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Tastings: October 2025
09 October 2025
90PTS
Ciù Ciù Merlettaie Pecorino 2024
Marche, ItalyMerlettaie means lace, and the name of this wine pays homage to the lace workers of Offida, characteristic of these hills much like the Pecorino grape. From organic vineyards in Offida and Acquaviva Picena, at 280m, this was native fermented and aged in 25hL Slavonian oak barrels over a period of 8-10 weeks, where it remained for 6 months on lees prior to bottling. Pouring a shining deeper lemon hue, this fuller white draws pine nuts, quince, and white peach blossoms along the creamy palate, seasoned with light toast, and lingering with grapefruit peel. As ever, nice detailing and weight here.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Zarate Albariño 2024
Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFounded in 1707, the family owned Zarate estate is located in Rias Baixas' lauded Val do Salnés subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. 7th generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. This is from 30 year old vines, fermented native, and with three months on the lees in stainless. Perfumed peach, quince, and pear glide through the medium palate, lit with a buzzy granitic grip that sails this through a lingering saline finish. Such energy and vibrancy in this benchmark albariño.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2024
Piedmont, ItalyFrom Roero’s sandy soils, and vines nearly 30 years old, this Arneis was fermented and aged in stainless to preserve the delicate fruit. Perfumed pear, quince, and crystalline lemon peel ring through this lifted white, seasoned with crushed stones and kissed with jasmine blossoms. The finish lingers with stony salinity. Very sophisticated.Prices:| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Josep Grau Vespres Blanc 2024
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainJosep Grau oversees 26ha of organic vineyards in Priorat and Montsant, at varying elevations and degrees of llicorella (slate), chalky clay, and decomposed granite. This Garnacha Blanco was fermented and aged in 1900L concrete egg over 7 months. An expressive nose of white peach, green fig, and meadow thistle opens to a textural, medium bodied, lees-decked palate, drawing light honeysuckle and crushed stones to a lingering saline finish. Lovely expression of grape and site here.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Josep Grau Volador Blanco 2024
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainJosep Grau oversees 26ha of organic vineyards in Priorat and Montsant, at varying elevations and degrees of llicorella (slate), chalky clay, and decomposed granite. This Garnacha Blanco was grown in clay soils and from young vines. It was native fermented and aged in concrete tanks for 3 months. Perfumed pear, green fig, white peach roll along the subtly waxen palate, finishing with lingering stony spice. Quite a lot of texture and weight for 12.5%.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine des Petits Quarts Tradition Chenin 2022
Bonnezeaux, Anjou, Loire, FranceThis sweet chenin (135 g/L RS) is grown on grey/green schists of Bonnezeaux, and late harvested with botrytis. The native ferment was long and slow in stainless. Pouring a golden hue, this layers honeysuckle, baked quince, caramelized grapefruit along the silken palate, finishing with lingering honey. There's a lovely freshness to counter the sweetness, and aiding with food pairing (richer patés or tarte tatin). 11.5%Prices:| ON | $53.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Donatien Bahuaud Vouvray Les Grands Mortiers 2023
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceThis off dry chenin counters most of its 19ish g/L RS with the grape's racy acidity, leaving a wash of honeysuckle, baked pear, and green herbs along the warming palate. A fuller white that would suit winter pork dishes or vegetarian stews.Prices:| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Swerwer Chenin Blanc 2022
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaSwerwer (Nomad / Wanderer) is Jasper Wickens project in the Swartland. He makes this wine from four dry-farmed granitic Paardeberg vineyards, and vines averaging 40 years, with around 5% skin contact, native fermented in older French barrels, where it remains 10 months on lees. Crushed stones and fine downy lees make up the base for crystalline lemon, pear skin, lemongrass, and ample salinity, all pinned taut with a humming granitic grip, and finishing with a lingering bitter lemon pith. Pure and uncompromising.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kir-Yanni Assyrtiko The North 2024
Macedonia, GreeceThe Kir-Yanni Assyrtiko originates from select vine parcels situated in northern Greece, on one of the coolest sites on the unique Amyndeon plateau. High altitudes between 600 and 700 meters, combined with poor sandy soils surrounded by four lakes, contribute to the moderating temperatures year round. The North is an introductory white wine made from young assyritko vines (average age 10 years). It has a bright yellow hue, a nose of peaches and apricots, and a crisp, if simple palate. A perfect wine for fish tacos.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Dopio Passo Grillo 2023
Sicily, ItalyAll you can want for the price and an excellent opportunity to explore a white wine from Sicily, a place you might think is too warm to produce lively whites. Yet the altitude above the Mediterranean has spawned a cool, bright, lemony white with salinity and minerality. A versatile seafood white you can buy for $14 in Ontario. Sorry BC, we are not worthy.Prices:| ON | $13.55 | 750ml |
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07 October 2025
88PTS
Moselland Ars Vitis Riesling Qualitätswein 2023
Mosel, GermanyThe Mosel has been the home of Riesling for over 2,000 years. The region's steep slopes, slate soils, and relatively cool temperatures create an ideal environment for growing Riesling grapes. Unlike many other regions worldwide, even entry level Mosel rieslings can often deliver authentic quality fruit. Ars Vitis is medium sweet at 35+ g/L of residual sugar, yet its obvious acidity makes for an elegant, fresh, mouthwatering white that pairs well with spicy ribs, spicy tuna sushi, or a favourite Thai curry. I appreciate the value here.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gehringer Brothers International Series Dry Riesling 2024
Washington, United StatesThe Gehringer replacement riesling is well made and drinkable, but lacks the regular zip you expect from a Gehringer riesling. The attack is soft, with muted yellow apple and a touch of jasmine spice before running out of steam in the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pewsey Vale Single Vineyard Estate Riesling 2024
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaYou can set your watch by this consistent Down Under riesling grown among the famous contoured vines of Pewsey Vale. It is an Eden Valley benchmark and for good reason. It was first established in 1847, and the vines can tell stories that few others have had the privilege of experiencing. It is fermented in stainless steel, literally sharpening its fresh green apple, lemongrass, and lime juice, all with a salinity and stony minerality that begs for more. It is bone dry and intense, and will work with just about any food you can think of. A lesson in what is possible for less than $30.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Selbach Riesling Fish Label 2022
Mosel, GermanyThe Fish Label is an off-dry riesling made by the Selbachs, one of Germany's oldest winemaking families, dating back to the 1600s. The fish label designed in Vancouver has become a significant brand for the family. The colourful fish was created by Vancouver-based artist Johanna Waldorf, partner of distributor Andy Waldorf (Waldorf Wines), both friends of renowned winemaker Johannes Selbach. The label has had a terrific effect on the public, seemingly instantly reassuring them of their fears of riesling. And why not? It is a fruity, aromatic white packed with florals, crunchy apple, and peach that help stabilize the balance. There is that bright Mosel acidity and juiciness, which makes this wine a wine drinker's dream for patio sipping or pairing with various Southeast Asian dishes. It remains consistent year after year and is still a bargain at $23.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Riesling Ontario 2024
Ontario, CanadaThis Ontario riesling is Tantalus' 2024 CIBC answer to their iconic riesling bottling. Instead of looking south, like the majority of replacement wines, winemaker Dave Paterson went east, to Niagara, and two highly regarded vineyards also planted to the 21B clone of riesling (Tantalus' home clone). From Grimsby Hillside and Picone Vineyards, this was whole bunch pressed, settled for 2 days and shipped cross Canada in a reefer to be fermented at Tantalus' Kelowna winery. True to house style, this was finished off-dry, with 15 g/L RS. Juicy and joyous, with ripe pear, fragrant peach, mandarin, and a slick of honeysuckle along a fine lees base, finishing with some stony spice and orange pith. Nice blend of tension and juiciness, as per the usual Tantalus releases, with the added bonus of limestone zing.Prices:| BC | $27.83 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Loosen Bros Dr. L Riesling 2023
GermanyThe Dr. L. Loosen Bros. Riesling is a harmonious introduction to the elegant Mosel Riesling style. It is a fruit salad of yellow and green fruits such as lime, lemon and green apples that pop through a juicy, fresh, off-dry lime sherbet palate. Food-friendly and ready to drink, there is a tiny bit of fizz keeping it all alive and fresh — a perfect wine for spicy sushi rolls.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NFL | $21.16 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.05 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.39 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Culmina Family Estate Decora Riesling 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Margaret's Bench, sitting south of Oliver above the Golden Mile Bench at 595 metres elevation, this is a dry, richly textured riesling with a combination of dried yellow fruits, spice, and flint. Well balanced, and with good drive, this shows excellent fruit concentration. It's a distinct style but well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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06 October 2025
87PTS
La Vieille Ferme Rosé NV
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe La Vieille Ferme label has been around for 40 years, featuring affordable red, white, and rosé wines grown in the sunny region of the Southern Rhône, each an expression of the terroir. Climate change and increased demand have compelled the family to label the wines as Vin de France, enabling them to expand while maintaining the quality of the blend as much as possible. This dry, medium-pale pink opens with candied strawberry and orange. The blend is cinsault, grenache, and syrah, all portraying sunny, fresh, tangerine, red licorice, and minerals. A simple, highly affordable rosé in a 3 Litre bag in the box format.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 3000ml |
| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceMiraval has a history that dates to 1252 and St. Thomas Aquinas. Studio Miraval has hosted Sting, Sade, the Cranberries, and Pink Floyd, not to mention the current owners, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (now divorced but still partners in a rosé venture). The wine, grown on an excellent piece of land in Provence, has always been made by the Perrin family of Château Beaucastel, famous for its Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In 2024, the Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle (Vermentino) blend is all Provençal, sleek with silky smooth textures, citrus, red fruits, watermelon, and a savoury, mineral, stony finish. Ready to drink. Spot prawns, anyone?Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frind Estate Rosé 2024
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Frind Rosé is one of the darker versions, but in this case, it has plenty of ripe fruit to attract a crowd. It's cleaner than the previous version and is definitely ready to drink. I suggest you opt for spicier foods that will complement the sweet character of the ripe fruit. A solid, everyday, pizza rosé.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hampton Water 2024
Sud de France, FranceJon Bon Jovi and his son Jesse have achieved notable success with their wine venture, Hampton Water, a rosé described as "Born in France and raised in The Hamptons." Collaborating with renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand, whose expertise in rosé is widely recognized, the pair crafted a wine that appeals directly to enthusiasts of the style. Hampton Water Rosé, first released in 2018, is a blend of 60% grenache, 15% cinsault, 15% mourvèdre, and 10% syrah. The wine is, as you would expect, fresh and lively, with a palate of strawberry and citrus that finishes dry. It is aged in new oak, but you don't feel it. Celebrity wines seldom deliver authenticity, but in this case, the Bon Jovi family has demonstrated a commitment to authenticity by partnering with an experienced winemaker and maintaining a clear focus on the wine itself.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 1000ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 1000ml |
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89PTS
Tormaresca Calafuria 2024
Salento, Puglia, ItalyThis peach-pink negroamaro rosato is grown on the Maìme estate in San Pietro Vernotico, near the Adriatic. The property is owned by the Antinori family and made under the Tormaresca name in Puglia. You may be surprised by how fresh, juicy, and vibrant this strawberry scented rosé is, while all the while remaining Italian, dry, and food friendly. Expect a creamy texture and fresh citrus sprayed pear and strawberry. It's all Italian with a hint of Provence. A winner now in 750ml bottles.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ogier Ventoux Rosé NV
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis wine has gone non vintage since I last tasted the 2020. Wildfires and global climate instability are likely the cause, because not being handcuffed by the vintage allows the producer to maintain its style. In his case, you are getting a grenache / syrah / cinsault blend that is easy sipping with faint pink grapefruit and strawberry. A perfect wine for crab or prawns grilled on the 'cue.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liber Estates Rosé 2023
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 Liber Rosé is made from certified organically grown Okanagan cabernet franc, sporting an inviting pale orange. The attack has perfect balance between acidity and fruit. Lightly crunchy cherry, melon, with a spray of pink grapefruit, and what is becoming a signature creamy texture, make this wine a winner. Liber continues to impress while flying under the radar. Try this one out with salmon canapés, grilled sausage, herbed chicken, or chocolate dipped strawberries.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Evolve Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Evolve Rosé comes off a single site in Osoyoos. It reflects the versatility of Syrah grapes to achieve a structured rosé with bright acidity, subtle spice, and barely ripe red berries. There was no skin contact, and the fermentation was long and cool over 21 days. Bright, dry, and fresh, this is on a good path and needs just a little more lift and riper fruit to get to the next level.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moon Curser Confiscated Rosé 2024
Washington, United StatesMoon Curser sourced its replacement rosé grapes from Rocky Pond Estate Winery in Lake Chelan, Washington. The grapes are handpicked, and the destemmed berries undergo two hours of skin contact before fermentation. This wine presents a medium cherry-orange hue, accompanied by subtle fruit and earthy aromas. On the palate, it starts dry and fresh. However, it lacks significant flavour. While Moon Curser has produced many outstanding red and white wines, this rosé does not quite meet their high standards.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Heist Rosé 2023
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 Heist Rosé is an Osyoos based blend of 54/24/15/6/1 syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and malbec. On the nose, a bouquet of ripe red berries and melons. On the palate, this wine has a dry attack, with high acidity and a juicy, slightly bitter nectarine skin, finishing clean and mineral. Best paired with food, the winery recommends grilled citrus-infused shrimp, vegetable sushi rolls, and lemon ricotta and spinach ravioli.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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05 October 2025
89PTS
Poplar Grove The Legacy 10 -Year Release 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTen-year-old wines can have varied outcomes; some age well while others lose their quality. Poplar Grove Winery is currently in the second year of its Library Collection 10-Year Release program, which aims to evaluate the aging potential of its red wines from both sensory and financial perspectives. The first year highlighted the 2014 vintage and three key PG labels: Legacy, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This year, the same trio from the 2015 vintage will be released. Earlier this month, ahead of the 2015 release, an assessment was conducted comparing the initial 2014 releases—which are now nearly sold out—and the upcoming 2015 releases scheduled for November 2025. The 2014 Legacy marked the first time the winery moderated tannin levels, marking a transition from previously dominant styles to more nuanced blends. The composition included 44% cabernet franc, along with 24% each of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, and 4% each of malbec and petit verdot. The wine's acidity is now more pronounced, complementing the persistent notes of earth, leather, dried leaves, and sagebrush that have been present since its introduction. Although suitable for mid-term aging, it is recommended that remaining bottles of the 2014 Legacy be consumed soon.Prices:| BC | $101.99 | 750ml |
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03 October 2025
90PTS
Poplar Grove The Legacy 10-Year Anniversary 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTen-year-old wines can produce varying results; some age gracefully, while others lose their quality. Poplar Grove Winery is currently in the second year of its Library Collection 10 Year Release program, which aims to evaluate the aging potential of its red wines from both sensory and financial perspectives. The first year spotlighted the 2014 vintage and three key PG labels: Legacy, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This year, the same trio from the 2015 vintage will be released. Earlier this month, before the 2015 release, an assessment was conducted comparing the initial 2014 releases, which are now nearly sold out, with the upcoming 2015 releases scheduled for November 2025. The 2015 Legacy was an impressive red upon release and a complete departure from the 2014 blend. The '15 mix is 36/29/19/14/2 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc, and petit verdot. It was more linear upon release, and a decade later, it remains that way, with more of that worn leather and cedar notes now as the fruit of youth begins to fade. The texture is soft and round, with lightly grainy tannins that melt in your mouth. Interestingly, in its youth, I thought it was more Napa than Bordeaux, but that has flipped at the 10 year mark. It's livelier than the 2014, but it is fully ready to drink. Try this with a fall dinner headlined by roast beef.Prices:| BC | $101.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Emiliana Coyam 2021
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile2021 marks the 20th year for Coyam, consistently one of the best and most underrated wines of Chile. A cool vintage has supercharged Chile's first ever biodynamic wine grown at Los Robles Estate in the Colchagua Valley. The blend has been adjusted along the way, moving off the Bordeaux model for something more Southern French, but honestly, this is a Chilean wine. The '21 is mostly syrah and carmenere with dashes of garnacha, cabernet sauvignon, mourvèdre, petit verdot, malbec and tempranillo designed to complex the mix in a way few South American reds can. Less new oak caps off a superb red with ripe tannins and savoury mouth filling black fruits you can drink or hold. There is enormous value here. Back up the truck if you have some extra money to spare.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $31.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $34.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chronos Fourth Dimension 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe four dimensions are 65/20/8/7 syrah/cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc. This juicy, fun to drink red is hand harvested and hand sorted, in search of the most prime fruit. Each variety is also fermented and aged separately, allowing for a broad based blending session to fine tune the best blend combination. Winemaker Lynzee Schatz creates the final blend just days before bottling, ensuring only the finest batches are selected for this label, which has been aged for approximately 18 months in a mix of American and French oak, with only 20% of the oak being new. It is surprisingly fresh, dominated by red fruit, making each sip a pleasure, not to mention a call for food, as the pepper persists long into the finish. An impressive red that is ready to drink now. Bonus report, no smoke here.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moon Curser Border Vines 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Moon Curser style is rich, potent, and highly expressive, but seldom is it overdone in recent years, as evidenced by the purity of fruit that runs through this wine. Dried summer berries, rich spicing, dark chocolate, and still with some saline mineral notes in its savoury fine-grained tannin back end. The '22 is a boisterous blend of heavy hitting 35% petit verdot, 33% merlot, 16% cabernet sauvignon, and 16% cabernet franc, all fermented in stainless steel and aged 12 months in 25% new French oak. At this point, the bigger the dinner, the better. Think ribeye steak with stilton, braised short ribs, or a vegetarian lentil lasagna.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Hester Creek Garland 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGarland gets its name from Curt Garland, the owner of Hester Creek. It was established in 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original planting of vinifera vines in 1968, marking a one off release. However, it proved too compelling to be a one time bottling and has been produced annually since then. 2022 was an exceptional vintage in the South Okanagan despite a late start. Summer temperatures warmed up and lasted throughout the autumn, resulting in 1,676 growing degree days and some very long hangtime, all of which contributed to excellent fruit. The blend consists of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit verdot, and 4% malbec. The verdot and malbec are co-fermented and blended with the cab and aged 24 months in French oak. The wine has a firm, dry, fresh, and complex attack, with spearmint, savoury black fruit, dried spice, and cedar, accompanied by some youthful tannins that provide structure. There is no rush here, as this wine will age gracefully through 2030.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
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