Cannabis firm sues shipper
Check your travel medical
New orca rescue attempt
No bail in Ottawa killings 
Banks must say rebate 
Regulating power prices
Iran fires at attack drones 
World's largest election 
2 detained in Volkov attack 
Apple pulls apps from China
Oil and gas leases restricted
Indigo needs turnaround 
Warriors ready for Round 2
Kalamalka Bowl cancelled
Rockets live to fight on
Hilton teams up with Sia
Swift still 'can't forgive' Kim
Grimes to ‘cap the disarray’
Winter Wine Tasting Notes from the Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, B.C.
By: Helene Scott
The Naramata Bench is home to over 20 wineries and boasts some of the most spectacular views in the Okanagan Valley. Please note that during the winter season many wineries are open, by appointment only, so please call ahead before visiting or shop online at their website.
PERSEUS WINERY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 $18
Pale straw and star bright in colour – this is not close to your typical New Zealand style of Sauvignon Blanc. Nettles, honeysuckle, pineapple and grass aromas follow through on the palate. The crisp acidity and minerality bring refreshment and culminates in an intriguing, lingering aftertaste.
JOIE FARM PTG 2010 $24
PTG stands for ‘Passetoutgrain’ – a classic wine of Burgundy that is a blend of pinot noir and gamay. This wine is juicy, with savoury earth tones and well focused. After whole-bunch fermentation the wine is aged in oak for 10 months. Once bottled, the wine is then aged for a year before release. Plushly textured and flavourful, very approachable and has elegance and finesse.
**** Helene's Pick
LAUGHING STOCK VINEYARDS BLIND TRUST WHITE 2011 $25
You are going to have to trust winemaker David Enns for putting together the best blend for this wine. Rich floral flavours, crisp citrus and tree fruit are enhanced by subtle oak nuances. The three varietals are only unveiled once you remove the capsule on the bottle. Try and guess them before you sneak a peek!!
LAKE BREEZE VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR 2010 $25
This is a soft and approachable Pinot Noir. Bright red raspberry and cherry fruit, anise, warm spice and earthy notes are balanced by a great cherry tang on the palate. A well-crafted wine that is easy to drink now but can also be cellared for a few years.
D'ANGELO ESTATE WINERY SETTE COPPA 2007 $22
A medium to full bodied Bordeaux style blend but it is showing some browning on the colour. The nose is jammy with hints of mint and sage. The palate has plums and raisins with the richness of Christmas pudding. The wine is smooth and silky and ready to drink.