Here is a treat of Valentine. Plus, this is the first wine from the 2007 vintage from any Okanagan winery. Pentâge is an under-the-radar winery at the southern edge of Penticton and on the east side of Skaha Lake. It does not yet have a tasting room but one is planned in a year or two, to show off interesting wines and the spectacular vineyard where they are grown.

Winemaker and co-owner Paul Gardner first made a Gamay Blush in 2004 and his fans have clamoured for another ever since. This 2007 wine was actually released just before Christmas. The wine had finished fermenting by the end of October, was bottled in November and was drinking so well that the winery began selling it not long after Beaujolais Nouveau was released. Gardner and his partner, Julie Rennie, also figured there was a hole in the market since most 2006 rosé wines are sold out but restaurants serve rosé year round now. This wine is available directly from the winery or select private stores.

The wine presents a lovely jewel-box hue in the glass, with a lot of fresh fruit in the aroma. On the palate, there is a vivid explosion of flavours – cranberry, sour cherries, a hint of red liquorice. There is a touch of sweetness but the wine is nicely balanced to a dry finish, with food in mind. But it would go really well with chocolate, too! 87