Hillside Estate Winery

One of my most enjoyable visits this year was to the Hillside Estate Winery in Naramata. The food was delicious, and the staff were wonderful. Also, the wines were spectacular. I really think HIllside has improved in the past few years, and is certainly worth a taste. Here's what I thought of their wines.

Hillside Estate Pinot Gris 2007: Soapy. A little hot on the palate. Orchard fruit shows nicely. Fruity, but delicate. Finish very peachy, and a little bitter. Good effort. 84 Points.

Hillside Estate Gewurtztraminer 2008: Melon and honeysuckles on the nose. Palate not as rich as the nose would lead me to believe. Nice apple notes on the finish. 84 Points.

Hillside Estate Muscat Ottonel 2008: Beautiful floral noce. Crushed grapes and crisp apple on the palate. Slightly off dry. Absolutely delicious wine, and at an excellent price. 90 Points. Recommended.

Hillside Estate Syrah 2006: Soft with blackberry and raspberry. Peppery palate for this lighter style of syrah. I don't love this wine. It's lacking a certain je ne sais quoi. 82 Points.

Hillside Estate Cabernet Franc 2007: Elegant and spicy noce showing tobacco and dark chocolate. Very expressive. Palate has elegance. Lots of black pepper, cassis, and blackberry on the palate. Delicious wine. Long finish. Excellent. 91 Points. Recommended.

Hillside Estate Merlot 2006: Milk chocolate nose that lacks elegance. Too much oak for me, and a little too in your face. Tons of cherry and chocolate cream on the palate. Too rich for me, but there are people who would certainly enjoy this. Lacking structure. 89 Points.

Hillside Estate Pinotage 2007: I hate Pinotage. I always have. I've never had one I've enjoyed, and unfortunatley this one didn't do anything for me either. Spicy on the nose. Rubbery on the palate. Not my cup of tea at all, but not poorly made either. 80 Points.