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Tastings: September 2026
04 September 2026
89PTS
Francesco Cirelli Vino Rosso NV
Abruzzo, ItalyThe label has changed, and the wine is now NV (because it is appellated Vino Rosso) but this remains montepulciano from Abruzzo, and this bottling is from the 2025 vintage. From neighbouring organic fruit, this was native fermented and rested in stainless before bottling. Juicy plum, wild blackberries, balsam, and fragrant peonies are lifted with tight stony acidity, and corralled with pinchy tannins, closing this out with a dusting of pink peppercorn. Youthful, natural, textural, this is best taken with a light chill and a plate of charcuterie.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moon Curser Dolcetto 2025
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe love that BC can at least experiment with something like dolcetto to see what it can do in the Okanagan. The Moon Curser grapes come from the loamy sands of Fernandes Vineyard in Osoyoos. The winemaking is simple: keep it all cool, crush and ferment the grapes, and bottle them the following spring. Expect a juicy, lightly aromatic red wine with violets, plummy, jammy allure, black fruits, and a touch of black pepper. It has a small amount of tannin to work through, but it will be perfect now with grilled beef with a side of onions and mushrooms, or Bolognese pasta.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Travaglini Gattinara 2021
Gattinara, Piedmont, ItalyPiemonte's Gattinara is a different expression of nebbiolo than the Langhe examples. Here, tucked into the north part of the region, in the foothills of the Alps, nebbiolo is fresher, tauter, rooted in volcanic laced soils. This bottling is from various parts of the Travaglini estate, between 300-450m, and vines 15 - 45 years. It was fermented in stainless over 18 days before moving to large Slavonian barrels for 30 months. Wild cherry, tart raspberry, forest berries, crushed florals dart through a slender palate, shaped firmly by stones, and wrapped with ample long, fine, sticky tannins, pinning this in place through the crushed stone / orange rind finish. A really interesting extra lens for nebbiolo.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Vigneti Luigi Oddero Barolo Vigna Rocche Rivera 2021
Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOddero is one of the iconic, historic Barolo houses with a long history spanning over 200 years. There are mentions of the Oddero family in La Morra dating back to the 1700s, though the family was most likely there prior. When brothers Luigi and Giacomo divided their family estate in 2006, Luigi took with him a collection of vineyards across La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga, along with additional holdings in Treiso (Barbaresco). The Rocche Rivera is a cru within a cru, from the upper portion (300m) of a south facing vineyard in the Castiglione Falletto cru of Scarrone, on sandy limestone soils. Wild cherry, orange rind, fruit leather, and crushed roses pulse through this powerful Barolo, with ample sticky tannins to frame, and lingering crushed stones that stick on the finish. Density and power in spades, this deserves a decant and / or more time in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $250.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vigneti Luigi Oddero Convento Langhe Rosso 2024
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOddero is one of the iconic, historic Barolo houses with a long history spanning over 200 years. There are mentions of the Oddero family in La Morra dating back to the 1700s, though the family was most likely there prior. When brothers Luigi and Giacomo divided their family estate in 2006, Luigi took with him a collection of vineyards across La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga, along with additional holdings in Treiso (Barbaresco). Primarily made from Dolcetto blended with Barbera and a touch of Nebbiolo, from vineyards around the cellar at Santa Maria, this was native fermented in stainless, blended, and then rested for 6 months in cement (with nebbiolo in cask) with the final blend in late spring. Perfumed raspberry, wild cherry, darts of balsam, stony spice flood the palate of this juicy red. Intended for everyday drinking, tannins are fine but firm, providing backbone for food pairings, but not preventing solo sipping. A lovely, complete wine to enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mamete Prevostini Botonero Nebbiolo 2023
Valtellina, Lombardy, ItalyAlpi means Alps, the mountanous chain in the North of Italy. Retiche means Rheatic, the portion of the Alps in Valtellina close to the Swiss border. The Prevostini family planted vines here more than 70 years ago, and still are hands on in the vineyards and winery. This nebbiolo (locally known as chiavennasca) comes from terraced vineyards in the province of Sondrio. From altitudes up to 700m and a mix of sand, silt, limestone, and granite soils, this was done entirely in stainless, where it remained for 8 months post-ferment. Stony, medicinal red currant, crushed blue and red florals, kirsch is amply textured with crushed stones, and framed with grippy, ferrous-furred tannins. Such an interesting view of nebbiolo, outside of its Piemonte home, but very comfortable.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sordo Langhe Nebbiolo 2023
Piedmont, ItalySordo is now 4 generations deep in Barolo, established by Giuseppe Sordo at the beginning of the twentieth century. This Langhe Nebbiolo was fermented in stainless, and aged 9 months in large Slavonian casks. Perfumed cherry, wild raspberry, crushed florals glide through this softer, fragrant red, with long, fine tannins gently framing, and easy stony acidity to buoy. A pretty, friendly, and very smart welcoming introduction to nebbiolo and Piemonte. Drinking now, ideally with grilled pork / mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Podere Gagliassi Barolo 2020
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPodere Gagliassi is a historic winery in Monforte d'Alba overseen by owners, Roberto, Alberto, and Pietro. They became organic certified in 2020. This Barolo comes from estate and purchased fruit in Serralunga d'Alba at 400-450m. After a stainless ferment, this aged in French barriques. Ripe cherry, fragrant raspberry, tobacco is woven with earth, and wound with firm, sticky tannins, pinning this in through a pink peppercorn finish. Still good freshness from the ripe 2020 vintage, this is drinking well and with cellar time ahead.Prices:| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Oddero Barbaresco Gallina 2021
Piedmont, ItalyOddero is one of the iconic, historic Barolo houses with a long history spanning over 200 years. There are mentions of the Oddero family in La Morra dating back to the 1700s, though the family was most likely there prior. The winery was among the first producers to estate bottle their Barolo in the late 1800s, and the estate is in the careful hands of the 7th generation today. This Barbaresco is from a single vineyard in the renowned Gallina area in Neive, and vines 13 - 50 years old rooted in the calcareous marl soils. After a month of maceration / fermentation this rested in 40hL French and Austrian oak. Fragrant perfumed raspberry, wild cherry, bergamot are framed with sticky, firm, but fine tannins, and laced with crushed stony minerality. There's a lovely lingering stoniness on the long finish. Drinking now, and with ample time ahead.Prices:| BC | $127.00 | 750ml |
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03 September 2026
92PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Rosé 2025
British Columbia, CanadaLove the look, nose, and taste of this certified organic rosé. The aromatics of wild strawberries and raspberries mingle with English rose petals. The palate is fresh and smooth, allowing the pink to slip down effortlessly. The finish is clean and bright, ready to pair with food. Well done. This is 40% cabernet franc, 31% malbec ,and 29% merlot farmed from dedicated blocks in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys at Becker, Ryegrass, Richter and Evernden Spring Vineyards. It is all fermented and aged in stainless steel.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chapelle Saint-Jean Rosé 2025
Bordeaux, FranceSourced from the sunny Côtes du Marmandais along the Garonne River in Southwest France, Chapelle Saint Jean Rosé is a blend of merlot and cabernets. It offers light red fruit that lead to a crisp, lean, dry finish. A simple, straight-up French pink for everyday use.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Montrose Rosé Mont Rosé 2025
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis elegant, pale rosé (used to be called Rose Mon Rosé) is a blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah from Languedoc's calcareous clay, volcanic gravels. Pouring the palest peach hue, this dry, slight, svelte pink charms with orange blossoms, pear, pink grapefruit running over a stony base, finishing with lingering salinity. Quite smart, drinking now, solo or with foods.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
JoieFarm Rosé 2025
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJoie has long been one of BC's rosé specialists, and the pinot-gamay blend remains a house signature. Expect fragrant strawberry, cherry and watermelon supported by bright acidity and a silky texture. Elegant, energetic, and endlessly drinkable, this remains a benchmark for BC rosé.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Adega on 45th Rosé 2025
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a pale orange tint in the glass. The aroma offers a lively, dry blend of strawberries and watermelon. On the palate, expect pink grapefruit complemented by a herbal rhubarb finish. The ending is mouth-puckering and food friendly. Ideal pairings include salads with goat cheese, freshly shucked oysters, or a selection of olives, charcuterie, and roasted vegetables. A Portuguese choice is Gambas ao Alho.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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01 September 2026
93PTS
Mission Hill Compendium 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Compendium blend is a 41/36/23 mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc from the South Okanagan, specifically from designated blocks across several southern estates where poor, porous soils force vines to go deep in search of nutrients. Compendium has been pursuing a more elegant style, and the absence of petit verdot in the 2022 blend helps achieve that goal. The blueprint was a Left Bank Bordeaux styled blend, but it is now a full fledged South Okanagan red blend, with its own DNA evident in dark fruit streaked with cedar, sagebrush, and chocolate. Complex and classy, it stands on its own.Prices:| BC | $84.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Petite Cuvée 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a polished, Bordeaux inspired blend that opens with complex forest floor, firm minerality, and dark fruit. The palate is suave and layered, blending blackcurrant and tobacco with a dusting of spice. Concentrated yet harmonious, it offers complexity and elegance even at this young age, with a serious edge that will need another 3 to 5 years to reach its peak. The blend is 42% merlot, 34% cabernet franc, 22% cabernet sauvignon, and 2% malbec, grown on the Black Sage Bench and Golden Mile Bench, then aged 18 months in French oak, 45% new.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Maverick Estate Winery Renegade 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '22 Renegade continues a succession of releases that suggest this label is the real thing. It is a refined blend of cabernet franc and merlot, offering aromas of red currant, black cherries, cedar, and dried herbs. The palate has an attractive ripe plum and spice character, enhanced by plush, soft tannins. Fresh and balanced, this is a versatile, food friendly, juicy red with a savoury finish. Drink now or hold, you won't be disappointed.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Adega on 45th Malbec Merlot 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis label earned 90 points at the National Wine Awards and a silver medal. The 54% malbec and 46% merlot blend is fruit forward with black plums and blueberries that penetrates the mid-palate, and layered ripe dark fruit to a spicy finish. The tannins are soft, and the fruit : acid ratio is balanced, making the wine accessible now with most grilled meats. The winery likes it with black pepper steak or grilled portobello mushrooms with herbs. Adega is a 19 acre farm on the shores of Osoyoos Lake, founded by a Portuguese family and now under new ownership and led by wine industry veterans and general manager Christa-Lee McWatters, and winemakers Karen Yeung and Korol Kuklo.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Diversion 2024
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDiversion is a new release from Moon Curser, though one wonders whether they need another red label. The 46/34/21 blend of cabernet franc, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon opens with an expressive South Okanagan nose, floral and desert scrub threaded through ripe plums and a touch of black pepper, with dry tannins yet to shed. The winery suggests pairing it with a wild mushroom and lentil stew, charred eggplant, or a favourite Bolognese dish. There is no rush to drink this wine, as it will easily age another five years in the bottle. The fruit comes from three South Okanagan vineyards planted on sand to loamy sand, with silica and granite.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Le Cinciole Camalaione 2019
Tuscany, ItalyCamalaione is classified as IGT Toscana due to its Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah. Since its inception in 2000, its dark cherry, plum, and mocha immediately appeal, inviting you to explore the glass. The wine is textured and rich, with a complex, leathery, grilled herb, and forest floor finish. It typically matures for 2 years in French barriques, with half of the oak being new. While it possesses the strength characteristic of a Super Tuscan, it also showcases the freshness of high altitude vineyards at Panzano. Le Cinciole doesn't have a broad public profile like some of Tuscany's most renowned wineries, but it's quickly narrowing the gap with wines like Camalaione.Prices:| BC | $105.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Folgorosa Tinta 2021
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalFolgorosa Tinto is thought to be a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, and Syrah that opens with an expressive nose of wild berries, red currants, and floral and eucalyptus notes. The Quinta was founded in 1711 in Dois Portos, north of Lisbon, and the vineyard lies about 20 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, which explains its freshness, juicy red fruit character, bright acidity, and a reasonably supple style. This is a hamburger or flank steak red for the curious and the discerning wine crowd. Good value.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Upper Bench Altitude 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAltitude is the flagship red blend at Upper Bench, where the vines near the top of the property sit between 420 and 450 metres altitude, and about 100 metres above Okanagan Lake. The '22 blend is a mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and, for the first time, petit verdot. The verdot has added both weight and texture to the blend, which still has plenty of muscle and spice. There is no rush to drink this wine. In fact, time in the bottle is required to bring the balsamic, cedar, and black fruit components together. I recommend pairing it with a big, rich, soft cheese now, or cellaring it until 2028.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tightrope Winery Vertigo 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI liked the 2019, but I think the 2022 is even better. The Vertigo blend is an excellent illustration of how the Okanagan is experimenting freely, mapping out its future by blending barbera 50%, cabernet franc 35%, and merlot 15%, all grown sustainably on the estate at Fleet Road and Thomas Vineyards. The attack is a delicious mix of red fruits, cherries, olives, red currants dusted with liquorice, and desert scrub. It's perfectly balanced at 13.1% alcohol and a real pleasure to drink. Food is the ticket here to complete the experience. Think pasta puttanesca, wood fired pizza, or skewers of pork and red peppers.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Gérard Bertrand Château de Villemajou Grand Vin Rouge 2023
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe 2023 vintage in Corbières was marked by drought, low yields, and late season heat, but the old vines' deep roots kept them mostly unaffected. Villemajou Grand Vin carries the company's DNA, as it is the property where Gérard's father established the Bertrand legacy. Villemajou is located at Boutenac, well within the Corbières appellation. The area supports ancient, rehabilitated carignan vines now approaching 80 to 100 years old and is uniquely suited to the Mediterranean milieu of temperature, soil, and light. The final blend contains syrah, mourvèdre, and grenache. Black fruit, dusted with savoury, licorice often referred to as garrigue, sets the stage for a rich, voluptuous red that is mouthfilling without being heavy. It is the signature of a biodynamic wine that takes you into the place with little fuss.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Gérard Bertrand La Forge 2022
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLa Forge is a powerful yet surprisingly refined southern French red, the kind that scares the Rhône and Bordeaux. Look for an intense nose of blackberry, black cherry, and spice, toasted with oak. The palate continues the story with ripe dark fruit, garrigue, licorice, and supple tannins, leading to a long, savoury finish. The biodynamic blend is mostly old, centenarian carignan that brings depth, freshness, and a delicious savoury complexity, with a smaller portion of old vine Syrah that completes the picture with richness and spice. A star among the serious expressions of Corbières-Boutenac, it can compete with any similar blend globally. The parcels that make up this blend emanate from the Miocene, a unique and narrow place named La Forge at Domaine de Villemajou in the Corbières region, and the Boutenac appellation.Prices:| CDN | $90.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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