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Van McGowan

Van McGowan

Mystic River

Wild Goose Vineyards Mystic River Pinot Blanc 2011

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada
3894 days ago

Van scored this wine: 94/100

Loads of ripe cantaloupe, apricot and melon aromas. Barrel fermentation gives this gem hints of butterscotch on the finish. 2012 nets the 8th Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence. Available through winery direct, website or select private liquor stores.

Thornhaven Gewurztraminer 2012

Okanagan Valley, Canada
3851 days ago

Van scored this wine: 93/100

Bronze at Taste BC 2014, Silver at National Wine Awards 2013 and Gold at The All Canadian Wine Championships 2013. A spicy wine with tropical flavors of citrus, peach and honey. A great wine to serve with spicy Asian foods.

Kettle Valley Winery, Ltd. Old Main Red 2009

Naramata, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada
3855 days ago

Van scored this wine: 92/100

This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Grown primarily in the "Old Main" vineyard with Petit Verdot and Malbec grown in the "King Drive" vineyard. Aged in French oak for 22 months prior to bottling. This is the wineries take on a Bordeaux-style blend. At the 2013 35th Annual International Wine Festival this was one of the Wine Picks. Rich juicy blackberry, plum and cassis followed by vanilla. This wine finishes with a good grip of tannin. This wine will age well. Enjoy!

Clos du Soleil Growers Series Pinot Blanc 2012

South Similkameem Valley, Canada
3888 days ago

Van scored this wine: 92/100

This wine has been called The Best Pinot Blanc and for good reason. Notes of pear, apricot and yellow apples with a finish of honey. It has vibrant acidity & a creamy edge. Lovely concentration with a crisp lengthy finish.

Piano Brut

Stoneboat Vineyards Piano Brut

Oliver, British Columbia V.Q.A., Canada
3884 days ago

Van scored this wine: 92/100

Piano Brut was vinified in Stainless Steel in the Charmat Method. It yields a fragrant and delicate floral bouquet of light peach and nectarine. On the palate you get white peaches and lime. A must have for any special occasion.

Van McGowan

Memorable Wine

Foxtrot 2009 Chardonnay

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First Wine

Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay

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Current Fav Wine

Viognier and Pinot Blanc

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award