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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Tasting Notes

Tastings: August 2024

22 August 2024

Domaine de Paris Côtes de Provence Rosétext
90PTS

Domaine de Paris Côtes de Provence Rosé 2023

Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe Breban company is one of the last family-owned companies producing artisanal sparkling wines and a wide range of wines of varying styles in the South of France. Domaine de Paris has a classic pale Provençal colour from a blend of 40/30/20/10 grenache/syrah/cinsault/carignan that previews a fragrant, delicate, floral, red-fruited rosé that is true to the Provençal style. The plate is a rush of wild strawberries, tart raspberries and a dusting of white flowers. Drink anytime, anywhere. A perfect sushi wine it is equally at home with grilled white fish. Good value.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: Domaine de Paris
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Black Hills Nota Benetext
91PTS

Black Hills Nota Bene 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Nota Bene blends 46% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Cabernet Franc from the Southern Okanagan. It was destemmed and whole berry native fermented, before resting 18 months in French barriques and puncheons (47% new). Plump and plush blackberry and wild cassis flood the core, while the sides are structured with firm, finely grippy tannins. Scrubby violets, ink, and toasted spice season, with the lingering finishing trailing off with toasted cedar and cracked peppercorns. Though drinking well now (grilled striploin), winemaker Ross Wise is certainly crafting this for the cellar and future enjoyment.Prices:
BC$75.00750ml
Producer: Black Hills Estate Winery
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Château Pascaud Reserve Bordeaux Supérieurtext
89PTS

Château Pascaud Reserve Bordeaux Supérieur 2020

Bordeaux, FranceThis merlot comes from the Commune of Galgon, near Fronsac, 10 kilometres north and slightly east of Pomerol. The property farms a six hectare high density site of 45 year old vines over clay-gravel slopes. The style is Right Bank, with luscious blackberry and rich tannins that run through a long, primarily silky finish. At 14.5 percent, this competes with New World merlot on the West Coast but has the structure to cellar a decade and beyond. There is fair value considering its aging potential and quality.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: Famille Sichel
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Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyardtext
88PTS

Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyard 2022

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Black Sage Terrace's lauded Cerqueira Vineyard, this was fermented in stainless before heading to neutral French 225L oak for 15 months. Black plum, cassis, and smoked stone rule the palate, with finely sticky tannins guiding this to an abrupt, snappy finish. Crack into this now, with grilled kabobs or ribs.Prices:
BC$25.99750ml
AB$24.99750ml
Producer: Bartier Bros.
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Mayhem Cabernet Merlottext
88PTS

Mayhem Cabernet Merlot 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis blend of 92% merlot and 8% cabernet franc comes from Osoyoos' Anarchist Mountain Vineyard (planted 1994) and Oliver's Ryegrass Road Vineyard (planted 2009). All was destemmed into stainless for co-fermentation, with two weeks on skins before heading to French oak for 11 months. Wild blackberry, cassis, and dark plum are kissed with smoke and wrapped with sticky tannins. A juicy palate welcomes pairing with grilled burgers or ribs.Prices:
BC$24.44750ml
Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.
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Haywire Merlot King Family Vineyardtext
90PTS

Haywire Merlot King Family Vineyard 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata Bench's iconic King Family Vineyard, this merlot comes off 40 year old vines, and was native fermented in concrete. Perfumed blackberry, wild plum, boysenberry floods the juicy, joyous palate, with finely sticky tannins framing the sides, and drawing this to a gently spiced finish. I love merlot that reminds of a big bear hug, and this does in spades. Riding easy at 14%, try cracking this with grilled mushroom / salmon burgers.Prices:
BC$28.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Famille Sichel Château Daviaudtext
90PTS

Famille Sichel Château Daviaud 2020

Bordeaux, FranceAt the start of 2020, the Sichel Family took control of Château Daviaud, which was contributing to Sichel’s Bel Air cellar. When the Château went up for sale, they bought the entire vineyard and its infrastructure. 2020 is becoming a highly rated vintage where the best wines combine finesse with gravitas and opulence. This imposing blend mixes 45% merlot, 21% cabernet franc, 19% cabernet sauvignon, and 15% malbec, grown over limestone and gravel soils mixed with silica at lower elevations. The result is open, showy, spicy black cherries, blackcurrants, and blueberries, with silky, dense tannins, suggesting you could drink this through 2027. Charming is the word for this delicious modern reference to everyday Bordeaux. The styling is impressive. A serious bargain.Prices:
BC$20.99750ml
Producer: Famille Sichel
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LaStella Fortissimotext
89PTS

LaStella Fortissimo 2022

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFortissimo is an ode to the pioneers of Tuscany who challenged the traditions of classic winemaking in the 1950s and 60s to elevate the reputation of Italian wines when they were suffering internationally. Grower winemaker Severine Pinte uses large format puncheons and Hungarian/Slavonian oak with any barely new wood to keep the oak in check, and let terroir speak. In 2022 the savoury side of this wine was evident, with only marginal plum and black cherry poking through the midpalate, with a rush of desert scrub, tobacco, and more dried herbs that run through the finish. There is plenty of substance here, if a bit on the dry side, but nothing a steak or a mushroom burger wouldn’t tweak as it blossoms in the bottle. The blend is 45% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Sangiovese, all grown on Black Sage Bench and in the Osoyoos Lake District.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: LaStella
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21 August 2024

Rigour and Whimsy Bite of the Dragontext
89PTS

Rigour and Whimsy Bite of the Dragon 2023

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. Though we've seen this cuvée before, in 2023 it comes off Osoyoos' Sekhon Family Vineyards, and was whole cluster pressed, and barrel fermented and aged in older wood on full solids prior to racking into stainless for a stint before bottling. Bone dry and textural, with an earthy, stony lees bed to base ripe pear, peach, and yellow apple, licked with yogurt, and seasoned with a kiss of lime pith and white pepper. An uncompromising view of southern Okanagan riesling.Prices:
BC$42.00750ml
Producer: Rigour & Whimsy
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Fort Berens Rieslingtext
88PTS

Fort Berens Riesling 2023

British Columbia, CanadaIn 2023, Fort Berens released only one riesling, a blend of 57% Naramata fruit, and 43% Lillooet. After 12 hours skin contact, the crushed grapes were pressed into stainless for a long, cold fermentation waiting until the desired RS (9.4 g/L) was met. The wine rested on less for 4 months before bottling. Perfumed cold cream, apricot, tangerine rules the bright, snappy palate, finishing with a brief orange twist. Crack into this friendly wine now.Prices:
BC$22.99750ml
Producer: Fort Berens Estate Winery
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Tantalus Old Vines Rieslingtext
93PTS

Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2021

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTantalus' Old Vines Riesling, consistently one of Canada's top wines, comes entirely off their north facing 1978 plantings of clone 21B, sheltered by Ponderosa pines, and rooted in deep silty soils. This was handpicked, gently whole bunch pressed, settled and fermented cool for 45 days before resting a few months on lees, plus 2 years in bottle prior to release. Such a wine of site, and time, this savoury, dry riesling streams across the palate with crushed stones, lime pith and peel, mandarin, pear skin, and flake salts. Though held taut with nervy energy, this wine reveals itself slowly, confidently, and without any showy pretension. The finish lingers long, thankfully, reminding that you should seek out this singular wine whenever you can.Prices:
BC$43.50750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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Tantalus Rieslingtext
91PTS

Tantalus Riesling 2023

East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis, their flagship riesling, was picked over a few weeks across a number of estate vineyards (2005 and 2009 planted) plus neighbouring East Kelowna grower blocks. All were whole bunch pressed, inoculated, and fermented cool-ish and long in stainless until the desired RS (15 g/L) was achieved. Juicy and mouthwatering, this off-dry riesling rings with tangerine, lime, ripe pear, cold cream, and perfumed apricot, with a driving lime peel acidity tempering the sugar and sailing this through the shimmering finish. Friendly, but never dumbed down, this is an Okanagan gem.Prices:
BC$28.00750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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Wild Goose Rieslingtext
87PTS

Wild Goose Riesling 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit for the 2022 riesling comes from two longtime growers and a portion of the estate's 35 year old vines. The style is comfortably off-dry and the sweetest of the wines made at Wild Goose. It opens with a sweet, sour mix of grapefruit, with orange and peach, washing up with citrus in the clean finish. This is a simple, straight up riesling that is ready to drink. The winery match is pickled mustard and hot honey fried chicken with a buttermilk sauce.Prices:
BC$20.99750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards
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Fort Berens Rieslingtext
88PTS

Fort Berens Riesling 2023

British Columbia, CanadaThis classic label riesling boasts 10.0 g/L of residual sugar, straddling the dry and off-dry zone. Expect pretty lime sorbet, talcum powder, stone fruit, and florals. Fresh and balanced with moderate zest, it has an effortless drinking style that is well made and suited to various dishes, including beef or pork tacos. The winery suggests pairing it with fried tofu and a mild chilli sauce. The grapes were destemmed and crushed, then left on the skins for 12 hours before pressing, followed by four months on lees.Prices:
BC$22.99750ml
Producer: Fort Berens Estate Winery
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Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Rieslingtext
88PTS

Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Riesling 2023

British Columbia, CanadaThis is a delicious everyday drink-now riesling with a bump of residual sugar that takes in an equal amount of acidity, leaving a fresh, fruity, barely off-dry riesling full of ripe apples, lime, mineral, sour citrus, and apricots. It's a fun patio sipper or wine you could serve with a favourite Southeast Asian pork dish. The fruit comes from various locations, as indicated by its BC VQA status. It's ready to drink and offers good value.Prices:
BC$21.99750ml
Producer: Monte Creek Winery
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Tantalus Rieslingtext
91PTS

Tantalus Riesling 2023

East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear after year, the Tantalus team digs in and give us a masterpiece in simplicity and consistency with its flagship off-dry Riesling. The fruit comes off home block vines planted in 2005 and 2009, and neighbouring established grower sites inside the East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI. Winemaker David Patterson says, "the fruit is self-balancing," with 14+ g/L of residual sugar working its way into an explosion of acid tension. Chalk, lemons, minerals, and florals precede a rush of citrus and peach that takes over and runs through the finish. Drink or hold. A recent tasting of the 2021 was only beginning to open now, so take your cue from that.Prices:
BC$28.00750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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16 August 2024

CedarCreek Platinum Naramata Bench Pinot Noir Rosétext
90PTS

CedarCreek Platinum Naramata Bench Pinot Noir Rosé 2023

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Naramata Bench appellation sits on the narrow eastern side of Okanagan in a wild terroir that gets warm afternoon sunshine tempered by a daily lake breeze. The soils are ancient lake bed soils, and this pinot noir rosé is grown specifically from two distinct organically certified blocks, fermented in concrete to focus on its minerality and nuances. The nose and attack pitches bright raspberry and citrus that is crunchy and crisp, snapping off a clean finish. This is an Aspect Member Exclusive, so you must join the club to get access. This pinot noir is fermented in concrete fermenters for thirty days before aging for three months on its lees. The residual sugar is a modest 6.9 g/L, set off by a total acidity of 0.7.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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Mayhem Rosétext
88PTS

Mayhem Rosé 2023

Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn anarchistic blend of zweigelt, malbec, pinotage, and merlot, all sourced from Kaleden, this tangy, spice-tinged rosé offers bright cranberry, raspberry, and pink grapefruit framed by cream and expressive florals. It's brisk and dry, with impressive complexity that reflects the palette of grape varieties.Prices:
BC$21.83750ml
Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.
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Township 7 Provenance Series Rosétext
88PTS

Township 7 Provenance Series Rosé 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA medium pink rosé based predominantly on merlot, it offers a juicy nose of succulent red berries alongside dried herbs and spice. It's a richer style, evidenced by the 14% abv, but with balancing, crisp acidity, leading to a dry, fruit-laden finish. Well made with broad appeal.Prices:
BC$27.97750ml
Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries
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Joiryde Winery Rosetext
87PTS

Joiryde Winery Rose 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a pale salmon pink hue, this cabernet franc rosé opens with the classic strawberry-rhubarb notes accented by herbal greenness. The crisp acidity brightens the fruit on the palate, while a subtle textural element from the phenolic finish adds interest.Prices:
BC$27.00750ml
Producer: Joiryde Winery
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Hester Creek Rosé Noirtext
88PTS

Hester Creek Rosé Noir 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic pale pink, this pinot noir rosé offers a lean, delicate nose of watermelon, strawberry water, and spice, leading to a crisp, textured palate with a dry finish that's marked by a touch of bitterness. True to style and variety, it's a well made rosé to take you through the summer months. You have to love the 11.7% abv.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: Hester Creek Estate Winery
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Meyer Rosétext
90PTS

Meyer Rosé 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit for this pinot noir rosé comes from across Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, and Naramrata, with 12 hours on skins translating to a medium pink hue. It opens with a lifted, characterful nose, offering a combination of wild strawberries, sour cherry, blood orange, desert shrubs, and earthy spices. There's no shortage of depth and intrigue here, with notable weight and concentration to the palate, in a richer, bolder style that will be versatile at the dinner table. Recommended.Prices:
BC$20.96750ml
Producer: Meyer Family Vineyards
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Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Rosétext
87PTS

Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Rosé 2023

Thompson Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic rosé is made from marquette, which offers a deeper, medium pink hue alongside dried raspberry, blood orange, and spice. A touch of residual sugar (8 g/L) helps to balance the tart acidity, leading to a brisk, mouthwatering finish. Well made and fairly priced.Prices:
BC$21.99750ml
Producer: Monte Creek Winery
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Solvero Rosétext
90PTS

Solvero Rosé 2023

Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere's a surprising amount of colour to this rosé, with just three hours on skins translating to medium fluorescent pink, perhaps reflective of the low-yielding 2023 vintage (2 tons per acre in this case). It's very much an archetypal pinot noir rosé, with bright red cherry, strawberry, and watermelon, leading to a bone-dry, zesty palate with a concentrated, creamy texture. Lovely purity of fruit and balance, easily standing out in our line up of rosés.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Solvero Wines
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Over the Fence Winery Rosétext
86PTS

Over the Fence Winery Rosé 2022

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis merlot-based rosé offers a simple cranberry, rhubarb nose, leading to a round, off-dry palate with just enough acidity to keep everything in balance. It is the type of rosé you can get away with throwing an ice cube or two in your glass while pairing with light summer fare on the patio.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Over the Fence Winery
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Haywire Gamay Noir Rosétext
89PTS

Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a deeper pink, this gamay rosé was made in the saignée method, with the bled juice wild fermented in concrete and stainless steel, before aging for seven months. It offers a richer, riper nose, with wild red berries accented with peppery spice and perfumed florals leading to a dry, weighty, textured palate with crisp acidity. There's a clear gamay character here, almost more of a very light red, giving this a distinctive quality that's a worthwhile detour from the ocean of pale pink rosés on shelves.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosétext
87PTS

Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2022

Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePouring a pale Provençal pink, this affordable rosé offers a simple, attractive nose of tangerine and soft red berries, with a touch of spice, leading to an off-dry palate with soft acidity. A well made, beach ready rosé.Prices:
BC$12.99750ml
Producer: Boutinot
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Orofino Vineyards Rose (1.5L MagBag)text
90PTS

Orofino Vineyards Rose (1.5L MagBag) 2023

Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Orofino Rosé available in a 1500 ml bag (without the box) has quickly become known as the Mag-Bag and is selling out even quicker. Made with pinot noir, this is a dry, pale pink/orange rosé that falls on the sophisticated side of the genre. Red fruit and melon rind is dusted in Similkameen desert scrub and minerality. As well suited as it is to the dinner table, its innovative and highly green packaging allows you to take it camping, boating, backpacking, beaching, and picnicking. Oh, and did we mention that it will stay fresh for a month when it is opened?Prices:
BC$45.35750ml
Producer: Orofino Vineyards
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Unsworth Vineyards Rosétext
90PTS

Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2023

British Columbia, CanadaThis wine mysteriously fell through the cracks at the National Wine Awards. Could the judges have had a defective screwcap? It has all the Island attributes. It's dry, and the fruit is vibrant in an earthy, rhubarb, cherry way. The attack is fresh, the acidity bright, and the creamy palate adds more approachability to this highly gulpable pink. Last year, we said this wine was delicious and primarily unequalled worldwide and that this kind of wine will turn heads everywhere in the wine world. So be it in 2023.Prices:
BC$27.90750ml
Producer: Unsworth Vineyards ULC
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Unsworth Vineyards Sunnydale Vineyard Rosétext
90PTS

Unsworth Vineyards Sunnydale Vineyard Rosé 2023

Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Sunnydale Vineyard on the Saanich Peninsula, the vines are located on the sedimentary slopes of Mount Newton. The onion skin colour is beautiful, as it is neutral French oak fermentation. It rests for four months before bottling. The palate is once again taut with vibrant fresh wild berries permeating a stony mineral base with a saline undercurrent. I love that there is no pandering here to sugar, making this a classic rosé for grownups.Prices:
BC$28.90750ml
Producer: Unsworth Vineyards ULC
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Chivite Las Fincas Rosadotext
91PTS

Chivite Las Fincas Rosado 2023

Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainThe Chivite Las Fincas range was born from a longstanding friendship between the Chivite and Arzak families. Juan Mari Arzak Arratibel is a Spanish chef and owner of Arzak restaurant in San Sebastian. He is considered one of the great masters of New Basque cuisine, something he describes as "evolutionary, investigatory, and avant-garde." This is the latest wine from the collaboration between Julián Chivite and the Arzak family, and like last year, it is delicious. The colour is Provençal pale, while the nose is a subtle mix of floral and citrus, and the palate a mix of rose petals, strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit, and cranberries. This is a gastronomic rosé, from its complex, silky textures to its ability to complement everything from simple pizza to a main course, such as lemon roasted chicken. The blend is 70/30 garnacha tinta and tempranillo, and it spends six months in stainless steel before going to the bottle.Prices:
BC$39.99750ml
Producer: Grupo Chivite
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Burrowing Owl Rosétext
89PTS

Burrowing Owl Rosé 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pale rosé is made from cabernet franc grown in both Oliver and Osoyoos, on BOV estate vineyards. The fruit is picked separately and gets an overnight’s worth of skin colour, resulting in its stylish pink-gold colour. Post ferment in stainless steel, it spends three months on lees before bottling. This is a big step up for this wine and a delight to sip. The palate is an enticing mix of red fruits, a touch of pepper, and a slick, smooth, almost creamy palate that slides down easily. Ready to drink with smoked salmon and cream cheese for starters.Prices:
BC$30.00375ml
Producer: Wyse Family Wines
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Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Rosétext
88PTS

Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Rosé 2023

Thompson Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMonte Creek has released its latest organic rosé, a deeper pink colour. Tangerine and pomelo with a dusting of spice, it's fresh and well made, with just enough residual sugar to smooth out the fresh, lean finish. It is definitely a food wine. Think salmon sashimi or salmon sushi rolls. It is affordable compared to many other BC options. Living Land Rosé is Thompson Valley marquette grown on scudetto soil, primarily composed of mineral particles that form a thick mantle of lake sediments over volcanic bedrock. The winemaking is simple: grapes are pressed before fermenting and aged for five months in stainless steel. The Thompson was unaffected by the 2023 freeze, and Monte Creek recorded its largest crop ever, exceeding 2022 by 10 percent.Prices:
BC$21.99750ml
Producer: Monte Creek Winery
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Solvero Rosétext
89PTS

Solvero Rosé 2023

Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis dry pinot noir rosé, with its medium pale pink hue, opens with delicate rose petals, tangy raspberry, and cranberry, complemented by subtle spices. It has a nice backbone of mouthwatering acidity framing the palate. An elegant, light bodied rosé with restrained flavours.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Solvero Wines
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Meyer Rosétext
89PTS

Meyer Rosé 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith 12 hours of skin contact and partial wild fermentation in 50% barrel and 50% stainless steel, this charming pinot noir rosé bursts with pronounced aromas of perfumed rose petals, raspberry, and strawberry, accented by subtle touches of nutmeg and clove. The palate is round, balanced, and flavourful, offering juicy red fruit and savoury spices. Well crafted and inviting, with a lingering finish.Prices:
BC$20.96750ml
Producer: Meyer Family Vineyards
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Mayhem Rosétext
88PTS

Mayhem Rosé 2023

Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn interesting blend of zweigelt, malbec, pinotage, and merlot, this coral-pink rosé reveals zesty grapefruit, orange peel, and savoury leafy herbs like sage and mint, all aromas more reminiscent of white wine than rosé. There are some tangy cranberries on the palate, brightened by refreshing acidity. A vibrant and herbal rosé.Prices:
BC$21.83750ml
Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.
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Joiryde Winery Rosetext
87PTS

Joiryde Winery Rose 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis deep pink cabernet franc rosé is an intriguing mix of herbaceous notes and fairly exuberant fruit. Look for redcurrants, red cherries, melon, and strawberry, all with a dusting of desert sagebrush in a watery style. Balanced and fresh, it finishes mostly dry. Look for the tasting room at District Wine Village just north of Oliver.Prices:
BC$27.00750ml
Producer: Joiryde Winery
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Clos du Soleil Rosétext
89PTS

Clos du Soleil Rosé 2023

Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a bright pale gold rosé from this pinot noir grown on a steeply sloped vineyard in the Okanagan Valley's Kaleden region. The entry is juicy and fruit driven, offering bright strawberries, plums, and grapefruit, pitching fruit and acidity into the glass and producing a lively rosé with balance and some style. This was made for food, and I think salmon sashimi would be the right pick to cut to take on the acidity and freshness.Prices:
BC$28.90750ml
Producer: Clos du Soleil Winery
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Township 7 Provenance Series Rosétext
88PTS

Township 7 Provenance Series Rosé 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a deeper sockeye salmon hue, this rosé is crafted from a diverse blend of grapes: 68% merlot, 18% cabernet franc, 6% cabernet sauvignon, 4% chardonnay, and 4% pinot noir. The slightly lifted nose reveals tangerine, orange peel, baked red apple, and some herbs. Crisp acidity and a subtle bitter finish are balanced by a touch of sweetness, rounding out this lively, approachable rosé.Prices:
BC$27.97750ml
Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries
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Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosétext
87PTS

Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2022

Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceShowing a very pale, onion skin hue, this grenache / cinsault rosé from Pays d'Oc opens with light notes of orange peel, mixed red berries, and a hint of florals. On the palate, a bit of candied fruit with a touch of sweetness comes through, softening any rustic edge. A light bodied, refreshing, and friendly rosé that delivers great value.Prices:
BC$12.99750ml
Producer: Boutinot
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Haywire Gamay Noir Rosétext
90PTS

Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale ruby garnet in colour, this gamay rosé, made using the saignée method, leans more towards red than rosé, both in hue and flavour. Naturally fermented in concrete and stainless steel before aging for 7 months, it offers rich flavours of juicy, sweet red berries, almost like a compote, along with cracked black pepper, and subtle spices. Expect a lingering, savoury finish with a spicy kick. Delicious.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Over the Fence Winery Rosétext
86PTS

Over the Fence Winery Rosé 2022

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShowing a copper pink hue, this merlot based rosé opens with watermelon and candied fruit, mixed with a touch of green herbs. Made in a sweeter style with soft acidity, it has an old school charm that may appeal to fans of Californian Blush.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Over the Fence Winery
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Le Vieux Pin Vaïla Rosétext
91PTS

Le Vieux Pin Vaïla Rosé 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2023 there were low yields due to winter conditions, but winegrower Severine Pinte believes it was an excellent year for pinot noir and rosé. This pinot pink is exclusively aged in stainless steel, yielding deliciously full flavoured notes of rhubarb, grapefruit, minerals, and wild strawberries. It's serious enough for a dinner table and fun enough for lingering on the patio with appetizers. The winery suggests pairing it with a tossed baby greens salad with fresh berries and warm vegan cultured cheese on a summer day.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: Le Vieux Pin
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Tantalus Rosétext
90PTS

Tantalus Rosé 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest pink from Tantalus is an 80/20 split of pinot noir and pinot meunier. The former’s volume is up considerably from last year due to a late December 2022 cold snap. The fruit is whole bunched pressed, fermented dry, and spends a total of three months on its lees, adding a modicum of texture to a finely tuned rosé. This is it if you are a fan of red and orange fruits running through a mineral stream. It is ready to drink all summer and fall.Prices:
BC$23.50750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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15 August 2024

Unsworth Vineyards Cowichan Valley Pinot Gristext
90PTS

Unsworth Vineyards Cowichan Valley Pinot Gris 2023

Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe Unsworth style is not for everyone unless you are a fan of purity and precision, which happens to be the signature of its pinot gris, a wine that can transport you to northern Italy and its magical pinot grigio zone, Fruili. Look for a lean, taut, mineral scented white full of crunchy fresh greens dusted in saline notes. A true oyster slayer. Three Cowichan vineyards are home to this tasty gris (a mix of clones 52 and 53). Unsworth, Zanatta, and Saison Vineyard each share a unique mix of marine silts and loams. Ten percent goes into neutral barriques before it all rests for five months on its lees.Prices:
BC$27.90750ml
Producer: Unsworth Vineyards ULC
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Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris Saison Vineyardstext
90PTS

Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris Saison Vineyards 2023

Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe long-running relationship between Unsworth and the Saison Vineyard Pinot Gris is closing in on 15 years. Over time, the evolution of this fruit has taken it to a single vineyard bottling. The Saison effect is all about increased intensity and delicacy. It is primarily fermented in stainless steel with a minor amount of neutral French oak (10%). The style is coastal electric with a silky, leesy, electric undercurrent and a chiselled, fresh mid palate of saline washed stone and minerals. Assorted shellfish all work well here.Prices:
BC$29.90750ml
Producer: Unsworth Vineyards ULC
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J. M. Sohler Grand Cru Winzenberg Pinot Gristext
91PTS

J. M. Sohler Grand Cru Winzenberg Pinot Gris 2022

Alsace, FranceWinzenberg Grand Cru rests between 240-320m, south and south-east facing, on pink granite soils laced with mica and feldspar. Super perfumed, with lovely rosewater, starfruit, perfumed pear across a full, cushy palate, all held taut with lofted, structural acidity, and finishing long and saline. Lovely pedigree here, drinking now and with time ahead.Prices:
ON$31.00750ml
Producer: J. M. Sohler
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Wild Goose Pinot Gristext
87PTS

Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistency is not to be ignored. It comes at you every year from this aromatic, lively gris. Honeyed pears and juicy nectarine push into lighter citrus notes, leaving this on the crunchy but just off-dry side. Drink now with spicy chicken tacos, or Singapore-style noodles.Prices:
BC$22.99750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Vineyards
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Fort Berens Pinot Gristext
89PTS

Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2023

British Columbia, CanadaThe '23 mix contains 26% Lillooet fruit, with additions from two of BC's warmest regions, Osoyoos and Lytton. The wine is surprisingly fresh, pitching cool green melon and pears, with a wash of ripe grapefruit giving it a touch of tropicality in the finish. It is well made with some attractive precision and attention to freshness. Ready to drink with summer pasta salads, or a watermelon salad with feta cheese.Prices:
BC$23.50750ml
Producer: Fort Berens Estate Winery
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Solvero Pinot Gristext
88PTS

Solvero Pinot Gris 2023

Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's year two for Solvero’s pinot gris, harvested from Kozuki Family Vineyards and Happy Valley Vineyard near 600 meters above sea level, across four separate picks, and treated individually. The fermentations were mostly spontaneous, kept cool, and spread over three to four weeks to dryness. The textural style has low fruit, more mineral terroir, and creamy, bitter citrus notes. It is best with food as the winery suggests: crab cakes or baked salmon, chicken piccata, lemon herb chicken, or pasta primavera.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Solvero Wines
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Mayhem Anarchy Pinot Gris Belich Vineyardtext
89PTS

Mayhem Anarchy Pinot Gris Belich Vineyard 2023

Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first release of Anarchy Pinot Gris, sourced from Kaleden's Belich Vineyard. It is fermented in a mix of 42/41/17 stainless steel, ceramic balls, and neutral puncheons, and then stored for seven months on its lees before blending and bottling. Mayhem has that hard-to-copy knack for making delicious wines. In this case, the mix of grapefruit, peach, and nectarine with a spicy finish gives it a rich but easy drinking style. It's more intense than their classic pinot gris, and a smidgen is more complex, but still just as approachable now. Save this for the dinner table, but you must be a club member to buy it.Prices:
BC$26.18750ml
Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.
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Mayhem Pinot Gristext
88PTS

Mayhem Pinot Gris 2023

Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKaleden’s Belich Vineyard is home to this year’s Mayhem Gris. It has an attractive ripe orchard fruit profile that slides down dangerously easily, with red apples, peaches, and just the right amount of lees and bright acidity. What you think will be sweet stays the course, although spicy food would be the best match here for the overall ripeness. 17% saw time in larger seasoned puncheons, before 5 more months on lees prior to blending and bottling. Delicious, and drinking right now.Prices:
BC$19.22750ml
Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.
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14 August 2024

Hillside Chef's Whitestext
88PTS

Hillside Chef's Whites 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of sauvignon blanc (45%), sémillon (38%), and chardonnay (17%), this food friendly white offers a restrained, lean nose of green apple, Anjou pear, and lemon, with a touch of lees and white blossom. Brisk and crunchy on the palate, both textured and concentrated, it offers nuance and subtlety with a finish of green and citrus fruits.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
BC$20.801500ml
Producer: Hillside Winery
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Gómez Cruzado Rioja Blancotext
91PTS

Gómez Cruzado Rioja Blanco 2022

Rioja, SpainGómez Cruzado operates out of their 135 year old cellar (founded 1886) in the Station District, in Haro, the historic heart of Rioja. The bodega focuses on sustainably farmed old vine plots and indigenous varieties. This is a blend of viura, tempranillo blanco, garnacha blanca, and malvasia from a single high altitude plot in Haro, on stony alluvial / limestone soils. This used about 50% stems in the pressing, was native fermented in stainless before a part rests 5 months in French oak on lees, with the rest aging in concrete. The 2 Ano on the front label is an old term used in Spain to refer to whites released in their second year, as they benefit from longer ageing. Creamy pear, white peach, crystalline lemon is textured with downy lees and seasoned with light toast, shaping this through a lingering, subtly spiced finish. Deftly handled, pour stylish white in lieu of white Bourgogne.Prices:
BC$29.30750ml
ON$28.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas Y Viñedos de Gómez Cruzado
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Terra de Asorei Nai E Señora Albariñotext
89PTS

Terra de Asorei Nai E Señora Albariño 2023

Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainNai E Señora is a tribute to Galician women, as imaged by the floral silhouette gracing the front label. Nai translates to mother, and Señora means lady, in Galician. From Val do Salinés' clay and pink granite, this albariño spent 30 days macerating in stainless before ferment and a brief stint on lees. Fragrant white peach, nectarine, and pear blossoms fill this juicy, joyous white, with a buzzy granitic grip running along the base. Friendly, and ready for sunny patios.Prices:
ON$25.00750ml
Producer: Terra de Asorei
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Fitapreta Brancotext
91PTS

Fitapreta Branco 2023

Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis blend of roupeiro, rabo de ovelha, antão vaz, tamarez, alicante branco, and arinto are sourced from 2 organic vineyards in Alentejo's granitic and limestone soils, and vines from 30-50 years, up to 400m in altitude. After a whole bunch press and a native ferment in primarily stainless barrels (the second pressing goes into older barrels), this remained there on lees for six months before bottling. White grapefruit, green fig, pine nuts flood the bright, juicy palate, with a buzzy granitic grip that takes this to a saline finish. Super smart, and fantastic value in ON.Prices:
ON$19.00750ml
BC$37.00750ml
Producer: Fitapreta
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François le Saint Calcairetext
91PTS

François le Saint Calcaire 2022

Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 30-45 year old vines grown on a 6.26ha plot of calcareous soils. After a native ferment in stainless, it rests there for a brief time on lees prior to bottling. Perfumed pear, lemon, melon, white peach, and almond glide along the sleek palate, with a fine buzzy acidity that flows long on the palate. Super smart.Prices:
BC$56.00750ml
ON$46.00750ml
Producer: François le Saint
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François le Saint Sancerre Silextext
92PTS

François le Saint Sancerre Silex 2022

Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 35 year old vines grown on a 3.15ha plot of clay soils with flint and marls, native fermented. Crushed stones are layered with pear skin, lime pith, white grapefruit, and wild green herbs run long on the taut palate, mouthwatering, finishing with a lingering salinity. Super smart, drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:
BC$60.00750ml
ON$48.00750ml
Producer: François le Saint
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Hester Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sémillontext
90PTS

Hester Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHester Creek is going down the Bordeaux road in 2023 with a 60/40 mix of sauvignon blanc and sémillon that was all handpicked by the cellar team, whole cluster pressed and co-fermented in four 228 litre vessels, three of which were French oak. Post ferment, it was racked off, the barrels were cleaned, and the juice was returned to the barrel for five months of aging. In the glass, you get straw, juniper, and dried herbs, while on the palate, honeyed apples, citrus, and melon penetrate the wine from front to back. Rich yet restrained, with bright mineral tones in the finish, this is a well balanced, attractive white for the dinner table. My suggestion is prawn ravioli or salt and pepper fried squid.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: Hester Creek Estate Winery
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Hillside Chef's Whitestext
89PTS

Hillside Chef's Whites 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of 45% sauvignon blanc, 38% sémillon, and 17% chardonnay, this vibrant, nuanced white opens with white peach, grapefruit, and subtle herbal notes. Crisp acidity and a sweet core of citrus and stone fruit shine through on the palate while the layered, rounded texture, developed from 38% terracotta jarre (egg-shaped sandstone jar), 24% neutral French oak, and 4 months on lees, is well balanced by a subtle, pleasantly phenolic finish.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
BC$20.801500ml
Producer: Hillside Winery
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13 August 2024

Veramonte Reserva Pinot Noirtext
84PTS

Veramonte Reserva Pinot Noir 2021

Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis organic Casablanca Valley pinot noir was native fermented with 15% whole cluster, before resting 6 months in neutral oak. Super herbal and weedy up front, with tart cranberry, rhubarb, toasted wood, and furry tannins. Lacking pinot's charm (though the label is pretty).Prices:
BC$15.99750ml
Producer: Veramonte Estate
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The Ned Pinot Noirtext
86PTS

The Ned Pinot Noir 2020

Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWith fruit from Marlborough's Waihopai Valley, around 900m, this is a fruit forward pinot, with browning cherry and meadow grasses seasoned with toasted spice, and framed with fine, sticky tannins to a snappy, warming finish. Simple and soft.Prices:
BC$21.49750ml
AB$20.00750ml
MB$20.99750ml
NS$21.99750ml
Producer: Marisco Vineyards Limited
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Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noirtext
88PTS

Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir 2019

Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFrom their estate Southern Valleys vineyards, this blends clones 114, 115, 5, 667, and 777, with 20% whole bunch in the mix. Post ferment, this rests in French barriques (25% new) until bottling in February 2020. Dark plum, fleshy cherry is scented with toasted oak spicing, and kissed with dark chocolate. Tannins are smoothed, framing this to a spiced and warming finish. Solid pinot for pouring alongside pork / chicken sausages.Prices:
BC$38.00750ml
Producer: Nautilus Estate
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Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noirtext
92PTS

Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022

Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Cowichan estate vineyard's hillside blocks, this was fermented in stainless before resting in French barrels (15% new) for 15 months. Pretty and perfumed with wild plum and raspberries, this is scented with an alluring herbal scrub, and lifted with effortless acidity. Tannins are fine and long, guiding this delicate and finessed pinot to a lingering stony, saline finish. Much going on for its 12.1%, this expressive pinot is one to seek out.Prices:
BC$38.90750ml
Producer: Unsworth Vineyards ULC
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Lightning Rock Pinot Noir Elysia Vineyardtext
89PTS

Lightning Rock Pinot Noir Elysia Vineyard 2022

Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two Pinot Noirs released by Lightning Rock in 2022, this is from Summerland's Elysia Vineyard, and its limestone laced, granite bedded slopes, with vines planted 2006. This fruit was destemmed and native fermented over 2 weeks before being pressed to neutral French barriques for 7 months' rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant raspberry, peony, and wild strawberries is lifted with crunchy rhubarb, and framed with long, fine and sticky tannins. A brighter, raw view of the grape.Prices:
BC$38.00750ml
Producer: Lightning Rock
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Lightning Rock Canyonview Vineyard Pinot Noirtext
90PTS

Lightning Rock Canyonview Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two Pinot Noirs released by Lightning Rock in 2022, this is from Canyonview Vineyard's sandy and granite studded soils, planted in 2003 to 1155 and 667 clones. This was native fermented in tank (40% whole cluster) before heading to neutral oak barriques for 10 months' rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Perfumed raspberry, juicy cherry courses across the softer, cushioned palate, with finely rasped tannins framing, and a lick of perfumed lavender on the lingering finish. There's a fine granitic grip livening this softer pinot, encouraging glass after glass.Prices:
BC$38.00750ml
Producer: Lightning Rock
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Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noirtext
91PTS

Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir 2022

Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2022 marks the second Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir, and like the inaugural 2021, the organically farmed / biodynamically inspired grapes are native fermented in concrete with 50% whole clusters, before resting in a mix of neutral oak and concrete. Bright perfumed plum, raspberry is stencilled with taut, fine, grippy tannins, guiding this lighter bodied wine to a fragrant wild scrub finish. Quite pretty, with a lithe, tight structure to work with food and / or cellaring. A lovely pinot of place.Prices:
BC$44.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Tantalus Maija Pinot Noirtext
91PTS

Tantalus Maija Pinot Noir 2022

East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe last time we saw Maija Pinot Noir was the 2019 vintage, so it's lovely to have it back in the portfolio. Named for owner Eric Savics' daughter, fruit came off their youngest estate blocks of Dijon plantings, complemented by fruit off a neighbouring vineyard. It was native fermented with 20% whole bunches prior to moving into French barriques (10% new) for 11 months prior to blending and bottling. Darkly shaded, this perfumed, plumped wine charms with fragrant plum, black cherry, and savoury spices, with a silken body gripped with long assam tea tannins to a spiced finish.Prices:
BC$30.45750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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Gneiss Pinot Noirtext
89PTS

Gneiss Pinot Noir 2021

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a medium-rich pinot noir with light, supple tannins. The fruit, grown at Keith Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, is hand picked and foot pressed. It opens as an easy sipping pinot with rich dark cherry and an earthy forest floor underside. It is barrel aged in French Oak for 18 months. It is ready to drink and would be fine with barbecued salmon steaks.Prices:
BC$44.99750ml
Producer: Gneiss Wines
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1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Home Blocktext
92PTS

1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Home Block 2022

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHome Block is the heart of the 0.6 hectare 1 Mill Road vineyard in the Naramata Bench. It was planted in 2013 to a single pinot clone, Dijon 15. The 2022 continues to expand in the bottle, adding complexity to its vibrant cherry and desert scrub. These are new wines and young vines, but the finesse I am tasting suggests the future is bright for 1 Mill and other pinot producers on the Naramata Bench. Winemaker Ben Bryant is passionate about his approach to making pinot, and his wines are coming in under 13 percent (take that Burgundy, California, and many others) with barrels you can barely smell and rarely taste. Tasting this wine in three to five years will be a treat.Prices:
BC$55.00750ml
Producer: 1 Mill Road Vineyards
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1 Mill Road Black Pine Pinot Noirtext
90PTS

1 Mill Road Black Pine Pinot Noir 2022

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEight months from our last look, the style remains earthy and reserved, with more mushroom and forest floor than cranberry. The textures are silky but with light tannins yet to shed in a spicy finish. The wine is stainless steel fermented over two weeks and basket pressed into a combination of 1, 2, and 3 year old French barriques, and aged for nine months. The final alcohol is a welcomed 12.8%. Ben Bryant and Katie Truscott own the current iteration of One Mill Road, and this is their first bottling of Black Pine Vineyard, a 1.6 hectare site on the Naramata Bench planted to four pinot clones. The dry granite site is farmed by growers Kathi and Rick Prosser.Prices:
BC$55.00750ml
Producer: 1 Mill Road Vineyards
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Bartier Bros. Pinot Noirtext
88PTS

Bartier Bros. Pinot Noir 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Bartier Pinot speaks to you like winemaker Michael Bartier would, with directness and honesty, although you must be a wine club member to buy it. The 97/3 mix of Kamloops pinot noir and oddly Similkameen petit verdot spent 17 months in neutral French oak barrels and stainless, yielding a silky texture and juicy quality that is close to Micheal’s heart. It’s not a knockout wine, but rather a solid everyday pinot you can enjoy any night of the week. Look for a mix of red cherries, earthy underbrush, floral undertones, and a wisp of peppers. Long and smooth on the palate, it would be fine with most pork dishes or grilled wild BC salmon.Prices:
BC$39.99750ml
Producer: Bartier Bros.
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Haywire Pinot Noirtext
88PTS

Haywire Pinot Noir 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from 3 vineyards across the Okanagan (Garnet Valley, Summerland, and Naramata), this utilized 50% whole cluster and 50% whole berry in its native ferment over 1 month. It was then basked pressed into concrete and foudre for aging. Perfumed boysenberry, dusky plum, is threaded with astringently textural black tea and kissed with smoked stones. Tannins are sticky, hugging this to a baking spice finish. Take with a slight chill, and crack with mushroom / salmon burgers.Prices:
BC$32.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Escorihuela 1884 Limited Production Pinot Noirtext
89PTS

Escorihuela 1884 Limited Production Pinot Noir 2022

Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPequeñas Producciones is focused on typicity of variety, and it starts with the best suited terroir, says winemaker Matias Cipriani. The alluvial soils at El Cepillo Vineyard in the Uco Valley are deep sandy loam with rocks rich in calcium carbonate (caliche) and are home to his pinot, which opens with a classic pale pinot colour. The style is earthy and reserved, with more terroir than muted cherry and blueberry. The alcohol is moderate, adding some elegance to a medium-long, dry finish. Try this one with salmon burgers.Prices:
BC$45.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon
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12 August 2024

Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmitext
94PTS

Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmi 2016

Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyAlways fragrant and mouth filling, the 2016 is a first rate effort. The attack is rich and full of mushrooms, black fruits, and balsamic that only expand and fill the palate. As big as it is, the acidity helps keep it fresh throughout. There is a lingering sweetness and mineral notes among its fine grained tannins, suggesting it will easily hit the ten year mark in a bottle, and likely age for another two or three decades with ease. One for collectors. Impressive, and just getting started at the eight-year mark. Monte Olmi is the vineyard at Pedemonte di Valpolicella, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico. The 2.5 hectare site has a southwestern exposure and is organized on terraces to ensure efficient drainage. The soil is riddled with clay, which is the key to the vineyard not drying out in the driest of years. Monte Olmi has been farmed since the early 60s, creating one of the first single-vineyard wines in Valpolicella. It is planted to 30% corvina, 30% corvinone, 30% rondinella, and 10% oseleta, negrara, dindarella, croatina and forselina. The grapes are dried for four months before getting a soft pressing.Prices:
BC$99.00750ml
AB$85.00750ml
QC$78.00750ml
ON$92.00750ml
Producer: Tedeschi
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Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmitext
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Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmi 2008

Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe fully mature 2008 is full of life as it progresses along the Amarone maturation line. The tannins are mostly evaporated, revealing a rich palate of black and blue fruits, leather, minerals, wood smoke, pepper and tobacco. This is a wine for contemplation and a hunk of old Reggiano. There is no rush to drink this, but it is entering its zenith year now. Monte Olmi is the vineyard at Pedemonte di Valpolicella, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico. The 2.5 hectare site has a southwestern exposure and is organized on terraces to ensure efficient drainage. The soil is riddled with clay, which is the key to the vineyard not drying out in the driest of years. Monte Olmi has been farmed since the early 60s, creating one of the first single-vineyard wines in Valpolicella. It is planted to 30% corvina, 30% corvinone, 30% rondinella, and 10% oseleta, negrara, dindarella, croatina and forselina. The grapes are air-dried on straw mats (appassimento) for four months before getting a soft pressing.Prices:
BC$99.00750ml
Global$80.00750ml
Producer: Tedeschi
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Pasqua Valpolicella Superiore Ripassotext
87PTS

Pasqua Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2021

Veneto, ItalySome would say ripasso wines are a good alternative, at least value wise, to Amarone. Yet I’m not sure how many people know what an Amarone is or why passing (Ripasso) simple Valpolicella wine over the dried, raisin-like skins left over from Amarone production is good. The technique bolsters what some would say is a fresh, lightweight, red fruit affair, giving it more full-bodied darker fruit and plenty of spice. Ultimately, this is a solid mid week red wine perfect for a chicken or pork dish.Prices:
AB$21.49750ml
Producer: Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine SPA
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09 August 2024

Le Serre Nuove Dell' Ornellaiatext
91PTS

Le Serre Nuove Dell' Ornellaia 2021

Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyLe Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is a true mini-Ornellaia made with all the same grapes and, most importantly, with the same ethos as its Super Tuscan mother. Often, it portends the coming Ornellaia release, given the precision with which it is made by winemaker Olga Fusari. The mix is 50% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc, 11% petit verdot from a noted vintage. Look for a medium dark red, an earthy, peppery nose of crushed dried herbs, cedar, plums, blood, and berry. The palate is alive with freshness and just enough tannin to temper the alcohol and subdue the acid, all part of a silky texture throughout. There is no rush to drink this wine, but it can be consumed now if need be. Pork would be a perfect foil at this point. The optically sorted fruit spends 15 months in barriques (25% new and 75% used once), and the parts are blended at the 12 month mark. Finally, the wine is allowed to rest another six months in a bottle before release.Prices:
BC$79.99750ml
ON$69.95750ml
QC$70.00750ml
BC$176.991500ml
Producer: Ornellaia
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Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcinotext
92PTS

Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThere is never any rush to drink Brunello, and especially Pian delle Vigne, which has been sculpted like that since the beginning of 1995. In 2017, it was awash in espresso, dried herbs, violets, and perfectly ripe black cherry that jumped from the glass. The story carries on with a full, fruity entry, a rich infrastructure, and plenty of tannins to go the distance. There is richness and finesse all wrapped in one long, persistent finish streaked with a hint of bitter chocolate and balsamic notes. Steak, anyone? 2017 was a warm, dry season yielding small berries and intense flavours. After only 12 days on the skins, the fermented wine goes to oak barrels ranging in size from 30 to 80 hl for a 24 month stay. It was then bottled and aged for lengthy period at the winery before release.Prices:
BC$81.99750ml
AB$79.99750ml
ON$71.95750ml
Producer: Marchesi Antinori
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LaStella Espressivotext
0PTS

LaStella Espressivo 2021

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Super South Okanagan red blends 12% sangiovese with merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. The wine is typically elegant and mid-weight in structure with reasonably intense red fruit and incredible finesse. But in 2021, instead of the complexing desert scrub savoury notes, it is marked by a smoky, campfire undercurrent that runs through the whole wine. I’m told there is a market for smoky wines, which is good for the winery and for a wine that is so well made otherwise, but I will not score the wine this year. Look for the 2020 online or wait for the 2022; it should return to normal.Prices:
BC$49.99750ml
Producer: LaStella
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Ornellaia Rossotext
96PTS

Ornellaia Rosso 2021

Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyClimate change is altering Ornellaia in subtle ways. The merlot has been reduced, given its propensity to ripen earlier due to a warming planet, robbing the mix of some freshness. In 2021, the blend is 53/25/15/7 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot, although the wine still clocks in at a hefty 15 percent alcohol. Similar to the south Okanagan, Bolgheri copes with its inherent richness, balancing it with the scent of wild Mediterranean countryside that permeates the underside of this expressive Super Tuscan. Look for rich black and blue fruits and a rush of fine grained tannin that adds to the wine's muscular undertones. Still, there is freshness of fruit and acidity, pitching a balance, as previously mentioned, that lets you forget the alcohol. This will age gracefully for 15 to 20 years. Technically, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks. After a 15 day maceration, it is pressed off into mainly oak barrels, 70% new and 30% used once. It remains in barriques for about 18 months. After the first 12 months of maturation, the wine is assembled and then returned to barriques for an additional six months. Post-bottling, it is aged a further 12 months before release.Prices:
BC$240.00750ml
AB$240.00750ml
ON$240.00750ml
QC$240.00750ml
Producer: Ornellaia
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07 August 2024

Papantonis Winery Metron Aristontext
88PTS

Papantonis Winery Metron Ariston 2022

Peloponnese, GreecePapantonis Winery was established in 1993 in Nemea by siblings Antony and Kallie Papantonis. The vineyards, are situated just outside of the village Malandreni. Metron Ariston (meaning ‘moderation is best’) is a blend of Roditis (65%) and Chardonnay (35%), planted on their estate's sandy clay soils. Ripe and sun-rich, with fleshy yellow plum, perfumed white peach, melon, and bitter citrus on an expansive core, held to a smart 13%.Prices:
ON$26.00750ml
Producer: Papantonis Winery
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02 August 2024

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnaytext
92PTS

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaIf you know Anthony Hamilton Russel, you won't be surprised at how posh and stylish this Hemel-en-Aarde Valley chardonnay is. Their vineyards start at 1km from the ocean, and this is planted in stony, clay and shale soils. It was fermented in wood (94% barrel and 6% foudre), with about 25% new, and remained there 9 months. Very potent and textural, with pencil shavings, sharpened lemon, grapefruit pith, and pear skin, culminating with big flake salts on the finish. Drinking very well now in relative youth, but will shine in the next couple of years when it hits its stride. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:
AB$69.00750ml
Producer: Hamilton Russell Vineyards
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Westcott Vineyards Block 76 Chardonnaytext
92PTS

Westcott Vineyards Block 76 Chardonnay 2021

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom Niagara's Vinemount Ridge and its extreme climate (too far south for lake effect, extremes in winter necessitate use of geo-textiles), this clone 76 chardonnay was native fermented in neutral barrique with full MLF for 10 months, before moving into neutral puncheons for 6 additional months, and topped with 2020 lees. Nutty and toasty with a buzzy electric energy livening the creamy mid-palate, and a kiss of reduction charming the finish. Long and linear, this is showing quite smart at present and will continue to do so. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:
ON$45.00750ml
Producer: Westcott Vineyards
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Lighthall Vineyards Chardonnaytext
91PTS

Lighthall Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaFrom Prince Edward County's Lighthall Vineyards, the 2021 Chardonnay was whole cluster pressed in a mix of 1/3 barrel (1 new barrel, 1 used), and 2/3 stainless. Post ferment the wine underwent monthly bâtonnage over 1 year in oak. A fine edge of reduction leads into this vibrant, long, humming chardy, with savoury pencil shavings to offset the bright lemon and green apple. The finish lingers with a buzzy stoniness. Quite smart, and a highlight of its lineup. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:
ON$30.75750ml
Producer: Lighthall Vineyards
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Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnaytext
91PTS

Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay 2022

Elgin, Overberg, South AfricaBoschendal was founded in 1685, making it one of the oldest and grandest Cape estates. From cool climate Elgin, this accomplished chardonnay carries ripe white peach and fine cream over a long, subtle lees bed, finishing with lingering salinity. Sealed with a Diam10, you can see the winery expects this to go the distance. Lovely cool climate chardonnay. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:
CDN$80.00750ml
Producer: Boschendal Estate Winery
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Laroche Chablis Saint Martintext
89PTS

Laroche Chablis Saint Martin 2022

Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSaint Martin was a Monk in the 4th century, and this wine is named for the church started in the 9th century outside LaRoche. Perfumed cream, green apple, crunchy pear rides over a light lees bed, finishing with a snappy lemon twist. Solid, and drinking now. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:
CDN$27.00750ml
Producer: Laroche
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudeveytext
92PTS

Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey 2022

Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFrom the Left Bank's little known 1er Cru Les Vaudevey (only a handful of producers work this steep, cool valley) comes this clear, tight, and shining Chablis. Sculpted and sharpened with lemon and pencil shavings, this is long and buzzy through the vibrant finish. Limestone juice. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:
Producer: Laroche
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Fort Berens White Gold Reservetext
91PTS

Fort Berens White Gold Reserve 2022

Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the best wine I have tasted from Fort Berens since they arrived in Lillooet. It is all Dry Creek Vineyard, Lillooet. Previously, this wine had a strong California bent, but I see more finesse this year, and terroir. Look for a juicy floral aromatic entry that excites. The palate has intensity and length but with balance, mixing creamy textures, melon, honey, and citrus salinity with a touch of cream corn in the finish. Warm days and cool nights are the perfect climate for this grape, picked at optimal ripeness. Half of the fruit was destemmed and crushed with 4 hours of skin contact to add freshness, while the other half was whole cluster pressed for the richness factor. The ferment is wild in a mix of 225L & 400L French oak barrels, also used to age the wine for another nine months. 23% of the oak was new, 20% was 2nd fill, and 57% resided in neutral oak barrels.Prices:
BC$31.99750ml
Producer: Fort Berens Estate Winery
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Solvero Chardonnaytext
91PTS

Solvero Chardonnay 2022

Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Solvero Chardonnay is farmed at close to 600m elevation, making it one of the highest vineyards in the province. It is whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented in 20% new French oak, and it gets daily lees stirring during fermentation before a 12 month sleep in barriques. There is a Burgundian richness here in a wine that mixes pears, yellow apples, hazelnut, toast, and just a hint of vanilla. Stylish and young, you can think this now or wait another year or two to allow it to develop fully. Yet another promising new label from Summerland.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
Producer: Solvero Wines
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Domaine Queylus La Grande Réserve Chardonnay Cuvee Champlaintext
89PTS

Domaine Queylus La Grande Réserve Chardonnay Cuvee Champlain 2022

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis is a bit simple for a single vineyard Grand Reserve and could use more acid or vibrancy to grab your attention, but it is a solid effort. The nose is a mix of nuts with floral undertones. The palate offers honey, nectarine, and apple with leesy rich textures that fade into a flatter finish. It is best over the next year or two with richer, creamier fish dishes. Pricey.Prices:
ON$60.70750ml
Producer: Domaine Queylus
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Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnaytext
92PTS

Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2021

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Stewart Family Reserve wines are produced from some of the oldest vines on the property, now hitting the quarter century mark. The Family Reserve is mostly Clone 95, and while its style has leaned toward California, 2021 is beginning to transition out to a leaner, more complex affair, and something more Okanagan. The pears, peaches and hazelnuts combine with a creamy palate, but now the lees and acidity kick in at the back end, giving it more life and vitality. It's dry and intense as chardonnay can be without losing its finesse. It's an impressive edition of the Reserve, and one chardonnay fans should not miss. The winery suggests it pairs well with a pan fried halibut cooked in a butter cream sauce, or a burrata salad with roasted peaches, pistachios, and cider vinaigrette. Bravo.Prices:
BC$49.00750ml
Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery
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Bartier Bros. Chardonnaytext
89PTS

Bartier Bros. Chardonnay 2023

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCerqueira Vineyard sits on the Black Sage Terrace in Oliver and is the source of this Chardonnay. Its sandy loam topsoil on mainly granite glacial till contains high amounts of calcium sulphate precipitates that add energy and minerality to this tightly strung, modern chardonnay. The wine sees no oak and is aged for only four months in stainless steel. Its creamy textures mitigate the crunchy pear, green apple, and saline lemon finish on what is a marvellous food wine. Shellfish, whitefish, chicken salads, and the like all work here.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: Bartier Bros.
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Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Chardonnaytext
91PTS

Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Chardonnay 2022

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt is my first look at the BM chardonnay since 2020, as they did not release 2021 due to smoke damage. This is the ripest, richest version of this wine I have tasted, with a pronounced sweet pear/pineapple flavour amid a creamy, complex mix of spicy lees, toast, and minerals. It is certainly a little more opulent than I am used to from this producer. Not much can touch this chardonnay in most years, especially for $30, so I expect it will be in high demand. Now in its fourth decade, the Estate chardonnay vines are a mix of clones 76, 95, 96, and 548.Prices:
BC$28.00750ml
AB$27.95750ml
ON$24.95750ml
QC$23.95750ml
NB$26.00750ml
MB$26.00750ml
Producer: Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars
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Haywire Chardonnaytext
91PTS

Haywire Chardonnay 2022

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Haywire style is low intervention and fermented in a range of fermentation vessels, in this case, a mix of stainless, concrete, amphora, and foudre, before a final maturation on its lees in concrete for six months. Lean bright and complex, this a vibrant mix of green apple, lemon, and creamy lees before the right streak of acidity fires up the finish. Thoughtful, complex, and sneaky fun to drink. One of the best yet.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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