Valley, and even on most sites in the northern part of the Okanagan Valley. We’ve learned during the past couple of decades that there are only a few places well suited to the noble variety; the Similkameen Valley has been flexing a little muscle with the grape, and the other main region is Nk’Mip Cellars’ desert home in Osoyoos. Even with all of that heat the area enjoys, in 2014 it wasn’t until October 29 that the grapes for this wine could finally be harvested. That timing is precarious, as it’s right around then when winter temperatures and frosts can whoosh in with little notice and do some serious vineyard damage. Harvest too early and your Cab is destined to be green and stemmy. When a winery is on it, though, a special wine can result, and that’s what we have here. Classic Cabernet aromas of currants, cigar box, mocha, and eucalyptus waft out of the glass and then fill the palate, loaded with charm (and maybe a few wedges of toasty gingerbread). The opulent fruit is tamed by 18 months of aging in French oak, which doesn’t overwhelm, instead providing a sturdy pedestal to show it all off. Rich, well balanced, and a nice mix of sweet and savoury: it’s showing well now, yet easily has a good four to six years to evolve into new heights. NK’MIP CELLARS MER’R’IYM MERITAGE 2014 ($53.99, B.C. Li-
quor Stores) Sitting atop the mountain among Bordeaux-inspired local icons like Mission Hill Family Estate’s Oculus and Black Hills Estate Winery’s Nota Bene is Nk’Mip’s Mer’r’iym Meritage. Just to get any distraction out of the way, let’s quickly establish that the proprietary name Mer’r’iym is the Osoyoos Band’s indigenous term for “marriage”, and it’s pronounced “mur’-eem”. Oh, and while we’re here—Meritage rhymes with heritage. So now we know what to call it. Beyond the label is a composition of 55 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot, 10 percent Cabernet Franc, and five percent Malbec, all of them coming together for a multilayered ode to the land. That Cabernet Sauvignon brings dark currants and cocoa, while the Merlot fleshes things out with ripe, round dark-berry fruit, followed by Cabernet Franc’s herbaceous red fruit and the lavish blackberry jam brought by Malbec on the finish. There’s a distinct earthiness, and as I revisit the glass, it’s fairly certain things are pretty wound up at the moment; the wine is just a baby. If you’re pulling the cork anytime soon, do give it a good decanting to unfurl all of those flavours. Otherwise, tuck away a bottle or three and check in on it in two or three years, marvelling at how you thought to nab this gem while it was still available and how such a high-quality, built-for-the-cellar wine set you back just over 50 bucks. -
Think you
know brunch? You don’t know
ig @kpat18
All Day Brunch Saturdays & Sundays
10 am - 5 pm
At Jamjar, the sun shines in different forms
Reservations recommended. (Vegetarians, not so much...)
337 E. Hastings St. (just east of Gore St.) 778-379-4770
meatatdixies.com
2280 Commercial Dr. 604.252.3957 South Granville 1488 W. 11th Ave. 604.733.2211
Now delivering, visit w w w.jam - jar.ca
E XC E P T I O N A L I TA L I A N C U I S I N E
Lunchtime is the perfect chance to check out Bauhaus Restaurant. Daily lunch feature with beverage 22.00. Award-winning contemporary cuisine that delicately balances innovative techniques, fresh flavours, and exceptional service. LUNCH WEEKDAYS
•
DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK
50
%
OFF
Receive 50% off our stunning selection of authentic Italian pasta dishes on Sundays from 5pm to 9pm
Limited time offer. Reservations recommended. Coupon must be presented.
1 WEST CORDOVA STREET / 604 974 1147 •
BAUHAUS - RES TAUR ANT.COM
•
860 BURRARD ST. VANCOUVER • 604.685.7770 Across from the Sutton Place Hotel
COME TO JOIN OUR NEW LOCATION
Authentic Greek Food Extensive Wine & Bar List
1179 COMERCIAL DRIVE. | (604) 428-3050
1179 Comercial Dr Vancouver BC (604) 428-3050
3271 West Broadway 2184 Cornwall Ave Vancouver BC Vancouver BC (778) 379-8424 (604) 677-6767
1215 Thurlow St Vancouver BC (604) 685-6754
10% OFF Valid Only at Commercial Dr Location.
1830 Fir St. Vancouver | 604.736.9559
www.apolloniagreekrestaurant.com CLOSED MONDAYS
Exp. 6/1/17
ORDER ONLINE: http://www.thaibasilvancouver.ca JUNE 15 – 22 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 17