Thoughts on a bistro that reopens on March 29th, 2014: A word to the wise—the burger is all too easy to ignore as one peruses the menu at Hillside Winery’s Bistro. How to ignore, after all, Pan Roasted Steelhead Trout, Parsnip & Happy Days Goat Cheese Risotto or Grilled 8 oz. Pemberton Meadows Bavette Steak, for example?
In the wine shop Kathy Malone’s focus on letting the terroir come through in every wine she makes is evident. Elegant and creamy Pinot Noir. Full-bodied and spicy Merlot-Malbec. The 2009 Taylor Vineyard Merlot, a Gold medalist in the All Canadian Wine Championships, with 90-point scores from the Vancouver Sun and Globe and Mail. All superb, all lovingly and distinctly Naramata Bench products.
Looking for a big treat? Really big? Don’t miss the 2009 Mosaic, Kathy’s signature blend of 71% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot. A Gold medal winner at the 2012 Northwest Wine Summit, Mosaic is drinking beautifully now, or put it in the cellar for a few years to see how it evolves.
White wines like the Viognier and Pinot Gris (oaked and unoaked) and Gewürztraminer are equally representative of their terroir. The Rosé? Well, try again next year—it’s already sold out!
A two-tier wine club is organized to help ease the pressure that comes with not having Hillside wines on hand. Shipments can now be made across Canada. A Reserve Membership includes two six-bottle (red or red and white) shipments a year. The Mosaic Membership adds a six bottles of luscious Mosaic, a Bordeaux blend. Both memberships include plenty of other perks, including a 15% discount on all other wine purchases, exclusive tastings, special pricing on special events, winemaker’s notes and Bistro recipes.
And don’t forget that burger!
~ Lorne Eckersley