Monthly Picks: May '14 - Church and State

For May's monthly picks we offer a showcase of recent Church and State releases. The Black Sage Bench-based winery produces 3 tiers of wines plus random offerings via a 2nd label called "Church Mouse". The new releases this Spring are mostly single varietal red wines from the 2011 vintage from their "Church and State Series" as well as the new vintage of their tasty single-vineyard Chardonnay. Also worth exploring is the still available 2009 Meritage from the winery's premium "Coyote Bowl Series".

To order these wines, order direct from the winery here (discounts are occasionally available) or search-out their wines at your local VQA and BCLDB stores.

Church and State Wines 2011 Merlot - $20
Quite an intense nose for a moderately priced BC Merlot with loads of blackberry and black currant puree aromas and some savoury notes like coffee grinds, spice  and cedar adding depth. The finish, although a tad bitter, is moderately long and offers the distinct taste of Christmas cake in all its spicy-candied fruit glory.
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Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon - $25
Lots to like and pick-out on the nose of this Osoyoos-sourced Caberner Sauvignon with aromas of blackberry, cola, mint, black raspberry and light French oak. Pair with a chocolate plate after a savoury dinner to finish off the night in style.
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Church and State Wines 2011 Cabernet Franc - $25
After 2 hrs of decanting, this youthful Cabernet Franc will begin to reveal sweetened pot-pourri and crushed fresh flower notes which float delicately above the blueberry, black cherry and vanilla aromas.
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Church and State Wines 2012 Gravelbourg Chardonnay - $27
An exploration of texture and of the masculine qualities of the Burgundian grape, with the former enhanced from extended lees contact during élevage, adding fullness to the mouth feel and imparting brioche aromas and flavours.
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Church and State Wines 2009 Coyote Bowl Series Meritage - $35
nother excellent Bordeaux-inspired blend from the Southern Okanagan's hot 2009 vintage. At 5 years of age, the dusty tannins are beginning to mellow and round, yet, the acid and dark fruit core remains youthful and vibrant. Will easily hold for another 5-6 years with proper cellaring, though, its peak will come sooner.
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 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca