswax on the nose. The palate is crisp and tangy with fierce acidity and a slick texture. There is a bit more restraint than last vintage but its racy style will have your mouth watering for more.
A wine for pork or turkey, coconut curry, lemon aioli or sushi.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 15th, 2013

This fresh Barbera, from hillside vineyards in the Monferrato and Langhe regions of Piedmont, offers luscious cherry, vanilla, rose petal and sweet spices rounded out with espresso and leather. It's extremely appealing with its juicy fruit, coffee, cocoa and sunbaked earth flavours. It has both power and finesse with enough rustic Italian character to make you think of pairing it with hearty pastas, slow roasted meat dishes and classic Italian cheeses.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 9th, 2013

Grown on hillside vines in Serralunga d'Alba in limestone, marl and sandy soils, this Nebbiolo was aged for one year in French barrique than a second year in larger French oak cask.
The 250-acre Fontanafredda is the largest contiguous wine estate in Langhe, located in the cru of Serralunga d'Alba, is also the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont.
Expect a velvety nose with cherry, old roses and dried strawberry, chocolate covered almond, nutmeg and moist earth. It has a mature but fresh palate that is silky but also has a firm structure. Flavours of strawberry tea, leather and pipe tobacco stand out; the finish is long and fresh.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 6th, 2022

The White Gold is made in the Fort Berens Lillooet winery from Black Sage Bench Chardonnay grapes. It was matured in oak barrels for nine months.
Toasted nuts, honey and browned butter notes swirl around spiced apple sauce. The palate is creamy with spiced butter, toasted oak and citrus.
A bit hollow mid-palate without the concentration, lushness and fruit of the 2010 vintage.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 22nd, 2013

A blend of 47% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc fruit from Harry's McWatter's Sundial Vineyards on the Black Sage Bench (near Oliver in the Okanagan Valley) and Fort Beren's Lillooet estate.
It offers black fruit, bittersweet chocolate, roasted spices, vanilla and leather atop savoury notes. It's a substantial wine with sweet plums, blackberry and vanilla with cocoa and spice trailing on the finish. Very good structure and persistence.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 29th, 2013

Pioneering a new wine region in BC, Fort Berens is located at the base of the Fraser Canyon, near Lillooet.
Their vines are now old enough, that they are able to rely upon making this wine from their estate fruit.
This vintage is a paler cherry blossom pink colour, which I prefer. It's delicate and fragrant with vanilla, rose petals, sweet summer berries and orange blossoms. The palate is tangy and is reminiscent of a bowl of summer fruit spritzed with tangerine oil. Nice job this vintage. There is some backbone here and fine spice and cedar flavours on the finish, but the acidity and lively character will draw you back to your glass again and again.
Pair with a wide range of foods: salmon, a cheese platter, cassoulet, pork, turkey or grilled veggies.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 3rd, 2013

Brilliant, berries, refreshing.
Pioneering a new wine region in BC, Fort Berens is located at the base of the Fraser Canyon, near Lillooet.
The 2013 vintage is a brilliant cran-ruby colour with aromas of sweet cherries, raspberry, candied roses, tart nectarine and pink grapefruit. The palate is tangy; it's a berry bowl highlighted with oil of orange, cedar and fine spice. It has a mere kiss of sweetness, some backbone and a refreshing, lively character
Pair with a wide range of foods: salmon, a cheese platter, cassoulet, white meats, mushroom ravioli or grilled veggies.

©copyright 2014 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 21st, 2014

Ruby, strawberries, tangy.
Pioneering a new wine region in BC, Fort Berens is located at the base of the Fraser Canyon, near Lillooet.
The 2015 vintage is again a brilliant ruby colour, and is made from Pinot Noir (56%) and Merlot from Okanagan fruits and estate Lillooet fruit.
Expect roses and dried strawberries, orange peel and cedar notes with tangy red fruit and kumquats, rounded out with fine spice on the palate. It's a medium-sweet rose that will pair with: salmon, a cheese platter, cassoulet, white meats, spicy noodle dishes, or grilled veggies.

©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 28th, 2016

Seductive, stylish, plush.
Seductive aromas of Bing cherries, black raspberry, licorice, violets, vanilla and tealeaf. The palate shows awesome concentration of fruit alongside spice, tobacco and cocoa. It is a stylish and complex Chianti with impressive length and posture.
Pair:slow roasted meats, tomato-based sauces and aged Italian cheeses.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Parmesan & Rosemary
 
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 7th, 2015

Frescobaldi has over 700 years of winemaking history - that's impressive, even for old world (European) producers.
This wine is consistently fabulous and the 2012 is no different. Expect a ruby red wine with notes of sweet cherry, ouzo, vanilla, pipe tobacco, rose petals, baking spices atop saddle leather. Smooth on the entry with a lovely, juicy yet supple character and flavours of red plums, cherry, spice and tobacco with licorice. Delicious and wonderfully priced with a fine textural component.
Pair: Mediterranean dishes, cured or grilled meats and tomato based sauces.

Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 16th, 2015

Grilling, spicy, supple.

It's been years since I've reviewed the Gnarly Head, a wine named for the gnarled bush (or head pruned) vines typical in older California Zinfandel vineyards.
It seems pretty consistent and the 2018 vintage offers smoked paprika, sour cherries, vanilla, blackberries, cinnamon, clove, star anise and black peppercorns atop mocha and saddle leather.
A supple entry sets the tone for generous flavours of chocolate covered cherries, baking spice, coffee, pipe tobacco and hints of soy sauce. Sweet plush fruit, a silky texture and ripe tannins are all in check.
A Zin to pair with sweet and spicy ribs, chilidogs, pizza or grilled burgers.
Keep an eye out for a chance to win a professional grade Napoleon Barbecue this summer, starting June 15th, in a partnership campaign called Summer Just Got Lit with Gnarly Head and Canadian owned Napoleon Grills.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 30th, 2021

Named for the gnarled bush (or head pruned) vines typical in older California Zinfandel vineyards, this tasty offering leaps out of the glass with sun-ripened raspberry, cherry and blueberry aromas, pepper and baking spices, vanilla and crushed dark floral notes. The palate is sweet and juicy with lovely freshness and plush, mouth-filling fruit and spice flavours. The finish is long and bright. A wine to pair with sweet and spicy ribs, chilidogs, pizza or grilled burgers.

©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 14th, 2012