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Tastings: January 2026
09 January 2026
89PTS
Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis CIBC replacement wine sourced sauvignon blanc fruit from Yakima Valley's Elephant Mountain Vineyard. After 12 hours of skin contact, this underwent a long 48 day ferment, and rested in a mix of stainless and 30% Slovakian oak. Punchy and bright, with pineapple rind, juicy peach, and tangerine filling a juicy palate. The wood is gobbled up by the fruit, leaving a lingering ginger spice note on the finish. Pretty smart and easily drinkable.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust White +13/09 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlind Trust is usually an undisclosed blend. Once you buy it, you can peel back the capsule to see the actual grape components stencilled on the bottle neck, which vary each year. In fact, the latest release in 2023 isn't a blend; after all the blending trials, the decision was made to release a 100% sauvignon blanc. The result is a pleasant example of this aromatic variety, with a fresh fruit nose reminiscent of passionfruit and pineapple. The palate features ripe tropical and pear that give the wine an appealing balance and suggest it pairs well with slightly spicy bites such as spicy tuna rolls, shrimp ceviche with jalapeño, or spicy mango salsa with chips.Prices:| BC | $25.10 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Invivio X Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc Blend 7 2025
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe SJP vision for Kiwi sauvignon is less is more. It still has that fresh cut grapefruit on opening. The acidity is reined in, and there is a touch of sweetness that rounds out the palate and makes this more of a sipping sauvignon, something I wouldn't usually say about Marlborough sauvignon. A dash of canned jalapeño, nettle, and lemongrass throughout the finish speaks to its origin. The rich character makes it especially attractive with soy-based dishes. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Leyda Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis begins with some lighter gooseberry and struck flint before very crisp, clean, pure flavours with a gentle attack that is more French in style than New Zealand. As it warmed a little, it revealed mandarin, white peach, melon rind and citrus peel, all very well balanced, which continued into the longish finish. Leyda Valley is a sub-area of the San Antonio Valley. Right on the Pacific Ocean, this cool climate region produces vibrant, fresh wines.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Interlude Select Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Township7 Interlude Series Select wines are another step up as replacement wines to fill in for the 2024 deep freeze in BC. The Select Sauvignon Blanc is a single vineyard offering from historic Bacchus Vineyard on Washington's Wahluke Slope, planted in 1972. The wine has a vibrant, fresh attack with ripe pineapple balanced by a mix of lemon and lime, all supported by a soft, creamy texture from being barrel fermented in French oak with regular stirring. It is ready to drink, and the winery recommends serving it with Fettuccini Alfredo or Chicken Provençal with cherry tomatoes.Prices:| BC | $33.97 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paul Mas Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA challenging growing season ended with a smaller crop, but of high quality fruit. This is a gentle style of sauvignon with very little pyrazine characters. Juicy lemon marks the palate, with a light watery finish. Best on a warm patio with simple seafood appetizers.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Winemaker's Cut Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesI enjoyed the 2022, and this 2024 replacement wine from the Yakima Valley in Washington is equally enjoyable. The nose features remarkably Marlborough-like sauvignon aromas, including tropical pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, with a strong lemon and mineral undercurrent that sails across the palate before a tight, stony, saline finish. It's hard not to recommend oysters with this white, though many other dishes will work well here, from fish and chips to spaghetti vongole. The fruit travelled overnight by truck to BC. After three hours of skin contact, it was fermented slowly for 44 days in a blend of 80% stainless steel and 20% neutral oak.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Atanga Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis wine earned a prestigious gold medal at the 2024 Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada tastings. It is made with fruit from Marlborough, NZ, but it was bottled in Québec by Maison des Futailles Station 22. Not that you would see that noted anywhere on the label. At 12.5% alcohol, it has travelled well. Expect an intense Kiwi aroma, bright acidity, sweet pineapple, and herbal pyrazine notes combined with passionfruit. Ready to drink, it is best enjoyed with food that can mellow out the acidity. The SAQ states it is a Product of Québec, while the label indicates it is a Product of New Zealand. Eventually, consumers might seek clarity, as it seems that bulk bottling of foreign wine will likely continue in Canada, and its placement by origin on shelves remains uncertain.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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08 January 2026
88PTS
Cecchi Chianti 2023
Tuscany, ItalyThis entry Chianti is primarily sangiovese, tipped with 10% Canaiolo and Colorino, from vineyards in the Chianti hills around 270m. It was fermented and aged in stainless. Juicy black cherry, dark raspberry, dark earth is brightened with a tart cassis acidity, and wrapped with finely sticky tannins. A friendly, easy Chianti to crack into now with your tomato-based pastas.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Antinori Pian delle Vigne Rosso di Montalcino 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyPian del Vigne estate sits 6 kilometres to the southwest of the town of Montalcino. It is named after the 19th century railroad station located on the estate. The property consists of 184 hectares, of which 83 hectares are planted to vines, most with a south western exposure, at an altitude of 130 meters. The Rosso is an excellent expression of the family's desire to bring out the fragrance of pure Sangiovese grown on classic calcareous-clay soils. The nose is savoury and packed with red fruit. The attack is soft and delicate, with vibrant red currants and candied citrus. The textures are silky smooth.Prices:| CDN | $34.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Lornano Chianti Classico 2020
Monteriggioni, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe Lorenano Chianti Classico is made from densely planted sangiovese vines, growing at 300 metres above sea level and facing south-southwest. Heavily calcareous soils give this wine body and mid-palate structure. It spends a year in older French barrels and another six months in the bottle at the winery. Expect a beautifully aromatic, red-fruited sangiovese with excellent mouthfeel and length. Cherries, plums, crushed stone, minerals, and herbs all blend in a captivating CC you can enjoy now at five years of age. The alcohol content is at the high end, 14.5%, but it doesn't detract from the wine's delicious character. Look for this in the private market and restaurants.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Colle Massaria Riserva Montecucco 2021
Tuscany, ItalyMontecucco Rosso Riserva is a self proclaimed Super Tuscan, with herbal, aromatic, Mediterranean evergreen needle notes on the nose. The attack is a wild mix of 80% sangiovese, 10% ciliegiolo, and 10% cabernet sauvignon with intense spice and more herbal notes. Despite the nose, there is a lot of richness and tannins yet to be dispersed. Hold through 2027. The Riserva comes from vineyards located 300 meters above sea level, with different exposures and soils, namely sandstone, calcareous-marly clays, alluvial pebbles with conglomerate, and red clays. The vines are organically farmed.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Hester Creek Undici 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHester Creek winemaker Mark Hopley has introduced Undici, a Super Tuscan red, expanding the estate's selection to three top tier crus. Interestingly, the original vineyards at Hester Creek, planted in 1968, coincide with the era when Super Tuscans gained fame, starting with the 1968 Sassicaia, which redefined Tuscan quality. However, Vineyard Eleven, dubbed an "11 out of 10 site" by viticulturist and Hester Creek president Mark Sheridan, is located further south on the Osoyoos East Bench. This brings us to Undici, meaning 11 in Italian. Released in 2022, it's a blend of 61% sangiovese, 19% merlot, 16% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot, and malbec. The grapes were hand harvested, sorted, destemmed, and pressed. The juice underwent a two day cold soak on the skins, followed by a 20 day fermentation in Italian Ganimede tanks under CO2 to promote gentle maceration and avoid harsh tannin extraction. After fermentation, the wine aged for two years in French oak barrels, then was transferred to new French oak for an additional 2 years before bottling in early June 2025. Six months later, it is settling well, and should age nicely for up to ten years. The nose offers fresh red fruit with hints of savoury South Okanagan desert scrub. The initial impact is lively, with sour cherries, ripe plums, and a hint of blood, leading to a long, silky, textured back end with vibrant acidity. Some cellaring will help it develop fully. It's a promising wine I will revisit in 2027 to see how it has evolved.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Castello di Bolgheri Flocco 2022
Tuscany, ItalyThe 2022 Flocco is yet another delicious edition. In classic Tuscan style, it offers a fresh upfront burst of red and blue fruit, complemented by a savoury undertone. The texture is silky, with moderate tannins and just a touch of that Italian dryness that prepares the palate for food. The blend is a well balanced mix of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. Enjoy it with a grilled steak or a pizza alla salsiccia.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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05 January 2026
89PTS
Invivio Chardonnay 2024
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandThe Invivio Hawke's Bay chardonnay ticks a lot of consumer friendly boxes and holds the attention of the connoisseur, too. It is barrel fermented, and lees aged for seven months to add palate weight and creaminess. Add some tropical pineapple and orange, dusted with vanilla and spice, and a nutty aftertaste, and you have a winner. The finish is clean, with citrus that keeps it fresh and makes you want another glass. Your guests will welcome it with an appetizer at parties, or on the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
RockBare Click 99 Chardonnay 2025
Limestone Coast, South Australia, AustraliaThe Limestone Coast is a geographically diverse region in South Australia, whose limestone formations and pleasant climate are key components of this wine. This is a simple but well made chardonnay that is crisp and clean, leaning on bright apple, creamy textures, and a herbaceous back end that comes together in balance. The finish is long, with some toasted nut and brioche that round out this wine, which is ready to drink. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Solvero Chardonnay 2024
Chehalem Mountain , Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe 2024 Solvero Chardonnay is a replacement wine from Oregon, specifically the Chehalem Mountains AVA, which winemaker Allison Moyes believes is ideally suited to barrel fermentation. It is barrel fermented in mostly neutral oak, with 14% in new Mercurey barrels, and bâtonnage was performed during partial malolactic fermentation. In all it was aged for 11 months in barrel. The nose is fresh, with ripe red apple complemented by subtle leesy brioche and hazelnut. The texture is round and juicy, featuring ripe peach and citrus. A fun wine you can enjoy now. Well done, and it's priced realistically, too.Prices:| BC | $24.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Icon Rock Chardonnay 2023
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is light and chalky on the nose with lime and lemon, along with a touch of tinned pear juice. The palate is light-bodied but delivers very clean, persistent lime, lemon, and dairy, with that tinned pear juice element, lees texture in the mid-palate, and some nuttiness. The flavours develop as it warms slightly, and the clean balance persists into the lingering finish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Township 7 Interlude Select Chardonnay 2024
United StatesLook for expressive and bright citrus peel and pineapple. There is plenty of creamy mid-palate weight buoyed by more ripe pineapple, red apples, citrus and subtle nutty notes. The winery suggests pairing this with roasted chicken with a sage stuffing or a well-aged Gouda. This replacement Chardonnay was sourced from two vineyards: one overlooking Lake Chelan in Washington State; and the other farther south, in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. It was fermented in French oak barrels (12% new), with 80% of the juice undergoing wild fermentation, spending nearly 12 months on the lees with weekly bâtonnage to build depth, creaminess, and texture.Prices:| BC | $36.97 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Chardonnay 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the best chardonnay I have tasted from Unsworth, grown on a blend of sandy gravel and former ocean floor materials that transport you to Chablis. Ripe and with a hint of body, unlike its predecessors, this is an expressive Vancouver Island wine. Look for green apples, pears, and citrus from front to back, with a complex hint of green herbs and a leesy mineral quality. Coastal shellfish is the obvious pairing.Prices:| BC | $35.90 | 750ml |
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02 January 2026
91PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Syrah 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '22 Reserve Syrah is sourced from vineyards across the South Okanagan and displays a style somewhat reminiscent of the Northern Rhône. Despite a late start, the 2022 vintage ended well for reds, and this syrah is a fine example. The dark fruits vibrate with the acidity present and accounted for. The palate offers vibrant blueberry and blackberry with a touch of smoked meat and pepper. The Mission Hill Reserve tier represents an important vineyard selection and a cellar or barrel selection made with the top 15% of the fruit that arrives at the winery each year. Over the years, this selection has been repeated approximately 75% of the time from the same vineyard blocks, thereby maintaining consistency from vintage to vintage. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
RockBare Click 99 Shiraz 2023
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaRockBare's first wine was a shiraz from a vineyard near Port Willunga, where "rugged rocks flank the shore," inspiring the winery's name. This syrah is a rare label sourced from the Clare Valley, where riesling reigns supreme. The Mediterranean climate (long warm days and short cool nights) gives this red an approachability that syrah is not usually known for. Look for juicy fruit with silky, minty, spicy notes. This red is ready to drink, and I believe barbecue meats are a perfect pairing.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 spring was cooler than the 20 year average, and bud break occurred a week later than usual. The weather finally warmed up in August and stayed warm through harvest in October. The reds display elegant, soft tannins. These grapes come from the Nk'Mip and Driver vineyards, located next to the winery and not far from the US border, as the crow flies. The nose offers a blood and meat profile, with hints of spice, violets, and sagebrush underneath. The attack is fresh, with a plush entry and plenty of fine grained tannins that add texture, and it's rich in ripe blue and black fruits, with a dash of soya. Herb crusted lamb pairs well with this wine, which will age comfortably through 2030.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2023
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaReenen Borman is 2nd generation winemaker at his family's well known Boschkloof Wines in Stellenbosch, but also has his hands in numerous special side projects, like this. From Polkadraai Hill's lauded organically farmed Karibib vineyard, facing the bracing sea breezes, this is off 26 year old syrah vines rooted in the decomposed granite soils. It was hand harvested over one morning and into concrete for a native ferment over 10 days with stems. After pressing into concrete egg with gross lees, this was left for 11 months, bottled without fining or filtration. Ample finely cracked pink and black peppercorns are showered throughout this finessed, medium bodied red, seasoning the perfumed cherry, wild raspberry, fragrant plum swirling across the palate. Tannins are spiderweb fine and strong, guiding this finessed syrah to a lingering stony, saline finish. WowPrices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Idun Nuit Éternelle Syrah 2019
Elgin, Overberg, South AfricaIdun is a small, boutique winery run by the French-Danish Rousset family that resettled in the cool climate Elgin Valley. Idun is the Norse goddess of eternal life, fertility, and apples, which is fitting since Elgin has been long valued for its apple orchards. This syrah is rooted in sea facing southerly slopes on iron-rich sandstone at 200m. 40% was whole bunch in the native ferment before the wine rested 16 months in French barrels (30% new). Dusky wild blackberry, dark plum, and violets dance along the medium+ bodied palate, with supple, well integrated tannins, and alluring ample cracked peppercorn seasoning. The cool coastal climate keeps the acidity fresh, and this particularly food-friendly (ideally with grilled lamb or beef). Serious, cool climate syrah, and a project to watch. 5860 bottles.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Winemaker's Cut Syrah 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis syrah opens with fragrant red and black fruit, cracked pepper, and cured meat. I like the mid-weight and 13.5% alcohol, allowing the palate to effortlessly support the black licorice, spice, and black and blue fruit. It's intense but with a sense of balance and even refinement in the finish. It is easy to like now and will improve in the bottle over the next five years. From the Cut Wines tier, the '22 Syrah is from a single vineyard: Deadman Lake Vineyard, just outside Osoyoos. The 17 year old vines are planted on brown chernozem and shale soils, and after fermentation the wine was aged for 14 months in American, French, and Slovak oak.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blasted Church Syrah 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted among a group of ’22 syrah, this label displayed cool climate notes of red fruits, violets, licorice, and black pepper. It is medium weight with a silky texture and dry, spicy, fine grained tannins. The judges at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada 2025 enjoyed this wine, awarding it a high silver medal. They were also drawn to its supple style and elegance while navigating the syrah spectrum of intensity. Think roasted lamb, duck, burgers, or grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vasanti Syrah Radiance Collection 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Radiance Syrah opens with a cool climate, floral, spicy nose and aromatic red fruit. The palate is a mix of sour cherries and licorice, with a strong savoury acidic aftertaste. This needs time in the bottle to pull all its parts together, but at this point, it's lacking charm and ripe fruit.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mojo Shiraz 2024
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis is a delicious, youthful but polished Oz syrah that leads with black pepper and soft, plush blackberries, dark cherries, dark plums, spice, and a silky, vanilla wood tannin that melts away in the aftertaste. It undergoes a 5-day cold soak, followed by 6 months of maturation in 1–3 year old French and American oak barrels. This crowd pleaser you can sip or serve alongside some barbecue favourites like southern pork ribs, lamb chops, or classic Aussie bangers and mash. Good value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Kay's Syrah 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine begins with violets and red fruit. On the palate, there are hints of raspberries, plums, and white pepper. The tannins are youthful but not overpowering, allowing the acidity to stand out and refresh the finish. The fruit comes from Oliver, and the syrah is co-fermented with 5% viognier skins, with the viognier juice previously pressed off. The addition of viognier is a French tradition that helps set the colour and is said to help open the syrah, enabling it to express its character more fully. The final blend undergoes malolactic fermentation before aging for 18 months in French and American oak. Lively, vibrant, and ready for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lightning Rock Syrah Elysia Vineyard 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSummerland's steep sloped Elysia Vineyard, planted in 2006 over limestone and decomposed granite, is home to this syrah cofermented with 10% whole cluster viognier. It opens with an aromatic, sagebrush violet infused with energy from the viognier. The palate offers more of the same, with perfumed violets, cured meats, wild blueberries, smoked plums, and cracked pepper. The acidity is bright, supported by silky textures with a touch of cocoa and richness lined with white pepper. Finesse and elegance define its Rhone style. Best with lamb or similarly intense meat or mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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