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Tastings: February 2023
07 February 2023
91PTS
G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLanghe Rosso remains one of my favourite little gems, almost always overdelivering quality wine for price. Essentially these are wines for drinking up and in the Langhe, now. Varja's Langhe Rosso is a blend of younger vine nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, fresia, albarossa, and pinot noir, meant to give an overview of Piemonte's Langhe region. This is sourced from various vineyards, each variety vinified separately, fermented in stainless and then into French barrels from new to three years in age, for two years. Fragrant cherry, wild plum, crushed roses fill a cushy palate, threaded with mineral salts, and framed with long, finely firm tannins, drawing this out to a lingering saline finish. Such a charmer, this lighter red. Enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.20 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Bruno Giacosa Nebbiolo d'Alba Vigna Valmaggiore 2020
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFrom Valmaggiore, in the village of Vezza d’Alba, and vines of 42 years, this Nebbiolo was fermented and macerated over 15 days in stainless before heading to French oak for 14 months rest. Fragrant wild cherry, black raspberry, and worn leather are layered through this savoury, elegant, medium+ wine, housed by long, very fine tannins. The finish lingers into a fade of walnuts and flake salts. Impressive now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $91.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bruno Giacosa Nebbiolo d'Alba 2020
Piedmont, ItalyFrom various vineyards in the villages of Monteu Roero, Santo Stefano Roero, and Vezza d’Alba, and vines from 20-30 years, this was macerated in stainless and then aged 14 months in French oak. Wild raspberry, cherry, savoury red currant, dried herbs, and tobacco ash flood a juicy, medium-bodied palate lined with worked leather and framed with long, sticky tannins. The finish rings with saline minerality. Very impressive now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bruno Giacosa Barbera d'Alba 2020
Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFrom select vineyards in the villages of Neive and Alba and vines 28-36 years, this youthful red was fermented and aged in stainless before moving to oak for 14 months of rest. Fragrant raspberries and cherries flood a juicy palate, rung with long, finely grippy tannins and scented with crushed florals through the lingering savoury herbal finish. Very pure, drinking well now and over the next few years.Prices:| ON | $62.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d'Alba Falletto 2021
Serralunga, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFalletto signifies Giacosa estate fruit, and this Dolcetto comes from their vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba and Lirano di Sinio. It was fermented and macerated over ten days in stainless, where it remained for six months before bottling. Wild blackberry, black cherry, and dried dark florals are interwoven with brooding dark earth and vegetative notes and wrapped with long, grippy tannins to a steely, cool finish — a much darker, more structured and savoury Dolcetto.Prices:| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
E. Pira and Figli de Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi 2018
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOne of 3 Barolo released by Chiara this year, with vinification and aging, is kept the same across the three to highlight the differences of the terroir. From the famed Cannubi vineyard, this 0.7-hectare plot sits at 300m and faces S/SW. After a native ferment in stainless, with frequent pumping over and punch downs, all of the Baroli were aged in lightly toasted 30% new French oak for 24 months and one year further in the bottle before release. Savoury cherry, black raspberry, and crushed stones fill this masterful Barolo, scented with wildflowers and candle wax and seasoned with fragrant scrubby herbs. Ample, well-placed and well-integrated tannins frame the plump fruit, structuring this through a lengthy, saline finish. So complete now, and still with ample time ahead. A beauty.Prices:| ON | $159.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
E. Pira and Figli de Chiara Boschis Barolo Mosconi 2018
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOne of 3 Barolo released by Chiara this year, with vinification and aging, is kept the same across the three to highlight the differences of the terroir. Barolo Mosconi comes from a single vineyard of a newly acquired property in Monforte d’Abla. This 0.8-hectare site rests at 370m and faces south. After a native ferment in stainless, with frequent pumping over and punch downs, all of the Baroli were aged in lightly toasted 30% new French oak for 24 months and one year further in the bottle before release. Fragrant wild cherry, medicinal raspberry, and roses fill the palate of this powerful Barolo, bedded with subtle candle wax and scented with scrubby herbs. The ample sticky tannins lead this to a ferrous, saline finish. Very much in youth, this has ample time ahead in the cellar.Prices:| ON | $139.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
E. Pira & Figli de Chiara Boschis Barolo Via Nuova 2018
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOne of 3 Barolo released by Chiara this year, with vinification and aging are kept the same across the three to highlight the differences of the terroir. Barolo Via Nuova comes from 6 different organic cru located in three different villages: Barolo (Terlo – Liste); Monforte d’Alba (Ravera di Monforte – Mosconi); and Serralunga d’Alba (Gabutti e Baudana). All told, these 2.5 hectares sit at 340m, and face southeast. After a native ferment in stainless, with frequent pumping over and punch downs, all of the Baroli were aged in lightly toasted 30% new French oak for 24 months, and one year further in the bottle prior to release. Amply perfumed with wild flowers, violets, iris across a structured palate, filled in with blueberries, wild blackberries, and scented with scrubby balsam. Tannins are long and fine, well integrated into this stately, yet accessible Barolo. The finish lingers long with fine minerality and subtle salinity. Drinking smartly now, and with ample cellaring time ahead.Prices:| ON | $119.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyProduttori del Barbaresco was formed in 1958 by a priest of the village of Barbaresco who discerned small properties would need to unite to survive. Hence, nineteen small growers founded the co-op. Today 54 members control more than 100 hectares of premium nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family wholly owns their land, growing nebbiolo grapes with centuries-old skill and dedication. The winery produces a Barbaresco DOCG, a blend of nebbiolo grapes harvested from different vineyards, and a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe suited for earlier consumption. Nine single-vineyard Barbarescos are produced in outstanding vintages from nine premium sites within the Barbaresco village boundaries. The Langhe Nebbiolo is made from young vines across the DOC, fermented in stainless and with six months in large oak. The latest version is a terrific example of aromatic and juicy nebbiolo with that dry Italian styling that makes it so attractive. Look for violets, cassis, tobacco, black cherry, and licorice with firm but rounded tannins resulting from fermentation in concrete tanks. I like the versatility of serving this with mushroom pizzas, meaty pasta, or a chicken cacciatore dish.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Dolcetto Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis label is consistently bright and tangy with rusty, earthy rhubarb, red currant, and tart cherry. The fruit is grown on the gravel, glacial till and silty loams of Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. It is fermented in 1 ton open topped fermenters, punched down by hand 2-4 times daily. Next, the must is moved to concrete and stainless steel tanks, where it completes the alcoholic fermentation and goes through malolactic before aging for eight months. Bright and playful, this is ideally suited to grilled sausages or grilled vegetables that can take on tangy acidity. I applaud their work with this grape, and the authentic characters produced so far.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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06 February 2023
92PTS
Lock and Worth Sémillon Kelowna 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear after year, Lock & Worth produces some of the top sémillon in the Okanagan. This 2018 bottling is sourced from a West Kelowna vineyard on Mount Boucherie, initially planted in 1993, and it's an incredible expression of variety and place. Now just starting to show some signs of bottle age, this has a stunningly complex nose of zesty lemon, green apple skin, peach, wax, honeysuckle, and subtle lees, with a natural purity to the fruit. Taut, vervy, and lean at just 10.4%, the palate is exceptionally concentrated and textured, with noticeable dry extract, belying the low alcohol. This type of wine raises the hair on your arms. In a word, electric.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2021
California, United StatesKJ has always been about cool coastal fruit, which should work for sauvignon blanc, a newer wine in their lineup. I note this edition is skinnier than it has been, with a central theme of floral and citrus notes reminiscent of pink grapefruit, melon, lemongrass, and honeysuckle. A 15 percent addition of barrel fermented fruit has softened the edges, giving it a California finish. The fruit is a broad mix: 69% Lake County; 12% Mendocino County; 10% Monterey County; 6% San Luis Obispo County; and 3% Santa Barbara County.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Crema Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema Sauvignon opens with a whiff of passionfruit and then strays a little more toward the exotic pineapple, guava, and lemongrass sector. It’s softer than any Kiwi version, but the roundness will attract as many as it will reject. The finish is medium-light with a subtle grapefruit mineral undertow. Ready to drink with sushi, chicken fingers, or a Greek salad.Prices:| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sea Change Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA lightish, easy sipping style, this ready-to-drink sauvignon blanc from the Pays d’Oc arrives with fresh lemon rind and subtle gooseberry, finishing with subtle green notes and a crisp, clean palate. Sea Change makes a range of ethically sourced, environmentally conscious wines that support ocean conservation through direct partnerships with ocean and marine-focused charities. Read more at seachangewine.comPrices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Condor Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Mendoza, Argentina2019 was clean, crisp, and bright, with vibrant lemon, green apple, and lemon pith, and 2021 is identical. It is a massive achievement for a wine that sells for $12. Slender and inviting, a subtle layer of lees gives the texture a touch of creaminess and weight that easily support its citrus grapefruit finish. If you are paying too much for introductory sauvignon blanc, this is one to look for.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2020
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe Reserve tier of Sauvignon Blanc at Villa Maria contains the most prized vineyards throughout the Wairau and is only realized in the top vintages. From primarily the Laugesson vineyard, with smaller parts off Hocquard, Maxwell, and Cowley, these vines are rooted in deep silts, loess, and clay. It was fermented in stainless and remained on lees for a couple of months. Zesty and pungent, with white asparagus, passionfruit, and hedgerow on a creamy palate, livened with lime zest, grapefruit, and jalapeño, and lingering with stony spice on the warming finish. Not shy but suave, this Reserve packs a punch, making it easily workable with richer seafood or veg dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Blank Canvas Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Holdaway Vineyard 2021
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the Holdaway Family vineyard at Dillons Point, a Marlborough subregion. It is tank fermented, but the fruit has a complex texture laced with salt and minerals. It is the kind of sophisticated sauvignon serious wine drinkers are looking for from New Zealand. Passionfruit and guava mixed with hints of oyster liquor provide the perfect balance of fruit and complexity. Most shellfish work here, before or during dinner.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaWe know Adelaide Hills can be a cool site, as exemplified by the quality of this sauvignon blanc. The nose of this free run white is tropical, conjuring up grapefruit and lemons, with litchi and passionfruit, all perfectly balanced in a long, persistent finish. Impressive, to say the least, and is a fine addition to the Down Under white wine scene in BC. Good value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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03 February 2023
90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Old Vines Syrah 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaComing from Canada’s oldest syrah vines planted in Naramata, this deeply coloured syrah opens with brooding dark fruit and earthy notes. With only 12.4% abv declared, you would expect something light, but there’s ample dry extract here, making it meaty and chewy but not quite fleshy. Stripped down of any fat and flesh, it’s pretty tight and firm, with sufficient tannins and taut acidity to frame the dark fruit. It finishes with lingering flavours of spices and a subtle hint of iodine as well as a touch of sweetness. Aerating for a couple of hours beforehand will help unmask the flavours.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Middle Bench Vineyard Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Blind Creek Vineyard, Cawston syrah (97%) mixed with La Côte Vineyard, Keremeos viognier (3%) is all Similkameen Valley and part of the Clos du Soleil Winemaker’s Series. It opens with a mysteriously opaque level of black purple. The nose has an enticing, beguiling wild black fruit with dried herbs and white pepper. On the palate, black raspberries reign with a deep silky plummy mid palate awash in pillowy tannins dusted in floral, sagebrush, and baking spices. Long, penetrating, and balanced with a touch of dark chocolate in the finish. As drinkable as it seems, this stony mineral affair will live in the bottle for years, if not decades. The fruit is hand-harvested at peak maturity, gently destemmed, lightly crushed, and fermented in concrete. The destemmed viognier was co-fermented with the syrah at just the perfect quantity to brighten up the syrah without intruding. It was aged 16 months in French oak barrels, of which only five percent were new. This is a benchmark wine.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Condor Peak Syrah 2020
ArgentinaIt’s no secret that the vast majority of wine at retail is overpriced, which makes us want to pull for any wine that sells for $12-$13. This wine is simple, if not ordinary, for a Mendoza red, but it’s not a malbec, which could explain its lack of character. It is soft, round, red, and drinkable but could be from anywhere. Maybe an injection of malbec would help this wine reach its goal of being inexpensive and tasty. Hamburgers, or a beef taco are the match.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Orofino Reserve Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Syrah is a limited release small batch wine aged in the finest French oak barrels. On the surface, it presented more depth and a somewhat firmer structure, with denser, sweeter tannins and increased spice. Look for a wild wine with a light peppery meaty style, all with a touch of leanness and reserve. In many ways, it portrays the power and weight of syrah, but it has a certain elegance that catches you by surprise and that tempers its wild terroir. Complex and balanced, serve this with lamb or roasted pork for best results.Prices:| BC | $29.65 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Orofino Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKeremeos is home to this old vine single vineyard syrah that sits above the valley floor on a wild, windy, harsh and rocky site. It is native fermented in open-top fermenters, and the cap is hand punched down twice daily before spending 16 months in older French barrels. Minimal winemaking and only 13.2 percent alcohol are the key to releasing the wild Similkameen notes that permeate this syrah, and energize its spicy, meaty nose. The tannins are structurally present but dense and sweet and laced with minerality. Like last year, but even better, this is all you could want in a big, mouth-filling syrah. This will age effortlessly, but don't be afraid to drink it now. It is a splendid bottle.Prices:| BC | $27.74 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Syrah 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThe Mount Boucherie Reserve Syrah was farmed at Lazy River Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, South Rock Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench, and Lost Horn Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The blend is an attractive drink-now style of syrah with rich, black cherry, peppery fruit, relatively sleek in style and moderate at 13.5 percent in alcohol after 15 months of barrel ageing. The finish is wild, stony dry, and mineral soaked, adding an excellent level of complexity to the wine. Think fire-roasted meats, lamb, venison, and duck, all of which you can enjoy at the winery restaurant The Modest Butcher.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection Jagged Rock Vineyard Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJagged Rock Vineyard is fast becoming a Grand Cru vineyard in the South Okanagan. It is a spectacular piece of dirt surrounded by steep rocky cliffs at 356m - 385m elevation. The sparse, sun-scorched soils hit with reflected heat off the soaring cliffs make it ideal for a heat-loving grape variety. Expect an aromatic floral nose that pulls you into a red wine swimming in dense black fruits, spice, pepper, and sweet, generous tannins that fill the palate from front to back. The mix is 97/3 syrah/viognier, with the latter white fixing the colour and lifting the front end with those floral notes. It spends 15 months in 60 percent French oak barrels, 16 percent in foudre, and eight percent in puncheon. You can enjoy this wine now, but it will only improve in bottle over the next seven to ten years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Old Vines Syrah 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNichol first planted syrah back in 1990. The small block, totalling just 17 rows, is the oldest planting of syrah in Canada. It's stood the test of time, on own-rooted vines no less, and today produces one of the benchmark Okanagan bottlings. The winemaking is all about showcasing the fruit from these old vines. Fermented in small open-top fermenters and then basket pressed, aged in older 500-litre puncheons and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright and vibrant, it shows black raspberry and bramble, lifted by perfumed violets alongside savoury notes of cured meat and spice. It evolves every time you go back to the glass, and this will only continue to improve with time in bottle.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tightrope Winery Syrah 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Naramata Bench syrah, co-fermented with viognier (6%), exhibits a bright yet deep crimson colour. It's perfumed, packed with florals, clove, and peppery spices layered with red and black brambleberries. It's everything you would expect from a good syrah. The hallmark black pepper note is more emphasized on the palate, continuing through to the finish. The lighter weight, perhaps lifted by the refreshing acidity and silky tannins, makes it approachable at this stage and enjoyable for immediate consumption.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kitsch Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis syrah sees Kitsch venture from their East Kelowna estate to the South Okanagan. That sun-soaked ripeness is felt here, with a dark, brooding nose of brambly fruit, chocolate, and lavish oak spices. A solid, polished, bold red, but one that seems to depart from what we've come to expect and love about Kitsch.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Miles From Nowhere Shiraz 2020
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaMargaret River shiraz is miles from nowhere which may explain its style: lighter than traditional Oz shiraz but often more complex. The fruit is night-harvested during the coolest hours. At the winery, the fruit is gently split or kept whole to promote different levels of carbonic maceration to freshen the must and add more complexity. The fermentation occurs in a combination of open-top and closed stainless fermenters with temperature control. The various batches are aged in French and American oak for 16 to 18 months before a barrel selection decides on the final blend. The nose is highly aromatic with super fragrant blue fruit mixed with cedar, dried herbs and white pepper. The palate is juicy with intense boysenberry dusted in vanilla and baking spices, with a fresh undercurrent. The winery suggests a ribeye steak with an Argentinian chimichurri sauce, and I say bring it on. Drink or hold through 2025. Good value.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terralux Syrah 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2018 showed well at the highly critical National Wine Awards, taking home a silver medal. It remains consumer friendly with an inviting smoky, earthy, cracked pepper nose. The entry is soft and round with rich black fruit, black pepper, and a touch of meaty animal notes. The tannins are well managed; if anything, the intensity drops off through the finish, with a little less structure and more drinkability, making it fun to drink now. Lamb chops, anyone?Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Winemaker's Cut Bohemian Syrah 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new wine to us, but on first impression, it brings quite a bit to the table. The blend is 92/8 syrah/viognier, with the latter adding quite a floral jasmine and violet character to the wine. The Bohemian labels are single vineyard offerings made in small quantities and are made only in the finest of years by winemaker Michael Mosney. The colour is close to opaque, and the attack leads with juicy black fruit laced with black licorice, white pepper, cloves, and some quiet oak. The style is bone dry, and in such a youthful state, it needs equally intense food like lamb or venison at this point. A good effort that may be even better with a little less viognier next time out. The fruit comes off Deadman Lake Vineyard in Oliver and is cold-soaked for two days, followed by 18-day fermentation on organic yeast. It spends ten months in a mix of Slovakian, American, and French oak barrels. I suggest you give this syrah three to five more years of bottle ageing for best results.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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02 February 2023
89PTS
Collavini Broy 2019
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyCollavini began in 1896 under founder Eugenio Collavini. His grandson, Manlio, is known as 'the lord of ribolla, for his work the grape. The winery is now in the hands of Manlio and his sons Giovanni and Luigi. They are now centred in Corni di Rosazzo, with 170 hectares of vineyards in Collio, on the Slovenian boarder, and Colli Orientali, at altitude. This blends Friulano (50%) and Chardonnay (30%) that were partially dried in lofts, with 20% sauvignon, harvested normally. The 3 parts were then blended and fermented in a mix of stainless and barrique. This powerful wine mixed dried citrus fruits with fresh lemon, ripe peach, and apricot, filling a creamy, expansive palate. The sides are gripped with buzzy stones and toasty wood, taking this to a snappy orange finish. Quite a surprising, peculiar wine. Partner with shellfish and/or squash risotto.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Rolet Arbois Tradition 2015
Arbois, Jura, FranceThis oxidative 50/50 blend of chardonnay and savagnin is from parcels in Château Gimon and Sous le Viaduc, in Montigny-Les-Arsures, planted in grey marls. The savagnin is aged sous voile in an oak barrel for four years, while the chardonnay was aged for four years in foudres, topped up (ouillés). The components were blended and rested for three months before bottling. Pouring a light golden hue, this opens with an evident oxidative note thanks to the savagnin (lightly reminiscent of amontillado) but with a creamy lemon, green apple, and lees woven in, courtesy of the chardy. The two seemingly at ends parts come together in a nutty, lemony, medium-bodied wine, with a fine grip around the sides and a lingering tart salted lemon finish. Try with a French onion soup.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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01 February 2023
90PTS
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Branco 2021
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIlimitado is akin to Seabra's village wine. This Branco comes from mica, schist, and feldspar soils (what winemaker Luis Seabra deems the best for whites), this is a field blend of rabigato, códega, gouveio, vioshino and more, with vines 30-60 years old, and at 400-500m in altitude. After crushing and destemming, the grapes are pressed together, native fermented, and aged in used French oak barrels for 7 months on lees, with no MLF or bâtonnage. Fragrant pear blossoms, lemon streak across a sleek, silken palate, ringing with river stones and a peachy kiss. Lovely pure version of the grapes.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Brotte Esprit Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis blend of Grenache blanc 70%, Clairette 15%, Viognier 15% was fermented in stainless (no MLF) where it remained for 6 months on lees. Ripe and creamy white peach, lush melon, fragrant orchard blossoms is bedded with a downy layer of lees, finishing briefly with a little stony spicing and a flush of warmth. A simple, creamy, floral white for drinking now.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Ferraton Père & Fils Samorëns 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Ferraton family have been winemakers for generations, and the estate was converted to biodynamic practices by Michel Chapoutier. This CdR Blanc blends Grenache blanc 30%, Roussanne 30%, Viognier 30%, Clairette 10%, from clay-limestone soils. It was fermented in stainless (no MLF) where it remained for a few months prior to bottling. Tight white blossoms, ripe pear, white peach, and kisses of honeysuckle glide along a glycerin palate, with light stony spices on the snappy finish. A fresh, medium bodied white for drinking now with salads or lighter vegetarian dishes.Prices:| QC | $17.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Frind Estate Baronesse 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn the Okanagan, we're increasingly seeing syrah in so-called Bordeaux blends, so it's only fitting to see viognier (3%) alongside sauvignon blanc (69%) and sémillon (25%), in this case, rounded out by a dollop chardonnay. It offers a complex, developed nose rich in honeyed stone fruits and fine herbs, lifted by toasted spices and dried orange blossoms. It's distinctive and oddly compelling, with a rich, oily texture that will be versatile with roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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