Morning Bay Barrel Party

We were pleased to attend a private wine-tasting with Morning Bay Vineyard & Estate Winery. Keith and Barbara Watt hosted a pleasant late afternoon event, bringing along Hills Foods Ltd. for some samples of delicious hors d'oeuvres to complement their wines.

My Morning Bay favourites include the 2005 Merlot – Osoyoos Bench. This wine has some "oomph" to it for a Merlot, with a hint of tannins and a long finish. With some bottle age, this Merlot will be fabulous.

The 2005 Reserve Merlot – Inkameep Vineyards had a strawberry essence and was less tannic. I thought it was quite jammy, and also very pleasing.

I would also recommend the 2004 Cabernet Shiraz – Black Sage Bench. Kudos to Keith for experimenting a bit with the varietals! Another grand red, with some spice to it.

I am really looking forward to what the 2008 season holds for this BC winery. The barrel party was a fun occasion to kick off Spring, and an intimate sneak-peak of the Morning Bay products.