Tag Archives: VQA

Can’t spell, but make nice wine

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It’s a second label for Laughing Stock Vineyards, that was purchased by Arterra Wines Canada in 2017.

One of the first wineries on the Naramata Bench, Laughing Stock was founded in 2003 by David and Cynthia Enns. The couple, who worked in financial services in Vancouver, produced 500 cases of a red blend called Portfolio, which quickly became one of the Okanagan’s most coveted labels. At the time, Cynthia explained the winery name showed an effort to mix a “serious enterprise with a light-hearted attitude.”


This medium bodied wine offers excellent balance and a slight sweetness on the finish. Aged in 100% stainless steel.
100% sourced from Thomas Ranch Vineyards slopes located on the east side of the valley provides the perfect late afternoon sun exposure. 

The funky and catchy name makes it easy to remember that you should pick up a bottle.  We heartily enjoy our’s.

IMBZZL – DOUBLE CROSS PINOT GRIS

$19.99

13.9% alcohol

UPC: 00063657043172

The other guy’s

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Lunch at F F Farms (2 or 1) is always a delight and a treat.  Not only because nonsense is understood, discussed and respected, but because it’s an opportunity to plot future shenanigans.


Himself had to exercise extreme patience  (and ingenuity) extracting a very reluctant dry cork from a bottle of 1997 Burrowing Owl Merlot.  A most enjoyable imbibe.  Old style, classic offering.  If it were a blind taste test, I would have said it came from the Land of Oz or South Africa, not the BC Interior. If I hadn’t have had to be chauffeur, I would have shown true appreciation for the wine by helped him drain the entire bottle.  Vastly different to the current very fruit forward variety from the Vineyard on the Hill.


Food – it was the best home made Tomato soup we’ve ever had!  Followed by salada and a wonderful seafood crepe and then … and then … an assortment of cheesecakes.  And then, .. plotting future escapades in front of the fire in the sitting room.


To celebrate their 54 years of being His Lord and and Her Ladyship – we brought chocolates.  Not His. Not Mine.  The other Guys (Purdy’s).

View from the top of Burrowing Owl Winery in 2006

Lonely, but loved

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There isn’t a lot of Gamay grown in BC, but it is one of the most popular grapes around the world – often grown to be part of a blend.


We are starting off Mystery Case #15 with this VQA red from the Middle Bench, near Keremeos.  They have been organic farming their Robin Ridge vineyard since 1997.


Reviewers say “red licorices” flavours.  …fellow imbiber asks “What about gummy bears flavours?”


Treehouse homemade Chilli the first night and prune/fig stuffed pork tenderloin the second night.  All went down well with this elegant and crisp Gamay made from organic grapes, estate grown.  There is an easy and very well balanced finish.

We will have to watch out for others in their repertoire.


ROBIN RIDGE – GAMAY ORGANIC 2020

$23.99

14% Alcohol

UPC: 00626990155027

Talkin ’bout OUR Gurlz

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The Reviews are in:

Brazen!

Unabashed!

Wild!

Ravishing!

Complex but not complicated!

Of course they are!

Oh … are we supposed to be talking about wine?  


This VQA Rosé is dry-to-off-dry, medium bodied with medium acidity and just a touch of drying tannins. Smooth palate and a uncomplicated finish.


50% Merlot, 29% Syrah and 21% Pinot Noir.


It will work with just about anything (so will our Gurlz).  

Better bring more than a couple of bottles because it’s perfect for sitting on the patio listening to Gurlz adventures.

GROW WILD – RAVISHING ROSE 2020

$16.99

12% Alcohol

UPC: 00776545600776

Balanced between North and South

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North-South Organic.  South Okanagan delivers rich and round.  North yields fresh.  From the Winery’s Simes Vineyard -2019 delivers a great balance and flavour with a distinctive character.  There is nice acidity – better than in previous years – which makes it a little more balanced.

Everything or Nothing – pick your pairing. This will be most enjoyable on a hot West Coast Summer’s day.

Cedar Creek 2019 Pinot Gris

$18.99

13.4 % Alcohol