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Tastings: March 2026
09 March 2026
92PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir Saison Vineyard 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaIf you've been sleeping on Cowichan Valley pinot noir, the 2023 single vineyard releases from Unsworth are your cue to pay attention. The Saison Vineyard leads the pack, as it has for years for the winery. This is pinot for pinot lovers: ethereal but concentrated; bright and pure but with compelling savoury complexity; structured yet suave and supple. Expect lifted red berries, sap, earth, and a floral perfume that keeps pulling you back to the glass. One word: wow.Prices:| BC | $75.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pelee Island Winery Pinot Noir NV
Ontario, CanadaThis Ontario pinot noir is tipped with lemburger to produce a juicy, smooth and fruity lighter red, with a bump of RS to smooth out any edges. Dried leaves, perfumed tea scents the juicy raspberry core with near negligible tannins making this easily enjoyable and friendly now.Prices:| ON | $14.82 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Reserve Series Pinot Noir 2023
Black Sage Gravel Bar, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Stoneboat style is hard to pin down from year to year. It is generally a mid-weight pinot that expresses itself through a just ripe red fruit style, and an earthy underbrush character. The palate is similar, with spicy notes throughout, streaked with a savoury cherry, black tea finish. The tannins are light, leaving this wine ready to drink. A mushroom pizza or grilled chicken would all pair well here.Prices:| BC | $32.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir 2022
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose presents underlying mulberry, pomegranate, dried twigs, raspberry, and cloves. There is understated, savoury fruit overall with a touch of tannic grip. There's purity of fruit essence here with a piney, herbal mix joined later by vanilla and dried leaves. It's light but immediate and elemental, opening to the mid-palate, with a drifting, balanced finish of real elegance and transparency.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Solvero Pinot Noir 2022
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis opens with herbal ripe cherry, baking spice, lilac, bramble, dried leaves, and tobacco before following through with autumn leaves, mulberry, and leaf smoke. Overall very savoury, quite long, and balanced, with an airy finish that lingers.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Solvero Pinot Noir 2020
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInitially, very shy and light with elusive notes of raspberry, red plum, chokecherry, and violets, ending with a light yet flavourful wave of lingering flavour that ebbs slowly. What stands out here is the lightness of body combined with the airy clarity of a very persistent, berry tinged finish. As it opened up, the dark raspberry and mulberry grew in intensity along with smooth, ripe tannins. The wine is sourced from two vineyards, their Garnet Valley estate vineyard as well as an estate vineyard along Happy Valley in the Summerland Bench sub-GI. The lightness and transparency here might reflect young estate vineyard vines (planted 2016) as well as the very cool climate, the hand of an excellent winemaker, and the exceptional altitude there of 600 to 650 meters.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
SpearHead Pinot Noir Braided Hill Vineyard 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose opens with an expressive balance of ripe and savoury fruit that includes mulberry, beetroot, and raspberry. The agreeable mingle of fresh and savoury carries through with plush loganberry, mulberry, and black raspberry, precisely ballasted by beetroot, blackberry skin tinged tannins, and some pomegranate molasses. The acidity is firm and the finish long and slow. Sourced entirely from four year old vines in the East Kelowna Sub-GI, the clones here are Dijon 777 and 115. It spent 13 months in new oak.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
SpearHead Pinot Noir Pommard Clone 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis begins with a floating medley of blueberry, lilac, marionberry, raspberry, and red plum. Pinot noir's magic ability of not requiring over ripeness and big alcohol to achieve vivid complexity and intensity is much in evidence here. Balanced, focused fruit, along with entwining, savoury embellishments of rose petal, tea, and autumn leaves deltas out to an echoing finish of raspberry and red plum skin. Stunning and haunting at the same time. After a wild fermentation, the wine was stored in 25% new oak for 13 months. The Pommard clone grapes were sourced from Summerland on the west side of Okanagan Lake.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
SpearHead Pinot Noir Saddle Block 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNamed for its contours, this is Spearhead's original pinot noir planting. Sadly, the Saddle Block vineyard vines, dating from 2008, were devastated by killer frosts in 2023, and had to be completely replanted. This last 2022 vintage under the hand of Grant Stanley again shows the superb quality and consistency of pinot noir wines from this terroir. It initially displays entrancing pomegranate, beetroot, red earth, strawberry, and raspberry. A precise, silky, complex fuse of savoury berry fruits, red currant jam, strawberry, and pomegranate molasses are allied with earthiness, baking spices, a buoyant acidity, and supple, moderating tannins. The long, emanating ending shows Saddle Block's typical dusty pomegranate finish. From the East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI, the clones here are 115, 828, 777, and 667. After completing a wild fermentation, it was aged 13 months in French oak barrels (25% new).Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Code Wines Grower Series 2024
Lake Chelan, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, farmers and owners of this organic 5 acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah. This 2024 pinot noir is part of their CIBC Grower Series, with fruit sourced from Washington State's Lake Chelan AVA. From clones 115, 777, 113, and UCD13, this was destemmed and inoculated before an extended maceration and pressing into French barrels (20% new) for 10 months rest. It was bottled unfined the following August. Fragrant plum, perfumed strawberry, cherry blossoms floods the juicy palate, with long, fine knit tannins pinning in the sides to the baking spiced finish. One of the smarter CIBC wines I've tasted, drinking well now, ideally with wild salmon / mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Code Wines Pinot Noir Clone Collection Dijon 777 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis newer Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, the farmers and owners of this organic 5 acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah, and 4 clones of pinot noir to follow. This Dijon 777 clone is planted in the middle of their sloping vineyard, sloping down the hill. This was destemmed and inoculated before fermentation and extended maceration, then racked into new and old French barrels where it remained until July. Smoked stones, perfumed boysenberry, sunbaked raspberry, crushed wildflowers, and sarsaparilla are woven throughout this lighter bodied red, framed by fine, sapid and sticky tannins, and lofted by youthful acidity to a buzzy pink peppercorn finish. A great effort and result from this heartbreak grape.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Modesta Pinot Noir Rama 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaModesta is a small, family owned estate winery established in 2019 by Mark Morrison and Tanya Tougas. The first commercial releases followed several years of careful vineyard development and planning. They chose the name Modesta to reflect their values of humility, restraint, and respect for their land. Stay tuned, as we have newer vintages to review as well. We just discovered the 2021 Rama Vineyard last week and were once again impressed by the melt-in-your-mouth character of the 2022 Rama Pinot. It has a bit more intensity, weight, spice, and alcohol, but the balance remains, and the mouthfeel is terrific. Like 2021, it is a pale pour but is a thoroughly enjoyable pinot that highlights nuance and finesse. Its elevated flavour intensity, without overwhelming you with oak or alcohol, is a rare trait in New World pinot. Expect spicy, cherry, tea notes in a wine you can enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Modesta Estate Pinot Noir 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaModesta's 2022 Pinot Noir Estate is a small batch pinot from the Naramata Bench. Having just tasted the '21 Rama Vineyard Pinot, I found the 2022, made with Modesta Vineyard fruit aged for a year in neutral oak barrels, following the culture of low intervention at Modesta. It opens with a light ruby hue. The palate is noticeably drier and spicier, with more forest floor and lesser strawberry and cherry. It is fresher, but is currently best served with grilled chicken or a mushroom pizza.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Modesta Pinot Noir Rama Ridge Vineyard 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you want to understand why I continue to taste wine critically, it's to discover bottles like this Modesta Pinot Noir. I doubt many people know about this Naramata-based winery that produces only 1000 cases, but they definitely should. This is a thoroughly enjoyable pinot that emphasizes nuance and finesse, a rare quality in the New World. The colour is a pale ruby, transparent and reminiscent of Santenay from a bygone era. The nose is fully expressive, offering ripe red cherry and wild strawberry, complemented by hints of rose petals and baking spice. It is fresh and captivating on the palate, with more strawberry and tea, and a smooth, silky finish. It is ready to drink now and easy to enjoy, with its 12.9% alcohol. Modesta is a small, family estate winery established in 2019 by Mark Morrison and Tanya Tougas. The first commercial releases came after several years of careful vineyard development and planning. They chose the name Modesta to reflect their values of humility, restraint, and respect for their land. Stay tuned, as we have newer vintages to review as well.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Block 9 Wild Terrain 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild Terrain remains the darkest and most complex of the single vineyard offerings. Drier and richer, it opens with notes of black cherry, plum, and blueberry, accompanied by a savoury underbrush and forest floor. The palate mirrors the nose, featuring more tea leaf, spicier hints, and dried herb streaks throughout the finish, along with subtle savoury spice. Less overtly fruity, Wild Terrain is more about power and structure, making it suitable for the richest menu items you choose. It will age gracefully through 2030, but can also be enjoyed now with duck or pheasant.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Block 23 River Flow 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlock 23, or River Flow, is a cool, north-facing, easterly sloping section of vineyard planted with Dijon clones 113 and 114. It is own-rooted, and the vines are now 29 years old. The style is fresher, spicier, and also cooler than the other BM pinots. The nose is cleaner this year, with black cherries leading, while the palate is lively with ripe cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, dusted with sweet spice. The texture is charming, and the finish is soft, graceful, and tannin-free. It's an attractive pinot with an extra level of intensity that will appeal to a crowd.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Cuvée Pinot Noir 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 Reserve Pinot, like its predecessor, is a blend of Blue Mountain's three key Pinot vineyards, with vines now 26-36 years old. It draws on a mix of clones: 113, 114, 115, and 667. It has more density and weight than the regular Pinot, but in 2023, it has opened with reductive notes that sit on the wine, especially the fruit, making it difficult to assess at this point. I tasted the wine over two days, which helped, but it is definitely a lesser version than last year. The texture remains soft and silky, and perhaps if you wait as they suggest through 2029 to 2030, the wine will recover its form.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Block 14 Gravel Force 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2023, the Gravel Force Block 14, named Gravel Force for the numerous small, round stones mixed into light clay over an old, dry river bed, opens with red fruit aromas led by cranberries and pomegranate. More red cherries blend with a fresh linear style that somewhat belies its west-south facing site, which gets full sun. The palate is cool toned and midweight, with minimal oak, allowing its long saline, chalky finish to flourish. Like last year, the tannins are polished and silky, making it a pleasure to sip. Classy.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNine months later, little has changed here. This is an intense pinot that is unwinding slowly in the bottle, still showing rich black cherry, but bitter chocolate begins to invade the palate from beneath. I'm divided on where this wine is headed, though I'm certain there's less fruit this year than in any other year, and it remains dry in the back end. It will need time to develop in the bottle before it finally reveals its story. At the moment, you should serve this with rich protein dishes like grilled salmon or pork chops.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $56.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $48.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $59.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
SpearHead Dual Citizen Pinot Noir Pommard Clone Cherry Hill Vineyard 2024
Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThis 2024 replacement wine, produced by winemaker Grant Stanley, comes from Oregon's Willamette Valley, specifically from the Eola-Amity Hills, a region renowned for high quality wines. Its style is subtle and refined, with earthy, black cherry, and red plum aromas, complemented by dried herbs, allspice, and tea leaf nuances. The palate mirrors these traits, with dark cherry and earthy notes. The highlight of this pinot is its pleasing silky texture. Ready to enjoy and well worth the price.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
SpearHead Dual Citizen Pinot Noir Clone 777 Cherry Hill Vineyard 2024
Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThis replacement wine, crafted by Spearhead winemaker Grant Stanley from Oregon fruit, is delicious. The Clone 777 is a juicy, mouthwatering experience, bursting with ripe black cherry. The palate is silky and dense, with black cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate, accented by floral notes, dried herbs, and a hint of exotic spice. The vibrant freshness continues through the finish, enhancing and supporting the structure. Impressive and ready to enjoy, and it's an amazing value.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Pinot Noir East Kelowna Slopes 2023
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is initially slightly reductive when first opened, but with some air, or in my case, tasted over two days, the fruit really starts to reveal itself. This shows the ripeness and concentration of the 2023 vintage, with lush dark cherry and blueberry that's framed by cedary oak spice and perfumed florals. But there's a lively freshness that balances the fruit, with an impressively meagre 13% abv. Who needs Sonoma pinot noir in BC when you have wines like this.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Pinot Noir Naramata Bench 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike the East Kelowna Slopes Pinot Noir, this is initially somewhat reductive, but that's where the similarities end. If the former is more forward and lush, this is more reserved and savoury, especially within the context of the 2023 vintage. Expect juicy red cherry, savoury spices, and sappy herbs. The ripeness of the vintage comes through in the character of the fruit, with a sucrosity to the palate that gives this both fantastic weight and a silky, suave texture. It's a serious, compelling wine from the Naramata Ranch Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CedarCreek Aspect Collection Block 2 Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is immediately gratifying, but the real pleasure is to see how it evolves with time in the glass. It felt like it just kept getting better and better as I revisited it, a sure sign that the best is still to come for this wine, if you have the patience. Personally, I'd give this at least five years, if not ten. This comes from Block 2 of Home Block Vineyard, located at the winery's estate in Kelowna, showing pure black cherry with floral perfume and a touch of sappy complexity. With the 2022 and 2023 releases, Taylor Whelan has effortlessly positioned CedarCreek as one of the top pinot noir producers in the province.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Pinot Noir Sophia Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is classical Naramata pinot, coming from Sophia Vineyard at Moraine's estate on the Naramata Bench. It shows the elegance and freshness of the 2022 vintage, with pure, sappy red cherry that's accented by spice and underbrush. It's a bright, juicy style, with fine tannins that make this ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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06 March 2026
90PTS
Loimer Niederösterreich Pinot Noir 2023
Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFrom vineyards in Gumpoldskirchen and Langenlois, this biodynamic pinot was native fermented over 3 weeks, entirely whole bunch, before resting 1 year in 300L oak casks, plus 6 months in large oak, and then 4 months in stainless tank before bottling, without fining or filtration, and with minimal SO2. Wild herbs, damp forest, and moss lead this medium bodied red, with a juicy core of raspberry and cherry wrapped with finely sticky tannins, hugging the sides to a stony, saline, medicinal cherry finish. A lovely pure look at cool climate pinot.Prices:| ON | $41.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Storm Pinot Noir Ridge 2023
Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaHannes and Nathalia Storm are a husband and wife team that handcrafts cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. This Ridge bottling comes from low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils at Babylon vineyard, at 330m. With a small amount of whole bunch, this was native fermented and rested for 1 year in 228L French barrels (25% new). Fragrant wild raspberries, wild strawberries, is coupled with an alluring wildflower perfume. Long fine tannins pins in the sides, with a mountainous acidity to loft this somewhat fleshy red through a white pepper finish. Super graceful, drinking now very smartly.Prices:| BC | $86.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Armand Heitz Bourgogne Rouge 2021
Burgundy, FranceArmand Heitz obtained his oenologist diploma after his studies at the Changins Engineering School in Switzerland, and returned to Bourgogne in 2011 to take over the reins of the family Domaine, founded in 1857. The winery had just finished a 25 year contract lease with Drouhin, who had farmed the vines organically. Armand continued along that path, using some biodynamic practices, and has since moved to permaculture and animals to close the loop. From vines in silty clays over marl, neighbouring Meursault and Pommard, and dating back to 1967, this saw 50% whole cluster before native ferment and 8 months rest. Perfumed wild strawberries, raspberries is kissed with wax, and wrapped with fine light tannins that finish with a whisper of crushed stones and light smoke. A lovely juicy core ups the prettiness factor of this Bourgogne, drinking very smartly now.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Gran Reserva 2024
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe label has improved over time, and while it is grown in the Leyda Valley, well regarded for its cool climate sauvignon blanc, this version of pinot noir is perfectly ripe. The nose offers a blend of damp earth and forest floor, complemented by fresh, ripe raspberries. The palate begins with fresh, ripe raspberry, has a smooth texture, and frankly gives you all it can for the price. Duck pizza could be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.10 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.60 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Laberinto Cenizas Pinot Noir 2024
Colbún, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Laberinto Pinot comes from the Maule region of Chile. It has a pale red-orange colour but offers a rich, full flavoured forest floor profile. The fruit is red and savoury, with a cool climate, stony, mineral undercurrent. It's a complex wine with a silky texture and a unique terroir that sets it apart from many other New World pinots. The fruit originates from a three hectare block of volcanic soils on the edge of the Andes foothills. Winemaker Rafael Tirado planted the single vineyard in 1998 at an elevation of 1,800 feet, and it is farmed organically and biodynamically. The fermentation is wild, and the wine spends 12 months in used 400L French oak barrels. It's a little Euro, a little Oregon, but mostly Chilean.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2023
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLa Crema Monterey is known for its freshness and precision. It's never overly complex, but it’s well crafted and an excellent example of the region's ability to harness cool Pacific Ocean breezes to produce tasty pinot noir. The aroma is a blend of red berries with a light touch of smoke and spice. On the palate, it’s smooth and round, with earthy cherry and a mellow, medium-weight texture that lingers to the finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.44 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hartford Court Pinot Noir 2021
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2021 Hartford Russian River Valley Pinot was aged for 10 months in 27% new French oak barrels. As the months pass, this wine remains a vibrant, dark fruited, silky, ripe Russian River version that will attract a certain sector of pinot noir drinkers drawn to the New World style. Expect a juicy black cherry, wild raspberry pinot with an undercurrent of wild herbs, a hint of minerality, and round and soft tannins. I like the lush, sweet fruit along with the balance of both fruit and acidity, keeping it fresh and delicious. Fully ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $76.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Viña Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2022
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Aconcagua Costa Vineyard is located just 12 kilometres from the cold Pacific Ocean. The soils consist of a mix of metamorphic volcanic rock (slate), which imparts an attractive minerality to the wine. I visited the site when it was first planted in 2005 with Eduardo Chadwick, and have returned a few times to observe its development. The aim was to achieve greater complexity and elegance in a cooler climate than at the warmer Panquehue estate. 2022 was one of the driest years on record, but the harvest was described as fresh and vibrant. The results are impressive. The wine is produced through wild fermentation, with 80% aged for 11 months in French oak barrels (10% new) and the rest in larger foudres. The wine has a New World character, featuring a medium-dark colour and a bouquet full of black cherries, violets, and delicate sweet spices. The fresh fruit displays a balanced red and black hue, with just enough earthiness to complement its ripeness. One of the best yet. It has been challenging to get this wine in West Coast retailers, which is both their loss and ours.Prices:| QC | $23.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Los Cerros de San Juan Familie La Husen Single Vineyard 2023
Southern Riverside, UruguayAnother interesting wine from Bodega Los Cerros de San Juan, this time from the finicky pinot noir grape. This wine has been fermented and aged in Italian clay ánforas. The style reflects its delicate, pale pink colour, elegant and understated, with quiet, dry, wild berries, and a pureness and freshness reflecting its cool Atlantic Ocean influence. The winery is not a newcomer; it opened in 1854 and is Uruguay's oldest winery. Pinot Noir has long been part of the estate's portfolio, and while it's new to the BC market via the Wine festival, its drink-now style will make it an easy favourite with buyers.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Gérard Bertrand Domaine de l'Aigle Pinot Noir 2023
Limoux, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe Domaine de l’Aigle is situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Roquetaillade and Limoux. The 31 hectare estate is strategically planted from 250 to 500 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest vineyard sites in the Languedoc. Gerard Bertrand notes that the regional conditions for Pinot Noir are similar to those in Burgundy: “an oceanic climate with continental influences, frequent rainfall, and a wide temperature range.” The 2023 vintage opens with spicy notes of forest floor and wild countryside underbrush, with a hint of red fruit. The attack is juicy, with more cool climate plums and cherries with a dusting of white pepper. The texture leans more towards a medium weight, with silky tannins. It’s a bit of a cross between Pommard and Oregon. This label is a work in progress, and I believe it is progressing well. It spends nine months in French oak barrels before bottling.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir 2023
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileA simple, but correct, pinot noir, which is no small feat at $17.99. Expect tart red berries, fresh herbs, and underbrush, in a style that is brisk, supple, and well suited to a light chill. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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02 March 2026
87PTS
Vasanti Cabernet Franc Renewal Series 2023
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a neighbouring vineyard, this cabernet franc was harvested ripe before a stainless ferment, and 18 months rest in 50% new American and European oak. Dark earth and ripe dark blackberry is woven with earthy forest floor and tart acidity, framed with ample sticky / powdery tannins that close out the warming finish. An overworked style that is best suited to rustic stews.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Cab Franc is off both the Lillooet estate Dry Creek and Red Rock vineyards, and includes 12% cabernet sauvignon in the mix. Post ferment, this spent an additional 8 days on skins for more colour and tannin before a 15 month rest in French barrels (61% new). Smoked stones, roasted earth, and charred barrels scent the plumped cassis and blackberry on the tart palate. Tannins are on the rustic side at this point, requiring a hearty fall / winter stew to tame.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fort Berens Cabernet Franc 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThe classic FB Cab Franc is sourced from their Lillooet estate Red Rock vineyard, and tips 12% cabernet sauvignon into the mix. Post ferment, this remained on skins for 9 days further for additional colour and tannin extraction before heading to French barrels (10% new) for 15 months. Earthy black cherry, blackberry, and grilled herbs are met with a tart cassis acidity, and wrapped with powdery cocoa dusted tannins that tuck this neatly into a smoked stone finish. Showing best at present with grilled root veg.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rigour & Whimsy a Love we All Dream of Reserve 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA Love we all Dream of 2022 was initially released with in 2023 with 4 months' aging in older puncheons and barriques. This newly launched Reserve edition saw 16 months of aging in the same vessels. The core is the exact same: cabernet franc off Osoyoos' organic Sekhon Family Vineyards was whole cluster fermented in macrobins over 4 months prior to heading to wood and aging. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant plum, wild blackberry, ink is scented with violets and iris, and seasoned with a light dusting of white peppercorn. Tannins are now absorbed into the fruit, leaving a suede texture to the stony finish. Lovely to see this with more time and development. Drinking very smartly now and a lovely lens for BC Cab Franc.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Maison Smith Montpetit Reserve Cabernet Franc 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Cabernet Franc is a shining example of winemaker Erich Smith-Peter's style, and an intriguing bottle of wine. Texturally outstanding, with silky, dense tannins that melt away in the finish. The nose is a classic mix of capsicum, cedar, and red fruits that draw you into the glass. Dark red plums, spice and licorice round out the palate while the south Okanagan desert scrub adds a savoury component that lingers with the fruit. It is so well-balanced that you can drink it now or hold it through 2030 with no issues.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Los Cerros de San Juan Cuna Piedra Cabernet Franc Single Vineyard 2023
Southern Riverside, UruguayThis single vineyard Franc opens with aromatic, medicinal, floral, bay leaf, and red currants. The palate is a spicy, cool red fruit experience that leans toward the Loire style, complete with a fresh acidity that runs through the wine. The finish is well-balanced, and the tannins are relatively light, leaving a smooth, textured finish. An interesting look at what can be done in Uruguay, even in the early days. The style suggests pork and mushroom dishes, or a favourite grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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