WTN: '03 Blue Mountain Reserve (British Columbia) Pinot Noir

[David M. Bueker]

A gift from Jenise (thanks!), I opened it to pair with some grilled salmon. Light in color for new world Pinot (in fact the color resembled nothing so much as a Burgundy from Truchot - points for that), and very complex on the nose with plenty of red fruit but also enhancing earthy elements like iron & leather. The flavors are a mirror of the aromatics, and the finish is long and earthy. This is a really delicious Pinot, with at least one foot (maybe both) in the old world traditions. It was very drinkable as well, having only 13% alcohol. Bravo!

[Jenise]

A gift from Jenise (thanks!), I opened it to pair with some grilled salmon. Light in color for new world Pinot (in fact the color resembled nothing so much as a Burgundy from Truchot - points for that), and very complex on the nose with plenty of red fruit but also enhancing earthy elements like iron & leather. The flavors are a mirror of the aromatics, and the finish is long and earthy. This is a really delicious Pinot, with at least one foot (maybe both) in the old world traditions. It was very drinkable as well, having only 13% alcohol. Bravo!

Cool--I forgot I'd sent you that. So glad you liked it (how could you not, though). Those old world elements are really interesting, aren't they? I mean, based on other north American and BC wines you've had, it's just not what you understood was even possible, is it.

So you've had a taste of what B.C. can accomplish given the right winemaker. Blue Mountain also produces excellent Gamay Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Sadly, they are not available in Alberta and the waiting list at the winery for their upper echelon Striped Label bottlings is at least a few years long.

Mike,
Availability even worse than Le Clos Jordanne in Niagara?
Sadly, most of the Canadian wines, you cannot buy it at LCBO stores and you have to be either on their mailing list or you need to knock on the doors of the wineries.
cheers,
Eric

[Jenise]

So you've had a taste of what B.C. can accomplish given the right winemaker. Blue Mountain also produces excellent Gamay Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Sadly, they are not available in Alberta and the waiting list at the winery for their upper echelon Striped Label bottlings is at least a few years long.

Wow, you mean there's one list I actually got onto in time? That's a first.

Wow, you mean there's one list I actually got onto in time? That's a first.

Yup. My wife and I visited last year and they told us the wait would be at least a few years for the Striped Label. I won't complain too much - their regular bottlings are still better than many others.