Andrew Raines – Decanted – Wine Education and Reviews

Stratus 2016 Semillon BA – 90 points

Stratus 2016 Semillon BA A very nice sweet wine from Stratus Vineyards. Located in the Niagara Lakeshore region, their Botrytis Semillon has been absent for the last few years, and the 2016 marks only the third time it has been made. It is aromatically rich and boasts aromas of orange marmalade, honey, ripe cantaloupe and … Read more Stratus 2016 Semillon BA – 90 points

Tasting Notes

We have decided to use the 100-point scoring system for our wine reviews at Andrew Raines – Decanted. You will find comprehensive tasting notes and additional information included for all reviews. The ratings are as follows: 98-100: Exceptional – A wonderful, incredibly complex and memorable wine. 95-97: Outstanding – An excellent wine of great complexity … Read more Tasting Notes

Culmina Unicus Gruner Veltliner 2017 – 91 points

A rare find in the Okanagan Valley, Culmina’s 100% Gruner Veltliner is an excellent example of this varietal. You’ll find all the aromas you’d expect from an Austrian Gruner in this version from the Margaret’s Bench vineyard. Full flavor ripeness showcases pronounced grapefruit, lemon zest, white pepper and a decent amount of herbaceous aromas paired … Read more Culmina Unicus Gruner Veltliner 2017 – 91 points

About

Andrew Raines is a wine educator, speaker, and consultant based in British Columbia, Canada. Known for his interactive and engaging style of educating, Andrew has led hundreds of events for consumers and customers in both North America and the United Kingdom. He is currently in the midst of obtaining his WSET Level 4 Diploma, but … Read more About

Education

“A person with increasing knowledge and sensory education may derive infinite enjoyment from wine.” – Ernest Hemingway Wine is not a serious subject. It’s point is to give pleasure and be enjoyed as one of life’s great indulgences. To enjoy wine, all you need is a nose and a bottle of fermented grapes. That being … Read more Education

Services

Whether you want to create a memorable corporate event or give your dinner party some extra excitement, tastings and wine education are always a guaranteed hit! With numerous tasting formats and education themes, these interactive sessions are a great way to celebrate your businesses success, build cohesiveness as a team, or simply learn something new as … Read more Services

Stratus 2016 Semillon BA – 90 points

October 17, 2018March 13, 2019Andrew Raines

Stratus 2016 Semillon BA

A very nice sweet wine from Stratus Vineyards. Located in the Niagara Lakeshore region, their Botrytis Semillon has been absent for the last few years, and the 2016 marks only the third time it has been made.

It is aromatically rich and boasts aromas of orange marmalade, honey, ripe cantaloupe and ginger. The 2 years spent in old French oak comes through on the palate. It has decent acidity and packs a bit of a punch at 14.4% ABV.

2016-BA_Semillon-500ml-v1

90 POINTS

SWEETNESS: SWEET
ACID: MEDIUM
ALCOHOL: HIGH
BODY: FULL
TASTED: OCTOBER 16TH, 2018
VARIETALS: SEMILLON
PRICE: $45 CAD
PRODUCER: STRATUS

Culmina Unicus Gruner Veltliner 2017 – 91 points

October 15, 2018March 13, 2019Andrew Raines

A rare find in the Okanagan Valley, Culmina’s 100% Gruner Veltliner is an excellent example of this varietal. You’ll find all the aromas you’d expect from an Austrian Gruner in this version from the Margaret’s Bench vineyard. Full flavor ripeness showcases pronounced grapefruit, lemon zest, white pepper and a decent amount of herbaceous aromas paired with mouth-watering acidity and a decently long finish.

91 POINTS

SWEETNESS: DRY
ACID: MEDIUM+
ALCOHOL: HIGH
BODY: MEDIUM-
TASTED: OCTOBER 14TH, 2018
VARIETALS: GRUNER VELTLINER (100%)
PRICE:
PRODUCER: CULMINA