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Tastings: May 2021
17 May 2021
87PTS
Carpineto Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyCarpineto Chianti Classico is a regular version of Chianti Classico coming off estate owned vineyards at Greve in Chianti. It falls more on the full bodied style with a weighty midpalate of 90/10 sangiovese/canaiolo. In 2019 the wine opens with aromatic notes of violets and red berries that spill onto its earthy, wild red fruit palate that finishes tart and a bit short. Best served now with a mushroom or meaty pizza.Prices: MB 20.00 QC 20.00 NB 19.50 NS 23.00 Producer: CarpinetoRead Full Note
87PTS
Chiara Condello Sangiovese Predappio 2018
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyThe Condello sangiovese comes off seven hectares in the heart of Predappio, Romagna. The vines are deeply rooted in a soil of calcareous clay, laden with sediments of marine life dating back three million years. The ferment is natural yeast, the maceration long with ageing in stainless steel and Slavonian oak. Look for a medium-dark earthy style of Sangiovese with light cherry spiced fruit and firm acidity that accentuate a dry finish. Pork would be a good match to take on the tannin and work with the richer earthy flavours. A good effort from a challenging year in the vineyard.Prices: BC 27.99 Producer: Chiara CondelloRead Full Note
91PTS
Chiara Condello Sangiovese Predappio 2017
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyChiara Condello is a rising star among the younger generation of winemakers who are taking on the family business, and doing so in a sustainable, sensitive way. She took over from her father in 2015. Her seven hectares including 4 hectares of organically-farmed sangiovese vines, located in the heart of Predappio, in Emilia-Romagna's calcareous clays. She produces two different sangioveses to express this distinct terroir. This comes from vines averaging 40 years, destemmed but left whole berry, and was native fermented, macerated approximately 3 weeks, and then aged in a mix of stainless and old Slavonian oak casks before bottling without filtration. Dark and fleshy with wild blackberry, black cherry, perfumed dark plum is seasoned with scrubby rosemary and thyme. The juicy, cushy palate is structured with finely firm, lightly sticky tannins, easily guiding this to a lengthy, mineral-humming, medicinal kissed finish. Very harmonious and graceful, this is drinking beautifully now, and has the structure and stuffing to age over the next few years.Prices: BC 27.99 Producer: Chiara CondelloRead Full Note
90PTS
Fattoria Selvapiana Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale 2013
Tuscany, ItalyRufina is the smallest sub-region of Chianti Classico, northeast of Florence, and prized for its elevation (up to 900m) and soils (galestro, chalk, and marl). This estate, originally built as a summer residence for Florentine bishops, is 240 hectares, 45 of which are planted to vine and 31 to olives. It was purchased in 1827 by Michele Giuntini Selvapiana and since 1957 it has been run by the fifth generation Giuntini family member, Francesco Giuntini Antinori. Consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei has been at Selvapiana since 1978, and Bucerchiale, their flagship wine and only made in the very best years, was born the year after he arrived. This vintage is now showing its age, with worked leather bedding crushed violet, dark plum, dried cherry, autumnal forest notes, sundried tomato across a stretched out palate. Tannins are long and sticky, drawing this to a brown spiced finish. Ready to drink now, especially with wild mushroom / pork based dishes.Prices: BC 60.00 Producer: Fattoria SelvapianaRead Full Note
89PTS
Conti Capponi Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2016
Tuscany, ItalyOrganically grown grapes at Greve in Chianti are at the root of this stylish Chianti Classico. The blend is 90/10 sangiovese/canaiolo grown over albarese soils at 225-325m. A standard stainless steel and cement ferment is followed by a 20 month stop in casks before the final blend. A fine vintage reveals a very correct, youthful, fresh, almost tart acidity that works with the bright, red cherry and red currants to lift the midpalate before earthy forest floor notes fill out the finish. I would wait two or three more years before opening this wine or serve it now with grilled proteins. A solid textbook example of Chianti Classico.Prices: CDN 33.85 Producer: Conti CapponiRead Full Note
88PTS
Conti Capponi Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2016
Tuscany, ItalyFrom Greve in Chianti, in Chianti Classico's northeast, this organic 90/10 sangiovese / canaiolo is rooted in albarese soils at 225-325m. This was native fermented in stainless and cement, before spending 20 months in wood casks. It underwent the final blend and rest in cement vats prior to bottling. Wearing its time in bottle well, this is a medium bodied red with tart acidity lifting cherry, red currant, dried florals, raspberry to a snappy finish. Tannins are long and lightly sticky, hugging this to the end. On the leaner side, partner this with bean stews.Prices: CDN 33.85 Producer: Conti CapponiRead Full Note
89PTS
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThis Chianti Classico demonstrates all that is good about this style of modern Tuscan sangiovese. It's 90 percent sangiovese mixed with 5% colorino, and 5% canaiolo. the nose is a riot of ripe red fruit ranging from cherries to raspberries with a touch of underbrush and tannin. I'm thinking to pair it with a favourite ragu and penne. Drink or hold through 2023-24. Not in BC because ????Prices: ON 22.95 Producer: Agricola Gussalli BerettaRead Full Note
92PTS
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThe Badia CC is grown at Gaiole in Chianti, in the southeastern part of the appellation. It is a certified organic wine that is a 90/10 mix of sangiovese with indigenous grapes. It fermented in stainless steel with natural yeast and aged 12 months in French and Austrian casks of varying sizes. The colour is sangiovese light (think pinot), but the flavours are concentrated and ripe. Sweet cherry with ripe plums and earthy mineral undercurrents all come together in perfect balance and stay that way through an excellent finish. The tannins are dense, as they can be from sangiovese, but fine grained as they disappear into the wine. This wine always ages effortlessly through 7-10 years so don’t be afraid to cellar it. Special.Prices: BC 39.95 ON 26.95 PEI 29.00 Producer: Badia a ColtibuonoRead Full Note
90PTS
Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyWhat appears straightforward comes from 120 different winery owned parcels across varying soils, encountering equally changeable mesoclimates at altitudes from 220 to 570 metres. The flagship Fonterutoli red is a 90/5/5/ mix of sangiovese, malvasia nera, and colorino, served up at a very approachable 13.5 percent alcohol. It spends a year in French oak before going to bottle. This is a wine that exudes elegance and class but brings a full bodied midpalate to please the crowds. The fruit is dark and spicy, with black cherries and black raspberries in full view. It finishes with a touch of tannin with a light and stony mineral wash. Made for the cellar or food Tuscan style, that is, fresh, simply prepared dishes with few ingredients. Stock up.Prices: AB 33.95 ON 28.99 Producer: Marchesi Mazzei S.P.A. AgricolaRead Full Note
93PTS
Antinori Badia A Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
Tuscany, ItalyBadia, a Passignano Gran Selezione, is produced exclusively from the best lots of sangiovese coming out of the Badia Passignano Vineyard and a region noted for its outstanding wine production since the year 1000. The vineyards sit at 300 meters above sea level on soils rich in limestone with a fair amount of clay. For what it is worth, the wine is aged in the historic cellars under the Badia (abbey) of Passignano that dates back to the 10th century. Look for a smoky, earthy, bloody, red-fruited wine with flecks of violets and a surprisingly rich palate. I love the long, savoury, finessed flavours of dried cherries, thyme, and dense, tightly wound, fine grained tannins. One of the best I have tasted in the modern age. A perfect wine for bistecca Fiorentina, or cellar through 2030.Prices: BC 66.99 NF 56.66 Producer: Marchesi AntinoriRead Full Note
93PTS
Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva Tenuta Tignanello 2018
Tuscany, ItalyTenuta Tignanello Chianti Classico Riserva originates from the same carefully tended vineyard that spawns the noted Super Tuscan Tignanello, and it is impressive. It's fermented in stainless steel vats for seven days. Post malolactic, the wine is transferred to French and Hungarian oak barriques for approximately one year before it is bottled and aged for an additional twelve months. The sangiovese is made in an elegant style, reflecting its origins, and mostly hands off winemaking. The nose is a riot of pure cherries with violets and earth. On the palate, it is vibrant, showing more intense flavours than weight, mixing tobacco and bright red fruit with a savoury, smooth, salty, impression throughout the finish Another impressive effort from this pedigreed label.Prices: BC 69.90 NF 55.30 Producer: Marchesi AntinoriRead Full Note
15 May 2021
86PTS
Hillside Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep pink in hue, this year's rosé blends a base of 65% merlot with saignée cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah, gamay, and pinot noir. Only 4 hours skin contact (on partial grapes) imparted this deep colour. Strawberry jam, red apple, raspberry fill the off-dry palate, slicked with glycerol to a gently spiced, shorter finish. Old school, need a chill, or serving over ice.Prices: BC 19.12 Producer: Hillside WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Podere 414 Flower Power Rosato 2020
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyOwned by Simone Castelli, Podere 414 is a certified organic estate with 13ha of vines, situated in western Tuscany, straddling a river near the town of Scansano. This charming, dry roasto of early-harvested Sangiovese was fermented cool in stainless, where it remained until bottling in spring 2021. Pouring a cheery light pink hue, this charms with wild strawberries, perfumed cherries along a slight, silken palate, seasoned with fine spice. Juicy and fresh, this is a delight for summer. Great value.Prices: ON 18.95 Producer: Podere 414Read Full Note
90PTS
J. M. Sohler Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé 2018
Alsace, FranceSituated 30 km southwest of Strasbourg, J.M. Sohler is a boutique estate family producer nestled in the hamlet of Blienschwiller. This rosé comes entirely from Pinot Noir, and was gently whole bunch pressed before resting on lees until the following spring, when it heads to the bottle and a minimum 24 months rest on lees. This was disgorged to order. Pouring a shining gold peach hue, this is scented with wild raspberries, tangerine pith, white cherries, light toast, on a brisk, astringent palate, finishing with a lick of cherry and fine rasp of spices. Lovely balance and depth here; paired beauty with tuna tataki.Prices: ON 28.95 Producer: J. M. SohlerRead Full Note
86PTS
Pillitteri Estates Winery Racina Pinot Squared Rosé 2018
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaRacina is a Sicilian word that translates as 'grapes', and their Pinot Squared is so called because it is a blend of pinot gris and pinot noir. Soft and creamy, with strawberries and cream, baked rhubarb, red apple on an off-dry, brief palate. Not as fresh as I'd love to see; take this 2018 with a chill and crack this summer.Prices: ON 25.00 Producer: Pilliterri Estates WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Spec Bros Lazzara Rosato Secco NV
Ontario, CanadaLazzara is named for the Speck brothers' great grandmother, and the label is in honour of their family moving from Italy to New York to work in marble on the skyscrapers built at that time. This is a charmat fizz of mystery grapes, dosed with ample RS. This off dry fizz is bright with candied strawberries, candied orange peel, and perfumed peach. A solid local take on typical Prosecco.Prices: ON 17.95 Producer: Speck BrosRead Full Note
86PTS
Rosehall Run Pixie Petite Rosé Spritzer NV
Ontario, CanadaThis new canned little sprinter is based off their bottled Pixie Sparkling Rosé, a sweeter vidal charmat fizz coloured with pinot noir. For the spritzer, the alcohol has been lowered to 5.5%. Very light, with faint candy apple, orange, on a watery, lightly frizzante palate. Take over ice on a hot day, as intended.Prices: ON 3.95 355 Producer: Rosehall RunRead Full Note
85PTS
Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé NV
Ontario, CanadaThis is a sweeter, frizzante rosé of vidal, with a tip of pinot noir for the peach hue. Candy apple, strawberry gummies, candied cherry rule the shorter palate, with a light fizz to brighten. Needs ice cubes or a sangria party for best result.Prices: ON 19.95 Producer: Rosehall RunRead Full Note
88PTS
Rosehall Run Loveless Brut Rosé 2017
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaThe name, and the wine, was inspired by an album by My Bloody Valentine. The PEC pinot noir is based on the 2017 vintage, with 13% of their first attempt at traditional method fizz in 2014 as a reserve, held en triage for 33 months, and dosed with 5.9 g/L. Tart red currant, rhubarb, perfumed musk fills the lightly bubbling, lighter palate, finishing with a tart astringency. Refreshing, and well suited to canapés.Prices: ON 45.00 Producer: Rosehall RunRead Full Note
86PTS
Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne NV
Burgundy, FranceFounded in 1877, Bouillot was one of the first to experiment with the crafting of sparkling Bourgogne. This blends pinot noir, gamay, and chardonnay from across the Cote d'Or and the Maçonnais, before twelve months on the lees. Punchy and forward cherry, raspberry, pear blossoms are housed with lightly grippy tannins and laced with tart pink grapefruit acidity. What this lacks in grace, it makes up for in power, so partner with savour french toast, or grilled root veg salads.Prices: BC 23.49 AB 20.00 ON 20.00 QC 24.00 Producer: Louis BouillotRead Full Note
88PTS
Free Form Rosé 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe cabernet fruit for this Free Form Rosé comes off the Sekhon Family Vineyard in Osoyoos, and it's fermented and aged on its lees in concrete. Again, despite its age, it is very fresh, balancing bright red berry with smoky, leafy, herbal notes that finish with a light bump of residual sugar. More substantial, this can tolerate more than you might anticipate.Prices: BC 26.90 Producer: Okanagan Crush Pad WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Narrative Rosé 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2019 Narrative Rosé has the quintessential light pink colour, and now the label itself comes in colour, giving this fun wine extra curb appeal. Narrative is meant to tell an Okanagan story, and at OCP it is one of freshness and respect for nature. The blend mixes grapes from Summerland and Oliver, all destemmed and given 12 hours of skin contact before a light press and a ferment in concrete. The result is a delicious, bone dry pink with sweet red berry and fresh citrus lined finis. Party, anyone? Serious value.Prices: BC 17.49 Producer: Okanagan Crush Pad WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Haywire Gamay Rosé 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVirtually unchanged a year down the road speaks to the precision winemaking at Okanagan Crush Pad. The fruit is certified organic from Secrest Mountain Vineyard, owned by Okanagan Crush pad. Rosé wine is the focus at OCP, and you can feel it through this bone-dry savoury pink that is crisp and mouthwatering. The fruit is whole bunch pressed into an 80/20 mix of concrete and stainless steel and fermented using native yeasts. Look for subtle hints of wild strawberry and crushed raspberries dusted with black pepper in a spare, fresh version of rosé. Ready to drink.Prices: BC 23.00 Producer: Okanagan Crush Pad WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Bottega Gold Rose Prosecco Spumante Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyRosé Gold is a newer addition to their ever-expanding lineup, with the appellation changes allowing for Prosecco Rosé. This is entirely pinot nero, from the marl/limestone/clay soils of southern Lombardy (what Sandro Bottega considers a superior place for the grape). After 24 hours on skins for a cold maceration, this was fermented in stainless before heading to the Charmat tanks for secondary ferment and a brut dosage of 10-12 g/L. Like the classic Gold, this is packaged in a trademarked mirrored bottle and is the bigger, more serious sibling to the Poeti bottling. Perfumed raspberries, wild strawberries float along a pretty, frizzante palate, finely graded with pinot nero's structure, and finishing on a clean, brisk note. The sugar is held in check by easy, bright acidity. Enjoy now, for elevated prosecco occasions (Mother's Day?)Prices: BC 31.99 Producer: Bottega S.p.A.Read Full Note
89PTS
Moët and Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé Limited Edition Design by Ambush NV
Champagne, FranceThis limited edition bottle was created by Yoon Ahn, co-founder and Creative Director of the fashion label AMBUSH. Designed to be 'voluptuous and gourmet', Moet Impérial blends Pinot Noir: 45 - 55% (10% still); Pinot Meunier: 35 - 45% (10% still); Chardonnay: 5 - 10%. Reserve wines make up 20-30%, and it was dosed at 45 g/L. Ripe and noticeably sweet, with candied raspberry and strawberry brioche, meringue, and a tightening riff of tangerine pith on the shorter, somewhat astringent finish. Just think of this as a dessert wine, not a typical champagne. Pour alongside strawberries and cream, for breakfast or dessert.Prices: BC 89.99 ON 88.70 QC 89.25 Producer: Moet & ChandonRead Full Note
88PTS
Chateau de L'Aumérade Cuvée Marie Christine Rosé 2020
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceIn the now-norm distinctly shaped Provence bottle, this stylish Marie-Christine blends 41% cincault, 34% grenache, and 25% syrah. Pale peach in hue, this glides with red currants, silken strawberries, sweet pear on a slick, glycerol-lined palate, lightly dusted with spice. Simple, pleasant, and oh so Provençal. What isn't simple however is the label: each vintage the fashionable woman on the bottle changes, with a party held to unveil the new vintage's fashionable design.Prices: BC 29.99 Producer: Domaine and Chateau FabreRead Full Note
90PTS
Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2020
Abruzzo, ItalyCerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a relatively recent DOC in central Italy's Abruzzo, and is a category named for the light and graceful cherry-like colour of these wines (cerasuolo means cherry in Italian). Take this as a cross between a rosé and a very light red, with the 20+ year old montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes being allowed to shine. The single block of heritage massale clones rest at 350m on limestone soils. After a destem, this sees only 20 minutes of skin contact before the free run juice is fermented in stainless. Even then, the colour is quite deep cherry in hue, with pomegranate, rhubarb, red currant, blood orange, tayberry on a tart, fresh, dry palate. Lovely intriguing wine for drinking now.Prices: BC 22.99 Producer: Agricola TiberioRead Full Note
89PTS
Joseph Mellot Sincérité Pinot Noir Rosé 2018
Loire, FranceThe Mellot family has been working in the Loire Valley since 1513 and today own vineyards in every appellation of the Loire. Sincerité is a pinot noir based rosé sourced from estates across the region. The colour is more orange than pink, the nose fresh with a strong, cherry, red currant bent. On the palate, raspberries dominate with silky textures and a wisp of spice and pepper. It is bone dry and food friendly. Try this with any number of summer dishes, including fresh line caught salmon.Prices: BC 23.99 Producer: Joseph MellotRead Full Note
87PTS
Mateus Rosé NV
Douro - Bairrada, PortugalMateus Original is a light, fresh, barely frizzante rosé with a history that has allowed it to live through several rosé revivals. Expect a perfectly pale raspberry colour and a fresh, uncomplicated fruity nose that stems from a mix of baga, rufete, tinta barroca, and touriga franca. Summers are hot in Portugal, and this wine was designed to cool you down without any pretense. It’s ready to go for patio season, and with its shining screwcap, it couldn’t be easier to crack a bottle and begin the party. Serve with sunshine.Prices: BC 9.99 SK 11.73 MB 9.99 ON 10.45 QC 9.50 NB 9.45 NS 10.45 PE 10.50 NF 9.54 NL 13.60 BC 15.99 1500 Producer: Sogrape Vinhos de Portugal, SARead Full Note
89PTS
Zago Prosecco Brut Rosé 2019
Veneto, ItalyZago has been producing Prosecco since the mid 19th century, and this, a Rosé Prosecco, is one of the newer additions to the portfolio, with the appellation laws officially recognizing the category in spring 2020. This is a blend of sustainably sourced glera with 15% pinot nero, fermented separately, and then blended for second ferment in charmat tanks and 3 months' rest. This is refreshingly dry (Brut), with only 5 g/L dosage. Summer strawberries, wild raspberries, pomegranate is held bright with a crisp cranberry acidity, lifting the lighter frizzante palate to a snappy finish. Quite a smart Prosecco rosé, and enjoyable now. I wish so that more Prosecco would follow this drier lead.Prices: BC 29.99 Producer: ZagoRead Full Note
86PTS
Villa Sandi Prosecco Rosé 2020
Veneto, ItalyThis Rosé Prosecco blends glera and pinot nero into an off-dry 10 g/L, lightly fizzy pink, with candied strawberry, baked red apple, and an herbal green / underripe note brightened with a tight, zest lemon peel acidity. Best with a brisk chill, and to be drunk now.Prices: BC 19.99 Producer: Villa SandiRead Full Note
87PTS
Famille J-M Cazes L'Ostal Rose 2020
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis is a pale pink affair with hints of strawberries and citrus. It finishes with a supple texture and light floral notes. Simple, soft, and ready to drink, this is one for a warm summer’s day. If we ever get back to street block parties, this would be the bottle to take along to the celebration. Good value.Prices: BC 16.99 Producer: Famille J.M. CazesRead Full Note
86PTS
Pillitterri Estates Winery Racina Sunset Rosé 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis rosé blends in some late harvest wine, resulting in the evident sweetness in this deeper-hued pink. This year blends 81% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Franc Select Late Harvest, with 23 g/L of sugar. Candied strawberries, candy apple, raspberry gummies rule the fuller, silken palate, finishing with a dusting of spice. Chill well and take with a light fruit dessert.Prices: ON 20.00 Producer: Pillitteri Estates WineryRead Full Note
90PTS
Mirabeau en Provence Rosé Classic 2019
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe last time I reviewed this wine, it was excellent. I did complain that it didn’t need a cork, and voila, the cork is gone in 2019. It’s still pale, pale pink and super delicate, but the nuances are even more subtle under screwcap. The blend is grenache and syrah grown between 300 and 400 metres and all harvested at night. Delicate, bone dry, and food friendly, this is tightly wound and a pleasure to drink. Strawberries and citrus dominate the palate. Serve all summer with grilled vegetables, grilled fish, or cheese. Very proper, dry rosé, which means it's not for everyone. As mentioned, the cork is gone, which makes this wine even easier to open. It is hard to believe how many producers fail to understand the barrier a cork is to consumers who just want a glass of rosé.Prices: BC 26.99 AB 24.99 Producer: MirabeauRead Full Note
88PTS
Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Rosé Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis blend of glera and pinot nero comes from the hills of Treviso (Glera) and Prosecco (pinot nero), and were vinified separately in steel, with the nero receiving approximately 16 hours of skin contact, imparting the lovely light blush hue. The two wines were then blended into charmat tank for 2 months or so of secondary ferment, and dosage off 12 g/L at bottling. Pretty strawberry, perfumed white peach, pear blossoms fill a finely fizzy, medium/light frame, with a kiss of orange on the finish. Lovely harmony here, with an easy acidity gobbling up the sweetness.Prices: BC 19.99 Producer: Bottega S.p.A.Read Full Note
89PTS
Gianni Masciarelli Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2019
Abruzzo, ItalyCerasuolo d'Abruzzo is one of the only Italian appellations dedicated to rosé, and this is a serious one at that. Cerasuolo translates as ‘pale cherry red’, and this pours a glowing light cherry hue. Montepulciano from Loreto Aprutino's calcareous clays, at 250m, spent only 4-6 hours on skins before a ferment and short rest in stainless. Crunchy up front, with cherry, red currant, this glides along the slender palate, lightly gripped by tannins, to a fresh, lightly peppery finish. I do wish they'd ditch the crappy plastic cork and move to screwcap for more vibrancy. A gentle, quiet, charming rosé, ideal with lighter mushroom risotto or bouillabaisse.Prices: BC 25.99 QC 30.75 AB 45.00 Producer: Masciarelli Tenute Agricole S. R. L.Read Full Note
93PTS
Rémi Leroy Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceBased in the Aube, which shares the same Portlandian and Kimmeridgian limestone soils as Chablis just further south, young Remi farms 3 of his family's organic 9ha under this label; the rest of the grapes are sold to large champagne houses. This deeper peach hued rosé is an 85/15 pinot noir / chardonnay split, based on the 2017 vintage. The 20% red wine in the mix is reflected in the deeper hue. Vinified in 75% stainless, with the remainder in older oak barrels, this has 15% reserve wines, and spent 3 years on lees before a dosage of 2 g/L. Perfumed wild raspberry, wild strawberry, redcurrant, lemon, stony spice rules a tight, zippy, humming, limestone base. There's lovely density of red fruits that counters the brisk acidity, making this a natural for a wide variety of pairings, or enjoying solo. Incredible value.Prices: ON 67.00 Producer: Champagne Rémi LeroyRead Full Note
14 May 2021
90PTS
Mauro Molino Barolo 2016
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyMauro Molino was born in Piemonte, grew up amongst the storied hills and iconic vines, and graduated from Alba Winemaking School in 1973. After a few years of making wine in Emilia Romagna, he returned to start his own winery in the Langhe following the passing of his father. Grown in calcareous and clay soils from vineyards across their holdings in Barolo, this wine is meant to typify the region, through Molino’s understated elegance. This was fermented in steel before aging in French oak barrels for 18 months. Pouring its characteristic nebbiolo orange glint, this opens with subtle smoked stones, ripe and dried strawberries, and fragrant cherries, scented with pipe tobacco and fine spices. Tannins are ample and firm, but long and fine, gently housing this through the lingering finish. Best taken now with lamb or wild mushroom / truffle dishes.Prices: ON 66.95 Producer: Mauro Molino ViticoltoreRead Full Note
86PTS
San Valentino Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019
Abruzzo, ItalyThis Montepulciano was crushed and left on its skins for 4-8 days to extract a medium red/brown colour before an 8-10 day ferment. The result is a soft, juicy, cherry flavoured, ready-to-drink red that sees no oak. Think pizza, hamburgers, or beef kebabs.Prices: BC 11.49 Producer: San ValentinoRead Full Note
88PTS
Tiberio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019
Abruzzo, ItalyTwenty years ago, in 2000, Riccardo Tiberio found an old plot of trebbiano abruzzese vines, among other indigenous varieties, near the hillside town of Cugnolia, 40km from the sea. Today the estate is run by his children, Cristiana and Antonio. This montepulciano is from 55-year-old vines grown over calcareous clay soils, fermented and aged in stainless for three months. The colour is opaque, the nose a mix of floral, scrubby herbs that preview mostly red fruit and considerable tannins. This is richer than you might expect and has the power to accompany big dishes like lamb or pork. Hold three to five years or decant for an hour if serving sooner. Well made, authentic wine.Prices: BC 25.99 Producer: Agricola TiberioRead Full Note
89PTS
Rivetto Nebbiolo Terracotta Vino Rosso 2017
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyYouthful, energetic, travelled Enrico Rivetto farms his family's estate with a philosophy beyond biodynamics, and towards complete biodiversity. Entirely singular; nebbiolo was native fermented for 2 weeks on skins, racked from gross lees, then back on skins until June, for a total of 8 months in Italian amphora. Tasted again, 2 years along, with fragrant cherry, raspberry ruling the textural palate, laced with brooding plum and fragrant raspberry blossoms through a bacon fat finish. Tannins are nebbiolo-strong, though softened marginally here via amphora. Best with a light chill, and drank over the course of a night (possibly due to 31 mg total sulphur). Only 1000 bottles produced. The charming label art was created by one of Enrico's children.Prices: ON 59.95 Producer: RivettoRead Full Note
88PTS
Poggio Anima Lilith Primitivo 2017
Salento, Puglia, ItalyPoggio Anima is a joint project between Toscana's Le Ragnaie, and one of their American importers to highlight different regions and indigenous grapes around Italy. Each cuvée in the colourful series is named for fantastic mythical beasts. From 27 year old vines in Salento's rocky volcanic soils, laced with limestone, sands, and red clay, this was fermented over 3 weeks in stainless before moving into French barriques (15% new) for 7 months aging. Ripe, leathery raspberry and strawberry lead the full bodied palate, with a rasp of sweet baking spices, and sticky tannins that land the finish. Now with some age, this is a gentler, softer version of primitivo, all the better for it. Drink now.Prices: ON 16.95 Producer: Poggio AnimaRead Full Note
88PTS
Poggio Anima Asmodeus Nero d'Avola 2019
Sicily, ItalyPoggio Anima is a joint project between Toscana's Le Ragnaie, and one of their American importers to highlight different regions and indigenous grapes around Italy. Each cuvée in the colourful series is named for fantastic mythical beasts. From the sandy volcanic clay slopes of western Sicily, these 27 year old vines were fermented in stainless, before 6 months in 500L French tonneau, and an additional 3 months' tightening stint in steel. Wild plum, wild blackberry, floral blueberry flood the juicy palate, infiltrated with pepper and sweet baking spicing on the finish. Tannins are soft, as is the palate, welcoming early consumption.Prices: ON 16.95 Producer: Poggio AnimaRead Full Note
88PTS
Poggio Anima Samuel Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018
Abruzzo, ItalyPoggio Anima is a joint project between Toscana's Le Ragnaie, and one of their American importers to highlight different regions and indigenous grapes around Italy. Each cuvée in the colourful series is named for fantastic mythical beasts. This montepulciano comes from a clay / limestone vineyard in Abruzzo, and vines 24 years old. After 2 weeks on skins for ferment, this was pressed into neutral French barrique for 6 months. Juicy and teeming with wild blackberry, black plum, boysenberry on a medium palate, with silken tannins housing a softer core. Friendly and easy and set for smashing now.Prices: ON 16.95 Producer: Poggio AnimaRead Full Note
89PTS
Vino Lauria Zio Paolo 2018
Sicily, ItalyZio Paolo is the first wine that Vito made and it takes its name from the vineyard, the expansive land around Alcamo. This organic Nero d’Avola is fresh and bright, with the fragrant scrubby Mediterranean herbs, perfumed strawberry, boysenberry and wild thorns preserved from time in stainless. Acidity is crunchy, and tannins are sticky, to a pink peppercorn finish. A lovely lighter view of Nero d'Avola, even at 14.5%.Prices: ON 23.95 Producer: Vino LauriaRead Full Note
88PTS
Villa Barcaroli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2015
Abruzzo, ItalyVilla Barcaroli, now owned by Marche's Ciù Ciù, is an organic winery based in Abruzzo. This montepulciano is sourced from Controguerra and Ancarano, in Teramo, and at 260m.This was fermented and rested 6 months in stainless, before resting 18 months in barrique. Smoked stone, floral black cherry, brooding black currants, some prune rule the fuller palate, showing the effects of the stint in wood. Tannins are ample, chewy, and ragged, guiding this to a drying finish. Needs roast pork or beef to mitigate.Prices: ON 38.95 Producer: Villa BarcaroliRead Full Note
87PTS
Villa Barcaroli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018
Abruzzo, ItalyVilla Barcaroli, now owned by Marche's Ciù Ciù, is an organic winery based in Abruzzo. This montepulciano is sourced from Controguerra and Ancarano, in Teramo, and at 260m.This was fermented and rested 6 months in stainless. Plump, perfumed blueberry, plum and boysenberry lead the simple, easy palate, framed with somewhat sticky tannins to a shorter finish. Best with a light chill and a pizzaPrices: ON 15.95 Producer: Villa BarcaroliRead Full Note
90PTS
Rivetto Langhe Nebbiolo 2019
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyYouthful, energetic, travelled Enrico Rivetto farms his family's estate with a philosophy beyond biodynamics, and towards complete biodiversity. This nebbiolo, tipped with 5 percent barbera, comes from a west facing vineyard planted 340-400m on clay and limestone at the top of Lirano Hill, between Sinio and Serralunga d’Alba. Native fermented in stainless. Lively, tight, and bright, with wild raspberry, cherry on a brisk, slender palate, finishing with refreshing astringency. Very much in youth, this will continue to relax and unfold with time in the bottle.Prices: ON 44.95 Producer: RivettoRead Full Note
91PTS
Vino Lauria Nerello Mascalese 2018
Sicily, ItalyVito Lauria is a Sicilian local. After studying winemaking in Friuli, he returned home in 2005 to take over his family's winery in the west of Sicily, renovating the vineyards, focusing on organic viticulture. He focuses on local varieties, like nerello mascalese. This is sourced from Sambuca di Sicilia, this sees time in stainless only. Fragrant and bright with wild raspberries, cherries, scrubby resinous herbs, this lighter red streams along the slender palate to a herbal, saline finish. Acidity is lofted, and tannins are light and gently sticky, reflective of the Mediterranean sunshine. Very moreish.Prices: ON 24.95 Producer: Vino LauriaRead Full Note
91PTS
La Braccesca Santa Pia Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2017
Tuscany, ItalySanta Pia is produced from a 15 hectare vineyard of the same name, located on the ridges just below the town of Montepulciano. This soil is sandy loam with rocky deposits known as scheletro that contributes to a more classic sangiovese style, offering elegance and depth. There is a fragrance here, signalling an elegant version of Vino Nobile, and a juicy, fresh sangiovese full of savoury, perfectly ripe red cherry lined with the perfect level of spicing through the finish. A wonderful red you can drink now or cellar for seven to ten years. There is a dusting of fine tannins that would disappear at the dinner table. Long, classy, and persistent, this is a winner.Prices: BC 55.00 Producer: Marchesi AntinoriRead Full Note
89PTS
La Braccesca Vino Nobile de Montepulciano 2018
Tuscany, ItalyLa Braccesca spends about ten days on skins during the fermentation process before going to large oak casks for twelve months. Post bottling, in the second spring of its life, the wine gets an additional twelve months of ageing at the winery. The mix is mostly sangiovese, or prugnolo gentile as it's known in the region, with a small amount of merlot to bolster the mid-palate. I like the wild aromatic floral nature of this wine, and the rich, chewy, blackberry and black cherries that finish with a mineral underbelly. Spaghetti and meatballs, anyone?Prices: BC 33.00 Producer: Marchesi AntinoriRead Full Note
13 May 2021
94PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOsoyoos Larose continues to hit it out of the park with Le Grand Vin, a dominant merlot blend at 61.4 percent filled out with 14 percent cabernet franc, 12 percent cabernet sauvignon, 7.6 percent petit verdot, and 5 percent malbec. The wine is rich and full-bodied from front to back with a plush midpalate of blue and black fruits covered in a dense jacket of fine grained tannins. It is a savoury, complex, youthful red that reminds me a bit of some Bolgheri blends. It is amazing at this point but far from its ultimate potential. The price is extremely fair for the quality, and my advice is to stock up. It has a long history of going the distance and getting better and better in the bottle. Well done.Prices: BC 48.99 MB 46.06 ON 47.95 QC 44.60 SK 58.30 NL 52.49 AB 45.99 Producer: Osoyoos Larose Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Château Valentin 2017
Bordeaux, FranceAn early frost and some September rain marred what otherwise would have been an excellent year in Bordeaux. That said, given the technology available and the skill of the Bordelais, the vintage is solid, if not better than the pundits first predicted, as evidenced by the 2017 Château Valentin that hails from Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux. The chateau is situated on the right bank directly across from the Haut-Médoc. The wine is an unoaked, merlot-dominant blend containing 70-80 percent merlot mixed with cabernet franc and a lesser amount of petit verdot. Expect a light, fresh, savoury, red-fruited cherry affair with a touch of earth and a medium-long finish. Classic mid-week Bordeaux for your lamb chops or flank steak. Drink or hold through 2025.Prices: BC 23.99 Producer: Château ValentinRead Full Note
88PTS
Clos du Soleil Signature 2018
British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Signature, the winery's aptly named flagship blend, puts merlot into the lead (42%), followed by cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, all from the Similkameen. Each block was harvested separately, destemmed and native fermented in concrete before moving to French oak for 16 months aging. Ample smokiness pervades this year's Signature, with smoked meats, camp smoke, bacon fat hazing the plump blackberry, savoury black cherry coating the full palate. There are scents of scrubby sage and dried violets darting throughout this powerhouse, all housed with big, toasty cedar tannins, and finishing with a sticky kirsch flush. Curious if the wildfires had any affect here, as I'm not getting the elegance of the 2017.Prices: BC 45.90 Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSummit is a proprietary red blend representing their best vineyard blocks in the Okanagan and Similkameen, and the best barrels of wine made by winemaker Jeff Hundermark. Merlot leads a mix of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and malbec. The general tone is fresher with cleaner fruit and no shortage of tannins. The palate is a mix of black and blue fruits, with dry, earthy, smoky tobacco undercurrents, and medium spice to a long warm finish. Definitely hedonistic and powerful, but with a little more restraint this time out, and I applaud that. It will need a minimum of five years to settle in unless you served it with a medium-rare Porterhouse to break down some of the tannins and rein in the fruit. Time is on your side here.Prices: BC 59.99 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate WineryRead Full Note
91PTS
Roche Nuances 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNuances is a great name for this wine that is full of intrigue and winemaking savoir-faire. The blend is 58/24/18/ merlot, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon, something like the golden ratio in my estimation if you are looking to make a great red blend in BC. The fruit comes off two vineyards, Kozier and Suncrest, situated respectively in warm Naramata and hot Oliver. It’s fermented in stainless steel before spending 12 months in French oak barrels, but only 10 percent was new. The final blend was done before bottling to balance the wine, and it is perfect. Look for a ripe red full of delicious red and black fruit counterbalanced by a savoury underside. It is a gem you can drink now or hold for a decade, given how pure and plentiful the fruit is. If you are into elegance, nuance and understatement, this is a good wine for you. Super value too.Prices: BC 32.19 Producer: Roche WinesRead Full Note
91PTS
French Door Héritage French Blend 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe French Door is situated just west and south of the Black Sage Bench, almost due west of downtown Oliver. The 2019 French Blend is 30 percent merlot, 25 cabernet franc, 25 cabernet sauvignon, 11 syrah, 6 petit verdot, and 3 malbec. The fruit is all hand harvested, hand sorted, destemmed and cold soaked. Fermentation is followed by 3-4 daily pump overs, leaving the skins in contact with the juice for some 50-65 days. It was aged without movement in less than 1/3 new oak and more than 50 percent neutral wood, all of which account for a stylish texture that presents elegance and flavour intensity. The nose is very Bordeaux with cedar, tobacco, and black fruits leading, flecked with blueberry, quince, and graphite. There is a lovely balance here, and what appears to be the perfect mix to age over the next decade easily. Young and approachable so that you can try it now, but my advice is to put this in the cellar through 2027 and only then should you begin to explore your collection. Well done.Prices: BC 48.00 Producer: French Door Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Noble Ridge King's Ransom Meritage 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis comes in a large, heavy bottle, and the wine is equally monolithic. The oak is in the foreground of this merlot (57%) and cabernet sauvignon (43%) blend, with gobs of coconut and dill from the American oak overshadowing the luscious, dark fruits. Medium-full bodied, it's quite ripe and extracted, with blocky, grainy tannins that dry out the finish. Fans of big, oaky reds should revisit this in 2-3 years.Prices: BC 109.90 Producer: Noble Ridge Vineyard and WineryRead Full Note
90PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio +02/10 2018
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the 16th vintage of Portfolio, a wine which has consistently been one of the leading Bordeaux blends from the Okanagan. It's also been consistently true to Laughing Stock's house style. The 2018 vintage is merlot dominant, like its predecessors (with, I believe, one exception: the 2010 vintage), rounded out by cabernet sauvignon (34%), cabernet franc (15%), malbec (3%), and petit verdot (3%). The oak is lavish (42% new), but not to the detriment of the wine. It tastes like no money was spared on the barrel program, with perfumed, expressive spices that are at home next to the lush, high-toned black fruits. It exudes long hang time, perhaps not far from some stewed character. And, of course, there's Laughing Stock's hallmark suave, glycerous palate, a style which other wineries have tried to emulate but few have mastered. It's not as seamless as previous vintages, though. Powdery, granular tannins present themselves on the finish, which is marked by disjointed acidity. But, it still provides a lot of pleasure for those seeking a hedonistic pour, and, as always for this wine, it's ready to drink upon release.Prices: BC 49.99 ON 53.00 AB 53.00 BC 109.99 1500 BC 219.00 3000 Producer: Laughing Stock VineyardsRead Full Note
88PTS
Bartier Bros. The Orchard Row 2019
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis started out as a house wine for the Bartier family and it's easy to taste why. It's a fresh, lighter-bodied vin du soif that can just as easily be enjoyed on its own or at the dinner table during the week. Tasted blind, it would likely be difficult to identify this blend of pinot noir, gamay, cabernet franc, and merlot, but there's no questioning the result. Drink now with a chill to highlight the juicy plum and cherry.Prices: BC 36.99 Producer: Bartier Bros.Read Full Note
86PTS
Hester Creek Character Syrah Petit Verdot Malbec 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCharacter Red is a mix of merlot, syrah, petit verdot, cabernet, and malbec that spends 6-8 months in a mix of French and American oak. The nose is a savoury, herbal, aromatic affair with cedary undertones. On the palate, more savoury, red cherry runs bright with grippy tannins tugging at the finish. This year's slightly more rustic version is perhaps more authentic, but nothing some grilled sausages or beef kebabs wouldn’t take down now.Prices: BC 18.99 Producer: Hester Creek Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Frind Estate The Premier 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI have to say it is refreshing to see a highly capitalized BC winery launch its first flagship red at only $39.99. The Premier is a blend of the well known, the known, and the unknown, also a bit of a shock. The mix is stated in this order: merlot, cabernet franc, regent, syrah, and marechal franc, and it presents with a very clean, strawberry, cherry nose and palate. The tannins are soft and well-integrated into the wine; the texture is its best lead at the moment. There’s a lot of technology behind this wine, from picking, to sorting, to crushing, and it shows in its sense of balance and freshness. Many small lots were fermented in isolation and carefully blended by winemaker Eric von Krosigk before going to bottle. On the light and elegant side, you can drink it now and it is best served with roasted meats and vegetables.Prices: BC 37.99 Producer: Frind EstateRead Full Note
89PTS
Township 7 Reserve 7 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike past vintages, the 2018 Reserve 7 is a merlot-dominant blend (50.5%) rounded out by cabernet sauvignon (32%), and cabernet franc (17.5%). The majority of the fruit is sourced from the estate Blue Terrace Vineyard, located along Tuc-el-Nuit Road just outside of the town of Oliver, which is strewn with river stones. This shows polished, lush black fruits, led by plum and blackberry, that's complemented by forward oak, after aging 12 months in a combination of French and American barriques and puncheons. Medium-full bodied, this is richly concentrated but there's not quite the fruit weight to carry the dense, firm tannins. This will benefit from another 4-5 years in bottle, but will be well worth revisiting.Prices: BC 38.97 AB 38.99 Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and WineriesRead Full Note
92PTS
Painted Rock Red Icon 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot quite up to 2017, the latest Icon is still very cool, calm, and collected, showing fewer aromatics but no less concentration of flavours. The nose is quiet, the attack filled with red (cassis), black (cherry), before hitting the back of the palate with a hint of brown spice. Again its Euro stying kicks in after ageing 18 months in 30 percent new oak. The current mix is 54 merlot and 14 cabernet franc, with 11/11/8 cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and petit verdot. There is no syrah in the blend this year, and I hope that continues. Like last year, the texture is measured and elegant, and when combined with acidity and structure, it is clear this Icon will age effortlessly and improve a decade and beyond. Still a baby, we must be patient.Prices: BC 54.99 Producer: Painted Rock Estate WineryRead Full Note
91PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Osoyoos Larose, now firmly in the hands of sole owner Groupe Taillan (of Bordeaux), blends 62% merlot with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and malbec. Thick, dense and concentrated fruit is led by merlot's plummy richness, and structured somewhat by the cabernets. Dark chocolate, inky blackberry, cassis, bittersweet dark chocolate fill the brooding, savoury, full-bodied palate, framed with wood spices and ample wood-grain tannins. Very much in youth, with fine aging potential ahead.Prices: BC 47.99 MB 46.06 ON 47.95 QC 44.60 SK 58.30 NL 52.49 AB 45.99 Producer: Osoyoos Larose Estate WineryRead Full Note
91PTS
Il Fauno di Arcanum 2017
Tuscany, ItalyThere is no denying 2017 was a super hot year in Italy, but for some reason, the Super Tuscans led by cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot managed to make the best of the sunshine as evidenced by this terrific bottle of Il Fauno. Fresh, dense, and power-packed, this is a delight to drink even now, although I would suggest it is a wine that deserves a decade in the cellar. And at this price, that makes it a superstar for the cellar. Spicy licorice spills out of the glass along with powerful black fruit, thankfully held in restraint by the touch of French-born winemaker Pierre Seillan. The textures are equally expressive. Stock up.Prices: BC 39.99 AB 43.49 ON 49.95 QC 49.50 Producer: Tenuta di ArcenoRead Full Note
92PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot dominant, with plush black cherries, blackberries, on a velvet palate, structured via the cabernets, and raging with chewy tannins. The fruit is very ripe and dense, with ample impact and intensity at this youthful stage, and will reward with time in the cellar. Le Grand Vin has certainly grown into its name, and is perennially one of BC's top reds. The 2017 blends 61.4% merlot with 14% cabernet franc, 12% cabernet sauvignon, 7.6% petit verdot, and 5% malbec.Prices: BC 48.99 MB 46.06 ON 47.95 QC 44.60 SK 58.30 NL 52.49 AB 45.99 Producer: Osoyoos Larose Estate WineryRead Full Note
11 May 2021
87PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Alive Organic Red Vegan 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlive is an organically grown red that utilizes some biodynamic practices and preparations. The blend is a mix of syrah and merlot fermented in large vats; cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon fermented in stainless steel; all aged in large oak vats six months before the final blend was put together. It is a meaty, smoky, earthy affair of black plums and black cherries with little or no tannin, and a vanilla hit in the finish. Pairing suggestions include grass-fed meats from the grill, tomato based sauces, or bean and lentil dishes.Prices: BC 25.00 Producer: Summerhill Pyramid WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2019
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBelleruche is classic Chapoutier, biodynamically farmed, vinified in concrete and stainless to showcase the fruit and add texture. The blend is 80/20 grenache/syrah with grapes drawn from across the appellation and with a short six months at the winery before bottling. Year in and year out, it is consistently one of the best value red blends in the market and 2019 is no exception. Round, medium-bodied, and packed full of red and black fruits, this is flecked with fresh pepper, garrigue, and a touch of youthful tannins. Chapoutier’s goal is to make high-quality large production wines with the same care and quality levels as his treasured parcel wines. Stock up.Prices: BC 18.99 AB 17.99 ON 17.99 QC 17.95 Producer: M. ChapoutierRead Full Note
91PTS
La Remise de la Mordorée Rouge Sans Sulfites 2020
Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis is the best Vin de France I have ever tasted, and it's made with no added sulphites. It comes off a fifteen year old vineyard, and the blend is hand harvested, 50/50, marselan/grenache (Demeter certified) grown over sand with a little clay. The vinification is simple. The fruit is destemmed and crushed before going through a 20-day maceration. The result is a silky textured red wine bursting with pure black cherry, with innocent ripeness. There is a touch of tannin that allows you to serve up some grilled beef. Otherwise, a favourite cheese is all this need to set it off. Simply delicious. I would drink this up over three years, given there are no added sulphites.Prices: BC 32.99 Producer: Domaine de la MordoréeRead Full Note
88PTS
Cellier des Princes Vielles Vignes Cotes du Rhone 2019
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceVielles Vignes (Old Vines) 40-50 years-old are at the heart of this Côtes du Rhone 2019. The nose is an aromatic garrigue affair washed in raspberries, plums, and pepper. The attack is round and open, with only light tannins mixed into the spicy, earthy, red and black fruit. It will improve in the bottle through 2023, but you can serve it now around the barbecue with grilled chicken or pork sausages. The blend is 90/5/5 grenache, syrah, mourvèdre.Prices: BC 21.99 Producer: Cellier des PrincesRead Full Note
89PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2019
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe great Chapoutier is synonymous with the Rhône Valley, in the wine business there since 1879, and now in their 7th generation with infamous Michel Chapoutier at the helm. Belleruche is the #1 wine brand from Côtes-du-Rhône. Meaning “beautiful beehive” in French, the Belleruche name is inspired by the abundance of bee and beehives that prosper in the sustainable M. Chapoutier vineyards. This is a biodynamically farmed 80% grenache / 20% syrah blend from across the appellation and its varied stony / clay / silty / sandy soils. The grapes are vinified in concrete and stainless, where they remain for 6 months. Soft, fleshy raspberry, black cherry, is seasoned with cracked pepper and broken ferrous stoniness, wrapped with a savoury, scrubby, herbal garrigue. Tannins are sticky, acidity moderate, making this friendly and welcoming to crack into now. Impressive wine to be made at these standards, at this scale, and taste like this.Prices: BC 18.99 AB 17.99 ON 17.99 QC 17.95 Producer: M. ChapoutierRead Full Note
90PTS
Domaine de Cébène Les Bancèls 2016
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe highly regarded Brigitte Chevalier is the winemaker behind this delicious red, often described as textbook Faugères. Chevalier is a fan of cooler sites in the Languedoc, organic grape growing, and careful vinification. Les Bancèls grows on two parcels planted over schist: organic syrah and grenache face north and northeast; the mourvèdre vines tilt south. The attack is fresh and mostly red-fruited with a bit of black raspberry and light tannins. The finish is marked with white pepper, streaked with garrigue, and a gazing of minerality. No oak, just purity. Les Bancèls is a local term designating the schist terraces where the majority of Domaine de Cébène vines grow. 2016 was the driest season in Languedoc since 1944, and a small crop at least 10 percent below normal was the result.Prices: BC 31.99 Producer: Domaine de CébèneRead Full Note
91PTS
Rathjen Cellars P + G 2018
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaLike the previous 2016 P+G, this absolutely nails what the island needs do red-wise: bright, crisp, saline, lighter bodied, joyous reds, from entirely island fruit. P+G is a brill example of just that. This 50/50 blend of gravelled, mostly dry-farmed Cowichan pinot noir (Saison Vineyard) and gamay (Deol Vineyard) takes its cue from that other marginal cool climate region of Bourgogne, and their Passe-Tout-Grains tradition of blending the two lighter reds into an earlier-drinking wine. This was cold soaked for 48 hours prior a native ferment in open top bins, with one week on skins prior to pressing. This remained in neutral French barrels for one year separately, and then was blended and returned to barrel for a year together prior to bottling without fining or filtration. Wild cherry, wild raspberry, fragrant plum, finely rasped pink peppercorns flood the slight, juicy palate, lofted with easy, marine-fresh acidity and finishing with lingering salinity. All this and 11.9%? Only half of the 50 cases made remain as of tasting time - act quickly to find this charmer.Prices: BC 23.00 Producer: Rathjen CellarsRead Full Note
88PTS
Bartier Bros. The Orchard Row 2019
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrchard Row began life as the Bartier family house wine, but after being pressured by friends who no doubt drank copious amounts, the family was convinced to release this wine to the public. The 2019 is a blend of 47/24/24/5/ mix of cabernet franc, gamay noir, pinot noir, and syrah. After ferment in stainless, this spent 14 months in 225L French barrels. Sweet, ripe blackberry, cherry, raspberry, flood the juicy, cushy palate, perfumed with violets and seasoned with black pepper. Tannins are sticky, housing this medium+ red to the peppery finish. Friendly and welcoming, crack this southern Okanagan red now, as intended.Prices: BC 36.99 Producer: Bartier Bros.Read Full Note
88PTS
Bartier Bros. Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2019
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Black Sage Terrace estate vineyards and its sandy loam over granitic gravels, this grenache, syrah, mourvèdre was destemmed and fermented separately over three weeks before heading to French barrels for 14 months. This showcases the trio well: syrah's peppery florals backed up with mourvèdre's black wildness, and grenache's sunbaked strawberry warmth. Tannins are soft, as is the cushy palate, taking this to a warming, peppery finish. Crack this friendly wine now, as intended, particularly with BBQ ribs or tofu.Prices: BC 41.99 Producer: Bartier Bros.Read Full Note
92PTS
Niepoort Conciso 2015
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalConsiso comes off an old vine vineyard in Dão, with Baga, Jaen and other indigenous grapes from 80 to 100+ year old vines, rooted in sandy granitic soils at 600m. This was native fermented in lagares, with 50% whole bunch, before aging 20 months in old 2500L foudre. Sultry and perfumed plum, cherry, wild raspberry, dried thyme and rosemary, fragrant rockrose fill the long, finessed palate, lingering with that granitic buzz. Tannins are equally long and fine, worn some with age, and housing this to the finish. Lovely to taste this wine (current release in ON) with some age on it.Prices: ON 29.95 Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.Read Full Note
89PTS
Bartier Bros. Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2019
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a BC GSM that comes off the Black Sage Terrace just west of Black Sage Bench Road. The soils are sandy, but unlike the bench, the loamy topsoil sits over granitic gravels, all of which seem to agree with this blend of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre. The wine is blended before spending 14 months in French oak and heading to the bottle. The style is Bartier fresh with pure red fruits filling the front of the palate before softer round strawberry and raspberry dovetails into a peppery finish. It is a barbecue wine you can drink while you are grilling and finish with the main course. Pricey.Prices: BC 41.99 Producer: Bartier Bros.Read Full Note
88PTS
Campbell Kind Wines Italy Rosso 2017
Veneto, ItalyCampbell Kind Wines is a new project from Lifford Wine & Spirits founder Steven Campbell, built on his decades travelling the wine world and connections in this industry. These are carbon neutral wines selected and produced by his winemaker friends worldwide, packaged with the Kind Wine packaging, and line priced across Canada at a very attractive price. The aim is to overdeliver value for drinkable, well-crafted wines while making an environmentally responsible choice. In addition, this project has resulted in more than 90,000 trees being planted in Canada. This organic Rosso is made with the Speri family, from very young vine corvina, rondinella, oseleta and other native grapes. All the vineyards belong to the Speris, 5th generation growers in the Valpolicella Classico region, between 120-350m. The Speris were the first organic winery in the region and controlled the largest number of vines in the heartland. The vines used in this wine are too young to be classified as Classico, but it's made the same so that you can think of this as a baby Valpolicella Classico. It spent 18 months in large oak barrels before bottling. Light in hue and moderate in frame, this carries cherries, ample perfumed spice, tobacco along a snappy palate. Tannins are tightly sticky, and the finish is crisp, both welcoming partnering with red sauced pasta.Prices: BC 21.00 Producer: Campbell Kind WinesRead Full Note
90PTS
La Kiuva Rouge de Vallée 2018
Aosta Valley, ItalyFounded in the second half of the 1970s, La Kiuva is a co-op winery with 50 grower members, located in the heart of the high altitude Aosta Valley, bordered by France west and Switzerland to the north. The word kiuva is local dialect for a 'sheaf of leaves' typically gathered in the fall to feed livestock. It’s also a play on the Italian chi uva, meaning literally 'who grape.' They farm roughly 15 hectares of steep sandy vineyards by hand. This is a blend of 70% Picotendro (local Nebbiolo clone), 30% Gros Vien, Neyret, Cornalin, and Fumin from 400-500m. Post ferment, this rested 8 months in 2/3 stainless, 1/3 barrel before bottling. Pouring a shining, lighter red hue, this opens with wild red currants, raspberries, red licorice and anise, on a joyous, bright palate. Tannins are fine and grippy, and acidity is lofted, with the whole scented with Alpine herbal scrub — a charmer, especially with a light chill.Prices: BC 32.00 Producer: La Kiuva Società CooperativaRead Full Note
10 May 2021
88PTS
Play Starring Viognier 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Spotlight Viognier is made with clusters that hang longer on the vine to attain maximum ripeness. Pickers went through the block twice: the early pick brings higher acidity and freshness, while the later pick adds richness and more flavours. That said, it is a relatively quiet or elegant viognier you should serve medium cool, and enjoy its subtle green fruit and sleek textures that slide down easily at a mere 13.4 percent alcohol. It sees no wood. Perfectly pleasing and delicate in a cool climate way. Less is more here.Prices: BC 22.00 Producer: Play Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Play Spotlight Viognier 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like last year, it is fresh but low in aromatics. It opens with a mix of sagebrush and light tropical notes with lime, honey, and minimal residual sugar. Perfect for patio sipping with tapas or vegetarian sushi rolls. Ready to drink. 46 percent of the fruit that comes off Wild Horse Vineyard is barrel fermented and kept on fine lees with regular bâtonnage to add a touch of creaminess to the mix. Play Estate sits above the Penticton Airport in the area known as the Wild Horse Mountains.Prices: BC 24.00 Producer: Play Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Liquidity Viognier 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis expressive, unmistakably viognier (and Okanagan) is entirely from their estate, and clone 642, planted 2005. This was whole bunch pressed and cool fermented in stainless save for the 5% that was crushed and underwent some skin time before being blended and resting a couple months on lees. Lush apricot, ripe peach, mango, fragrant honeysuckle flood the juicy, full-boded palate, held aloft by a bright, grapefruit pith acidity, and stencilled by some lightly fuzzy skins on the side. Classic for the grape, and Okanagan.Prices: BC 29.00 Producer: Liquidity Wine LtdRead Full Note
88PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2019
South Australia, AustraliaYalumba's long history with viognier dates back decades, fuelled by the most extensive plantings of viognier vineyards in the world. The result is the standard bearer new world offering under its Y Series label that opens up with a perfumed jasmine and honeysuckle nose. On the palate, fresh apricots, lemongrass, and ginger mix in a lively manner, revealing a complex, leesy white wine that overdelivers for $17. A vegetarian's delight, you can serve this with a wide variety of salads and vegetable dishes. Superb value too.Prices: BC 16.99 AB 20.00 ON 17.00 YK 20.70 MB 18.00 NB 19.50 Producer: Yalumba Wine CompanyRead Full Note
87PTS
Blasted Church Viognier 2019
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Skaha Bench estate vineyards, this is a dry, driven viognier, led by peach skin, apricot pit, and Bosc pear, and scented with anise, salami, gentle pink florals, and ginger spice. Though this is missing viognier's inherent flamboyance, it certainly carries its alcohol, on the 14% palate. Try well chilled with fragrant (non spicy) curries for best effect.Prices: BC 19.00 Producer: Blasted Church VineyardsRead Full Note
88PTS
Domaine de L'Olivette Blanc Organic 2019
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe 2019 Blanc is an organic blend of viognier and marsanne grown south of Carcassone in the Languedoc region. A long time proponent of organic viticulture in Languedoc, Chateau de Caraguilhes has been making wine for more than two centuries, and growing organic since 1987. Expect a fresh, savoury, grassy, lemon, citrus, green apple, white with a mineral and wet stone touch in the finish. A delicious mid week white to serve with clams, pesto pasta. or vegetarian dishes. Excellent value.Prices: BC 16.99 Producer: Château de CaraguilhesRead Full Note
89PTS
Township 7 Benchmark Series Viognier 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI'm not a fan of the big, fat, rich, creamy, overripe style of viognier that tends to dominate the category. That is why I love this Benchmark Series label that is more like an elegant, refined sparkling wine, sans the bubbles. The fruit comes off two vineyards: Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos, and Fool's Gold Vineyard in Oliver. Despite being warm somehow, this wine is focused on juicy pink grapefruit and lime that stay fresh from front to back. 2019 was a moderately cool vintage, and you see its vibrant effort. It is great late day patio wine you can pair with some favourite tapas or bites, including creamy cheeses. Super value.Prices: BC 20.00 Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and WineriesRead Full Note
90PTS
Penner-Ash Viognier 2019
Oregon, United StatesIt is year 19 for the Viognier label, and it arrives with a great flavour profile. It is 92 percent fermented in Stainless steel for freshness, with an additional 8 percent fermenting in a concrete egg to add some texture and mouthfeel to the finished wine. The growing season started cool before moving to a warmer than average summer followed by a cool finish — perhaps best for tuning all of the viognier’s panoply of flavours to a perfect pitch. Look for an exotic orange blossom and jasmine nose that spills across the palate that adds some green apple freshness and subtle notes of bitter lime for complexing — a delicious and stylish viognier that walks the tightrope of richness and leanness to a tee.Prices: BC 39.99 AB 32.99 SK 41.99 MB 41.99 Producer: Penner-Ash Wine CellarsRead Full Note
88PTS
Road 13 Marsanne 2018
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe mix is 94/4.5/1.5 marsanne, roussanne, and viognier, opening with a leesy fruit salad, nutty, pie pastry scent, with tropical guava, pineapple, and honeyed pear dominating the palate. It’s a little less intense this year which is a good thing, including a drop in alcohol. The winery recommends pork, roast chicken, or turkey burgers. I like the idea of a cassoulet too. The 2018 Marsanne was hand harvested, and whole cluster pressed, fermented in French oak barrels (20% new) and left to age for five months in the same barrels. Regular lees stirring is employed to build richness before the final assemblage. It spends another month in the tank before bottling.Prices: BC 25.99 Producer: Road 13Read Full Note
87PTS
Road 13 Viognier 2018
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Blind Creek Vineyard viognier hails from the Similkameen Valley, and the wildfire 2018 growing season that blocked off a lot of sunlight, retarding the ripening schedule. But slow can result in more intense flavours at lower potential alcohol levels and healthy natural acidity levels, all on show here. The wine is pressed whole bunch and fermented in stainless steel yielding an apricot and nectarine nose with floral, orange blossom undercurrents. Tasted twice now, and the mid-weight palate remains lively, with similar flavours. Ready to drink. Match with prawns, crab, scallops, or peaches wrapped in prosciutto.Prices: BC 25.99 Producer: Road 13Read Full Note
07 May 2021
92PTS
Champagne Leclerc Briant Extra Brut 2014
Champagne, FranceThe family negociant house was an early adopter of organic practices back in the 1960’s, and were one of the first to bottle single vineyard Champagnes in the 1970’s. In the late 1980’s, Bertrand and Jacqueline’s son, Pascal, began integrating biodynamic principles and part of the production has been Demeter certified since 2003. The 2014 vintage was 60% pinot noir, and 20% each of pinot meunier and chardonnay. It was disgorged with 3 g/L in September 2020. Creamy and rich, with lemon pith / peel, lemon blossom, Rainier cherry, green and red apple on a driven palate, shaped by tight, nervy acidity, lined with lees and bedded with deep chalk. The pinots are evident here through the structural, fruity palate, while chardonnay provides the spire to drive this through the lemon-lingering finish.Prices: ON 99.95 Producer: Champagne Leclerc BriantRead Full Note
91PTS
Leclerc Briant Premier Cru Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThis negoc house was founded in 1955 when Bertrand Leclerc married Jacqueline Briant. They were an early adopter of organic practices back in the 1960’s, and were one of the first to bottle single-vineyard Champagnes in the 1970’s. In the late 1980’s, Bertrand and Jacqueline’s son, Pascal, began integrating biodynamic principles and part of the production has been Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin, known for his biodynamics / bioenergetics oversees the wines of the house and its near 30ha of vines, plus another 20ha of organically farmed contract fruit. This blends 70% pinot noir, and 15% each of pinot meunier and chardonnay, all from 2014, and sourced from four villages. This bottle was disgorged in June 2020 with 2 g/L. Chalk leads this wine, backed by green apple, red apple, meringue, and light toast through the lengthy finish. More structured and refined than the NV Brut, yet still highly approachable, this is an elegant wine for drinking now.Prices: ON 96.95 Producer: Champagne Leclerc BriantRead Full Note
90PTS
Leclerc Briant Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThis negoc house was founded in 1955 when Bertrand Leclerc married Jacqueline Briant. They were an early adopter of organic practices back in the 1960’s, and were one of the first to bottle single-vineyard Champagnes in the 1970’s. In the late 1980’s, Bertrand and Jacqueline’s son, Pascal, began integrating biodynamic principles and part of the production has been Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin, known for his biodynamics / bioenergetics oversees the wines of the house and its near 30ha of vines, plus another 20ha of organically farmed contract fruit. This wine, making up 75% of production, is a bit of a misnomer: there are no reserve wines (it's entirely the 2016 vintage) and it's actually extra-brut, with 4 g/L dosage, disgorged in January 2021. This blend of 40/40/20 pinot noir / pinot meunier / chardonnay was native fermented in stainless and oak (the latter 20%) before going into bottle for 3 years on lees. Tight lemon, green apple is countered with a fine cream / red apple base on the medium+ palate, with a pure core of lemon, and a lingering, chalky spiced finish.Prices: ON 79.95 Producer: Champagne Leclerc BriantRead Full Note
92PTS
Champagne Stéphane Regnault Lydien No. 29 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceAfter working as a sommelier in London and an aerospace engineer in Paris, Stéphane Regnault returned to his family's Côte des Blancs domaine in 2007, and converted the farming to organics. The domaine includes four hectares of Chardonnay divided equally between the legendary chalk terroirs of the Grand Cru villages Oger and Le Mesnil. The majority of the vines are between 40 and 60 years old. A passionate jazz saxophone player, he has named his three single vineyard cuvées after a different jazz mode that each wine reminds him of. This comes from Chemin de Flavigny, in Oger, planted in the 1950's on the village's deep chalk soils. Based on 2015, this was native fermented in 2/3 stainless, and 1/3 used barrels, with MLF allowed to happen if it wants (it did this time). After 3 years on lees, this was disgorged Feb 2020 with 1 g/L RS. The 15% reserve wines for each cuvée are unique to each vineyard. 3250 bottles produced. Profound and chalky, as is Oger, with lemon, green apple, on a dense, creamy base, scented with subtle lemon blossom through the lingering finish. Reserved and serious, this is drinking well now and will hold in your cellar for a few years.Prices: BC 100.00 Producer: Champagne Stéphane RegnaultRead Full Note
91PTS
Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut XV NV
Champagne, FranceLes Parcelles is sourced entirely from the Paillard's home village of Bouzy, and from 22 plots of the family's sustainably-farmed vines, now averaging 25+ years. As noted by the XV on the label, this is based on the 2015 vintage (70%), and is a mix of 70/30 pinot noir / chardonnay (the latter an anomaly in PN-centric Bouzy), disgorged in June 2020 after 4 years on lees, and with less than 2 g/l dosage. White cherry, subtle wild strawberry, red apple lead the generous medium+, palate, based by meringue and fresh dough. Acidity is bright, carrying this through a lightly spiced finish. Welcoming, friendly, and primed for drinking now.Prices: BC 70.00 Producer: Champagne Pierre PaillardRead Full Note
93PTS
Champagne Étienne Calsac L'Echappée Belle Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceAfter taking over his grandparents' 2.8 hectares scattered in small plots around Avize, Etienne began the transition to organic viticulture, working the vines by hand, plow and horse. This cuvée is from predominantly premier cru villages in the Grauves, in the Côte des Blancs, from 30+ year old vines, aged on lees for 7 months before bottling with 30% reserve wines, followed by 36 months in bottle. It was bottled with 2 g/L dosage. Classic Avize, with its profound yet precise structure. Deep chalk bases meyer lemon, green apple, chilled with a grippy, saline framework along the nimble, crispy meringue palate. There's a lovely balance between delicacy and depth here, making for beautiful drinking now, but with time to build in your cellar also. One to watch.Prices: ON 89.00 Producer: Champagne Étienne CalsacRead Full Note
90PTS
Champagne J-M Sélèque Solessence Brut NV
Champagne, FranceSélèque began in 1965 when Henri Sélèque planted his first plots of vines with the help of his father-in-law, Jean Bagnost, president of the Pierry wine cooperative. Henri's son Richard moved the winery into the modern era, and since 2008 third gen Jean-Marc oversees the estate, based in the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay. Since Jean-Marc arrived, no herbicides have been used at the estate. For this cuvée, fruit from seven villages across the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs, namely Pierry, Moussy, Epernay, Mardeuil, Dizy, Boursault and Vertus, half of which are farmed biodynamically. With minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery, this is a blend of 50/40/10 chardonnay/pinot meunier/pinot noir, primarily stainless with full MLF. However, ten percent is fermented in oak, sans MLF. It went into the bottle with no fining or filtration. This was based on the 2017 vintage, accompanied by 50% reserve wines in large tanks and wood casks as a perpetual reserve dating back to 2000. This spent 18 months on lees and was disgorged in October 2019 with 2.5g/L. Tight and focused, with red apple, green apple, lemon pith and mineral salts on a nimble palate, etched with a deep bed of chalk, and lingering with cherry and red apple. Lovely, easy, friendliness throughout this serious wine. Great value.Prices: BC 49.99 AB 58.50 Producer: Champagne R et JM SélèqueRead Full Note
06 May 2021
88PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2020
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistently one of BC's top selling VQA white wines, this year's Chasselas, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris follows form. White florals, gooseberry, pear, lime peel lights up a lighter (11.5%), dryish palate, finishing with a snap. Friendly and easy to like for a reason (and it's not just the sub-$20 price).Prices: BC 19.99 MB 18.99 SK 19.99 QC 19.95 NS 20.99 YK 20.95 AB 20.99 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Modest Wines The Elder Vicar 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA nod to Alsace brings together this authentic lookalike, a co-fermented, skin contact, field blend of muscat, pinot gris, riesling, and gewurztraminer. Cleverly described by the winery as “a mouthful,” it is that and more with a fresh acid base and fruity, floral, off-dry, yellow fruit palate that transports you to Alsace and the Edelzwickers of old. Roasted white meat is the match, as espoused by the Modest Butcher, but you could go as big as Choucroute and take it home to rest.Prices: BC 21.99 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate WineryRead Full Note
90PTS
Averill Creek Joue White Field Blend 2019
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe Joue line from Averill Creek is where winemaker Brent Rowland gets to play and experiment. These field blends vary from year to year. For 2019, the Joue White blended 40% pinot gris, 40% gewürztraminer, and 20% chardonnay, each foot stomped with 8 hours on skins, native fermented in older French barriques, and pressed off into older oak where it remained on primary lees, no bâtonnage, until bottling, with no additions or deletions along the way. Soft lime, lime blossom, pear streams along the slender palate threaded with salinity and fine herbal lees through the lingering finish. Quite smart, and adventuresome winemaking. More like this please Wine Islands.Prices: BC 30.00 Producer: Averill Creek VineyardRead Full Note
88PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2020
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's no surprise that this is one of the top selling BC VQA white wines. It's dependable year in and year out, both in terms of the quality in the bottle, and the light, crisp style. This vintage, like last year's, shows citrus, white floral aromatics, and a prick of SO2. But it's a notch drier, with a delicate 11.5% abv frame that seems purpose-built for the patio. Good value, though you already knew that.Prices: BC 19.99 MB 18.99 SK 19.99 QC 19.95 NS 20.99 YK 20.95 AB 20.99 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Adegas Valmiñor Darila 2018
O Rosal, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFrom the Rías Baixas O Rosal region, this blends 40-year-old vines of trellised albariño, loureiro, and treixadura from the area's sandy, alluvial, river stone laden soils. The grapes were fermented separately in stainless, with albariño and loureiro receiving additional time on lees before blending. Now with a couple of years under cork, this deeper yellow-hued wine is cusping with light honeysuckle, mandarin marmalade, white peach, subtle lime blossoms on a softer, sandy, medium-bodied palate. Drink now, ideally with octopus, calamari, or brothy vegetable soups.Prices: BC 23.99 Producer: Adegas ValmiñorRead Full Note
87PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2020
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA perennial favourite 2020 is off just a notch this year with a touch of sulphur that dulls the nose ad palate. It is still light and mostly crisp but lacks the fruit it usually expresses with ease. Splash decant for best results.Prices: BC 19.99 MB 18.99 SK 19.99 QC 19.95 NS 20.99 YK 20.95 AB 20.99 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate WineryRead Full Note
90PTS
Sea Star Stella Maris 2020
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2020 version of this flagship 'Star of the Sea' blend is organically grown gew, pinot gris, schonburger, and ortega from Pender Island. Fragrant lime and lime pith, melon, crisp green apple, rose petals streams along a slender, off-dry palate to a lingering, humming finish - what aromatic white blends in BC should be.Prices: BC 25.00 Producer: Sea Star Estate Farm and VineyardsRead Full Note
86PTS
Kitsch Block Party 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Block Party unites Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir from their East Kelowna vineyard. This was whole cluster pressed and fermented separately, and blended post ferment. Pouring a light peach hue, this streams lime blossom and peel, soap, sour melon on a short, light, softer, sour palate. Not sure what kind of party this is, but I will sit this one out.Prices: BC 22.00 AB 21.00 Producer: Kitsch WinesRead Full Note
88PTS
Niepoort Clos de Crappe Branco 2019
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe new Clos de Crappe white is based on the same idea Dirk had for the OG Clos de Crappe (red). The wine is serendipitous based on and created around technical errors or perceived flaws, in this case reduction. This comes from a single 80-year-old vineyard planted to Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Gouveio and Malvasia Fina, rooted in sloping granitic soils at 500m. This was whole bunch pressed and native fermented in barrique, where it remained for 9 months. Reductive this certainly is, so give it some solid airtime to let the old vines show through. Alluring darts of fragrant lemon blossom and rind, dragonfruit, mirabelle plum, pear skin rule the slick medium-bodied palate, finishing gently, with a swell of warmth. The altitude and soils keep this fresh, while the reductive feature keeps things interesting. Crack and enjoy over a few hours (or day).Prices: ON 29.95 Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.Read Full Note
88PTS
Kitsch Block Party 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a riesling/chardonnay/pinot gris/gewurztraminer blend, with a 2 percent dollop of pinot noir that presumably gives this its pale rosé hue. Don't expect rosé-like aromatics, though; this is heavy on the tree and citrus fruits, lacking the burst of red fruits you may expect from the colour. It's light and refreshing, and just the sort of easy drinking wine you'd bring to a Block Party.Prices: BC 22.00 AB 21.00 Producer: Kitsch WinesRead Full Note
88PTS
Kitsch Block Party 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlock party anybody? Well, maybe after May 24. In 2020 the mix was riesling, chardonnay, pinot gris, and gewurztraminer tinted with two percent pinot noir that adds a rosé hue to a medium-rich, aromatic white. Easy sipping, this is a just off-dry peach, lime, and tangerine affair to lubricate the masses. If you take this bottle to the party, keep an eye on it.Prices: BC 22.00 AB 21.00 Producer: Kitsch WinesRead Full Note
88PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris Viognier 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of 67 percent pinot gris and 33 percent viognier, this is a marked improvement over recent vintages, no doubt bolstered by what seems to be, at this early stage, an excellent 2020 vintage. Early picking in mid-September has given this a crisp freshness and moderate 12.7%, which is perfectly suited for the style. It's fruity and unoaked, with a long 35-day fermentation at a cool 13 degrees bringing out melon, pear, as well as viognier's perfumed aromatics. It's still off dry, but the balance is just about perfect for this easy drinking patio sipper.Prices: BC 16.99 Producer: Hester Creek Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Hester Creek Character Pinot Gris Gewurztraminer 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCharacter White delivers just about all it can for the price with a just off-dry whack of limey, peachy, litchi that reflects its 70/30 mix of pinot gris and gewürztraminer. A small bump of residual sugar keeps it friendly and frankly makes it more useful with spicy bites such as spicy tuna sushi rolls. Juicy and savoury this guy is ready to drink on the patio.Prices: BC 15.99 Producer: Hester Creek Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Domaine Martin Jund Edelzwicker NV
Alsace, FranceA blend of pinot blanc, muscat, riesling, and gewurztraminer, the one-litre format is perfect for this style of wine. Edelzwicker refers to a blending ("zwicker") of noble ("edel") grape varieties. Traditionally it was a field blend, though that's less commonly the case today. This non-vintage bottling is perfumed with honeyed orchard fruit, identifiably Alsatian but without over the top aromatics. It makes for a lovely, quaffable pour, perfect for an aperitif, with some subtle sweetness to balance the phenolic bitterness on the finish.Prices: BC 31.99 1000 Producer: Maison Martin JundRead Full Note
89PTS
Sea Star Stella Maris 2020
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaStella Maris is an estate blend of organically grown gewürztraminer, pinot noir, and a splash of pinot gris, riesling, ortega, and schönburger. Stella Maris, or star of the sea, is the Pender island Winery’s flagship blend, and it lives up to its billing. Dry and relatively crisp, its floral rose petal gewürztraminer notes give way to a wash of lime pith and green melon, with a touch of subtle bitterness in the finish. Think vegetarian dishes, or grilled chicken with a Caesar salad.Prices: BC 25.00 Producer: Sea Star Estate Farm and VineyardsRead Full Note
87PTS
O'Rourke's Peak Cellars Fieldling Block 26 Field Blend 2019
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis field blend comes from the winery’s Block 26 at Carr's Landing Vineyard, at the Lake Country estate. Pinot gris, riesling, and gewürztraminer are co-picked and co-fermented. Crisp and tight and green, with celery, green apple, tart lemon on a crunchy, medium bodied palate, with sharp and high acidity, finishing with a snap. Best taken with a chill, and some fragrant brothy noodles to cut the acid.Prices: BC 24.00 Producer: O'Rourke's Peak CellarsRead Full Note
91PTS
Portal del Priorat Luno Blanc 2019
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFamous Spanish architect, Alfredo Arribas, shifted his focus to farming and winemaking fifteen years ago. His estate is composed of about 150 acres in Priorat and 50 acres in southern Montsant, with many vines on original rootstock and pushing 100 years. Farming is organic/biodynamic, elevage is similarly natural, with native yeast, short macerations, minimal S02. This biodynamic grenache blanc and macabeo blend comes from the high altitude hills of Monstant, on chalky-clay. Creamy and textural, with lemon curd, toasted spice, white honey, lime zest on an expansive, 13% palate. The altitude and soils keep this brisk across the lengthy palate, affording numerous pairing opportunities for richer shellfish, white fish, or spring risottos. Lovely.Prices: ON 24.95 Producer: Portal del PrioratRead Full Note
91PTS
Otronia 45° Rugientes Cortes de Blancas 2018
Patagonia, ArgentinaThis organic mix of gewürztraminer (42%), chardonnay (32%), and pinot gris (26%) comes from the region of Sarmiento, Chubut in southern Argentina. The harvest is all done manually, and after a static settling, each variety is fermented separately in concrete eggs. Once the final blend is ascertained, all the wine is aged in French oak foudres and concrete for 18-20 months. Wow, is my take on this delicious, cool wine that opens with exotic, flowery jasmine, some mid-weight chardonnay honey tones, and a whack of fresh lime and bitter citrus peel. Complex, mineral, and refreshing, it is a lovely introduction to cool-climate extreme Patagonia. Coming soon, hopefully to BC, stay tuned.Prices: CDN 35.00 Producer: OtroniaRead Full Note
89PTS
O'Rourke's Peak Cellars Fieldling Block 26 Field Blend 2019
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlock 26 is a field blend inspired by the winery’s Block 26 planting at Carrs Landing, made up of pinot gris, riesling, and gewürztraminer. The block is picked once, and all three varieties are cofermented, something more akin to the Old World of wine than the new, but it is a technique we encourage in pursuit of upping your game in the vineyard. It is tiring just a bit a year down the road, but it remains a rich mix of floral, fruity, bitter, mineral, savoury flavours on the mid-palate and dry in the finish. Ready to drink with a variety of dishes.Prices: BC 24.00 Producer: O'Rourke's Peak CellarsRead Full Note
89PTS
Pentâge Winery Roussanne Marsanne Viognier 2015
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Rhone inspired white blends 70% roussanne with 30% marsanne from their Skaha Bench estate. Each variety was fermented separately in stainless, with 40% transferred to French barrique and puncheon (2nd and 3rd use) for MLF and aging, with weekly bâtonnage. Honeysuckle, lime blossom, ripe golden apple and pear fill the fuller palate, gently expansive and subtly spicy on the plump palate, finishing with a flush of warmth. There's a lovely inherent freshness to counter the inherent richness of the grapes, which works beautifully with this site and wine. Showing the honeyed cusping of age, this is drinking very well now.Prices: BC 30.34 Producer: Pentâge WineryRead Full Note
05 May 2021
88PTS
Lunessence Rosé 2020
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's rosé blends 68% merlot, 28% cabernet franc, and 4% syrah from Summerland's Drachenberg family vineyard.This was destemmed and foot trodden for 3 hours, with the merlot and cab franc co-fermented, before 5 months on lees in stainless. Silky smooth, with candied raspberries, ripe strawberries gliding along a streamlined palate, aided by a 7 g/L RS slick. That said, the tangerine pith / peel acidity meets well the sugar, making this a very friendly, seamless, polished choice for cracking this summer.Prices: BC 24.99 Producer: Lunessence Winery & VineyardRead Full Note
89PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their estate La Côte Vineyard, on the upper bench of the Similkameen, this is a punchy, potent malbec, with its pale peach hue coming off 4 hours skin contact. This was fermented in stainless for a long, cool fermentation before resting on lees there until bottling, with a light filtration. Quite forward and direct, with medicinal cherry, raspberry, plum on a lightly textured palate. Take this powerful rosé with bigger flavoured dishes like ribs or salmon burgers.Prices: BC 21.90 Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryRead Full Note
90PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis purposeful malbec rosé is sourced from La Côte Vineyard on the Upper Bench of the Similkameen Valley. Like last year's bottling, this is bright and delicate, without being austere or underripe. It's a fine line, and winemaker Michael Clark clearly has this wine dialled in. The pale salmon colour is the result of four hours of skin contact under dry ice, followed by gentle pressing. A cool, slow fermentation preserves the zesty grapefruit and tart strawberry, but without obscuring the Similkameen's characteristic saline minerality. It's light, crisp, and dry, perfect for summer salads, perhaps with warm goat cheese, or enjoying its own at just 12.3%. Just don't overchill.Prices: BC 21.90 Producer: Clos du Soleil WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Mayhem Rosé 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom siblings and wine industry veterans Terry Meyer Stone (Anarchist Mountain Vineyard) and JAK Meyer (Meyer Family Vineyards), Mayhem Rosé 2020 comes from Anarchist Mountain and blends 95.5% merlot with 4.5% cabernet franc. After foot stomping, this was fermented and aged for 6 months in a mix of 67% steel and 33% neutral French barrels. Pouring a deep peach hue, this medium bodied pink is filled with crunchy plum, red currant, and herbal desert sage along a slick, streamlined palate. Acidity is tart and lively through the lightly astringent, saline finish. Food-ready, this is primed to take on cured salmon and/or summer salads.Prices: BC 19.13 Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.Read Full Note
90PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough the final make up varies each vintage, this intent of Tantalus Rosé remains the same. The 2020 brings 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Pinot Meunier, the former whole bunch pressed, and the latter left on skins for 3 days prior to pressing. The two were joined, and fermented cool, with two months on lees prior to bottling in February 2021. Juicy wild strawberry, red apple, watermelon, pear flood the joyous, medium-bodied, lees-lined palate, shining bright with an easy buoyant acidity, and seasoned with light peppery spice. Such a friendly, smart wine, widely accessible without being dumbed down.Prices: BC 20.87 Producer: Tantalus VineyardsRead Full Note
89PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA gamay and pinot noir blend, with just one hour of skin contact for its pale colour, this is a light and citrusy rosé with delicate red fruits and a touch of rosemary. It's crisp, refreshing, and dry, easy drinking, but with enough savouriness to add intrigue. At this price, this should be one of your go-to rosés. Recommended.Prices: BC 18.99 NB 19.29 ON 19.95 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Mayhem Rosé Can 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a trendy new format for Mayhem's Rosé: a 250ml can. From siblings and wine industry veterans Terry Meyer Stone (Anarchist Mountain Vineyard) and JAK Meyer (Meyer Family Vineyards), Mayhem Rosé 2020, in the can, is a different wine than their 2020 regular bottle of Rosé. This is entirely merlot from Naramara's Middle Bench Road Vineyards. It was destemmed and crushed in stainless for ferment, where it remained on lees for 3 months. This pours a glowing peach hue and glides along a juicy, lighter, dry palate with wild strawberries, watermelon, and a tangerine snap on the finish. Refreshing and friendly and not dumbed down at all, this is a very smart choice for pockets all summer long, and the best local canned wine I've tried to date. Well done.Prices: BC 6.09 250 Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.Read Full Note
87PTS
Meyer Rosé 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2020 Rosé takes pinot noir from estate vineyard in Okanagan Falls and Kaleden, as well as from contracted fruit from growers throughout the Okanagan, from East Kelowna down through Oliver. This was partial saignée, and partial destemmed with 2 days cold soak prior to pressing. The juice was partially native fermented in a mix of stainless and older French barrels. It remained on lees for 6 months, with full MLF. Pouring a deeper cherry hue, this fuller, duskier pink carries forest berries, cherries, raspberry jam along a soft, creamy palate, scented with perfumed plum blossoms, and cut with a subtle wave of reduction to a spiced finish. The weightier palate would make this friendly rosé sensical with food pairings, from grilled salmon through roasted vegetable salads.Prices: BC 20.00 Producer: Meyer Family VineyardsRead Full Note
88PTS
O'Rourke's Peak Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLake Country's O'Rourke's Peak Cellars was founded by Albertan Dennis O’Rourke, who hired Adrian Baker, the former Head of Cool Climate Oenology from NZ's Craggy Range, to oversee the mapping of soil types and the planting for a single 200 acre vineyard, planted exclusively to Burgundian and Germanic grapes. This deeper-pink hued pinot noir rosé fills the glass with silky raspberry, cherry, orange blossom, and fine peppery spices, bumped with a little RS to make it extra friendly. Crack and enjoy now.Prices: BC 21.00 Producer: O'Rourke's Peak CellarsRead Full Note
88PTS
Modest Wines The Eye of the Partridge Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThey do have a sense of humour at Mt. Boucherie, even if it is all in modesty. The Oeil de Perdrix is an old French expression used to describe pale pink rosé champagnes. It seemed appropriate to the Mt Boucherie folks to give this South Cawston (which is almost as glamourous as Champagne) pink the same name because it too is technically dry and made from pinot noir. In fact, this rosé has a very ripe nose, and a fair bit of perceived sweetness on the palate, which I'm sure will be well received in most camps. Modest Butcher chef Dan Carkner uses this to wash down charcuterie and all his woes, making it extremely versatile stuff. Give it a go; you won’t be disappointed.Prices: BC 24.99 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Mt. Boucherie Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2020 is a co-fermented field blend of zweigelt and pinot noir, closing in on two decades of vine life. It's grown over decomposed granite, lending a stony, spare mid-palate to this fresh, bone dry pink with low alcohol and bright fruit. Look for fresh citrus, watermelon, strawberry on the nose and palate. Ready to drink. Chill and serve with a wide variety of summer patio bites.Prices: BC 22.99 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Lock and Worth Cabernet Franc Rosé Grey Label 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo cabernet franc rosés were released from L+W's 2020 vintage: this off-dry, grey label rosé from Oliver; and the classically dry, white label one, from Naramata. Pouring a deeper peach hue, this cab franc was planted in 1997 and 2008 in Oliver, and this is the second vintage. After destemming, this had 3 hours of skin contact during the press cycle. It was fermented in stainless before aging in old barrels. In January 2021 the ferment stopped, and instead of inoculating to re-boot, they decided to filter and bottle the wine as it wanted to be. Noticeably off-dry, with perfumed rosehips, candied cherries, ripe wild summer strawberries running the slight 11.4% palate to a herb-dusted, bergamot rinsed finish. Easy to like, most certainly if you're looking for a sweeter (yet still smashable) style.Prices: BC 17.00 Producer: Lock & WorthRead Full Note
91PTS
Lock and Worth Cabernet Franc Rosé White Label 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo cabernet franc rosés were released from L+W's 2020 vintage: this dry white label one, from Naramata; and the off-dry, grey label rosé from Oliver. Instantly recognizable in the category for its near lack of colour (it's more a light tangerine hue), these cab franc vines were planted in 1995 at Poplar Grove. After destemming, this had 3 hours of skin contact in the press before a stainless ferment, and older barrel aging, with full MLF. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is not about the fruit, but about the place. This is a slight, alluringly saline wine, bone dry and countered by the wild herbal lees bedding the 11% palate. There's some subtle quince, Rainier cherry, and apricot fuzz pencilling this rosé, finishing with a bergamot twist and rinse. So smashable and finessed, this will doubtlessly sell out near rapidly, as ever, so stock up while you can (and at this killer good price, why would you not?)Prices: BC 17.00 Producer: Lock & WorthRead Full Note
88PTS
Anthony Buchanan Malbec Rosé 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe malbec for this deeper hued rosé comes from Gurjeet Vineyard, Osoyoos, from 12 year old vines on gravel, sandy loams. It was partial carbonic, partial direct press, with a native ferment in neutral barrel and stainless, with 4.5 months on lees prior to bottling without filtration. Juicy candied strawberries, raspberries, cherry gummies flood the medium bodied palate, seasoned with fine spicing and finishing with a tart blackcurrant note, balanced off with a slight bump of RS. Tasty, gutsier rosé, and something different from BC, which is always cool to see.Prices: BC 18.00 Producer: Anthony Buchanan WinesRead Full Note
88PTS
Foxly Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaF foxly is the 2nd label of Foxtrot Vineyard, released in the spring of 2020, and meant to be a more approachable, drink-now style. This deeper peach hued rosé blends 80% pinot gris with 20% pinot noir saignée, resulting in a medium+ bodied red with spiced cherry, raspberry, and a pop of red currant tartness across a broad pear base. This finishes briefly with a bitter cherry twist. Crack into this summer, especially with protein like a grilled veg salad, or light salmon dishes.Prices: BC 22.99 Producer: Foxtrot Vineyards Ltd.Read Full Note
89PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a pale pink hue, the 2020 QG Rosé is based on pinot noir and gamay (though it wasn't clear if pinot meunier was tipped in, as it was for the first time in the 2019 vintage). Each was vinified separately and coolly in stainless after 1 hour skin contact, and was blended post ferment. This is a slender, sleek, lighter pink, with crushed strawberries, pretty pink florals, and a slick of rasped spice and twist of orange on the bright finish. Less is more, and the captured it here in this easy, crack-now rosé, ideal for this summer.Prices: BC 18.99 NB 19.29 ON 19.95 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
French Door Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2020 Rosé is a 63/37 mourvèdre/grenache from a vintage they describe as hot and dry. Everything was hand harvested and placed whole bunch directly to press. The colour is Provençal pale, and the texture is sleek and smooth, aided by natural malolactic fermentation. It is very French in style, including a bit of bottle stink that requires a splash decant to get at the delicate pink grapefruit. I’m sure it will settle in over time to be a solid wine, but for now, give it some air. I will try to retaste in the summer if there is any left.Prices: BC 30.00 Producer: French Door Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Hush Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHush is a mix of grapes led mainly by pinot gris and cabernet sauvignon, picked and processed at different times during harvest. The style is friendly with a rich bump of strawberry fruit and residual sugar held at bay by a slight undercurrent of rhubarb, spicy raspberry, cinnamon, and just enough acidity. Best with spicy dishes or well chilled for patio sipping.Prices: BC 19.99 Producer: Dirty LaundryRead Full Note
89PTS
Foxly Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is pretty close to a single variety pinot gris, with a 20 percent dollop of pinot noir saignée to bring an attractive pale salmon hue to the glass. Expect crunchy orchard fruits and melon, with subtle cranberry and floral aromatics. Nicely balanced, bright acidity carries the 3 g/L residual sugar to a dry, crisp finish. It's meant to be fun and approachable, but the texture and concentration make it more than just a patio sipper.Prices: BC 22.99 Producer: Foxtrot Vineyards Ltd.Read Full Note
88PTS
Foxly Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFoxly is the second label of Naramata Bench's Foxtrot Vineyards, well known for its production of Burgundian style chardonnay and pinot noir. The rosé is an 80/20 mix of pinot gris and pinot noir, leading a pale orange-pink colour to a fresh orchard fruit nose. The palate is dry and well structured with spicy cherry and tart red fruit, suggesting this is more than a sipper, but a pink that can support light lunches or appetizers. Impressive.Prices: BC 22.99 Producer: Foxtrot Vineyards Ltd.Read Full Note
89PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
South East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe rosé is a mix of fruit from Gentleman Farmer Vineyard in southeast Kelowna, Golden Retreat Vineyard in Summerland, and Coyote Vineyard in West Kelowna. It is all hand-harvested, destemmed, and crushed into small stainless steel tanks. It is cold-soaked with skins for 48 hours to shape its reddish-pink colour and light tannins that build a bit of texture. The style is always refreshing and dry, offering cranberry, blood orange followed by rhubarb and more red fruit with a citrus wash. A food-friendly style you can drink solo, given its balance and freshness.Prices: BC 21.00 Producer: Spierhead WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2019
British Columbia, CanadaPouring a peachy hue, this year's rosé is pinot noir, primarily from from Damm Vineyard (82%), and supplemented with fruit from Unsworth Vineyard and Cherry Point Vineyard, and clones 777, 667, 115. This was fermented and aged briefly in stainless. Slick and gilded with a bump of RS to make it slide down, this is filled with strawberry jam, cherry gummies, fine spicing on the shorter finish. A simple, friendly pour to chill well and crack this summer.Prices: BC 21.65 Producer: Unsworth Vineyards ULCRead Full Note
87PTS
Moraine Pink Mountain Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis deeper, day-glo hued rosé comes from their Naramata Bench estate Anastasia Vineyard, and blends 79% gamay with 21% malbec. Ripe and bumped with a generous dose of RS, this glides along the medium palate with strawberry jam, raspberry gummies, mandarin, and ripe honeydew, finishing with a snappy, juicy finish. Simple, easy, chill well and crack on the patio.Prices: BC 26.00 Producer: Moraine Estate WineryRead Full Note
89PTS
Grow Wild Ravishing Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Okanagan Valley VQA pink is new to me, as is the producer Grow Wild Winery, likely a brand for a winery that doesn't want you to know they produced it, but I could be wrong. The thing is, I don’t have time to track down its origin. I do trust in VQA, and the wine is a very good, dry, rosé brimming with fresh pink grapefruit, watermelon, with a sprinkling of citrus and a slightly earthy finish. Think tapas and sunshine to place this in a fine light. Well done, especially if it is under $20 at your retailer.Prices: BC 20.00 Producer: Grow Wild WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Liquidity Rosé 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot noir rosé is filled with candied strawberries, red apple, cherry along a cream base, bumped with a good dose of RS. The silken palate finishes with a light dusting of spice. Easy, simple, and polished, crack this summer, as intended.Prices: BC 23.00 Producer: Liquidity Wine LtdRead Full Note
87PTS
Road 13 Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2020 pink is 68.5% pinot noir, 26.5% gamay noir, and 5% syrah. The fruit is all estate grown on the Golden Mile Bench, and is handpicked and macerated on skins for 4-6 hours in separate blocks. The nose is bright and fresh, led by grapefruit and citrus, with a healthy dose of lime rind. A touch rustic, but it would easily work with the likes of grilled salmon, roast chicken, or seared tuna.Prices: BC 23.99 Producer: Road 13Read Full Note
86PTS
Road 13 Honest John's Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis deeper, glowing peach hued pink is a soft, sweeter, candied melange of grapes designed to be as friendly as possible. Ripe strawberries, candied red apple, cherry blossoms flood a juicy, shorter palate, finishing with a snap. The RS (10+ g/L) patches up any holes. Easy and accessible, chill and crack this fresh pink this summer.Prices: BC 18.00 Producer: Road 13Read Full Note
87PTS
Bartier Bros. Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2020 BB Rosé blends chardonnay, gewurztraminer, and merlot from their home base on the Black Sage terrace, as well as from Summerland. Each variety was fermented separately in stainless, where it aged 4.5 months on fine lees. Pouring a brilliant pale peach hue, this mid-sweet rosé shows heavily on the gewurztraminer, with ample fragrant lime blossoms, rosewater, jasmine on a spritely, medium-bodied palate. This finishes with a lime pith twist — for lovers of aromatic whites looking for pink.Prices: BC 17.99 Producer: Bartier Bros.Read Full Note
87PTS
Kitsch Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Rosé blends pinot noir and pinot gris, lightly foot-tread, and left on skins for 48 hours before whole cluster pressing. Pouring a shining, day-glo orange / peach hue, this off-dry rosé is driven with fruit: orange, red apple, candied pear, strawberry gummies. There's a sprinkle of pinot spices along the medium+ palate, to a snappy, bittersweet red currant finish. Chill well, crack now, as intended.Prices: BC 27.00 Producer: Kitsch WinesRead Full Note
87PTS
Four Shadows Rosé 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFour Shadows Winery sits at the start the Naramata Bench. Wilbert and Joka Borrens sold their grapes for many years, but decided to being their own label a couple of years ago, with consultant winemaker Pascal Madevon. Deeper peach in hue, this is an off-dry pink of pinot noir and merlot. Candied strawberries and cherries, red apple floods the fuller palate, finishing with a nip of spice on the brief finish. Needs to lose sugar and slim down some to join the rosé revolution.Prices: BC 21.99 Producer: Four Shadows Vineyard and WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Kitsch Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot noir and pinot gris are the 2020 mix, pouring a pinky/orange colour, dancing with a strawberry bubblegum scent. The attack is soft and round, accentuating what little sweetness there is. Flatter than last year, so be sure to serve this one well chilled. I do like the suggestion of serving it with watermelon feta pizza, goat cheese, pine nuts, balsamic cherries, and arugula salad. Ready to drink.Prices: BC 27.00 Producer: Kitsch WinesRead Full Note
89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2019
British Columbia, CanadaA mix of pinot noir clones makes up this Island pink, shared between Damm (82%), Unsworth, and Cherry Point vineyards. The winemaking is simple, from a stainless steel ferment and a brief stay in tank. The colour is light orange, the attack fresh, before just sweet cherry and strawberry fills in the mid-palate, with a touch of dried herbs and gentle spicing. Elegant, soft, and ready to drink, this is the perfect patio sipper with or without food.Prices: BC 21.65 Producer: Unsworth Vineyards ULCRead Full Note
89PTS
Sea Star Blanc de Noir Rosé 2020
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaAfter missing tasting the 2019 vintage due to a change in ownership, BC gem Sea Star is back with their 2020 Blanc de Noir. With Pinot Noir grape from their estate Saturna Island vineyards, as well as fruit from friends at Clam Bay Farm on Pender Island. A light salmon hue, this is crunchy and brisk, with tart cherry, raspberry, underripe pear, tangerine, pink grapefruit, on a distinctly marine, saline, bone dry palate. While it doesn't share the finesse and elegance of the 2018, this youthful rosé shows ample intensity and character, which may settle with some time in bottle.Prices: BC 25.00 Producer: Sea Star Estate Farm and VineyardsRead Full Note
89PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere's clear purpose to the Poplar Grove Rosé. Much of the fruit is sourced from a vineyard designated for their rosé program. The winemaking also leans heavily on direct press, with a small portion of saignée. It strikes a nice balance, with the saignée portion bringing weight and fruit ripeness (along with some spice from the syrah) to the wine's relatively light frame, along with an appealing 12.6% abv, and brisk, refreshing acidity. Expect expressive citrus and red fruits, with just a hint of savouriness, leading to a balanced, dry finish. Good value.Prices: BC 21.65 Producer: Poplar Grove WineryRead Full Note
90PTS
Roche Rosé 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Naramata home vineyard, this rosé is a blend of organically farmed, 92% Zweigelt and 8% Schonberger, from 20 year old ungrafted vines. This had only 45 minutes of skin contact, and was native fermented. Crunchy and bright, with pomegranate, cranberry, and red currant leading, and zesty green apple acidity driving this along the zippy palate. There's a base of lees offsetting the fresh acidity and fruit, finishing with a lingering salinity. Quite delicious.Prices: BC 21.90 Producer: Roche WinesRead Full Note
87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2020 the fruit was all Osoyoos estate. The 38/33/29 blend of pinot noir, syrah, and merlot was fermented in stainless steel, with less than three percent seeing time in neutral French oak. The colour is pale pink, the nose not so interesting with some stinky leesy notes mixed into citrus, ripe red apples, lemon-lime, and watermelon. Splash decant and serve with grilled chicken or creamy pasta.Prices: BC 21.99 AB 17.99 Producer: Mission Hill Family EstateRead Full Note
89PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis purpose-grown pinot noir was early picked, and had 2 hours of skin contact prior to pressing off into stainless for ferment and a short stint. Tight and zippy, with lime, pink grapefruit riding the sleek palate, glossed with a bump of RS to a zesty, mouthwatering finish. A lovely patio partner this summer, as intended. Sharply packaged with their stylized vineyard row labels and stelvin lux cap.Prices: BC 20.99 Producer: CedarCreek Estate WineryRead Full Note
86PTS
Sandhill Terroir Driven Wine Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a day-glow peach hue, this 'terroir driven' wine comes from two different vineyards, and blends gamay and merlot. So I'm not exactly sure what terroir they're driving towards, other than the general 'Okanagan Valley'. Candied apple, strawberry jam, pear nectar rule the off-dry, creamy, glycerol-licked palate, with a slight fuzz of spicing to the shorter finish. Benefits from a brisk chill. This old school style rosé shouldn't trade in on a terroir name.Prices: BC 17.99 Producer: Sandhill WinesRead Full Note
88PTS
JoieFarm Tsunami Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new wine format from the ever-forward thinking Heidi Noble and JoieFarm team, this shows her very popular rosé in a whole new way : 250ml can. From Skaha, Kaleden, and their home bench, Naramata, this blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier, and pinot gris is easily smashable. Strawberries and cream, ripe raspberries, red apple, subtle cinnamon spicing flood the juicy, creamy palate, buoyed by a swell of acidity, and bumped with a kiss of RS on the snappy finish. Picnics and pockets, this is calling for you.Prices: BC 7.30 Producer: JoieFarmRead Full Note
04 May 2021
86PTS
Reif Estate Fortune Gamay Rosé 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis gamay rose was pressed and fermented cool in stainless. Perfumed strawberries, green raspberries, rhubarb fill the dryish palate, finishing briefly with a green astringency and light spices. Best with a brisk chill.Prices: ON 18.95 Producer: Reif Estate WineryRead Full Note
85PTS
Westcott Delphine Rosé 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis dark-hued rosé is a blend of 60% cabernet franc and 40% pinot noir, in an off-dry, deeper (6-hour skin contact) gusty rose with sour cherry, red currant, green herbal notes on a clipped, grippy palate. Needs a brisk chill.Prices: ON 18.99 Producer: Westcott VineyardsRead Full Note
88PTS
Drea's Rosé 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaAndrea Kaiser grew up immersed in Canadian wine, with Karl Kaiser her father. She is the Director of Marketing, Reif Estate Winery, where she makes her own boutique line of wines. This cherry-hued rosé, her first, is entirely dornfelder, one of her father's favourite grapes. Red currants, raspberries, pomegranate, sour cherries rule the dry palate, woven with a foxy herbaceousness to a snappy, bitter-edged finish. This lacks some of the freshness I would have hoped for, though I appreciate its dry, serious focus. Looking forward to seeing more of Drea's wines.Prices: ON 26.50 Producer: Drea's Wine CoRead Full Note
88PTS
Kacaba Rebecca Rosé 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis deeper blush hued rosé is gamay, fermented cool in stainless after 12 hours of cold soaking on skins. Tight and dry, with strawberries, cherries, red currants on a bright, medium-bodied palate, padded by a slick of lees, and finishing with some spice. Thankfully dry, this is a smart food-pairing choice.Prices: ON 17.15 Producer: KacabaRead Full Note
88PTS
North 42 Degrees Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2019
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWith fruit from Lake Erie North Shore and Niagara, this cab sauv rosé had a 18 hour cold soak, giving its deeper blush hue. Raspberries, cherry is scented with orange, and freshened with a red currant acidity. This is dryer than the 2020, and shows the better for it. Enjoy this summer.Prices: ON 17.95 Producer: North 42 Degrees Estate WineryRead Full Note
87PTS
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Windsock Rosé 2018
Ontario, CanadaAs you can tell by the heavyweight flint vodka bottle, this is a wine that strives to be taken seriously. This cabernet sauvignon saw 8 months' time in oak, which is also evident on the toasty, smokey palate. Wild raspberries, cherries rule the fuller palate, finishing with tobacco, toast, and smoked stone, with a rhubarb tartness cutting some of the richness. This is a powerful rosé for big red wine drinkers.Prices: ON 36.00 Producer: Sue-Ann Staff Estate WineryRead Full Note
86PTS
Sue-Ann Staff Fancy Farm Girl Foxy Pink 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis is a sweeter, fragrant rose of 95% riesling, 5% cabernet franc, meant to be an easy, accessible, fun pink for summer. Candied lime, strawberry gummies, ample candied orange on a short, sweeter palate, finishing with an orange twist. Needs a brisk chill or sangria.Prices: ON 17.95 Producer: Sue-Ann Staff Estate WineryRead Full Note
88PTS
Spec Bros Three of Hearts Rosé 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom the Speck Bros, this is whole cluster pinot noir from Niagara Peninsula. Pale pink in hue, this is a dry, grown-up rosé, with silken wild strawberries, light cherry, fragrant raspberry gliding along the medium palate to a shorter, bitter orange pith finish.Prices: ON 19.95 Producer: Speck BrosRead Full Note
86PTS
Speck Bros Aria Rosé NV
Ontario, CanadaAria Rosé is a stand alone label from the Spec Bros, and a NV blend of unknown grapes. Lightly frizzante and amply sweet, with candied grapefruit, pear gummies, sweet orange on the short palate, finishing with a bitter orange twist. Simple, light (11.5%), pink fizzy wine for your summer and summer cocktails.Prices: ON 14.95 Producer: Speck BrosRead Full Note
88PTS
Lakeview Cellars Serenity Rosé 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis pinot noir rosé pours a medium-pale pink, and fills a silky palate with raspberry, cherry blossoms, pear, and a light dusting of spice. Acidity is bright, and RS is a slight bump (6 g/L), making this a sophisticated choice for cracking this summer.Prices: ON 15.95 Producer: Lakeview CellarsRead Full Note
87PTS
Featherstone Rosé 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis deeper hued, off-dry rosé blends cabernet franc, gamay and merlot from their Vineland estate. Candied raspberries, cherries, candied red apple fill the juicy, medium+ palate, tightened with a green herbal brace on the snappy finish. Chill well and enjoy this friendly, fresh rosé this summer.Prices: ON 16.95 Producer: FeatherstoneRead Full Note
86PTS
Henry of Pelham Classic Rosé 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis deeper pink hued rosé is a blend of mystery grapes, resulting in an off dry (9g/L), floral, fragrant pink with rose petals, wild strawberry, on a silken, short, light bodied palate, with a twist of green, and orange. This is an easy, friendly choice to crack this summer on a sunny patio.Prices: ON 14.95 Producer: Henry of PelhamRead Full Note
86PTS
Huff Estates Country Roads Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaThis pinot noir rosé was half whole cluster, half destemmed, with 18 hours on skins giving the strawberry hue. After a wave of reduction, this leads into a tart cranberry, red currant, rhubarb pink, dry on the slight palate, with a green herbal edge around the sides. This finishes briefly, with a mustard-seed note. Crack into this summer.Prices: ON 25.00 Producer: Huff EstatesRead Full Note
87PTS
Flat Rock Cellars Twisted Pink 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis day-glo, deeper-hued, off-dry rosé blends Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Potpourri perfume is cut with sharp grapefruit acidity, and padded with tangerine, candied apple, on a shorter, peppery, lighter (11.5%) palate. Certainly snappy, this needs a brisk chill and cracking this summer.Prices: ON 17.95 Producer: Flat Rock CellarsRead Full Note
87PTS
Leaning Post Rosé 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis deeper pink hued rosé blends 70% pinot noir with 30% cabernet franc, overnight on skins, and then pressed to stainless for a cool ferment and rest until the following spring. Watermelon, green raspberry, light smoked stone and a swing of reduction open, offset by a bump of RS and a whack of acidity on a silken palate. A bit disjointed, this shows best with a brisk chill. Crack this summer.Prices: ON 20.00 Producer: Leaning Post WinesRead Full Note
86PTS
Château des Charmes Rosé Cuvée d'Andrée 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis deeper-pink hued pinot noir rosé is named for the winery's matriarch, Madame Andrée Bosc. This was fermented and rested briefly in stainless. Off-dry, with candied cranberry, tart raspberry, on a silken palate, with the green edges padded out with the gloss of sugar, finishing with a pasty edge. Disjointed; needs a brisk chill.Prices: ON 16.95 Producer: Château des CharmesRead Full Note
88PTS
Westcott Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
Ontario, CanadaFrom their Vinemount Ridge estate, this pinot noir (667 and 777) had 4 hours skin contact prior to fermentation in stainless, where it remained for a short time (no MLF) until bottling. With a lighter pink hue, this is strawberries and cream, perfumed raspberries ruling the slick palate, brightened with fine spicing, and finishing cranberry tart and bright. Fresh rosé for summer, and very food-friendly also.Prices: ON 23.00 Producer: Westcott VineyardsRead Full Note
03 May 2021
90PTS
Chateau Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé 2019
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceMiraval has a history that dates to 1252 and St. Thomas Aquinas. "Studio Miraval" has hosted Sting, Sade, the Cranberries and Pink Floyd, not to mention the current owners Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (divorced but still partners in rosé). In fact, the wine is in good hands because it is grown on an excellent piece of dirt in Provence, and it is made by a first-rate winemaking partner in the Perrin family of Chateau Beaucastel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape fame. In 2020 the cinsault, grenache, syrah and rolle (vermentino) blend opens Provencal pink and a sleek, smooth texture. Citrus and subtle red fruits mix with a savoury, mineral, stony finish — ready-to-drink.Prices: BC 28.99 Producer: Jolie - Pitt & PerrinRead Full Note
89PTS
Garage d'Or Love Drunk Rosé 2020
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThis rosé hails from vineyards in the McMinnville AVA featuring some of the oldest plantings in the region. The cépage is 72% chardonnay with 28% pinot noir. The nose is packed full of fresh-cut strawberry that spills unto the palate to mix with melon, kiwi, and lime rind. Crisp and dry, this is a sophisticated rosé that really only wants to have fun. Love Drunk Rosé is part of Maison Noir Wines, founded by New York sommelier André Hueston Mack.Prices: BC 33.00 Producer: Maison Noir WinesRead Full Note
89PTS
Garage d'Or Love Drunk Rosé 2020
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesMaison Noir Wines is a micro-negoce founded in 2007 by winemaker/sommelier/designer André Hueston Mack, a Per Se and French Laundry alumni. This super juicy, medium-hued rosé blends 72% chardonnay and 18% pinot noir from Hyland Vineyard in McMinnville, planted in 1971 on volcanic, sandy, Jory soils. Watermelon, strawberry jam, kiwi flood the joyous, glycerol-lined, off-dry palate, cut clean with pink grapefruit pith and salted peel. Basically, this smart wine is FUN in the glass, and recommended to crack, chill, and enjoy liberally this summer.Prices: BC 33.00 Producer: Maison Noir WinesRead Full Note
90PTS
Quinta do Vallado Rosé 2019
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalOne of the legendary Douro Boys, the historic (even by Douro standards) Quinta do Vallado was originally established in 1716, and became part of the Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira empire in 1818. The quinta is spread across both banks of the Corgo River, a tributary of the Douro River, and near the town of Peso da Régua, bordering both the Baixo and Cima Corgo. Sixth generation descendants and cousins Francisco Ferreira and João Ferreira Álvares Ribeiro are the owners. This touriga nacional rose comes from high altitude estate vines, and was fermented bica aberta (without skin contact) over one month, prior to resting for 3 months in stainless. Juicy and bright, with fresh strawberries, cherries, wild orange, and scents of scrubby herbs drawn across a silken, cushioned palate, freshened by lofted acidity and finishing with an alluring mineral lick.Prices: BC 30.00 Producer: Quinta do ValladoRead Full Note
89PTS
Joseph Mellot Sincérité Pinot Noir Rosé 2018
Loire, FranceThe Mellots have been growing vines and making wine in the Loire Valley since 1513. The time and knowledge has paid off; today, Joseph Mellot is the only estate that owns vineyards in every appellations of the Loire. Wines in their second line, Sincerité, are sourced from numerous estate vineyards across the region. Fresh cherries, red currant, raspberries glide along a silky, medium-bodied (12.5%) palate, woven with orange, subtle florals, and fine peppery spice. Fruit-forward, and showing lovely now even with a couple of years in bottle. Partner with summer salads or light salmon dishes.Prices: BC 23.99 Producer: Joseph MellotRead Full Note
88PTS
Spier Chardonnay Pinot Noir Signature Collection Rosé 2020
Western Cape, South AfricaFrom vineyards around the Western Cape, and vines 12-16 years old rooted in Malmsbery shale and Cape granite soils, this medium-hued pink blends 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir, cofermented in stainless. Strawberries and cream, cherry blossoms, fresh pear lead a fresh, silken palate, finishing with a dusting of spice. A bump of 4 g/L RS keeps this super friendly and easy. Nice choice to crack this summer.Prices: BC 17.99 Producer: SpierRead Full Note
88PTS
La Petite Perrière Pinot Noir Rosé 2019
FranceSince 1790 in their Loire home base, the Saget family have been producing wines, and over three centuries, they have built a formidable negoce operation. This Vin de France is pinot noir largely sourced from their certified organic estate vineyards in Touraine, complemented by grapes from the South of France. Tart red currant, strawberry, light spice on a slick, shorter palate, and a mandarin twist. Easy, accessible, and ready to pair with food now.Prices: BC 24.00 Producer: Saget La PerrièreRead Full Note
89PTS
Montalto Rosé 2020
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AustraliaThis pinot noir rosé comes from selected parcels of fruit off their estate Tuerong vineyard (85%), and their Red Hill vineyard. With a pale pink hue, a portion was whole bunch in stainless, while the remainder was native fermented in oak. Cool and silken, with wild strawberries and cream, fragrant florals, light spice flooding the juicy palate. Quite an elegant rosé, reflective of the cool climate, and primed for drinking now.Prices: ON 34.95 Producer: MontaltoRead Full Note
88PTS
Tucks Now Rosé 2019
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AustraliaThis pinot noir rosé comes from Mornington Peninsula and was whole bunch pressed directly to stainless for a cool fermentation and short time on lees. Wild strawberries, raspberries, subtle floral perfume flood the silken palate, with a slick of glycerol gliding this to a lightly spiced finish. Friendly, elegant, and ready to crack this summer.Prices: ON 36.95 Producer: TucksRead Full Note
87PTS
Poggio Anima Raphael Rosato 2019
Sicily, ItalyPoggio Anima is a joint project between Toscana's Le Ragnaie and one of their American importers to highlight different regions and indigenous grapes around Italy. Each cuvée in the colourful series is named for fantastic mythical beasts. This rosato comes from western Sicily's sandy slopes and blends 85% Zibibbo and 15% Syrah on brown clay and limestone, and done entirely in stainless. The shining pale peach hue comes from a couple of days of skin contact on the syrah. Extravagantly fragrant and floral with lime blossom, potpourri, rose blossoms, spring strawberries, wild lemon pith, with a fragrant soapy note that is omnipresent.Prices: ON 16.95 Producer: Poggio AnimaRead Full Note
89PTS
Bijou Ciel de Lilac Rosé 2019
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceCiel de Lilac Rosé hails from the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence and comes with the requisite pale French Rivera colour. It is a 50/40/10 mix of grenache, cinsault and syrah, grown over clay and limestone soils. The style is bone dry, the nose slightly aromatic, offering up notes of faded roses and redcurrants. The palate is tangy with a delicate mix of red fruits, rhubarb, and the perfect touch of bitterness in the back end. Serve with any charcuterie and local cheese. The synthetic cork is a minus on what is a fun bottle.Prices: BC 29.99 Producer: BijouRead Full Note
86PTS
Wolf Blass Maker's Project Rosé Free Run 2019
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaThis is a mystery mass of grape(s) from Langhorne Creek, with candied cherry, candied red apple, mandarin, and pomegranate juice on a shorter, creamy, just off-dry palate, finishing with a dusting of spice. For a wine calling itself 'Maker's Project,' one would expect some more details on place/provenance/maker. Simple pink. Pretty bottle though.Prices: ON 16.25 Producer: Wolf Blass Pty LtdRead Full Note
86PTS
19 Crimes Snoop Cali Rosé 2020
California, United StatesWow. This is Snoop Dogg's 2nd wine, in conjunction with the Oz wine brand 19 Crimes. This is a sweet, confected Cali blend of grenache and zinfandel. Candied strawberry, watermelon gummies, candied apple take the brief palate, finishing with a twist of orange. Don't just take it from me, though: “We did it big with 19 Crimes Cali Red, so you know we had to do it again—and this time, I was thinking pink,” Snoop said in the release. “I can’t wait for everyone to sip on my Snoop Cali Rosé and bring those fresh feels from spring into summer and beyond. I hope when you open a bottle of this wine, you take a little mind trip to my Cali home. This is how we Rosé the Snoop Dogg way!” If you need more convincing, the label on the bottle is part of the 19 Crimes’ Living Wine Labels augmented-reality series. All you have to do is go to AskTheDoggfather.com on your phone, scan the label, and ask Snoop a question. A holographic version of him will then serve you some words of wine wisdom. If you like sweet pinks and/or Snoop Dogg, or have the munchies, crack into this.Prices: BC 18.49 PEI 18.99 AB 19.00 ON 18.95 Producer: 19 CrimesRead Full Note
88PTS
Domaine de Pellehaut Harmonie de Gascogne Rosé 2019
Cotes de Gascogne, Sud-Ouest, FranceDomaine de Pellehaut, one of the oldest estates in the Gers, has been owned and managed by successive generations of the Béraut family for over 300 years. Today the 180-hectare estate is overseen by brothers Mathieu and Martin Béraut. This juicy, off-dry rosé is an unlikely dog's breakfast saignée blend of 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Tannat, 10% Malbec, 10% Pinot Noir, 8% Syrah, 7% Manseng Noir, done entirely in stainless. Primary cherry, candied strawberry, red apple rule the shorter, snappy palate, finishing with a bump of RS. Easy, accessible, and friendly for those looking for an easy-going style.Prices: BC 15.50 Producer: Domaine de PellehautRead Full Note
89PTS
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Parallèle 45 Rosé 2019
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FrancePaul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the Northern Rhone's leading estates, first established in 1834. The Parallèle line, their 'entry level' tier, was named because the 45th parallel runs two kilometres from the domaine’s cellars near Tain L’Hermitage. This cuvée began in 1950 and represents the Jaboulet commitment to producing France’s finest Rhône value. The estate has been under the purview of the Frey family for the past decade or so, and Caroline Frey is currently oenologist and proprietor. Pale peach in hue, This Côtes du Rhone rosé is a blend of 20+-year-old, organically-farmed grenache, cinsault and syrah growing on clay-limestone slopes and terraces. It was gently fermented and aged in stainless on lees over 6 months. Juicy youthful strawberries, rhubarb, raspberry fill a bright, bone-dry palate, seasoned with a fine rasp of peppercorn and kissed with cinnamon. Nice and compact, and prime for drinking now. Very food-friendly.Prices: BC 21.00 Producer: Domaines Paul Jaboulet AînéRead Full Note
91PTS
Barone Ricasoli Albia Rosé 2019
Tuscany, ItalyThis sangiovese / merlot blend comes from the historic Ricasoli estate, in the heart of Chianti Classico. Ferment and a short stint in stainless preserve the bright fruit, though they've moved from Stelvin closure back to a plastic cork, presumedly because it serves the distinctively squat bottle (á la Provence). Certainly, that is the cue for the style, pouring a very pale peach hue, with the dry, silken palate led by strawberry, plums, kissed with tangerine, pink florals, and a very fine rasp of spices. Quite elegant, as befits the brand legacy.Prices: BC 28.99 Producer: Barone RicasoliRead Full Note
88PTS
Honoro Vera Rosado 2019
Rioja, SpainThis smart, snappy, dry Jumilla rosado blends tempranillo and syrah, made with both direct press and saignée, vinified cool in stainless, where it remained for a short stint to preserve the fresh fruit. Bright cherry, watermelon, cherry, redcurrant flood a juicy palate, seasoned with an alluring salinity. As usual, the Gil Family overdeliver for price. Worth seeking out. Striking packaging too.Prices: BC 18.99 AB 16.95 Producer: Gil Family EstatesRead Full Note
88PTS
Summer Water Rosé 2020
Central Coast, California, United StatesKudos to Director of Winemaking Ryan Zotovich for pursuing a serious rosé and admitting it is hard to make. Summer Water is a blend of meticulously managed small lot batches using sustainably farmed Central Coast fruit. The blend is an 85/15 mix of grenache and syrah, fermented in stainless steel and finished low in sugar, sulphur, and alcohol. Everything about this wine is just about right. It is fresh, aromatic, and mixes citrus, grapefruit, with a pinch of peach and orange in the finish. It is a far cry from the history of American rosé, and we all happy about that. Pour all summer like water.Prices: BC 23.99 Producer: Summer WaterRead Full Note
89PTS
Tornatore Etna Rosato 2019
Sicily, ItalyThis is a shining, deeper-hued rose of nerello mascalese, from Castiglione di Sicilia, on Etna's northern slopes. With just a few hours of skin time giving a glowing crimson, this was fermented and aged for a short stint in stainless to preserve the fresh fruit. Juicy wild raspberry, red berries, wild orange, lemon peel livens the medium-bodied, saline palate. Ample Etna minerality and freshness give a vibrancy to the palate, finishing long and salty. Unique and smart. Smashable.Prices: BC 34.99 Producer: Francesco TornatoreRead Full Note
87PTS
Cerejeiras Rosé 2018
PortugalFrom the Atlantic-swept VR Lisboa, this deeper hued, dry rosé is a blend of touriga nacional, castelão, and Aragonez, done entirely in stainless to preserve freshness. Wild raspberry, red currants are imbued with an herbal mustard seed note throughout the fuller, round, silken body. Simple and forward, ready for cracking now, ideally with grilled vegetables or rosé sauced shellfish.Prices: BC 13.99 Producer: Companhia Agricola do SanguinhalRead Full Note
88PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé 2019
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesCool-climate is a good descriptor of this Monterey pink made from pinot noir. The nose is aromatic with notes of strawberries, watermelon, and mandarin that spill onto the palate with equal freshness. The finish is clean, if a bit short, but hey, it's rosé, not rocket science. Serve cool with your favourite charcuterie plate, and let the summer begin.Prices: BC 29.99 AB 28.00 ON 27.95 QC 30.00 Producer: La CremaRead Full Note
90PTS
Muga Rioja Rosado 2019
Rioja, SpainA blend of tempranillo, garnacha, and viura, from clay-limestone soils at 480m in Rioja's upper Najerilla district, this iconic Spanish rosado is referred to locally as clarete, which is a lighter type of rosé made by combining white wine with direct press rosé, as opposed to the saignée method. Also, unlike the vast majority of other rosés, this one also sees a brief period of time in used oak barrels (a hallmark of the Bodega, one of the historic cellars of La Rioja). Crisp, crunchy, and bright, with cherries, strawberries, stones on a silky palate, framed with spice, and freshened by brisk grapefruit acidity. This has a lovely balance, making it particularly food-friendly. Now only if they'd move to screwcap...Prices: BC 23.00 Producer: MugaRead Full Note
88PTS
Bodega Garzón Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2019
Garzon, Maldonado, San José, UruguayBodega Garzón is Uruguay's leading winery and one of the top architectural wineries worldwide. Located 11 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the estate has more than 1000 small vineyard blocks covering hillside slopes of granitic soils. The vineyards are surrounded by lush forests, palm trees, rocky soils, and granite boulders. This medium / pale pink pinot noir rosé was fermented cool in stainless and spent 3-6 months on lees there before bottling. Silken smooth, this glides along the medium+ palate with strawberries and cream, summer raspberries, cinnamon spicing, finishing abruptly on a stony note. Striving for Provence, from South America, and it's a very good attempt.Prices: CDN 22.00 Producer: Bodega GarzónRead Full Note
88PTS
Les Quatre Tours Classique Rosé 2018
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceLes Quartre Tours is a group of quality-driven producers farming around 270 hectares of land around the villages of Venelles, Puyricard, and Puy Ste Reparade in the rolling hills just north of Aix en Provence. It first came into existence in 1924 as a co-op for bulk wine. However, in the 1990s a group of the winegrowers decided to completely change the direction of the co-op, and model themselves on a small, quality winery. They began working sustainably and organically, installed new equipment in the winery, and hired an oenologist. Now each parcel is managed according to its terroir, regardless of the individual owners' boundaries. Classique is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in marl and chalk hillsides around 250 to 400 metres. Pouring a very pale rosé, this is filled with raspberries, wild strawberries, pink grapefruit, big spicing, on a fuller, silken palate. The cabernet bumps up the structure, while altitude and soils easy hold it bright. Drinking well now.Prices: BC 26.00 Producer: Les Quatre ToursRead Full Note
88PTS
Doña Paula Rosé 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis deeper-hued Malbec rosé comes off the El Alto estate, Lujan de Cuyo, and clay loam soils at 1000m altitude. A gentle pressing and cool ferment and a short 3-month stint in stainless are aimed at preserving freshness. Juicy strawberries, light cherries, fine spice flood the fleshy body, finishing with a tart rhubarb note. This dry, spicy rosé would be particularly food-friendly.Prices: BC 18.50 SK 14.25 MB 12.99 Producer: Doña Paula EstateRead Full Note
88PTS
Doña Paula Rosé 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is sourced from Doña Paula's El Alto vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo, located south of Mendoza City. It's bright and fresh, thanks to early picking during the first two weeks of February. A cool fermentation in stainless steel makes this quite fruit-driven in style, with cherry and strawberry complemented by subtle spice. It's approachable and easy-drinking, even more so thanks to the dry finish and moderate 12.2% abv. Chill and enjoy with light summer salads.Prices: BC 18.50 SK 14.25 MB 12.99 Producer: Doña Paula EstateRead Full Note
88PTS
Doña Paula Rosé 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaI like that this wine has had a designated vineyard since 1998 in Lujan de Cuyo, at 1000 metres above sea level. You can sense that this wine has a personality and a sensibility that goes beyond its colour. It spends a minimal three months in stainless steel before it's bottled to capture fresh strawberry, watermelon with a touch of spice in an essentially dry rosé. Perfect for late afternoon tapas on the patio. Good value too.Prices: BC 18.50 SK 14.25 MB 12.99 Producer: Doña Paula EstateRead Full Note
