THE ADVOCATE 529
VOL. 79 PART 4 JULY 2021
MCWATTERS COLLECTION MERITAGE 2017
BC VQA Okanagan Valley #303024 $34–$40.00 (approx.)
This is a traditional Left Bank–style Bordeaux with Cabernet Sauvignon
(fifty per cent), Merlot (thirty-five per cent) and Cabernet Franc (fifteen per
cent). It was aged in small French oak casks for 18 months. The grapes
come from a mix of vineyards in Osoyoos. It is another big wine with a deep
purple-black colour and aromas of brambleberry, plum, black currant, dark
cherry with cocoa powder and vanilla. That same dark fruit and cocoa follows
on the palate, leading to a full, ripe finish. Harry’s notes on the back
label suggest having it with grilled meats, roasts, rich tomato pastas and
especially shared with friends. Wise words. This wine is available online or
in person from the winery, at Save-On-Foods wine sections and in other
VQA and private wine stores such as Everything Wine.
C.C. JENTSCH THE QUEST 2018
BC VQA Okanagan Valley #153993 $18.00 (approx. plus taxes)
Primarily Chardonnay (74.9 per cent), this tank-fermented and aged blend
also contains Viognier (13.3 per cent), Gewürztraminer (10.3 per cent) and
Schoenberger (1.5 per cent). It has vibrant fruit on the nose, and on the
palate are white peach, green apple, lime, pear and lychee mixed with light
floral notes. The finish is soft but with a nice bit of acidity and a creamy texture.
The winery suggests pairing it with seafood or white fish or a chicken
salad and fruit salsa. Works for me. I also suggest fish tacos or pulled pork
carnitas. Find it online or in person at the winery, at Save-On-Foods wine
sections or private wine stores.
C.C. JENTSCH THE CHASE 2019
BC VQA Okanagan Valley #61733 $21.90 (plus taxes)
This is another Bordeaux blend, but Right Bank style, of sixty-two per cent
Merlot, twenty-three per cent Malbec, twelve per cent Cabernet Franc and
three per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and is of medium weight but full of
flavour. There is red cherry, red plum, leather and some herbs with a bit of
smoky oak on the nose. The flavours are the same red cherry and plum, a
bit of ripe strawberry and a hint of green pepper, leading to a medium-long
finish. It is a bright wine ready for drinking now despite its youth. The winery
suggests pizza or pasta or stews. I agree it will pair well with Italian food,
but also suggest roasted summer vegetables (zucchini, peppers, onions, portobello
mushrooms) and bone-in chicken thighs, or a burger. It is available
from the winery online or in person, in Save-On-Foods wine sections and in
VQA and other private wine stores such as Everything Wine or JAK’s.