
Tastings: July 2025
04 July 2025

93PTS
Orofino Syrah 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Similkameen Valley is home to this pure fruited, varietally correct syrah that takes me to the Rhône, where it would compete favourably with many examples grown in the historic region. The excellent 2022 vintage boasts of violets and cherry, complemented by a fragrant dusting of pepper that lingers throughout its lengthy finish. It is aged in a small combination of new French oak and concrete tanks, with the remaining portion aging in neutral barrels for 17 months. This is an exceptional wine, and we have found, through experience, that it ages effortlessly for a minimum of 10 to 15 years.Prices:BC | $31.65 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ochota Barrels Where's the Pope? Syrah 2024
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom organic Onkaparinga Hills syrah, planted on schist and clay in 1996 comes this perfumed, crunchy, savoury, and structural syrah, all whole bunch (20% carbo), early-ish picked, native fermented and pressed to seasoned French oak for 5 months with no additions or deletions save for minimal SO2. Sultry salted plum, fragrant boysenberry, perfumed mulberry, wild botanicals, and heaps of white pepper and flake salt are woven throughout the slight palate, hugged with fine, supple tannins, and lingering long with stony salinity and ample lashings of white pepper. Such a graceful charmer. Enjoy liberally with a light chill. 2750 bottles produced.Prices:BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kacaba Terraced Vineyard Syrah 2021
Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom a terraced vineyard on the Kacaba site, this syrah was cold soaked and fermented with 9.3% viognier before inoculation and fermentation. Post ferment, this rests in French and American oak. Tart cassis, bitter cherry, dark cocoa, and spice rule this leaner red, fleshed out some with toast and ripeness, but ultimately framed with pasty tannins to a clipped finish. I don't think syrah is so well suited to this climate.Prices:ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kacaba Proprietor's Block Syrah 2021
Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis is the youngest of 3 syrah blocks on Kacaba vineyard, facing south. This was blended with 7.4% viognier and cold soaked for 2 days before inoculation and fermentation, followed by 14 months in French and American oak. Tart cassis, dark cocoa runs the brief palate, with some sticky / powdery tannins to frame, and a clipped finish. Not so sure syrah is the right choice for this site and climate.Prices:ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Syrah 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's a shame that syrah has proven so not winter hardy, and especially when you taste accomplished wines like this 2022 syrah. From vineyards in Similkameen's Cawston and Keremeos, this destemmed syrah was co-fermented with 2% viognier over 3 weeks, then pressed and aged for 16 months in French barrels (75% neutral, no new wood). Smouldering black plum, fleshy black cherry, bacon fat, and cracked peppercorn run across a stony base, framed with structural, smoky, sticky tannins and easily lofted with windswept acidity. Not shy, give this some airtime now, or better yet, time in your cellar.Prices:BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mac Forbes Syrah 2023
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThe stelvin Yarra Syrah is a blend of fruit from their farmed fruit plus grower vineyards across both the upper Yarra and Valley floor. This vintage included 10% whole bunches, was native fermented and spent 14-18 days on skins in stainless before resting 8 months in older small and large format oak. It was bottled without fining or filtration. Super peppery throughout its slender 12% form, this courses with herbaceous thorniness, scrubby wild herbs fragrant violets, and silky dark plum. Tannins are fine and supple, casing this through a lingering and lifted white pepper finish. A fine and pretty iteration of cool climate Aussie syrah (note, NOT shiraz).Prices:BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Syrah 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Black Sage Terrace's Cerqueira Vineyard, this syrah is plumped out with 7% merlot. Mostly destemmed (15% whole clusters) before inoculation and 3 weeks' maceration. It was then aged 16 months in neutral French barrels and tank. Peppery black fruit leads and carries through the finish, seasoning a juicy palate of blackberry, cassis, and cracked baking spices. Tannins are chewy, though acidity is present, making this useful for beef or lamb braises.Prices:BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2022
Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCrozes-Hermitage is produced in the Northern Rhône Valley, where syrah is the primary red grape. Traditionally, Crozes comes off flatter sites in somewhat richer soils and is made in a more approachable style when compared to Hermitage, but not at Guigal. The 2022 vintage showcases aromas characteristic of the region, featuring red and black fruits with a hint of smoked ham. On the palate, it presents full bodied flavours with mostly red fruits, accompanied by hints of graphite and mineral asperities. Balance and restraint alongside the characteristic power of syrah is all you could ask for. Lamb, anyone?Prices:BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
MB | $54.00 | 750ml |
QC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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03 July 2025

88PTS
Foreign Affair Cabernet Merlot 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet franc and merlot opens with deep cushy plums and blackberry jam, seasoned with wood toast, and framed with sinewy, well-integrated tannins to a bitter cocoa / espresso finish. The weight and heft is well balanced with bright, herbal-twinged acidity, making this a smart choice for food pairings (think grilled beef) now.Prices:ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Merlot blends merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc dating back to 1988 plantings in the Old Farm Block's silty clay soils. Destemmed fruit is partially fermented in a 5000L oak tank before aging in smaller French and American barriques (40% new) for 18 months. Polished blackberry, black cherry, dark earth teems through this structural wine, with long, lightly herbal, and finely sticky tannins housing this to a lingering spiced finish. An easy acidity is well integrated, helping make this an excellent choice for special roast beef / root veg dinners.Prices:ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Henry of Pelham The School House Cabernet Merlot 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet(s?) and merlot comes off the Short Hills Bench estate's silty clays. It was destemmed and partially fermented in oak with extended maceration before aging in European and American oak (30% new) over 10 months. Perfumed black cherry, dark raspberry is threaded with branchy herbs and dark cocoa along a streamlined palate. Tannins are fine and lightly sticky, guiding this to a cinnamon kissed finish. The wood is well integrated, and acidity is easy, making this a suitable partner for grilled pork / root veg / beef.Prices:ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Henry of Pelham Cabernet Merlot 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon was fermented relatively quickly to preserve the juicy fruit character. Mocha, blackberry jam, ripe cherries are seasoned with toasted wood, and framed with sticky tannins, leading to a baking spice finish. A simple red, ready for your rustic stews.Prices:ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlot 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot was aged in 60% French and 40% American barrels (mix of old and new) for 16 months. Ripe and dense with baked cherry, blackberry pie, and smokey / toasty seasoning, wrapped with sticky tannins taking this to a warming finish. A big, yet simple red, built for casual fare on the BBQ.Prices:ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Megalomaniac Pompous Cabernet Merlot 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blends 85% cabernet franc, 15% merlot, with 1 year in French wood (75% neutral). Plump, ripe plum, tart blackberry is wrapped with sticky, pasty tannins, and lifted with bright acidity to a lightly spiced finish. Crack into with grilled kabobs.Prices:ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kacaba Cabernet 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Escarpment, this blend of 48% cabernet franc, 38% cabernet sauvignon, and 14% syrah was fermented in stainless before oak aging over 8 months. Tart cassis, black raspberry, ashy tobacco run the brief, but juicy palate, with slightly sticky tannins. Suitable to crack into with grilled burgers.Prices:ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Søren Red Blend Boundary Spring 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Similkameen Valley's Boundary Springs Vineyard (385-425m) and its silty loams and gravels, this blends 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 12% Malbec, and 5% Syrah. Each aged in neutral French barriques (30% seeing new wood). This blend was pieced together from the top barrels. The wild Similkameen shines brightly here, with scrubby herbs scenting black cherry, wild thorny blackberry, with a tart cassis lift on a slightly hazy finish. Supple tannins are well integrated, though still structural, guiding this through lingering black pepper and violets. Quite smart, and a great snapshot of place and time.Prices:BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's hard to follow up on the sensational 2020 Meritage from BOV, but when you add a hint of smoke, it gets even dicier. That said, you could argue that the smoke is a more of a complex-er here because it's pretty subtle, but the impact still takes away from this wine's vitality. The tannins are well managed, the textures are soft and round, and it's easy to drink, so I'll give it that. I bet many will not even notice the smoke, but we can be more demanding. We look forward to the 2022 release.Prices:BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Søren Red Blend Boundary Spring 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is classic Similkameen, blending scrubby desert with sweet caramel and a mix of black cherry, wild blackberry, and a high acid finish. The tannins are youthful, with some dryness that dissipates as the wine ages. The finish is peppery and lengthy. This is a big red that will require 5-7 years of further bottle age to reach its plateau. You can drink it now if you must, and share it with friends and a Tomahawk steak. Boundary Springs Vineyard sits between 385-425m above sea level in the Similkameen Valley. The wild, windy site is a mix of silty loams and gravels; the blend is 35/30/18/12/5 cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc / merlot / malbec / syrah. Each aged separately in mostly neutral French barriques with only 30% new wood. The final selection represents the top barrels.Prices:BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEsteemed viticulturist Richard Cleave established the Phantom Creek Vineyard in 1996 on the lower terrace of the Black Sage Bench. The eight acre parcel is predominantly planted with cabernet sauvignon, the primary variety in most single vineyard bottlings since inception. The 2020 vintage was particularly favourable for ripening late harvest varieties such as cabernet sauvignon. It checks in at 15.3% alcohol, but as it ages, it remains a well balanced red with a lot of promise. It spent 22 months in 65% new French oak, which seems to have allowed the alcohol and tannins to mesh seamlessly. The blend of petit verdot, malbec, syrah, cabernet franc, and merlot continues to improve in the bottle, allowing its diverse range of flavours, led by plums, cassis, boysenberries, and black cherries, to shine. The fish is classic south Okanagan sagebrush with a dusting of tobacco. Wow, this week is off to a great start and getting better every day. Exclusive to members of the Phantom Creek wine club.Prices:BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Otter Trail Winery Cuvée Rouge 2022
CanadaOtter Trail Blend is composed of 38% cabernet sauvignon, 38% cabernet franc, 16% syrah, and 8% merlot. It is reminiscent of the early BC red wines, characterized by light body, notable acidity, and medium ripeness. The palate features red fruits and spice with an earthy finish. This wine pairs well with pizza, though it comes at a higher price point.Prices:BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Narrative Red Merlot Cabernet Franc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a delicious backyard red, preferably paired with some grilled sausages, burgers, or a meaty pizza. The blend is a cabernet franc and merlot fermented in concrete. The attack is juicy, the style is lively, and flavours a mix of savoury Okanagan underbrush with cherry, cranberry and bright acidity. Easy to drink and ready to be served all summer around the barbecue. Good value.Prices:BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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02 July 2025

87PTS
Trail Estate Juicy Red 2023
Ontario, CanadaJuicy Red is a blend of marquette from organic Appletop Vineyard, 240m close to Georgian Bay, along with 20% viognier from Grimsby Hillside, 10% Gew from Tzafona Vineyard, and 10% cabernet franc from Foxcroft Vineyard. Partial carbo, partial whole cluster, partially destemmed and aged in neutral French oak, the whole has come together in a fruity, juicy, chillable, crown cap red. Each grape rears up some, as does the carbo and a bit of VA, but if you're looking for a tart cherry, raspberry, floral, chillable red with zero tannins for a sunny patio, try this.Prices:ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Grão Vasco Tinto 2022
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Dão region is located just south of the famed Douro Valley in northern Portugal and has long been home to a wealth of dependable reds. Grão Vasco Red is a surprisingly elegant blend that sells for a pittance. The nose is a youthful mix of strawberries and cherries, with blackberry and balsamic notes. The textures are soft, the tannins round, and easy to sip. This is it if you are looking for a bargain hamburger, empanadas, or beef taco kind of red.Prices:BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
SK | $12.95 | 750ml |
ON | $8.20 | 750ml |
MB | $9.86 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mariatinto Red 2021
Guadalupe, Baja California, MexicoFrom the thriving Valle de Guadalupe wine region, within Mexico’s Baja California, comes this red blend focused on tempranillo, syrah, and nebbiolo, with minor splashes for merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and grenache. It rested 1 year in French oak before release. Stony black cherry, medicinal blackberry, and wild mint are woven throughout this mouthfilling, cushy wine, with sticky tannins and noticeable oak seasoning. This medium+ wine is drinking now, ideally with grilled beef / peppers.Prices:BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stoneboat Vineyards Small Lot Series Pinotage Syrah 2022
Black Sage Gravel Bar, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 50% pinotage and 50% syrah wine is an exclusive, small lot wine club blend that opens with intense black currant and plums dusted with sagebrush, leather, and cedar. All that tumbles onto the palate, pitching wild berries, meaty game, and black pepper. This fruit is a mix of wine that originates from Stoneboat Vineyard on Road 9 (QG), and Sunflower. It has been aged in a 75/25 mix of French and American oak barrels (25% new) for 18 months. The alcohol content is a modest 13.6%. This is best suited to meaty dishes, such as hamburgers or root vegetable casseroles.Prices:BC | $42.90 | 750ml |
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01 July 2025

88PTS
JoieFarm Pinot Gris Pacific Northwest Edition 2024
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Pacific Northwest Edition label is how JoieFarm chose to differentiate their Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. This gris came from Coventry Vale in Washington State's Wahluke Slope, and was fermented and rested for a short time in stainless. Juicy pear, orchard apples is lit with a citrus acidity that streams this through a grapefruit laced finish. Fresh and friendly, and ready to crack into this summer.Prices:BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Pinot Gris Columbia River Plateau 2024
Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesExpect a clean and fresh style of gris with medium intensity. Green apples and nectarines characterize the aroma and initial flavours, along with grapefruit and lemon, leading to a crisp finish. This wine pairs excellently with oysters, delicate chicken dishes, or winery selections such as grilled vegetables or goat cheese. The grapes were sourced from Ancient Lakes Vineyard within the Ancient Lakes AVA in Washington State, USA. The wine underwent aging for seven months using a combination of ceramic balls (39%), stainless steel (47%), and neutral French oak puncheons (14%). Production was limited to only 166 cases.Prices:BC | $26.18 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Privato Vineyard and Winery Washington Series Pinot Gris Limited Edition 2024
Washington, United StatesClean, fresh, soft, and fruity characteristics characterize many of the Washington State pinot gris I am observing this year, replacing the 2024 harvest in BC that did not occur. The Privato Washington Series exhibits these qualities, along with additional notes of peach and pear, complemented by hints of honey and flint. The palate is similar, with increased minerality and a dry, lime-like acidity in the finish. This wine pairs well with goat cheese or clams.Prices:BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kacaba Jennifer's Pinot Gris 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaRipe pear, yellow apple, and stony spices lead this snappy, dry gris, finishing with a bitter tangerine twist. A crisp, easy, and simple wine to crack into now.Prices:ON | $24.15 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris Cascadia Series 2024
Washington, United StatesSourced from grapes in Washington state, this is a blend of 92% pinot gris, 3% viognier, 2% sauvignon Blanc, 1.5% chardonnay, and 1.5% muscat. On the nose, pear, very ripe grapefruit, honeydew melon, hints of mango and passionfruit lead. Great, slightly spicy, pinot gris character in abundance here. The tropical flavours take lead on the palate along with honey and lots of pear. Fleet and balanced, with a slightly soft acidity that emphasizes the lush rounded fruit notes. There's a complementary light, grassy back current in the long finish.Prices:BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Pinot Gris Stoneridge Vineyard Oregon 2024
Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe grapes were sourced from Stoneridge Vineyard, an own rooted organic site planted in 1985 in the northern part of the Willamette Valley, within the Ribbon Ridge AVA. The juice was transported overnight to Tantalus' East Kelowna cellar and fermented using seven pinot gris yeasts. It rested on the lees for three months in a combination of neutral wood and stainless tanks and underwent partial malolactic fermentation. This opens with light notes of apple, lemon, and pear that follow through on the flavours. Precise, focused cool climate fruit is the key here, straddling the line between apple and pear, while adding a hint of lemon citrus. Pure flavours and an impeccably balanced finish.Prices:BC | $20.87 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Gris Grown in Washington State 2024
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe grapes were sourced from the certified sustainable Andrews Family Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The soils in the pinot gris block are silty-loam over top of fractured basalt, and are similar to the soils in the Blasted Church home vineyard. After a two hour cold soak, the juice was pressed into the tank and trucked to the winery's Skaha Lake cellar for fermentation. The restrained aroma doesn't quite prepare you for the transparent suite of following flavours: rounded notes of melon, honey, bruléed pear, dried apricot, and a drift of sweet spiciness. Definitely on the Alsace end of the pinot gris scale, the elemental flavours here are smooth, harmonious, and beautifully balanced.Prices:BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mayhem Pinot Gris Columbia River Plateau 2024
Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis replacement gris originates from the Ancient Lakes Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA of Washington State. It underwent a long fermentation in stainless steel, followed by a four month aging process that consisted of 81% stainless steel and 19% seasoned puncheons under the direction of winemaker Ajay Chavan. The nose presents an appealing and flavourful leesy character, reminiscent more of French chardonnay than Washington pinot gris. The initial taste is dry, featuring notes of citrus and peach. It continues with crisp, green apple, complemented by additional notes of toast, lees, and citrus. This wine is ready for immediate enjoyment and pairs with grilled chicken or creamy pasta dishes. The winery's suggested pairing features grilled peaches with burrata and a drizzle of honey. Good value.Prices:BC | $21.83 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Julia Reserva Pinot Grigio 2023
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Argentinian pinot grigio is similar to the BC style, offering intense, focused flavours with a fresh mineral finish. Its bright lemon finish is dry, with a hint of sea salt. Pair it with dishes that benefit from a squeeze of lemon, such as oysters or deep fried seafood. It's a good value.Prices:BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bogle Vineyards Elemental Pinot Grigio 2023
California, United StatesElement[AL] Wines are the first of its kind wine brand delivered in 750ml aluminum wine bottles, 80% lighter than its glass competitors. The container, shaped like a standard bottle, is 100% recyclable. Made of aluminum, it requires only 5% of the original energy to recycle and is valuable to local collection agencies for recycling. American pinot grigio will never surprise, but it is always enjoyable: soft, round, fruity, and clean with enough acidity to keep you interested. It's a perfect summer patio wine that can go places glass bottles cannot.Prices:BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Free Form Pinot Gris Organic 2020
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic pinot gris, blended from 50% juice and 50% whole cluster fruit grown around Haywire Winery, is native fermented in amphora, where it remained on skins and lees for 9 months. There is no pressing. It opens with a lightly aged nose and flavours of peaches, earth, and apricots. The texture is at its best, rich and smooth, with a peach skin finish. Time to drink up.Prices:BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quails' Gate Field and Flight Pinot Gris Farmed in California 2024
United StatesThe Field & Flight wines are a Quails' Gate adventure into uncharted territories. The Pinot Gris is farmed in California and Washington and finished in Kelowna. The result is a soft floral rose and honey nose that spills onto and into a tropical fruit palate featuring pineapples and peaches. The finish is fresh, dry, and clean.Prices:BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris Washington 2024
Made in Canada from Imported and Domestic Ingredients, CanadaSimilar to the previous Canadian version, the See Ya Later Gris presents a soft and rounded profile, with a bouquet of orchard fruit salad. The palate offers ripe fruit complemented by a subtle hint of residual sweetness at the finish. This wine pairs well with spicy appetizers, such as spicy tuna sushi rolls or spicy wings. It is ready for immediate consumption, and its pricing is more than reasonable.Prices:BC | $17.25 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Roche Artist Series Pinot Gris 2024
Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesPenelope and Dylan Roche are terroirists, and so I'm not surprised that The Collaboration Pinot Gris is a well made, delicious white wine. It is farmed in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, and produced in Naramata, British Columbia. This stainless fermented wine opens with a bright, orchard fruit attack, a creamy mineral undercarriage, and a juicy finish. One of the best replacement gris I have tasted in 2024.Prices:BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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