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Tastings: April 2019
18 April 2019
91PTS
Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Ambrosia Malbec 2014
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom winemaker Daniel Pi's single vineyard Terroir Series, this is own-rooted 12 year old malbec vines, growing at 1300m in the Ambrosia Vineyard in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza. After native fermentation, this was macerated in concrete eggs and concrete vats for a month before aging in new French oak for 18 months, followed by one year in bottle. Give this young wine time to breathe, and it will reward you with layers of tobacco, cherry, raspberry, thorns, black pepper, and pencil shavings. Wafts of purple and red florals give lift, and stout, raspy tannins anchor this massive, textural wine. Crunchy acidity keeps all the elements brightly in check to the very grippy finish. With a couple of years in the cellar, this will really sing. At present, best appreciated with a decant and a roast pork tenderloin.Prices: BC 43.99 Producer: TrapicheRead Full Note
86PTS
Trivento Reserve Malbec 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec comes from Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley sites approximately 1000m in altitude. After a stainless fermentation, this aged in French oak barrels for six months. Ripe and dense roasted red fruits, earth, branch and big spices to a shorter, bitter finish, all wrapped with soft, silky tannins. This clocks in at a welcome 13 degrees alcohol, making it an easy-entry malbec.Prices: BC 14.99 AB 15.99 NB 16.99 SK 14.99 Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.ARead Full Note
85PTS
1884 Malbec 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe nose is a subtle earthy, savoury, peppery affair; the attack is sweet and sour with roundish black fruit upfront flavours with sour cherry notes in the back end. A simple ready to drink malbec. Hamburgers are the match.Prices: BC 17.99 YK 18.85 ON 16.95 AB 19.99 Producer: Bodegas Escorihuela GasconRead Full Note
86PTS
Punto Final Malbec 2017
ArgentinaEarthy, aromatic black fruit nose flecked with pepper leads to an idendical palate with juicy, savoury earthy fruit with a flicker of acidity to keep it balanced. The finish is medium long with light tannins, violets and fading sweet fruit.Prices: BC 14.99 AB 14.25 MB 15.99 Producer: Bodega RenacerRead Full Note
87PTS
Achaval-Ferrer Malbec 2017
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSweet baking spices open this ripe, expansive malbec, one that is led by cola and sarsaparilla, centred by ripe plums and stewed cherries, and framed with raspy tannins. Sourced from three sites in Luján de Cuyo up to 3600 ft, this spent ten months in French oak. This year's fruit lacks the definition seen in the past; a twist of acidity would bring this up to the next level. As it is, its slightly muddled mid palate signifies drinking now with dark meat poultry or goat.Prices: BC 27.99 AB 25.99 ON 29.95 NS 33.30 Producer: Achaval-FerrerRead Full Note
84PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2018
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe nose is a quiet mix of savoury dried herbs that spill onto a sweet and sour palate. The fruit is ripe, soft and round with candied plum and cherry finishing light and short. A classic commercial malbec that satisfies minimum expectations at a minimal price. Hamburgers are the match.Prices: BC 12.99 AB 12.00 MB 10.95 Producer: Bodegas y Vinedos Valentín Bianchi S.A.Read Full Note
88PTS
TintoNegro Malbec 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaPlush and welcoming, this is a welcoming, cushy malbec from Mendoza's Primera Zona of Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo, and from 3000 feet elevation. The altitude keeps this big red fresh, with a gentle swing of VA before settling deep into black plum, blackberry, wild cherry, tobacco. Tannins are softly gritty, and the finish is warming, both welcoming BBQ meats.Prices: BC 14.99 Producer: 55 MalbecRead Full Note
89PTS
TintoNegro Limestone Block Malbec 2015
Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Limestone Block Malbec, as you might expect, is from a rocky, limestone laced vineyard located in Uco Valley's Los Chacayes vineyard, around 4000 feet in altitude. After five days of cold maceration and extensive extraction, this was cool fermented for three weeks and then aged for nine months in French oak, seven percent of which was new. A splash of cabernet franc adds an herbal edge to this full red, and a welcome lift to the compact red fruit. Cherry, raspberry, strawberry jam on a soft palate, one lightly sharpened with a swing of VA, and lifted with a swell of acidity to a fuzzy, warming finish. Would love to see more definition in this wine, especially when labelled with a Limestone name.Prices: BC 23.99 Producer: 55 MalbecRead Full Note
89PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2015
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaKaiken Ultra is from Las Rocas vineyard, named for the countless small rocks that speckle the vineyards. The vineyards are in the process of converting to certified biodynamics. The fruit here is coming from three Uco Valley vineyards: Vista Flores at 1,400 m; Gualtallary at 1,300 m; and Altamira at 1,100 m. This was fermented and macerated for a month before one year in French barrels, one third new. Thick, dense and intense with potent blackberry, ripe blueberry, anise and medicinal cherry, this full bodied wine has plush tannins that hug this to the sweet and warming baking spice finish. A big, fleshy red drinking well now, and best matched with big proteins that can take on its 14.5 declared degrees.Prices: QC 20.00 ON 20.00 BC 31.50 Producer: Montes WinesRead Full Note
87PTS
Norton Malbec Barrel Select 2018
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNorton is making polished wines under David Bonomi, and the Barrel Select is a good example. It’s a youthful, round, dense, smoky wine full of plummy, blackberry fruit, and is fun to drink now. Tannins are light and chalky, and the finish is clean with a subtle mineral undercurrent. Best with anything grilled on the barbecue.Prices: QC 15.00 BC 15.00 SK 16.00 MB 15.00 NB 15.00 Producer: Bodega NortonRead Full Note
91PTS
TintoNegro Finca La Escuela 2015
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTintoNegro is a collab of Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years. This is a single vineyard wine from Uco Valley's Finca La Escuela, sited at 4000 feet at the foot of the Andes and on calcareous clad soils. After small bin batch ferment, this aged one year in French oak, 15 percent new. Lovely welcoming and sueded red fruit, fine spice, leather, tobacco, anise, and perfumed florals are interwoven into a full bodied (14 degree) red, one that still feels fresh thanks to altitude and soils and a relatively light handed touch. Tannins are lightly grippy, enough to house the well-integrated wood and sun-lit fruit to a lengthy finish. Smartly handled, elegant and complex, this is drinking beautifully now but will age equally well in your cellar.Prices: BC 45.99 Producer: 55 MalbecRead Full Note
88PTS
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2016
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSourced from the 3500 foot Remolinos Vineyard in Agrelo, named for the whirlwinds (remolinos) that keep this site dry, fresh, and pristine. Red florals, black raspberries are bedded with pork belly, scented with ample camp smoke and thorns, and housed with cushy, oak plumped tannins that work well to support. Though there is a vein of freshness, this big red requires BBQ meats to match property. Decant.Prices: BC 27.99 AB 22.00 ON 22.00 Producer: Finca DeceroRead Full Note
89PTS
Ben Marco Malbec 2016
Mendoza, ArgentinaMalbec from Uco Valley's Vista Flores and Los Chacayes, harvested around 1100m, makes up this youthful, balanced and enjoyable wine. Black liquorice, leather, wild blackberry, violets fill the juicy, affable wine, one seasoned with dark chocolate dusted tannins and fine stony textures, upping the interest here. A warming swell of pepper trails the finish. Excellent approachable and well-made malbec for enjoying now.Prices: BC 25.49 NS 23.00 QC 20.25 AB 25.00 NS 23.25 Producer: Dominio del PlataRead Full Note
89PTS
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2016
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe nose is an attractive mix of florals and dark fruit with a touch of licorice. The attack is silky smooth suggesting an almost hypnotic balance throughout the wine. On the palate, the fruit is fresh and peppery with bits of anise, blueberries, tobacco, dark blueberry with a touch of the medicine chest. Fine value and a wine made for beef. Tasted twice in a year and still solid.Prices: BC 23.99 MB 23.00 SK 25.00 NS 28.00 AB 24.00 NL 21.50 ON 19.95 Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.ARead Full Note
89PTS
Crios Malbec by Susana Balbo Dominio de Plata 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe 2017 Crios is all malbec and all Uco Valley fruit, now a secret blend of older regions in Vista Flores grown on average at 1140 metres above seal level. It’s hand harvested and the juice is in contact with the skins for 25-plus days before spending nine months in 100 percent French oak. Beautiful reddish-purple color. Expect a refreshing blueberry/cherry nose that spills onto the palate with just a hint of blackberries but mostly spicy, red fruit flavours that seemed plumped up in a clever way by the mix of three to five-year-old barrels. Lamb burgers, pasta and mushrooms or oven roasted chicken all work here.Prices: BC 17.99 AB 15.99 ON 15.95 MB 16.00 NS 17.00 Producer: Dominio del PlataRead Full Note
87PTS
Renacer Milamore 2015
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRetasted nine months along, and the fruit, as sweet and dusky as it ever was, is now pinched with a twinge of balsamic, which tightens, squeezes and lifts this bigger Amarone-style red. This is a blend of malbec, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and bonarda. After harvest, the grapes were placed on drying racks outside, where wind and the elements dried the berries and concentrated the flavours and sugars. Grapes lost approximately 30 percent of their weight in this process. After wild yeast ferment and MLF in French oak barriques, this wine aged for 12 months in new French oak. Alberto Antonini consults on this project, one run by winemaker Pablo Sanchez.Prices: BC 36.99 AB 34.99 MB 36.99 Producer: Bodega RenacerRead Full Note
88PTS
Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2016
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine has been on the newer red fruit spectrum for a while. In other words, malbec doesn’t have to be fat and black. Expect a fragrant, savoury nose with some black cherry and peppery notes. The attack is similar with freshness and more juicy peppery, plummy, black cherry fruit with a dusting of vanilla. Pork or veal are good choices here, as are beef and vegetable kabobs.Prices: BC 18.99 AB 15.99 ON 16.99 QC 17.99 NS 17.99 MB 20.99 SK 20.00 Producer: Doña Paula EstateRead Full Note
89PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2015
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaExpect a sophisticated, cool, spicy nose with rich, floral undertones. The nose has interesting spicy and floral notes with the welcomed restraint of a cool year. The black and blue fruit is juicy and silky with bright acidity and typical peppery, dried wild herbs and licorice. Not a keeper in 2015, but damned delicious now and a stylish red for creamy cheeses. Incredible value in Ontario and Alberta. The fruit comes from three important Uco Valley vineyards: Vista Flores at 1,400 m; Gualtallary at 1,300 m; and Altamira at 1,100 m. Despite variations in altitude and location the soil type is predominately alluvial soil with bits of sand and silt on top of very rocky layers that provide excellent drainage and ideal conditions to grow highly concentrated grapes.Prices: QC 20.00 ON 20.00 BC 31.50 Producer: Montes WinesRead Full Note
10 April 2019
88PTS
CedarCreek Riesling 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love simplicity. At 20.6 grams of residual sugar, you might expect a sweet barrage of fruit, yet it’s anything but. Expect a bright, vibrant, citrus bomb with peach and apricot, with a similarly weighted level of acidity. The result is a friendly, softer style of riesling that is gulpable. Almost all the fruit is clone 21B off Block 1, planted in 2013 at the winery, although nearly a quarter of the site is now over a 25 years old. It's tasty stuff at a terrific price. Eight percent of the wine is fermented in French oak and stainless steel; 94 percent is fermented in stainless steel. After that, it all spends three months on its lees in stainless steel.Prices: BC 18.99 Producer: CedarCreek Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2018
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFort Berens released two rieslings in 2018: a “Dry” version, and this off-dry label simply tagged Riesling that comes with a push of residual sugar. For the first time it’s 66 percent Lillooet fruit from Dry Creek Vineyard, while the final third comes out of the Vernon's The Rise Vineyard. Both sites were harvested by hand on October 17 and the grapes from both sites were whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel. It would appear the Lillooet fruit has injected a fair bit of energy into the wine, balancing off its pear, apple, sweet litchi, lime and honey flavours. Perfect for sweet and spicy pork dishes or a favourite curry. A crowd pleaser at a crowd pleaser price.Prices: BC 17.99 Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Fort Berens Dry Riesling 2018
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThere’s some history here; the 2018 Riesling is the first 100 percent Lillooet VQA wine. It’s quite a tribute to a lot of hard work done by the FB team, and work that was no doubt done in the face of constant doubters. The attack is fresh and lively with bright lime, green apple, orange, and a finish of stony minerality. Congratulations to Rolf de Bruin and Heleen Pannekoek for their pioneering spirit. Bravo Lillooet. The riesling clone is 21B, also known as Wiess 21, after Hermann Weiss who brought the clone to Vineland Estate in Niagara in 1979. The origins of the clone trace back to the Mosel region in Germany.Prices: BC 18.99 Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Kitsch Maria's Block Riesling 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere’s lot of potential here, starting with the juicy, tropical fruit that spills across the palate. This off-dry, just under 20 grams/sugar riesling has all the parts it just needs, but though needs a bit more finesse. Love the guava/pineapple/lime flecked with nectarine skin. Best now with spicy dishes, but I look forward to a slightly tighter version down the road.Prices: BC 25.00 Producer: Kitsch WinesRead Full Note
89PTS
Kitsch Esther's Block Riesling 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKitsch released a pair of single block rieslings in 2017. Esther's Block Riesling was planted to the clay/limestone soils of the home site, and is all clone 239. After a gentle whole-bunch press, it was fermented in stainless, and then rested 90 days on the lees. The result is a tightly strung white with limey, green apple fruit flecked with apricots, a touch of honey, a hint of diesel and a whiff of nutty lees. It’s dry enough to pair well with seafood but can take on a curry as well. Very promising.Prices: BC 25.00 Producer: Kitsch WinesRead Full Note
09 April 2019
91PTS
Bojador Talha Tinto 2016
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalWinemakers Pedro Ribeiro and his wife Catarina Vieira moved to Vidigueira, in the Alentejo, to produce wines that are true to the historical traditions of this region. As a tribute to the region they ferment their top wines in impermeable clay pots called Talha, which is seen on the label. Ribeiro's talha haven't any lids, but keep the wine protected from oxygen by a layer of olive oil. The Talha Tinto is sixty+ year old trincadeira, moreto (bara) and tinta grossa (tinta barroca) native fermented in the aforementioned 200+ year old talha. Super peppery and herbal, with wild, red, bitter and sapid berries, gripped with textural terracotta framing and buoyed with a core of juicy, sour cherry and cassis fruit. Sharper edged, and very natural, this may be a divisive wine, but it's an important one.Prices: Portugal 64.00 Producer: BojadorRead Full Note
88PTS
Bojador Tinto Reserva 2015
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalWinemakers Pedro Ribeiro and his wife Catarina Vieira moved to Vidigueira, in the Alentejo, to produce wines that are true to the historical traditions of this region. This, entry-tier wine is a gutsy, ripe blend of aragonez and trincadeira (from schist) and touriga nacional (from granite), spending ten months in barrel and five months in bottle prior to release. Dark chocolate, bittersweet mocha, ripe blackberry, thorns and dusky plum on a grippy palate, with firm tannins on the long frame.Prices: Portugal 20.00 Producer: BojadorRead Full Note
88PTS
Bojador Vinho Tinto 2017
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalWinemakers Pedro Ribeiro and his wife Catarina Vieira moved to Vidigueira, in the Alentejo, to produce wines that are true to the historical traditions of this region. This, entry-tier wine is a blend of aragonez, trincadeira, and touriga nacional, foot-trodden, and fermentated for 21 days in small, stainless tanks before aging in used French oak for six months prior to filtration and bottling. Plush purple and black fruits are ripe with sunshine and framed with French oak. Tannins are soft and cushy, as is the palate, with a slight welcome rusticity to this bigger red wine. Well suited to sausages and grilled mushrooms to counter the warming 14 degree finish.Prices: Portugal 13.00 Producer: BojadorRead Full Note
91PTS
Bojador Talha Vinho Branco 2016
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalWinemakers Pedro Ribeiro and his wife Catarina Vieira moved to Vidigueira, in the Alentejo, to produce wines that are true to the historical traditions of this region. As a tribute to the region they ferment their wines in impermeable clay pots called Talha, seen on the label. Ribeiro's talha haven't any lids, but keep the wine protected from oxygen by a layer of olive oil. This is a blend of 60 year old, dry farmed antao vaz, perrum, rabo de ovelha, and manteudo, basket pressed and fermentated in aforementioned 200+ year old talha for four months, punched down thrice daily, and then bottled unfiltered. A streaming apricot oil, quince, bergamot nose opens this very naturalist wine, with a slight waxy note, and ample riffing acidity. There's a savoury slick of salted brown butter on the finish, held snappy and en pointe. Tight and nimble on the streaming palate, with fine grip and super intriguing herbaceousness offered through grapes and process.Prices: Portugal 18.00 Producer: BojadorRead Full Note
88PTS
Bojador Alentejo Branco 2017
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalWinemakers Pedro Ribeiro and his wife Catarina Vieira moved to Vidigueira, in the Alentejo, to produce wines that are true to the historical traditions of this region. This, entry-tier wine is a blend of antao vaz, arinto, alvarinho fermented and aged in stainless for a few months, followed by two months in bottle. Tight grippy and nimble, with potent apricot, white peach, grapefruit, mandarin through a slender, fresh palate. There's a welcome cushion of less to counter the youthful, exuberant fruit.Prices: Portugal 12.00 Producer: BojadorRead Full Note
89PTS
Lagar de Darei José 2004
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalCasa de Darei is a third generation 150-hectare estate nestled in the Dão Valley, and belonging to the Ruivo family. Their 7ha of certified organic vineyards are planted to indigenous varieties. The 2004 José takes its name from José Ruivo, the founder of the winery. The 2004 vintage was an exceptional year for their vines, and this special bottling was not released until 2014, with only 1200 bottles to sell, to commemorate the winery's 15-year anniversary. This combination of touriga nacional, jaen, alfrocheiro, and tinta roriz was native fermented in old lagares before aging in French barrique and large concrete vats for six months, before all moving to concrete for two years. After bottling, this remained at winery for the long stint prior to release. Deep dark and brooding, with charcoal, tobacco, bitter chocolate and black cherry. Tannins are hard pressed, but the structure is kept upright and firm. Acidity easily holds this aloft through a medicinal scented wild cherry, warming finish. Very traditional, pulled into modern times.Prices: Producer: Lagar de DareiRead Full Note
89PTS
Lagar de Darei Reserva 2012
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalCasa de Darei is a third generation 150-hectare estate nestled in the Dão Valley, and belonging to the Ruivo family. Their 7ha of certified organic vineyards are planted to indigenous varieties, and the family uses traditional vinification methods like their old cement lagares. This is a blend of higher altitude touriga nacional, tinta roriz, alfrocheiro, and jaen. After natural fermentation in granite lagares, this is basket pressed to 5000L cement for MLF and two years rest. Ripe, darker purple and black fruits are weighted with a pitchy resin, though still fresh with some acidity. Moderate alcohol, moderate body, subtle, but structural, this wine is drinking beautifully now with a decant.Prices: Portugal 15.25 Producer: Lagar de DareiRead Full Note
90PTS
Lagar de Darei Sem Abrigo Reserva 2012
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis structural, brooding wine blends touriga nacional, tinta roriz, alfocheiro and jaen (averaging nine years vine age) after foot tredding in lagares, 24 months in concrete and an additional ten months in bottle prior to release. Dark plum, cassis, wild roses are housed by firm, fine tannins and carry a welcome 13 degrees. You can feel some warmth here from grape hang time, though it is very well balanced off against fresh acidity. Lingering violets and wild cassis lure on the finish of this authentic Dão.Prices: Portugal 18.00 Producer: Lagar de DareiRead Full Note
88PTS
Lagar de Darei Rodeio 2014
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom Dão's granitic soils, this is a youthful blend of tinta nacional, tinta roriz, alfrocheiro and jaen that brings crushed forest berries, soft and welcoming on the medium palate. A granitic texture and ample fine grip throughout finishes with subtle rock roses, light pink peppercorn seasoning.Prices: Portugal 12.00 Producer: Lagar de DareiRead Full Note
89PTS
Lagar de Darei Private Selection 2015
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis stately blend of encruzado, malvasia fina, cerceal, bical, verdelho, averaging 15 years in vine age, was aged in wood and concrete before maturing in concrete for approximately one year. Much more intensity than the standard Branco coming from the extended aging, and grip from the concrete. Lees, tight subtle quince, lemon pixellation on the palate, with a slight herbal and salted parmesan note. Slender and slight through the finish.Prices: Portugal 13.75 Producer: Lagar de DareiRead Full Note
88PTS
Lagar de Darei Vinho Branco 2017
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom Dao's granitic soils, Lagar de Darei is a family run winery, with siblings José and Inês Ruivo overseeing operation of the organic estate. They farm 6ha between 400-500m, near the Dão River. Encruzado, malvasia fina, cerceal branco, bical, gouveio come together in this fresh white. Candied grapefruit, white peach and a light citrus is buzzed along the palate, tidy and bright after a short time in stainless.Prices: Portugal 7.70 Producer: Lagar de DareiRead Full Note
08 April 2019
88PTS
Narrative White by Okanagan Crush Pad 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNarrative White is a blend of chardonnay, viognier, gewürztraminer and riesling in 2017, sourced from growers across the Okanagan Valley. Designed to tell a story, or a narrative, it is all native fermented with each variety aged eight months in concrete, or stainless. This is fruit salad with an edge, forsaking the sweet aromatics and perfume for a somewhat more serious, tightly wound white with tangerine, apricot, citrus and green apple. Dry and fresh, it cleans rather than clings to the palate. Perfect for shellfish, or fish tacos.Prices: BC 19.90 Producer: Okanagan Crush Pad WineryRead Full Note
91PTS
Lock and Worth Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe low key labels lend a clue to this lo-fi winery, focused solely on low-intervention wines. These sauvignon blanc and semillon grapes were planted in 1999 in Oliver, and one third whole cluster pressed before time in neutral French oak. Lemongrass, thistle, wild herbs are streamed along a juicy lime-lined palate, one textured slightly with white peach and frizzed sage. One of BC's top sem/sauvs yet again in youth, and if previous experience rules, will be one that will impress with age.Prices: BC 20.00 Producer: Lock & WorthRead Full Note
87PTS
Hester Creek Character Pinot Gris Gewurztraminer 2018
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Character is, well, showing some character with a turn toward freshness and much brighter acidity. It’s still aromatic and off-dry, but no longer cloying. The sweet fruit salad is gone in favour of a tighter, juicier style reminiscent of pears, citrus, gooseberry, and yellow apples sprinkled with sage. Ready to drink all summer on the patio. Love the price too.Prices: BC 17.95 Producer: Hester Creek Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Intrigue Social 2018
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Social is a 51/42/3/3/1 blend of riesling, gewürztraminer, muscat canelli, kerner and ehrenfelser. The palate is an explosion of fruit salad, including melon, oranges and papaya flecked with honey and a generous squeeze of lemon to keep it relatively fresh. There is just enough residual sugar here to take on a favourite spicy dish, be it pork, tuna or curry. Good value.Prices: BC 14.90 Producer: Intrigue Wines Ltd.Read Full Note
88PTS
Stina Cuvee White 2017
Coastal Croatia, CroatiaI’m guessing few of you have tasted a Croatian wine, yet they have been making wine since the earliest of times. Pošip and vuguva are the two main two varieties in this Dalmatian coast blend along with a ten percent splash of chardonnay. Situated on the island of Brač only metres form the sea, atop limestone dominated soils it was aged six months in stainless steel to best allow the its creamy pear, ripe cantaloupe, lemon and green fig nose sing. The attack is round and honeyed with just enough salinity and acidity to keep it fresh. Think scallops, prawns, steamed mussels or fish tacos.Prices: BC 19.99 Producer: Jaco vino StinaRead Full Note
89PTS
Jason Parkes Customs Crown + Thieves Roussanne Viognier 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Jason Parkes describes roussanne as being like “chardonnay on steroids; it loves oak, is super rich and textured.” The ’16 is all that and more in the glass. The nose is floral with weighty perfume. The attack is equally rich with pear butter, honeysuckle, orange and caramel running through its rich textures and slightly bitter finish. Parkes has added viognier to the mix to lift further the aromatics and add a mysterious, exotic undercurrent. Not for everyone, but then that’s what makes wine so much fun. Try this now with sablefish or lobster or hold it for three to five years for the entire picture.Prices: BC 29.99 Producer: The HatchRead Full Note
88PTS
Tinhorn Creek 2Bench White Oldfield Reserve 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA rich, aromatic blend of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, viognier, sémillon, and muscat sourced from the Black Sage, and Golden Mile Benches. Perfumed and wooded on the attack, there's some barrel fermented fruit bringing texture, weight, and creamy butter tones to the underlying orchard fruit that rise through the mid-palate. This is a full-bodied white capable of taking on more opulent menu items.Prices: BC 21.99 Producer: Tinhorn Creek VineyardsRead Full Note
87PTS
St. Hubertus Great White North 2017
East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDespite its hokey moniker, Great White North overdelivers in the glass, especially for price, while maintaining the classic Gebert family style. Razor fresh and dry, it's all about pears, and lemon pith, with a subtle touch of dried herbs. Ready to drink and perfect with any foods that need a squeeze of lemon. Inexpensive wine for the connaisseur.Prices: BC 12.50 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Moon Curser Afraid of the Dark 2017
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2017 is finished dry, offering up notes of nectarine, citrus rind, and lime blossoms. The entry is medium-weight with warm, peachy apricot and moderate acidity to keep it all in place. Not as aromatic as the previous version, which is okay with me. Fairy rich, it finishes crisp and dry with a nutty undercurrent. Ready to drink. Solid.Prices: BC 20.99 Producer: Moon CurserRead Full Note
06 April 2019
90PTS
Wine for Yoga Lovers Sangiovese Rose 2018
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaAs we said last year, if someone showed us this label before pouring it we would likely say no thanks, but then there is that as the old adage you can’t judge a wine by its label, or name. So we judged it by its flavour and guess what? This pale, fresh, lightly spiced rosé packed of raspberry/cherry/orange is super fun to drink. Really, you had us at Langhorne Creek, but the sangiovese and its acidity seal the deal. Maybe Yoga is a good name for a wine that may make folks bend over backwards.Prices: BC 16.99 Producer: CMV GroupRead Full Note
05 April 2019
87PTS
Road 13 Seventy-Four K 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's been a few years since we tasted Seventy-Four K, named for the length of all Road 13's vineyard if laid end to end. The 2017 is a grand melange of merlot, syrah, cabernet franc, teroldego, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, petit verdot, viognier, grenache and mourvèdre. Plush and ripe purple and blue fruited, with lush plums, lavender, sweet blueberry, vanilla and nutmeg fill the round, cushioned palate. Tannins are plump, and the finish is bitter chocolate. Drink now, as intended.Prices: BC 25.00 Producer: Road 13Read Full Note
93PTS
Chateau Lasségue 2015
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceA ready to drink vintage is always welcomed, even in 2015 when everything is already managed better in the vineyard and the winery. At Lasségue, winegrower Pierre Seillan is doing a fine job of letting the site express itself via soft, plummy ripe black fruits spiked with spice and a subtle but present stony minerality. The blend is 70/20/10 merlot/cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon, and while it's drinkable now, it should age well through 2022. Try this with a favourite mushroom dish or roast pork or chicken. Chateau Lasségue has roots in Bordeaux that date back to the 1600’s, but by the time Jesse Jackson got involved in 2003 it was at a low point. His fix was winegrower Pierre Seillan, and after Jess died in 2011, Seillan and Jesse’s wife Barbara Banke have carried on improving every aspect of the chateau.Prices: BC 76.99 AB 70.00 Producer: Chateau LasségueRead Full Note
89PTS
Echo Bay Vineyard Synoptic 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEcho Bay has been where the Kenyon family has retreated for five generations. They purchased the 18 acre parcel, a previous apple orchard, in Okanagan Falls in 1967. Under well known grower Richard Cleave's guidance, they planted grape vines in 2013, and made their first wines, including this, with Alan Dickinson at nearby Synchromesh. They farm their five acre vineyards with organic and biodynamic practices, and use minimal inputs in the winery. Synoptic is Echo Bay's signature red, and in 2015 was a classic Bx blend of 40 percent merlot along with friends cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, carmenere, and petit verdot. This was native fermented and spent time in French oak (30 percent new). A curious wintergreen mint licks the plush blend, one filled with cushy red fruits (cherry and raspberry), strawberry jam, juniper freshness and licks of pine along a very spicy palate. Tannins are rubbed fine, and supportive to the lingering, PV perfumed finish. The oak overrides at this youthful stage, and best match with fragrant five spice duck or mushrooms. Looking forward to seeing what this winery does in the future. The striking label features symbols taken from synoptic weather charts. Each symbol relays a state or change in weather conditions.Prices: BC 30.00 Producer: Echo Bay VineyardRead Full Note
04 April 2019
89PTS
Roubine La Vie en Rose 2018
Côtes de Provence, Provence, South of France, FranceThis Côtes de Provence rosé is classically so, from the elaborate packaging, to the pale peach hue, to the slicked raspberry, strawberry florals. Touched with a kiss of reduction that blows off quickly in the glass, this is a mouth-filling, silken, medium+ bodied blend of tiboruen and cinsault that finishes with pink florals and fine spices. The historical property dates back to the times of the Templar Knights, who ruled the chateau through 1307.Prices: BC 22.99 Producer: Chateau RoubineRead Full Note
90PTS
Lock and Worth Cabernet Franc Rosé grey label 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo Cabernet Franc Rosés were made in 2018, though you'll only find this grey label one if you're visiting the winery or come across the wine in one of the export markets (rare sighting). This was also planted in Naramata in 1995 on the original Poplar Grove property, middle bench. This low-intervention, deeper orange-hued rosé was destemmed, had three hours skin contact before ferment and time in stainless. It was bottled with minimal sulphur, unfined and unfiltered, evident by the sediment in the bottom of the bottle. With a lime cordial centre, this round and juicy rosé is more potent and herbaceous than its white label sibling. Bergamot, yellow apple, pear rule this youthful wine, one still slender and finishing with a salt snap. You can consider this the more extraverted, exuberant Naramata twin.Prices: BC 22.00 Producer: Lock & WorthRead Full Note
91PTS
Lock and Worth Cabernet Franc Rosé White Label 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo Cabernet Franc Rosés were made in 2018, though unless you're visiting the winery or come across the wine in one of the export markets (rare sighting), you'll have this white label version, sourced from the same Naramata north bench site, planted under Nichol, as all the previous versions. Planted in 2008, this low-intervention, slight, orange-hued rosé was destemmed, had three hours skin contact before ferment and time in stainless. It was bottled with minimal amounts of sulphur, unfined and unfiltered, evident by the sediment in the bottom of the bottle. Reassuringly delicious as ever, bone dry and brisk, with with salted quince, apricot fuzz, meadow herbs, light white honey coating the core, and a bitter bergamot tea rinse on the finish. Bright and shining on the slender palate to a salted finish, all encouraging another glass or few.Prices: BC 22.00 Producer: Lock & WorthRead Full Note
88PTS
Meiomi Rosé 2017
California, United StatesMeiomi and residual sugar go to together like that famous horse and carriage, yet the wine you think would be sweetest, Meiomi’s Rosé, is anything but and for that, we are eternally grateful. The colour is pale, pale pink, the nose a mix of watermelon, rhubarb, citrus and strawberries. The palate is dry, offering fresh flavours of stone fruit and best of all, some electric minerality. Very food friendly, this will work with prawns, Dungeness crab and summer salads. It would appear winemaker Melissa Stackhouse is making her mark with this new release.Prices: BC 21.99 Producer: Meiomi WinesRead Full Note
89PTS
Stag's Hollow Blanc de Noirs 2018
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Blanc de Noirs is a new rosé from Stag’s Hollow, mixing 76 percent ritter clone pinot noir with 24 percent gamay cold settled for 72 hours. Two-thirds of the wine is fermented in two new 500L French oak puncheons and one third went to stainless steel. The colour is pale, pale pink, and the nose a lovely mix of peach and strawberries, but it’s the creamy, leesy texture that gives this wine its real interest. Near bone dry, the mouthwatering pink has terrific energy and mouthfeel. I agree with the winery’s suggested food matches of white pizzas, pork tacos and peppery arugula salads.Prices: BC 20.00 AB 26.00 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and VineyardRead Full Note
87PTS
Rust Wine Co. Pinot Noir Merlot Rosé 2018
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Rust Rosé is made using the saignée method from merlot grown in the Similkameen Valley. It was wild fermented spending 18 hours on skins. The colour is Provençal pink, the nose a mix of lemon, orange zest, and sweet watermelon with just a touch of five-spice. There’s some residual sugar here, so it's best to chill this down, and even better, serve it with spicy dishes and give the sugar a chance to balance the dish. The folks at Rust are donating five dollars to the BC Hospitality Fund for every magnum sold. Consumers wanting to support the cause should look for this label in a restaurant. Quantities are limited.Prices: BC 30.00 1500 Producer: Rust Wine Co.Read Full Note
88PTS
CedarCreek Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis purpose-grown, early-picked pinot noir comes with two hours of skin contact for a pale pink shade. After pressing, this was fermented in stainless to preserve its inviting, almost dry, fresh, crisp form. Perfumed apple blossoms, strawberry jam, lime and starfruit ride a lightly slicked glycerol palate. Medium-weight, spicy, and food-friendly, this is a bargain crowd-pleaser.Prices: BC 18.99 Producer: CedarCreek Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Fort Berens Rosé 2018
British Columbia, CanadaThe Fort Berens Rosé is a 66/27 blend of organically grown pinot noir and gamay, with seven percent muscat added to the mix to strategically add some aromatics. The style is bright and super fresh with juicy strawberry/cranberry flecked with ripe pear and tart cranberries to keep it all in balance. At 9.2 grams of residual sugar it's just barely off-dry, giving it more versatility as a glass pour or something you can pair with lightly spiced food.Prices: BC 17.99 Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Culmina Family Estate R&D Rosé 2018
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaR&D is a nod to the research & development done at wineries on an ongoing basis, and something the Triggs family is famous for. The label depicts a young Don Triggs and his twin Ron back in their formative years in rural Manitoba where they both practiced an investigative lifestyle. This is a delicious youthful Golden Mile Bench rosé redolent in bright raspberries, kiwi and gooseberry with a vibrant core of citrus/lime pith washed cherry. It’s as Provençal as you can get without being in France. Fine value.Prices: BC 22.00 Producer: Culmina Family Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Culmina Family Estate R&D Rosé 2018
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaR&D stands equally for research & development (the more experimental, small-lot line of wines from Oliver's Culmina), as well as owner Don and his twin Ron, Triggs brothers whose adorable childhood photo graces the photo of this wine. Tight youthful raspberry, spring rhubarb, green hedge, gooseberry, lime pith season a core of pure cherry and ride a fine wave of lees. A welcome lighter hand here than the last vintage I tried of this wine (2016).Prices: BC 22.00 Producer: Culmina Family Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
De Bortoli Rosé Pale and Dry 2018
King Valley, Victoria, AustraliaAs the label suggests, this is pale and dry. What the label doesn't tell you, is that this is still amply round and full-bodied, ripe, fruity, and juicy, with a glycerol clad core and a strawberry jam base. Raspberry, rhubarb, cherry, and spice tip off sangiovese, purpose-grown, with four hours of skin contact before being gently pressed into vats and casks. Two months on lees plumps up that mouthfeel and makes this easy for drinking solo, or with food. Easy-sipping, accessible, and friendly.Prices: BC 26.00 Producer: De Bortoli WinesRead Full Note
88PTS
Pittnauer Dogma Rosé 2017
Weinland Österreich, AustriaThe Dogma Rosé is an equal blend of blaufrankisch and st. laurent, from sandy, loamy, chalky soils. The wine spends ten months in stainless to preserve the youthful buoyancy and freshness. Alluring peachy hue, this opens with a hearty swig of reduction that blows off into cherry, cranberry, wild red florals and a brace of acidity. Give this some airtime and a chill and it turns highly smashable.Prices: ON 30.95 Producer: PittnauerRead Full Note
03 April 2019
92PTS
Suertes del Marqués Trenzado 2017
Tenerife, Canary Islands, SpainFrom the volcanic soils of Tenerife, this is a village blend led by Listán Blanco, with 10-150 year old native varieties like marmajuelo, guao, vijariego blanco, verdelo, torrontés and baboso blanco sourced across various vineyards 300-700m in the Valle de La Orotava and predominantly grown in the traditional cordón trenzado training system. After native ferment in concrete, and older French casks, this aged nine months on lees in concrete, foudres and older 500L barrels. Salty, salty, salty, with apricot blossoms, pear skin, kernel, and highly alluring dried wild herbs along an oil-slicked palate. Marine kisses throughout and a bright acidity keep this wine thirst-quenching and smashable.Prices: ON 27.95 Producer: Suertes del MarquésRead Full Note
89PTS
Laposa 4Hegy Olaszrizling 2017
HungaryFrom four different mountainous regions (Badacsony, Csobánc, Somló and Szent György) this olaszrizling (welshriesling) was 60 percent oak fermented, but in super giant oak (10000L). This basalt-driven white opens with a potent, petrol-slicked nose before darting into lightly perfumed pear, peach blossom and ginger which lingers on the super stony, salty finish. Bright grapefruit acidity slices through the subtle white and yellow perfumes, leaving an impression of tautness and grip. Very interesting.Prices: Hungary 7.50 Producer: LaposaRead Full Note
88PTS
Laposa Szürkebarát 2017
Badacsony, HungarySzürkebarát is the Hungarian name for pinot gris, and this is a just off dry example of the grape. Lightly honeyed pear, Asian pear, on a soft, lightly spiced palate, finishing with a sprinkle of ginger and a wash of stones. Nice concentration mid, but finishes a little short and warmth. Lovely balance between sweet pear fruit, stony minerality and alcohol (13 degrees).Prices: Hungary 9.30 Producer: LaposaRead Full Note
88PTS
Laposa Kéknyelú 2017
Badacsony, HungaryKéknyelű is an ancient and rare Hungarian grape variety, which remains solely in Badacsony today. Translating as 'blue Stalk' this indigenous grape is difficult to work with, though Laposa has risen to the challenge, and is acknowledged as a master of this grape. This kéknyelú is from 25-year-old basalt-grown vines, sourced from three hillside vineyards. It opens with piercing, potent apricot oil, white grapefruit pith, tight flinty spicing that wraps around a coil of peach, pear, and white cherry, and finishes with warming gingerale and a dry extract grip.Prices: Hungary 16.30 Producer: LaposaRead Full Note
87PTS
Laposa HegyBor 2017
Badacsony, HungaryThis is 100 percent Hungarian olaszrizling, the same as welshriesling, the white wine grape (unrelated to the Rhine riesling), grown throughout Central Europe. Stones and yellow fruit lead the nose and palate, with quince, pear skin and ample dusty chalkiness bringing up the rear. Lighter, quiet and shy, but friendly, if not forgettable.Prices: Hungary 11.68 Producer: LaposaRead Full Note
89PTS
Laposa KóKövön 2017
Badacsony, HungaryStone to stone = Kokovon = very apt name for this furmint grown on stony soils. This has an oily sheen on the palate, laced with lime and driven by ample minerality, broken stones, pear skin and buoyed by very juicy acidity. There's a slight grip to pen in the sides, leaving a lingering dusty stone note.Prices: Hungary 13.00 Producer: LaposaRead Full Note
02 April 2019
91PTS
Township 7 Syrah Silver Barrel Vineyard 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s been a decade since I have seen this wine, which is a shame, since it's likely the best bottle of wine I have tasted from Township 7. Aromatic and fresh with peppery undertones, there is an inviting black fruit with fresh pepper and liquorice throughout. It’s the elegance that attracts, along with the meaty, truffle, peppery aftertaste. It spent 24 months in 50 percent new French and American barriques, including a single puncheon to breathe further style into the wine. Frankly, it seems worthy of all French oak, but I leave those details to the winemaker. Grilled or roasted beef is the match. The fruit is mid-valley Skaha Lake from the west facing rocky soils of Silver Barrel Vineyard. Only 298 cases were made.Prices: BC 35.97 Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and WineriesRead Full Note
92PTS
Hillside Syrah 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHidden Valley Vineyard just south of the winery and north of the main road that runs along Naramata Bench is home to this delicious syrah. Elegant, peppery, balanced it has an eerily European bent from the front to the back. There’s more juicy red fruit than black and a wonderful less is more styling. Naturally beautiful, this is all Naramata Bench and certainly a beacon for the new sub-GI designating the Naramata Bench as sub-appellation of the Okanagan Valley. It’s a crime the bureaucracy has taken so long to approve an overwhelmingly pro-vote robbing this vintage of its true origin on the label. Drink or hold through 2026.Prices: BC 26.00 Producer: Hillside WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Black Swift Vineyards Monarch Vineyard Syrah 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike last year, this site offers up better acidity than most, along with less sugar. Long Road 2016 opens with a slightly reduced barnyard syrah nose with black licorice, black pepper, and summer sausage, with a shake of salty minerality. For the moment the acidity is pushing hard, but it should back off in time. I recommend bottle ageing for three to five years minimum. Rosemary rubbed leg of lamb is the one meat that can tame this beast at the moment. Long Road is a 100-acre vineyard at the northern extent of the Osoyoos Bench. It was planted in 1999 to clones 99 and 100, and is sustainably farmed at 3 tons to the acre.Prices: BC 49.99 Producer: The HatchRead Full Note
90PTS
Painted Rock Syrah 2016
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch cleaner on the nose in 2016, with a sweet, savoury, peppery fruit character that comes with just a hint of meatiness. The style is attractive, especially with a whack of toasted American oak showing up through the mid-palate. There is 30 percent new oak here, and 20 percent of that is the noisier American oak. The mid-palate is mildly cool with pepper, coffee, black fruits and dense, fine-grained tannins that gently slip away in the finish. A restrained hedonistic version with balance and length. Lamb souvlaki would be a fine match. Good value.Prices: BC 35.99 Producer: Painted Rock Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Moon Curser Syrah 2016
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs reported, 2016 was a terrific year for late-ripening varieties in Osoyoos and none more so than syrah. The fruit comes off the warm southwest facing Bartsch Vineyard on the Osoyoos East Bench. The fruit is hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, and then resorted before it's destemmed and fermented without crushing. It’s a mix of barrel and tank fermentations all matured in 225L barriques that are mostly Hungarian oak. The ’16 is fragrant and inviting on the nose with a balanced blend of blueberry and boysenberry with a pleasant, peppery, sweet vanilla finish. The alcohol is in check and this will only improve with any added bottle age; I think about three years. Drink now with roast lamb. Good value.Prices: BC 25.99 Producer: Moon CurserRead Full Note
01 April 2019
88PTS
Hillside Un-oaked Pinot Gris 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHillside is synonymous with the Naramata Bench and will no doubt be among its biggest champions if the provincial government ever figures out how to implement a simple, sub-Gi designation that was overwhelmingly approved by the Naramata wineries and growers. The 2018 is a touch drier than last year and fresher with tight, citrus-soaked orchard fruit aromas and flavours with a resiny undercurrent. There is still a hint of colour, a la Provençal, to add interest. Think summer salads, grilled chicken, shellfish and patios and drink all summer.Prices: BC 20.00 Producer: Hillside WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Gris 2018
British Columbia, CanadaThis is roughly a 50/50 blend from CC's Southern Okanagan vineyards and their Home Block vineyard on the slopes of Okanagan Lake. After whole-bunch pressing, ten percent was fermented in barrel (including some new), imparting big spice, pear butter and toast to the anise imbued palate. Full and round, padded with lees and ripe yellow apple on a moderately oily palate, lifted with fresh acidity. A much more serious lens for the estate PG than the last vintage, and a welcome shift.Prices: BC 18.99 Producer: CedarCreek Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Lake Breeze Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSouth African winemaker Garron Elmes has been making clean, fresh wines at Lake Breeze for just under a quarter century. It’s easy to be fruit driven when you are working with Naramata fruit, and it’s been his goal to take that fruit and get it into the bottle without a lot of fuss since the beginning. The 2017 is fresh and bright on entry with green pear, peach and green apple aromas with a stony mineral peachy palate with a hint of honey butter — best with shellfish or fish tacos.Prices: BC 20.90 Producer: Lake Breeze VineyardsRead Full Note
88PTS
Di Lenardo Pinot Grigio Monovitigno 2017
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyThis is classic Northern Italian pinot grigio the way it should be. Floral honey, baked pear, guava spill across the palate mixing with bright acidity and citrus, apple, and quince with a lightly buttered almond undercurrent. Austere in an excellent way with a long, clean persistent finish. A terrific seafood wine especially with clams, mussels, raw oysters, and sushi. Real wine, excellent value.Prices: BC 18.99 Producer: Di Lenardo VineyardsRead Full Note
91PTS
Haywire Switchback Organic Vineyard Pinot Gris 2017
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSwitchback Organic Vineyard is surrounded by wild sage, bunch grass, ponderosa pine and fruit trees, all of which appear throughout the wine. This brings me to my annual question: when will they drop the pinot gris from the label? A landmark achievement, this pinot gris is 95 percent site and terroir, and five percent variety. The silty, gravelly soils with rocks encased in limestone underline a southeast facing vineyard, planted to 100 percent clone 52 pinot gris. It is now 18 years old, and has been farmed organically since 2011. The fruit comes in over four separate picks, and is whole-cluster pressed to concrete tanks where it's fermented using native yeasts, and left on gross lees for ten months. The textures are creamy perfect, the acidity lively, and the palate is a complex mix of wildflowers, sage, salt, savoury melon, quince and pear skin sprinkled with lemon. Delicious, Next World pinot gris that's textural, botanical and newly certified organic.Prices: BC 26.90 Producer: Okanagan Crush Pad WineryRead Full Note
91PTS
Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWhen this was picked, it was the only fruit remaining in all of Marlborough. In 2015, it took until 8 June until all the fruit would accept the botrytis. The shrivelled grapes were whole bunch pressed, cold-settled, and then racked to old barrels for partial native fermentation. The fermentation was eventually stopped in September, retaining 105 g/l residual sugar. The wine then aged in barrel for a further nine months before bottling. Lovely honeycomb, butterscotch, and caramel, with a fine kiss of smoke wrapping around a pear nectar core. There's a spire of acidity and lovely fresh spicing that carries this savoury sweet to the finish. Not made every year.Prices: BC 43.00 375 Producer: GreywackeRead Full Note
