an old favorite

Good day all. Isn't it a joyous experience to save a bottle of wine for a special occassion - then pull it out for a barbeque?!

There is a little valley in southern BC called the Similkameen (also known as Cawston)and there are a few wineries in that valley. Most of them are small (5000 cases per year max) but what they are doing (IMHO) is Big Big. Do yourself a favor, if you're in Vancouver - take a day trip and drive out to Cawston for some beautiful expression of BC Terroir.

WINE A

clear visual;

• light garnet centre
• pronounced strawberry/brickish rim (indicating age of 5 years+)
• strong legs indicating alcohol 13.5%+

clean nose; moderate++ or full- notes of

• rich terroir... I called it gravel at first, but was corrected by James who said it was more ferrous
• blackberries & deep black cherries
• a deep floral note (I always have a hard time identifying florals)
• leather of French oaking

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

• the ferric notes come through much stronger as gamey, meatiness
• more black fruit (blackberries & black cherries but no plums)
• more of that long leather flavors from the oak
• soft, smooth tannins

moderate body, moderate+ alcohol (it is very smooth for 14.5%), full- structure (this last on the palate in a beautiful way)

Really. This must be one of the best Merlots I've tasted from BC in years. And for the price>? Oh my god - let's be serious - fantastik buy. If you want to get a good idea of Similkameen Terroir - then this is it. Pair this with grilled red meats (no acids) and aged cheddar.

2006 Barcello Canyon, Similkameen Valley (BC) **buy this @ Marquis Wine Cellar @ $22**