Summer sips for the post-Labour Day crowd

Labour Day looms. So what. We’re determined not to accept summer’s demise. With that in mind, we bring you a potpourri, a veritable melange of un-laborious liquids to help ease you through the ill-labelled end of summer, which those of us who follow these things closely know, continues well into late September. Just ask any Okanagan grape grower.

Crisp, clean whites still have our attention, including:

– Hawthorne Mountain Riesling 2005. Arguably one of the best deals on the market, from Hawthorne Mountain, where the top tier See Ya Later range tends to get all the glory. We like the apple-citrus notes in this zippy little number, which won’t make much of a dent in your wallet at just $13.99 (BCLS). And while you’re at it, you might just want to pluck a bottle of HMV 2005 Chard off the shelves. Buttery and creamy but with good acidity, it’s another tough- to-beat value at just $12.99 (BCLS).

On the other end of the scale:

– See Ya Later Ranch 2005 Chardonnay delivers a rich and complex package of forward, ripe and juicy apple with lively citrus and tropical notes, plenty of leesy structure and toasty oak from 100 per cent barrel fermentation. Think rich seafood, lobster even (T&T Supermarket has good deals on now), for that final summer splurge. $19.99 VQA.

As time goes on, we expect Vincor to focus more on specific varieties from certain vineyards. Hawthorne Mountain’s elevated site seems perfect for Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewurz-so we’re hoping it’s only a matter of time before See Ya Later Ranch follows Quails Gate’s lead with a premium Riesling, though the top tier Gewurz will more likely come under the Sumac Ridge banner. And, by the way, if you’re Okanagan bound for Labour Day, be sure to head up Hawthorne Mountain for one of the best views in the valley, before winding your way through the back roads to Oliver.

The French continue to flex their mussels. Witness the arrival of Lulu B, produced by Louis Bernard, part of French giant Boisset. The cutesy package sports a „jolie demoiselle,“ decked out in de rigeur beret, of course.

– Lulu B Chardonnay 2005. Made from grapes grown in Southwestern France’s Pyranees foothills, there’s no shortage of fruit in this handy screwcap that should tuck nicely into the picnic cooler. Look for clean citrus and gentle toasty notes from partial oak aging. Good value and a tasty drop for $14.90 (BCLS).

When we think California we tend to focus on Napa and Sonoma, often at the expense of Central Coast appellations such as Paso Robles, where long-standing producer J. Lohr has considerable plantings.

Founder Jerry Lohr is one of California’s most dynamic and market savvy producers. He loves to make comparisons between the cachet regions and his Paso sites, some of which he says experience similar climates to both.

– J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2005 (from the Arroyo Seco region in Monterey County) is one tasty, complex drop, with a broad palate of zesty lime and nectarine, underpinned by firm acidity and nicely rounded out with some rich malolactic notes. Think Sockeye or grilled chicken. Arroyo Seco is Spanish for „dry creek“: the vines are grown on what is essentially a dried out riverbed. Hence the name. $22.79 BCLS, also in a half bottle, $12.88.

And now for something completely different_

– Stellaport is made from heritage Stella cherries by Naramata’s Elephant Island Winery. Grown on the estate for several decades, these cherries are prized for their sweet and juicy character, something which owners Miranda and Del Halliday say is missing from more modern varieties. This wine is actually produced „Solera style,“ meaning it’s a combination of five vintages. The result is a pretty luscious, port-styled, though still very cherried, wine-a shoo-in for blue cheese, chocolate or a good cigar. From Liberty Wines, $39.99.

After all that wine, or maybe just mowing the lawn, you’ll need a palate cleanser.

– Gosser is Austria’s most widely consumed beer and it adds up to a perfect summer quencher: lager style with enough hop to keep a serious beer lover happy and decent character. Just over a toonie for a half litre can. Cold Beer and wine stores only.

Correction…

The headline on last week’s column suggested Inniskillin’s tasting room was already open. Completion is in fact scheduled for some time in 2007.

Source: vancourier.com