a Beaujolais by any other name...

Gamay Noir - ah you do smell as sweet! Okay, perhaps the Shakespeare reference should have ended there because, let's face it, Gamey Noir doesn't smell smeet... unless you count the smell of ripe heirloom tomatoes as sweet (which can be argued).

BC is lucky enough to have wonderful terroir for Gamay Noir (Gamay is the varietal used to make Beaujolais Nouveau - but only Gamay from Beaujolais can be called Beaujolais) especially along a little stretch of road called "The Black Sage Bench". Black Sage Bench is also sometimes known as The Golden Mile and lies in the south Okanagan, south of the town of Oliver. a rugged mix of rocky and sandy soils with long, heat infused summers.

WINE A

clear visual;

• moderate cherry or garnet centre
• slight pale cherry/strawberry rim indicating little age
• moderate+ legs indicating alcohol 13%+ (was actually 14%)

clean nose; moderate- intense notes of

• dusty, earthy terroir
• overripe heirloom tomatoes

clean palate; 0 dryness, moderate++ acid, moderate tannin, moderate+ intense flavors of

• cherry or grape tomatoes
• slight copperiness
• young baie rouges, especially red currant

moderate- body, moderate+ alcohol, long long structure

Fresh, crisp acids are balanced by beautifully structured smooth tannins. This wine is drinking perfectly right now! I prefer it on it's own at the start of a meal, or if you must balance the flavors - balance it with a thick slice of brie on fresh baguette... bon appetit!

2008 Gamay Noir, Desert Hills (Black Sage Bench, BC)

**drink this right now @ $20