Our fifth and final stop was at Kanazawa Wines.
This place seemed right up our alley; run by one Japanese guy, slightly hidden and off the radar. You have to drive in a bit to find it.
We dropped in on a Friday (around 4:45pm). We were the last customers of the day. The inside is small but quaint and homey.
Our pourer, Rich, is also the winemaker and he’s hilarious; a no bs, tells it like it is type of individual. We found out he used to be the head winemaker at Red Rooster and Blasted Church before he branched off to do his own thing. Not sure if there is a tasting fee; he let us try all four of his offerings.
Unexpectedly, he gave us the remains of his numo and sakura rose bottles before we left. He was closing up shop for the weekend so I guess we lucked out!
Bottle prices are in the $18.14 to $29.99 range. Sadly, he was sold out of the 2013 ronin (a blend of merlot/cab franc/cab sauv and petit verdot).
2015 Numo
This was my favourite of the four we tried. A blend of viognier, semillon and orange muscat. Smooth and extremely quaffable. We bought a bottle ($19.98).
2018 Sakura rose
This is left on the skins for four days. Flavour profile is closer to a pinot noir but delightful. We also bought a bottle ($18.14).
2014 Merlot
Not your typical merlot; much smoother and less dry.
2016 Raku
A blend of syrah and viognier mix. B hasn’t seen this mix before. Enjoyable but it needed some time to breath/open up.
Kanazawa should be a must on your wine itinerary. All of his wines tasted different and stood out compared to the competition. Already recommended it to my sister!
Kanazawa Wines
https://www.facebook.com/KanazawaWines/
1465 McMillan Avenue
Penticton, BC
(250) 486-7424
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 