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Tastings: July 2024
26 July 2024
93PTS
Spearhead Club Consensus Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJudging by this year's Club Consensus, the SpearHead wine club members know their pinot, a mix of barrels combining fruit from Summerland and East Kelowna involving Dijon clones 115, 667, 828 and Pommard, all fermented separately. And, when you have wine lovers selecting blends, it makes sense that you end up with a generous selection of pinot pitching maturity and fullness, giving it an instant likeability. Look for black cherry, blackberry, and savoury dried herbs with an undercurrent of red fruit that entices from front to back. It walks the line of complexity and ready to drink with ease. True to its name, this is a wine club selection only, but it is an excellent reason to join the club.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Spearhead Gamay Rosé 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from gamay noir sourced from Blueberry Hill Vineyards in Summerland, this refreshing rosé shows a slightly darker salmon pink hue from a 48 hour cold soak. Aromas of rose petal, fresh watermelon, rhubarb, and a hint of herbal notes lead to a palate with subtle spices, and crunchy acidity. The pleasant phenolic finish makes the wine even more crisp, balanced by a touch of sweetness (3.8g/L).Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Golden Retreat Vineyard 2021
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrafted from grapes sourced from Golden Retreat Vineyard in Summerland, this pinot noir is made with clones 667, Pommard, 115, and 777. Fermentation began spontaneously, and the wine was aged for 13 months in French oak barrels (25% new), with spring malolactic fermentation adding to its complexity and depth. The nose, which I personally quite like, has evolved since tasting a year ago, now revealing a more developed, savoury profile with notes of five spice, black tea, tobacco, cinnamon stick, and a hint of slightly charred wood, all over a base of ripe red and dark fruit. The tannins are still well framed, providing a solid structure for further aging. The warmth of the alcohol (14.9%), is a bit more noticeable, yet the wine remains quite balanced.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spearhead Pinot Gris Golden Retreat Vineyard 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from Golden Retreat Vineyard in Summerland, this unpretentious pinot gris opens with pretty and fresh white blossoms, pear, and white peach. 90% of the fruit is fermented in stainless steel while the remaining 10% is fermented in 2 year old French oak barrels adding some weight and depth. On the palate, you'll find juicy citrus, subtle spices, and citrus pith, all balanced by refreshing acidity. The subtle phenolic finish is rounded out by a touch of residual sugar at 9g/L.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Pommard Clone 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from grapes sourced from Summerland, this layered pinot noir is crafted entirely from Pommard clones and underwent wild fermentation before aging for 13 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. It opens with exquisite aromas of sweet red berries, crushed violet, rose petal, clove, toasted spices, and a deep, mineral-rich earthiness. More complex aromas of savoury tea leaf and delicate florals unfurl as the wine opens up. On the palate, juicy fruit wraps around the smooth, silky tannins while the elevated, vibrant acidity carries through to the finish. A beautiful wine to enjoy now or cellar for further aging.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Spearhead Club Consensus Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from fruit sourced in Summerland and East Kelowna, this wine is a mix of Dijon clones 115, 667, 828, plus Pommard clones. After a 5-to-7-day cold soak, fermentation is carried out by ambient yeast. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new, for 13 months. The winery’s wine club members curated the blending of this pinot. It shows a high intensity of ripe red berries blended with oak spices and earthy forest floor scents. Rather round and supple, it is drinking beautifully now, offering immediate pleasure with its charming aromas and juicy fruit.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Spearhead Chardonnay Clone 95 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from 100% Clone 95 sourced from Duncan Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, this chardonnay is whole bunch pressed and fermented in French oak barrels and larger puncheons, followed by 10 months of maturation in barrels (25% new), and partial malolactic fermentation. The winemaker’s choice of barrels, which are steam bent rather than typical fire bent, imparts subtle oak spices instead of toasty, charred aromas, adding a unique character to this wine. The result is a charming, pure fruited chardonnay with crisp pear and yellow apple, complemented by a hint of tropical pineapple and delicate florals. A lingering finish with nuanced oak spices adds depth to the wine.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Saddle Block 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSaddle Block displays a pale ruby hue and opens with restrained aromas of raspberries, wild brambles, rooibos, and Earl Grey, complemented by sandalwood and savoury spices. Mouthwatering, tight acidity and suave tannins show seamless integration in a sleek body. This pinot radiates effortless elegance and a beautiful structure with an underlying quiet power. With grapes exclusively from the home vineyard in the East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI, this pinot noir is crafted from Dijon clones 115, 828, 777, and 667, with about 10% whole cluster. After a 7 day cold soak and wild fermentation, it was aged 13 months in French oak barrels (25% new).Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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25 July 2024
91PTS
Pewsey Vale Single Vineyard Estate Riesling 2022
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA consistent favourite, the famous contoured vines of Pewsey Vale are an Eden Valley benchmark. At 540 metres, and in a cool year, they have yielded a taut, razor-like riesling that overdelivers. First established in 1847, the vines can tell stories few others have experienced. This stainless steel riesling is the perfect mix of green apples, lemongrass, and lime juice with a squeeze of salinity and stony minerality. It is bone dry and intense, and there isn’t any food you can think of that will not work here. Real wine at a great price.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf we learned anything from the recent deep freeze, it would appear no vineyard is safe from disappearing overnight in BC, which makes this vintage of Old Vines Riesling even more exclusive. We also have no idea if this vineyard, planted in 1978, will continue its run of superb fruit, so keep that in mind when you are deciding if buying this piece of history is worth it. I know that 2021 has survived the heat and smoke that plagued much of Okanagan to be once again the elegant riesling we have all come to love. The colour is as pale as the fruit is intense, pitching that limey mandarin profile that dominates. Dry and sophisticated, this is riesling at its best. The 2021 vintage is made from all four of the oldest riesling blocks, each planted in 1978 to Clone 21B. However, the largest part comes from Block 5, a two acre parcel pushed up against ten acres of mature Ponderosa pine forest on its western and northern edges, providing late day protection from the strongest sun of the afternoon and evening.Prices:| BC | $43.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terravista En Terre Riesling 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEn Terre, meaning 'earthen' or 'of the earth,' is a project that has been 5 years in the making at Terravista. It is also the name of the home vineyard on the Naramata Bench. The series will feature five different wines, of which the inaugural release is a riesling from two blocks, Gold Digger and Boulders Blocks, grown at the winery’s Storm Haven Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. It is a full flavoured riesling that straddles Germany’s elegant Mosel style and the richer wines of the Rheingau. Look for intense pear and orange, with a spray of citrus and smooth stone fruit, and a finish sporting 17 grams of residual sugar that pleases without overwhelming the acidity. The two lots are whole cluster pressed, blended, and cofermented by winemaker Nadine Kinvig at cool temperatures. It's an impressive start, and wine you can serve with any spicy Southeast Asia dish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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24 July 2024
93PTS
Black Hills Bona Fide 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 growing season started cool and extended into late flowering and fruit set in the vineyard. The heat returned in July, and the fall was warm and dry, capping off a year that was not only good, but as it turned out, plentiful in the vineyard. The 2022 Bona Fide is a 42/33/25 mix of malbec, carmenere, and syrah, whose combination shouts drink me now. This wine won at the 2024 National Wine Awards, taking home a prized Platinum medal. The palate is a juicy affair of black and red fruits dusted in savoury south Okanagan scrub and sagebrush. You can drink or hold this wine, it is up to you. The wine is hand harvested, bunch sorted, and destemmed, leaving a good portion of whole berries intact for the fermentation. It is fermented wild and matured in primarily concrete for ten months with a small portion being aged in 2000L neutral oak foudres. There is significant value here, indeed a testament to winemaker Ross Wise’s gentle touch.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Black Hills Ipso Facto 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’21 Ipso is a 54/46 mix of syrah and cabernet sauvignon that is wild yeast fermented in barrels and aged 18 months in 78% French oak barriques. This classic Australian marriage seems well suited to the south Okanagan, and quickly adds brighter aromatics and more spice than the Down Under version. The attack is rich and powerful but not over the top mixing blue and red fruits (blueberries and plums) that keep it juicy and fluid. The tannins are refined, almost dusty, and the acid is perfect for a long bottle sleep. No need to rush into this before 2026-2027.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine des Tourelles Red 2021
LebanonThis Red is a blend of dry farmed syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cinsault, and carignan from 20 year old vines planted at 1050 metres in elevation in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. There's a lovely combination of ripe, sun-soaked fruit and savoury complexity, with retained freshness thanks to the high elevation. Dried brambles and figs are accented by peppery spice, baked clay, leather, and gamey notes that will appeal to fans of Southern Rhône reds. An impressive, distinct wine, and an absolute steal at this price.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Granite 2021
British Columbia, CanadaThe Granite Red Blend is a 53/32/12/3 mix of syrah (Black Sage Terrace), merlot (Golden Mile Bench), cabernet franc (Cawston), and cabernet sauvignon (Cawston). It is hand harvested, destemmed, and crushed into 5 ton open top fermenters, spending 23 - 27 days on skins. It is aged 19 months in 225L neutral French barrels that leave that fruit fresh, round, and whole. Lovely weight here, a bit of heat, but a delicious red made for the dinner table. Fine value, too.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
K - Little Vintners My Red 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 My Red is a blend of 58% merlot and 42% cabernet franc grown in the Oliver/Osoyoos area. This year's version has little to no fruit, giving it a dry Italian bent. My guess is that fire smoke has robbed this wine of most of its fruit and added a fiery, spicy note to the back end. Drink this now before it evolves further. It is best with barbecue ribs with a rich barbecue sauce.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Road 13 Seventy-Four K 2021
British Columbia, CanadaSeventy-Four K seems to get the better every year under the now departed winemaker Barclay Robinson. 2021 comes with some smoke that dries out the back end and ups the spice, but initially, there is rich, soft, spicy black fruit that floods the palate with just a tug of tannin that should dissipate over the next 30 months. This wine will have broad appeal, at least this year, but I recommend drinking it soon.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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22 July 2024
89PTS
Chivite Finca Legardeta Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainMono-varietals, as known in Spain, are a big part of the Chivite Legardeta range, including chardonnay, syrah and grenache. These are wines from vines growing in one of the northernmost winegrowing areas on the Iberian Peninsula, Navarra. Over the last two decades, this wine has evolved into a much more exciting chardonnay, shedding weight and oak and upping its acid to become a more interesting. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted before undergoing a short maceration and a quick, gentle pressing. Once settled, the must is transferred into a mix of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, where it ferments and remains on its lees for about 5 months. From an awkward, heavily oaked caramel style in the 1990s, the Legardeta 2022 is decidedly lighter, pitching pear and peach with a twist of spice, cream, and lees.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Little Engine Elevation Chardonnay 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis fruit driven, unoaked chardonnay offers juicy tangerine, peach, and lemon zest, lifted by perfumed orange blossoms. There's a purity to the fruit that elevates this above your average fruit salad example, with a fine balance between the creamy texture and crisp acidity. Beach friendly and well made, though certainly a stretch at this price.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Josh Cellars Josh Chardonnay 2022
California, United StatesCorrect and accessible, this shows a combination of peach yogurt, lemon, and caramel, on a soft, creamy palate that will have broad appeal. Well made and a fine example of California chardonnay, showing a more fruit driven style that will pair well with summer salads or richer seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2020
California, United StatesThe label says California Chardonnay, though this is a pleasant deviation from the stereotypes that come with that term. It's surprisingly floral and estery, with white blossoms intertwined with pear drop and sweet lemon a alongside a hint of caramel and yogurt. It's relatively light and brisk, with a touch of warmth to the finish, in a patio friendly style that can be served well chilled.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Maria Chardonnay East Coast Private Bin 2021
New ZealandSweet fruit and acidity fight it out on the palate, which opens with rich notes of pink grapefruit, honey, and buttery oak. The palate rights the ship with fresher coastal notes of passionfruit and green apples, but all in all, it is an everyday chardonnay on the lighter, cooler side that would be best with a seafood salad or spaghetti vongole.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Francis Coppola Diamond Selection Chardonnay 2022
California, United StatesThis is an accessible, true to form California chardonnay with a combination of ripe tropical fruits and candied peach, framed by evident winemaking in the form of caramel, vanilla, and butter. It's rich and creamy, but with balancing, crisp acidity that puts a modern take on an oaky, buttery classic.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Falernia Chardonnay Gran Reserva Titon Vineyard 2022
Valle del Elqui, ChileThis Valle del Elqui chardonnay opens with a combination of dried lemon, honeyed peach, oatmeal, yogurt, and generous toasted oak spice from aging in French and American barriques. The wine is not lacking in complexity but is surprisingly evolved at this stage, two years on in bottle, with noted volatility and a sour edge to the moderate finish. Drink in the short term and pair with hearty salads dressed with a citrusy vinaigrette.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2022
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis opens with a hint of reduction, which subsides to reveal soft pear, yellow apple, and lemon that's framed by restrained oak spice. It's brisk and tart, with a broad palate that lacks the precision found in many Mendoza chardonnays of a similar price point, leading to a moderate, sapid finish. The fruit comes from Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo and is aged 12 months in French oak.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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17 July 2024
91PTS
Hillside Merlot Gjoa's Vineyard 2018
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGjoa’s Vineyard is part of the Hillside Winery single vineyard collection, which was released years ago when the wines displayed outstanding varietal and Naramata characteristics. Goja’s Vineyards sits just below Hidden Valley Vineyard, across the main Naramata road close to the winery, and it appears to be happier than ever at 27 years of age. In contrast to some of the fruity styles we have tasted, this is a wine of contemplation with rich, meaty, umami notes that provide a tight, refreshing profile of perfectly ripe Naramata cherries with a persistent spicy note in the background. At 6 years of age this still has a tug of tannin that should subside through 2027-2028, as it reaches the decade mark.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyard 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Merlot from Cerqueira Vineyard is grown on the Black Sage Terrace in Oliver, grown over sandy loam topsoil on mainly granite glacial till. Post stainless steel, it lasts 15 months in 225 litre neutral French barrels. This style is entirely different from what you usually encounter in the South Okanagan. Look for a higher mineral presence, refreshing blue fruits, wet stones, and fresh but supple tannins.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tout un Fromage Merlot 2023
FranceTout un Fromage, or the whole cheese, is a nod to exaggeration in French, but it fits this red that delivers in the classic Boutinot style: soft, delicious, and authentic. This Pays d’Oc red is a pleasure to drink and write about. Clean, authentic, savoury, and supple, it is as juicy and alive as any merlot that sells for under $20, including a hefty markup by the government and likely the retailer. Chicken pizza, ribs, grilled sausages, empanadas, the list of food it will accompany is endless. It's probably an 88, but I'm going with an 89, so folks will give it a chance. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.05 | 750ml |
| NFL | $23.30 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Merlot King Family Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe King Family Vineyard Merlot is a Matt Dumayne, Kat D'Costa production from a single vineyard of 40 year old vines on the Naramata Bench. The attack is full on merlot with ripe blackberries, boysenberries, and black cherries streaked with savoury leather. The wine has that concrete fermentation textural excellence, supple, silky, and sensual, this slides down before you even notice it. A lemon stuffed roasted chicken would be my food choice. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Corcelettes Merlot 2021
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Similkameen’s climate and soil profiles were made for merlot, but an oppressive heat dome and regional wildfires conspired to make life tough for wine growers in 2021. The result is a rugged red with some smoky notes, but overall, this is a highly appealing merlot, especially if you are a fan of richer wines. It is an enormous wine with ripe dark plums, black forest cake, and blueberries dressed in a savoury coat of desert scrub, minerals, and brown spice. At Corcelettes, the merlot blocks are planted on varying aspects and slopes, but all are rooted in stemwinder soil. The merlot lots are aged separately for 12 months before carefully selected lots are blended and aged 6 months more. The 18 month program mixes 92% French and 8% American oak. This needs time, so lay this away through 2026.Prices:| BC | $32.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Little Engine Gold Merlot 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA stellar vintage has yielded an excellent Gold Merlot in 2020. The fruit is all hand harvested, sorted in the vineyard, and the grapes are destemmed into one ton fermenters, ensuring a high proportion of whole berries. After 6-7 days of cold soak, the musts are gradually warmed up to initiate a natural fermentation. Hand plunging is used to keep the cap moist and ensure colour and tannin extraction. The result is a concentrated, rich, dark cherry and brambleberry nose accompanied by refreshing florals. On the palate, it is round and expansive with sweet black plums leading the way, bright acidity, and a warm but balanced finish. This is a fine example of serious wine, that just when you think is heading over the top, it is pulled back in by some dry desert scrub and a cranberry undercurrent. Drink or hold, but serve with a rare T-bone for best results. The fruit is sourced primarily from the estate Corbishley Vineyard. It is aged for 16 months in French oak in 55% new oak puncheons and barrels, and the balance in second and third year barrels.Prices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Maison Smith Monpetit Merlot 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe mission statement at Maison Smith Monpetit is to craft minimal intervention organic wines that bring out the qualities and singularities of the fruit, honouring the unique terroir and aromas of the lower Similkameen Valley, Canada’s organic growing capital. Easy to say, not so easy to do, but winemaker Erich Smith-Peter is on point, and frankly, I have been knocked out by his first few releases that walk the walk. This merlot is electric, pitching stony, raspberry, black cherry, dusted in Similkameen desert scrub and tobacco, refreshed with the perfect level of acidity. Wild and windy seems to have helped this wine stay within itself, and one ton to the acre yields injects the perfect amount of intensity to lure you back to the glass. The merlot is barrel aged in 20% neutral Hungarian oak, 30% new French oak, and 50% neutral French oak. A winner by any standard and a testament to the potential of the Similkameen.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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16 July 2024
92PTS
Zarate Albariño Val do Salnés 2023
Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFounded in 1707, the family owned Zarate estate is located in Rias Baixas' lauded Val do Salnés subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. 7th generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. This is from 30 year old vines, fermented native, and with three months on the lees in stainless. Fragrant peach, pear, starfruit, grapefruit stream through the medium palate, lit with a shining acidity and textured with a granitic grip. Finishing bright and lemony, with a lingering salinity calling out for food.Prices:| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Vendange Roussette de Savoie Madame de M... 2022
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This Altesse (aka Roussette) is from 20 year old vines, native fermented long and cool in stainless, with 1/3 going through MLF. This then rested 10 months in a mix of older barrels and stainless. Mountain herbs, meadow grass, hawthorne, and chamomile flood the chiseled palate, with a stony salinity that runs long on the finish. A characterful, charismatic alpine white.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bodega Peique Godello 2023
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainBodegas Peique is a family winery currently owned and operated by Luis and Sagrario Peique and their children. The winery, which is located in Valtuille de Abajo, Bierzo, emerged in 1999 as a joint partnership of three generations of the Peique family, whose winemaking dates back to 1912. The current winemaker is Jorge Peique; Mar Peique serves as General Manager. Their vineyards are almost 100 years old and are planted with Godello and Mencía. After a few hours skin contact, this was fermented in stainless, where it rested on fine lees for 5 months. Very yellow fruited, with yellow plum and grapefruit over a fine waxen core, humming with a vibrant acidity.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau de la Gravelle 2021
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceNothing says summer more than Muscadet Sèvre et Maine. Château de la Gravelle farms 15 hectares in the heart of the Sèvre et Maine appellation in Nantes. The winery buildings date back to Louis XIII and include the classic windmill displayed on the label. A mix of sedimentary rocks and volcanic outfall is at the foundation of this wine that jumps from the glass with a bright, mineral, green freshness. The texture is creamy and laced with green apples, stones, citrus, and peach, with the perfect addition of time on lees (sur lie, as the French say). Summer fresh and food friendly.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wild Goose Gewürztraminer 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Wild Goose Gewürztraminer style is sweeter and rounder, and that’s just fine with its many fans. In 2023, a small crop left only estate fruit to be picked, increasing the purity of fruit in the wine. Look for floral jasmine on the nose followed by intense orange, sweet honeysuckle, and spicy ginger streaks underneath. As it was last year, juicy, sweet fruit fills the mid-plate into the finish. Delicious and fun to sip on a warm patio. It is versatile at the dinner table and can stand up to a squash curry, paprika spiced chicken, spicy noodle dishes, or a Thai hot pot. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Blanc 2023
Chinon, Touraine, Loire, FranceOnly 2% of Chinon is planted to white, so when you find a Chinon Blanc, you know you're in for a special chenin blanc experience. This organically farmed chenin comes mostly from Ligre's chalky, limestone clay soils, and was native cool fermented in stainless, to preserve the bright, fresh, very special character of chenin on limestone. Bright and shimmering with white blossoms, crystalline lemon, crunchy green apple, through the slight palate, finishing with a chalky buzz. Chenin's vibrancy is on show here, and will be through the next few years ahead.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2022
South Australia, AustraliaEntry level wine has always played an essential part in assessing a winery’s quality. At Yalumba, the Y Series consists of 11 wines, and one of the best is the Viognier. I have been following the Yalumba viognier experiment since the late 1980s when only a handful of French versions were produced globally. With the most extensive planting of viognier on the planet, Yalumba winemaker Louisa Rose has championed the grape to new heights. In the case of the Y Series, she blends fruit from across Southern Australia. There is no giant tank. Each parcel is natively fermented, bringing the necessary prerequisite aromas and flavours to the bottle: white flower undertones and a fresh, rich mid-palate of apricot, pears and honeysuckle. It's a quality introduction to the grape, and a bargain.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sartarelli Tralivio Verdicchio 2021
Ancona, Marche, ItalySartarelli's Tralivio is an elegant expression of a Classico Superiore Verdicchio pitching freshness, young green herbs, apricots, and almonds sprayed with citrus and pear. The finish is a stony mineral affair with bright acidity cleansing the palate before your next bite. It is richer than your average Italian white, allowing you a wide choice of seafood dishes to pair it with. A lovely addition to restaurant wine lists selling at a giveaway pricePrices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna 2022
Sardinia, ItalyWe like to say you can set your watch by Costamolino because, year in and year out, these guys deliver, and the price of the wine remains stable and sensible. This Vermentino comes from cool, hillside vineyards set 190 metres above the Mediterranean in Sardegna. The nose is an enticing floral affair with lemon and ginger that spills onto a mid-palate of quince and juicy, ripe stone fruit with a twist of tangerine. Seafood, including squid, crab, clams, and mussels, is best here. Serve throughout summer.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Once In A Blue Moon Gewürztraminer 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs a lover of all Alsace wines, winemaker David Paterson has wanted to make a gewürztraminer since he arrived in Okanagan in 2009. In 2022, by some divine intervention, a tiny parcel of gewürztraminer grapes became available in South East Kelowna, and the game was on. The vines have since been transitioned out, so this is in fact a once in a blue moon bottling. The aromatic profile is all you could ask for if you are a gewürztraminer fan. Ripe mango and peach, classic Turkish delight, and lychee are all swimming around the edge of the glass, while on the palate, there are more weighty dried apricots and oranges, suggesting Alsace has moved to South East Kelowna. Some skin contact adds the bitterness Alsace fans love, but there is a wisp of residual sugar to set that off perfectly. It is definitely Blue Moon stuff.Prices:| BC | $21.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hajszan-Neumann Grüner Veltliner Natural 2022
Wien (Vienna), AustriaNATURAL is Fritz Wieninger's experimental range of wines, still biodynamic, as is his family's Weingut Wieninger. This is the only NATURAL wine done in stainless, and here it spends 3.5 months on skins prior to bottling without fining, filtration, or sulphur. This Grüner Veltliner comes from an old vineyard in Ried Gabrissen on Vienna's Bisamberg, a sunny south-facing location on loess, with high lime content and a prominent gravel band in the higher part of the vineyard. Bright and tight with lime, white grapefruit, tangerine along a taut, buzzy, and saline laced palate. Shining acidity keeps this lofted through a long finish. Very pure.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Parés Baltà Materia Prima Orange Penedès 2022
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis new orange from the venerable biodynamic Penedès Pares Balta family uses xarel.lo must and skins (from 40 year old vines), along with 10% skins from gewürztraminer. It was native fermented in stainless, with 1 month of skin maceration, and it remains in stainless until light filtration and bottling. Lifted and edgy with pithy tangerine and pink grapefruit, this cuts a svelte line through river stones, apricot, and peach fuzz, finishing with a limey twist. One to think of with fried bites / calamari.Prices:| BC | $29.79 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.50 | 750ml |
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12 July 2024
90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Sunnydale Vineyard Rosé 2023
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Sannich's Sunnydale Vineyard, this dry pinot noir rosé comes from the sedimentary slopes of Mount Newton. After fermentation in neutral French oak, it rests for 4 months before bottling. Sleek, lean, and light, this streams wild strawberries and tart raspberries over a slick of lees and river stones, with lifted marine acidity finishing with a gentle pink peppercorn rasp. At 11.9%, a good example of coastal crisp rosé.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pale hued cabernet franc rosé comes off their Oliver and Osoyoss estate vineyards, picked separately in late September. The destemmed fruit was held overnight to extract the pale salmon hue, then pressed off for a long, cool ferment in steel, where it remained for 3 months until bottling. Sleek strawberry, raspberry is amply spiced with peppery baking spices, and glides over a glycerol / lees slicked base to a snappy finish. Quite a posh, styled version, ready for your yacht (or dock, lakeside).Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Meyer rosé blends pinot noir from Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, and Naramata, with 12 hours of skin contact yielding the deeper rhubarb hue. This was partially native fermented in a split of stainless and French barrels. Fruit forward, with a gush of cherries, raspberries, and toasty spice, this is scented with black tea and warming baking spices. Quite a generous, fruity, spicy rosé, best with a chill and some protein powered bites.Prices:| BC | $20.96 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Rosé 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Rosé comes off Kaeden's Pheasant Run Vineyard, and is an adventuresome blend of zweigelt, merlot, pinotage, and malbec. It was fermented long and cool in a mix of 87% stainless and 13% neutral barrique, with 5 months' lees aging. Pouring a watermelon hue, this punchy pink is full of crunchy Asian pear, pink grapefruit, and tangerine, lit with a cranberry tart acidity, and finishing dry with a citrus twist. Friendly, forward, and fun, you can crack into this this summer with salads and canapés on the patio.Prices:| BC | $21.83 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDue to the severe frost damage of 2022, this year's rosé is predominantly pinot noir (80%), with 20% pinot meunier that survived the cold snap. The selected parcels were whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless until dryness, remaining on lees for 3 months until bottling. Strawberry rhubarb is laced with mandarine peel and bedded with a rivlet of lees over river stones in this juicy, peach hued rosé. Stylish, sleek, and ready to crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Azores Wine Co. Rosé Vulcânico 2023
PortugalThis pale pink comes from Portugal's Pico Island, in the Azores archipelago, and its pure volcanic, black basaltic, scrabbly rocky soils. This blends 5-30+ year old saborinho, agronomica, aragones, touriga nacional and many other co-planted varieties across 13 vineyards, sustainably grown in wee plots (2 to 6 bush trained vines per square), planted in 1991 at sea level. This is a partial saignée from António Maçanita's Tinto Vulcanico, along with partial whole bunch, and including some cofermentation. Stainless steel preserves the crisp fruit, and no maceration created the pale peach hue. The 600-1000L stainless barrels were lain on their sides to give more lees / wine contact and texture on the palate. Perfumed rose petal, wild strawberry, and spring raspberry leap across the palate, brisk with juicy pink grapefruit acidity, and lashed with marine salinity. Fresh, energetic, and friendly, this is a welcome choice this summer.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Canter Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanter is a relatively new label founded by three families and named for their shared love of horses. The winery is part of the District Wine Village. The ’23 is almost all cabernet franc and is whole bunch pressed, with a portion getting some skin contact before being bled off into the mix. Eventually, it is fermented to nearly dry, pitching easy sipping wild raspberries and watermelon with a pinch of spice. It's pretty in pink, especially with some tuna sushi.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Vieux Pin Vaïla Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot noir rosé was made using the direct press method, with 20 hours skin contact before the gently pressed juice was fermented and rested in stainless over 6 months. Bright and brisk, with crunchy strawberry, subtle cherry blossoms, and pithy pink grapefruit running over a slight lees deck, and finishing with a dusting of peppery spice and smoked stone. Easy to like this charmer.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
LaStella LaStellina Rosato 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLaStellina blends 64% cabernet franc, 34% merlot, and 2% sangiovese, from young vines, and utilizing both saignée and press fractions. It was fermented in rested for a short time in stainless. Pouring a pale salmon hue, this charms with wild cherry, pink grapefruit, strawberry blossoms, kissed with fine spice, running a slick of lees, and lifted with a graceful, easy acidity to a finely buzzy finish. Super smart.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lightning Rock Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023
Golden Mile Slopes, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Oliver's Alvail Estate Vineyard, on the Golden Mile Slopes, this new cabernet franc rosé was 2/3 whole cluster pressed, with the remainder destemmed with 3 hours' maceration. All was native fermented in a mix of stainless and neutral oak puncheons, where it remained for 6 months on lees. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Pouring a bright salmon hue, this leads with a desert sage scrub that infiltrates tart raspberries, wild strawberries, and cherry blossoms. Acidity is bright, though buffered by the gentle lees pad on the core, while the finish is dusted with pink peppercorn. Quite smart, and a welcome addition to their portfolio and the BC rosé scene.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis gamay rosé, primarily from Kelowna, with a tip of Summerland fruit, had three days of skin contact and was whole cluster pressed to concrete, foudre, and stainless for native ferment, before aging in stainless for seven months. Super peppery, with that brisk energy leading this deeper-hued rosé through the snappy finish. Baked rhubarb, tangy pink grapefruit, and cherry blossoms flush out the palate, with an alluring orange peel lingering. Not a shy rosé, but certainly a charmer.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Narrative Rosé 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis medium blush hued rosé was sourced from Naramata's King Vineyard and blends 50/50 merlot and cabernet sauvignon. It was native fermented in a mix of concrete and stainless, where it remained until bottling. A very creamy, lees-decked core beds rhubarb, ripe strawberry, and fragrant apple blossom kissed with savoury desert scrub. The texture here lends itself to bigger food pairings: think grilled peppers/salmon.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bartier Bros. Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's rosé is based on Summerland gewürztraminer, with 24% chardonnay, 10% pinot gris, 8% kerner, and 2% viognier, all off the Black Sage Terrace in Oliver. The gris and gew saw limited skin contact, and all were whole cluster pressed into stainless for ferment and 3 months aging, without lees. Pouring a delicate blush hue, this leads with grapefruit, green melon, and crunchy crabapple, with a lime blossom kiss on the snappy finish. Chill down and crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’23 is barely pink, likely because there are no red grapes involved in the recipe. The latest is made from 56% gewürztraminer from Summerland, while the Black Sage Bench Terrace is responsible for 24% chardonnay, 10% pinot gris, 8% kerner, and 2% viognier. The style is Bartier, which is super clean and spare with zero lees contact. The flavours run down the citrus fruit line with a pinch of rose petals on the nose. Light, refreshing, quaffable, and dry, it is the essence of the Terrace, with trace minerals to guide you through the finish.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Petit Chat Malin Rosé 2023
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLe Petit Chat Malin has been around for over a decade and has sold for more or less the same price since it entered the market. The nose is inviting with rose petals and strawberry, although the palate falls short. Still, this is it for an everyday patio pink that can sustain large parties and not kill your pocketbook. It has the acidity to shine with food, so it is a winner for the price. Try this with spaghetti Vongole, sauteed prawns, or Dungeness crab. Great value.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Red Barn at Jagged Rock Transfiction Rosé 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTransfiction is a blend of cabernet franc, syrah, and sangiovese. It is whole cluster pressed, fermented, and aged in concrete, ceramic, and glass. This wine has a pale pink hue and a rich berry aroma, reminiscent of Provence wines. On the palate, you can expect subtle wild strawberry complemented by a hint of south Okanagan desert scrub, all balanced by bright acidity.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe MHFE Reserve Rosé comes from estate vineyards in Osoyoos and Oliver, where the grapes in play are merlot, syrah, and pinot noir. Following up on the excellent 2022, 2023 presents with a crisp citrus vibe, pitching vibrant watermelons, strawberries, and rhubarb, and while there is a hint of sweet fruit on the nose, it is bone dry on the palate. It is a winning combination for serious rosé drinkers. Predominately set in stainless steel, with a small percentage of neutral French oak, that is just enough to keep the palate creamy and texturally attractive. Ready to drink with prawns, crab cakes, smoked salmon, and more. Again, a delicious style that should make Provence nervous.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Liquidity Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIts rinse and release for this south Okanagan pink that is farmed to be rosé, to get that juicy acidity and freshness that is key to a lively but balanced wine. It is all hand sorted and whole cluster pressed with a short amount of skin contact time. The pale Provençal pink is a winner from front to back, pitching mouthwatering, ruby red grapefruit mixed with a whisper of wild strawberries. Just about anything that says summer works here. We enjoyed it with a classic watermelon and feta salad. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Pinot Noir Rosé 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe South Kelowna Slopes Pinot Noir Rosé blends fruit from Home Block and Simes Vineyards. Farmed and certified organic, it is all hand harvested and then foot trodden to break up the skins and allow time for the skins and juice to macerate together for a short 30-90 minutes. From here, it is pressed off and treated as a white wine. The emphasis is on protecting aromatics and using lees contact and different fermentation vessels: 55% stainless, 25% oak barrel, and 20% foudre with three months of lees contact to build weight and texture. In the glass, it has a beautiful savoury undercurrent supporting a rich mineral stony palate with streaks of cherry and citrus rind. Ready to enjoy all summer and fall.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Narrative Rosé 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s impressive to see the quality of this medium pink rosé sourced from the King Family vineyard, located just north of Munson Mountain on the Naramata Bench. It’s a 50/50 mix of merlot and cabernet sauvignon fermented wild in concrete and stainless steel, resting on its lees until bottling. Bright, fresh, and creamy all at once, it explores the cooler apple and strawberry zone, flecked with rhubarb and sagebrush. The blend allows this pink to take on a dinner menu if necessary. Well done.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Seven Directions Tractor and Vines Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from a single vineyard, the grapes for this Pinot Noir rosé were farmed sustainably at Tractor & Vines Vineyard in Summerland. The 1.1 acre parcel sits at lake level, advantageously facing east-west. The 15 year old vines are dry farmed in rich organic, silty, clay / loam / Fluvioglacial deposits. Yields were down in 2023 due to winter kill, and the results are a much more intense version of this label. Fermentation vessels were mixed: 75% in stainless steel tanks for freshness and aroma; and 25% in neutral French oak barrels for added creaminess and texture. The colour is pale, pale salmon. The nose and palate are a busy mix of orange blossoms, pink grapefruit, and citrus-soaked watermelons. The style is a little more rustic this year with less finesse, but most will enjoy this lush style.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Seven Directions Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2023, winemaker Daniel Bontorin made a change in his winemaking process due to the cold snap in late 2022 which affected his regular rosé fruit at Fruitvale Vineyard. He expanded his grape sourcing to the south and started cold soaking the grapes for a couple of hours to achieve the desired Provençal pale pink rosé colour. The wine is then fermented in stainless steel and aged on lees. The resulting wine is a dry, juicy rosé with subtle notes of wild strawberries and watermelon, a savoury apricot finish with stony mineral undertones, and a hint of lime pith. It's a stylish and sophisticated wine.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
River Stone Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Oliver estate Boulder Vineyard, this bright pink rosé has a soft, creamy underside that fails to energize its sweet ripe strawberry. It's easy to sip, but it's too flat to excite. The River Stone lineup is more mineral and juicy on average and that is where this wine needs to get to.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Little Engine Elevation Rosé 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLittle Engine uses the saignée method after 24-36 hours of skin contact. The result is a fully flavoured, savoury, deep pink/red coloured rosé reminiscent of Tavel. Intense, savoury wild strawberry mixes with grapefruit pith, ripe watermelon, and a streak of lime rind. It should match salad Niçoise and lobster thermidor, especially when paired with rich sauces.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kanonkop Kadette Dry Pinotage Rosé 2023
Coastal Region, South AfricaI have a soft spot for super pale rosés because, in general, they never overwhelm you with any aspect of the wine. In this case, the fruity, medium-dry palate perfectly syncs with its fruit and acidity. It's not complex, but it is a delicious drink. Pink pinotage can be far more interesting than its big brother red. Look for red berries mixed into a creamy texture. Prawns, tuna or salmon all come to mind, as do spicy dishes like summer curries given the residual sugar that is waiting to knock down any heat in the dish.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lightning Rock Rosé 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Summerland, this rosé is an enticing mix of berry fruits and herbs. Refreshing with a hint of effervescence, look for fresh strawberries, forest berries, a mix of melons, and intriguing savoury wild dried herbs in the finish. The fruit comes from two estate sites inside the Summerland Sub-GI: Elysia Vineyard, planted in 2006, sits on steep slopes facing east above Okanagan Lake; Canyonview Vineyard, planted in 2003, is on two terraces facing south, with sandy soils and large river stones at the edge of Trout Creek Canyon. Technical winemaking leads to four days of carbonic maceration, ambient/wild ferment, and malolactic fermentation in neutral French barrels. Finally, it is aged for seven months in a mixture of 35/65 neutral French oak and stainless steel. The winery match is a strawberry summer salad with fresh tarragon, burrata and olive oil. Sounds perfect.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Select Harvest Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry blossoms and fresh cut red apples mark the nose before a juicy orchard fruit palate flecked with rosewater kicks in. The grape mix is 43% pinot noir, 43% cabernet franc, and 14% gamay spread across Similkameen and Okanagan Valleys. Each variety is kept separate until blending, and aged for nine weeks before bottling. Ready to drink. Serve with spicy tuna rolls.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt is a bowl of mixed fruit, including strawberries and watermelon, rhubarb and citrus rind, sprinkled with citrus juice and grapefruit pith. Juicy, fresh, and dry, this is very food friendly. The blend is 62/38 pinot noir/gamay. The fruit hails from Sleeping Dog Vineyard on Naramata Bench, and Secrest Mountain Vineyard in Oliver. It gets a 12 hour cold soak, which explains the vibrant, deep pink colour. Each variety is handled separately in stainless steel until the blend.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Casal Garcia Vinho Rosé NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalCasal Garcia has been making fresh, crisp Vinho Verde at Quinta da Aveleda for decades, so it is no surprise they have joined the rosé game. If you are looking for a bargain pink, this is it. Vinhão, azal, and barraçal are bought from selected producers. Its bright pink colour previews a fruity, fresh nose and palate of raspberries, strawberries, and lemons that are structured to slide down easily. The bottle has a touch of effervescence to balance a hint of residual sugar. Enjoy this one around the pool. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $14.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lunessence Estate Single Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLunessence makes two rosés, but the Blanc de Noirs, a single vineyard offering, is the unique one, beginning with 60% of the grapes being foot trodden. It is wild fermented in neutral oak after a one hour cold soak, and then aged five months in stainless steel on its lees. This wine is now on the path to stardom with a clean structure, but the intense fruit flavours are a bit reminiscent of Tavel. Organes, tangerines, and lemons with an undercurrent of strawberries, this is dry and refreshing, and a stylish food wine to be enjoyed solo on a warm patio. Well done.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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11 July 2024
92PTS
Hester Creek GSM 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHester Creek has released its first GSM (grenache, syrah mourvèdre), chasing a fruitier, rounded Rhône style in a clear departure from their other Bordeaux reds. There are precious few in the region, although Road 13, a nearby neighbour, has been releasing one for a decade, as does Pentâge further up the valley in Penticton. The Hester Creek grenache and mourvèdre come out of Osoyoos. It is not as spicy as the Rhône or Australian versions, but it has better acidity, keeping it fresh and highlighting its juicy red fruit demeanour and savoury South Okanagan scents. It is an impressive first hit for young vines. Subsequent releases will be bigger as the vines age, but this red's light tannins and fruity nature make it eminently drinkable now.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Côtes du Rhône Heritages Rouge 2022
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceGrenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre make up the majority of this entry Côtes du Rhône blend, a simple introduction to the appellation. Soft plum, raspberry jam, milk chocolate is seasoned with cracked pepper and nutmeg, and wrapped with powdery tannins, pinning this to a brief, pasty finish. Crack into with a simple stew.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Montmartel Côtes du Rhône 2022
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceDomaine Montmartel has been family owned and operated since 1919, working with hillside vineyards farmed organically. This blend of grenache, syrah, and carignan averages 20 years of vine age and comes off the calcareous clays of the southern Rhône. It is fairly linear on the nose and palate. The attack is a spicy, fresh mix of plums and raspberries dried with a dusting of spicy, savoury garrigue. It's a food wine, and would be perfect with creamy chicken and mushrooms, barbecued hamburgers, or a classic fall stew.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cuvée Jean Paul Rouge 2022
Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCuvée Jean Paul Rouge is all about Boutinot's commitment to crafting delicious wines at reasonable prices. Originating from the warm, sunny climes of south eastern France, this region is renowned for its superior IGP reds. Cuvée Jean-Paul Rouge is a blend of grenache and syrah, meticulously selected by the Boutinot team. Employing traditional vinification methods, the blend is carefully crafted to emphasize a fresh, smooth, and supple red, accentuated with a hint of pepper and vibrant red and black plum. It's an exemplary everyday red that promises exceptional value, and is ideally suited for large barbecue gatherings. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Boutinot Seguret Les Coteaux Schisteux Côtes du Rhône Villages 2020
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLes Coteaux Schisteux, out of Séguret, hits all the right notes in 2020. Finesse and silky textures rule the day here, pulling you into the wine, but once there, the flavour profile is not just layered, but deep. The site selection is crucial, and Boutinot says they prefer “high altitude east-facing vineyards with stony, argillaceous limestone terraces high above the slopes of schist above the pretty village of Séguret." Here they work with 50 year old grenache vines intermingled with some syrah. The result is a wine that is rich to the edge of opulent, pitching layers of red and black fruit streaked with pepper, licorice, and tobacco. A big wine that sells for a small price. Perfect for rustic casseroles, lamb tagine with couscous, or a ratatouille topped with grilled tofu. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Boutinot La Côte Sauvage Cairanne 2019
Cairanne, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe flagship Boutinot label is a robust bottle of Rhône red that relies equally on elegance and persistence. The blend includes fully ripe, hand picked, old, bush vine grenache and syrah with a bit of mourvèdre. Rich and savoury, with stony, mineral, dark red fruits and hints of cinnamon and licorice, this needs substantial menu items to contain its youthful, robust flavours. It was built in the bottle for a long time, so there is no need to rush into drinking this wine before 2028. It will stand up to various roasted or grilled meats served with anything from mushrooms to lamb. The Boutinot family's love affair with the southern Rhône stretches back three decades. After years of locating gems and selling wines, the company purchased a winery and vineyards above the village of Cairanne, just northeast of Orange. It owns seven vineyards, planted to old vine grenache noir, syrah, mourvèdre, and the local champion carignan noir. They have been instrumental in reviving other traditional varieties such as cinsault and counoise, and they practice time honoured Rhône winemaking techniques in their cellars.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boutinot Les Coteaux Côtes du Rhone Villages 2021
Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLes Coteaux is a mix of the best grenache and syrah from across the 17 named Côtes du Rhône Villages. It is mostly unoaked, with a small proportion (20%) aged for 22 months in mostly older oak barrels to add depth and complexity. The style is soft and Boutinot charming, but there is some lively fresh, red fruit, licorice, and spice that penetrates a peppery, smoky, savoury, garrigue back end. Burgers, anyone?Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.05 | 750ml |
| NFL | $23.30 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Gérard Bertrand Chouchou Organic Wine 2023
FranceThe Bertrand folks describe Le Chouchou as something that answers new consumer trends by being a tender, light, fresh red wine. It is also soft, with a strawberry sweetness, and frankly not that interesting. I would rather drink any of the Bertrand rosés. The alcohol is 11 percent, and grapes come from the high altitude terroirs of the Cévennes. The blend is grenache, syrah, and cinsault. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Clef de Saint Thomas Pierre Troupel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIt is easy to see why Châteauneuf-du-Pape is so beloved by wine drinkers when you first sip this stylish, soft, round, ripe red that slides down with ease. The blend is 50/50 syrah/grenache, aged in traditional stainless steel tanks. The attack of red berries and underlying minerality is as inviting as the wine. The texture is soft and round, and earth and dried herbs spill onto the palate, where the fruit projects even more generously. This is among the best local buys in the overheated Châteauneuf-du-Pape market. The Pierre Troupel cuvée and its blue label pay homage to the owner Sophie Kessler-Matières' grandfather, of the piercing blue eyes. He made Bleu d'Auvergne cheese from the Cantal region. The wine originates from two lieux dits, Charbonnières and Cansaud.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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10 July 2024
92PTS
Stags' Leap Petite Sirah 2018
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe SL Petite Sirah comes off a handful of ancient estate vines and additional portions from other sites in the north and south of Napa Valley. It is classically rich and complex, with black pepper, spicy black raspberries, and a streak of bitter, dark chocolate. The acidity is surprisingly fresh, and the textures are silky smooth. This is built to age, but those traits are hard to resist, even at this young stage. This is a first class Napa red that will cellar with ease for more than a decade. The wine goes through a relatively short maceration and fermentation period, with a couple of lots being co-fermented with viognier to reinforce the floral notes. It is aged 12 months in American oak barrels (25% new).Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $58.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Fiuza Touriga Nacional 2020
Tejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalFrom Tojo's clay and limestone soils, this touriga nacional aged for 6 months in French barrels. Earthy forest, stems, and toast season the black currant and plum underneath, all wrapped with light, sticky, and powdery tannins, finishing a bit warm. Very simple and blocky.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Time Waits for No One Double Skull Organic 2022
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainJumilla, Spain, is home to these mourvèdre grapes that come hand selected from the best plots in the region. The colour is nearly opaque, which is not odd for mourvèdre, always a big wine. It spends 3 additional months in American oak to allow for some early expansion. The nose has warm fruit flecked with spice and balsamic. The palate is an earthy, chewy affair, but the switch to 3 months of oak has allowed this wine to offer more fruit and smoother textures. Definitely for the big red crowd, and best with barbecued ribs or lamb.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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08 July 2024
88PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 PG blends fruit from Osoyoos, Lillooet, and Lytton, with 26% estate. Grapes were destemmed, crushed, and left on skins for 4 hours before dry icing, cold settling, and fermented cold, with 4 months' rest on lees. Bright and fresh, with crunchy green apple, crispy pear, and grapefruit, this finishes with a warming flush and a sour citrus twist. Friendly, and ready to crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
LaStella Vivace Pinot Grigio 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistently of the Okanagan's top Gris / Grigio's, and the 2023 is shining at present. From Southern Okanagan's Kaur Vineyard and Eagle Bluff Vineyard, and vines up into their early 20s, this aged 6 months in a mix of 66% stainless / 34% concrete tulips, with occasional bâtonnage. Much more in the Italian grigio vein, with vibrant and crunchy tangerine, white grapefruit, green apple, and fresh lemongrass skipping along the palate, with a lees slicked, river stone base. Lovely purity and energy here, though the saline finish.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata Bench's historic King Vineyard, this PG was whole cluster pressed and native fermented in concrete, where it remained until bottling. Tart tangerine, green apple, and Asian pear all chime in on the crisp palate, textured subtly with a buzzy spice, and finishing with an anise twist. Lovely fresher style, and drinking now.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Pinot Gris 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis imposing dark glass and gold lettered bottle is the inaugural release of Anarchy Pinot Gris, sourced from Kaeden's Belich Vineyard. This fermented in a mix of stainless steel (42%), ceramic balls (41%), and neutral puncheons (17%). All were then held on lees for 7 months before blending and bottling. Sleek pear, subtle white peach, white grapefruit peel, and apricot fuzz flood the full, 14% palate, alluringly textured with a finely buzzy spice that lingers on the finish. Quite an aspirational wine, and well achieved. Save this for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $26.18 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrunchy Asian pear, ripe melon, and light spice rule this friendly and easy pinot gris, one kissed with some scrubby desert sagebrush and finishing with a tangerine twist and flush of warmth. An easy, affordable choice for spring and summer dishes.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Cowichan Valley Pinot Gris 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaUnsworth's classic Cowichan Valley Pinot Gris sources fruit (clones 52, 53) from Unsworth Vineyard, Zanatta Vineyard, and Saison Vineyard, all in the Valley's marine silts and loams. This was whole cluster pressed and fermented primarily in stainless, with 10% in neutral barriques. All rested for 5 months on lees prior to bottling. Perfumed pear blossoms, crunchy Asian pear, honeydew melon flood the juicy, lean (12.3%) palate, buzzing with a subtle underlying stoniness. Lovely balance and harmony here, in one of the Island's top PGs.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
River Stone Pinot Gris 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPlump and fruit-forward, this southern Okanagan gris carries fleshy pear, apricot, ripe melon along its fuller frame, finishing with a sage twist. Nice bright acidity helps counter the sun weight. Enjoy this summer with heftier canapés or seasonal salads.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Pinot Gris 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's PG comes off Belich Vineyard, in Kaleden. It was whole bunch pressed and fermented long and cool in stainless, with 17% moving into seasoned puncheons. All spent 5 more months on lees before blending and bottling. Ripe orchard fruit is brightened with crunchy Asian pear, and lined with a fine bed of lees, finishing with a buzzy spice. Crisp, bright, and friendly, this is one to reach for this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.22 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Pinot Gris Provenance Series 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinter damage, a smaller crop, and wildfires all played a part in an eventful late 2022 and 2023 Okanagan Valley growing season. This Naramata gris comes off the Township 7 estate right at the entrance to the Bench. It has a slightly sweet and ripe bent, with orange and red apples, tart lemon streaks, and a touch of creamy lees. It is a bit simple, but it can be a wine for the patio and small bites if well chilled. Cream cheese and salmon would be a fine match. The wine is predominately stainless steel fermented with two barrels added for complexity and texture. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.97 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum South Kelowna Slopes Pinot Gris 2023
British Columbia, CanadaNot your grandmother’s pinot gris, the Platinum comes from Home Block and Simes vineyards within the new South Kelowna Slopes sub-GI. The Simes Block is thought to bring electricity and acid to the mix, while the Home Block is more about the texture and richness of fruit. It is native fermented in stainless and French oak barrels, and spends 7 months on its lees. Look for a mix of summer peach and citrus washed pears. Tight, linear, and northern, with a dusting of sagebrush, this is wine for food.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 vintage was in peril right to the end, but a long, dry fall saved the day. This pinot gris from King Family Vineyards sits overlooking the lake just north of Munson Mountain on the Naramata Bench. The batch was whole cluster pressed into concrete tanks for fermentation with natural yeast and aging on lees. It is classically clean and fresh, with pears and tropical citrus dusted in Okanagan desert scrub. It is ready to drink and, more importantly, fun to drink. The best I have seen from King Family Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2021
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyWe seldom consider Alto Adige pinot grigio a typical northern Italian white. At Alois Lageder, it is more like a religion. The Porer is a good example of their wine growing philosophy, farmed according to biodynamic methods, and Demeter certified. The vines, 13-32 years old, are grown at Magrè and Salorno, and sit at an altitude of 230 to 240 metres over stony, sandy soils with a high content of limestone. The fermentation is spontaneous, with a part in large casks and another in stainless steel tanks. The ageing, 9 months, is done in the same vessels. Throughout the vinification, the winery plays with a mix of techniques: classic vinification, short skin contact, extended time on the lees, and partly whole-cluster ferments. The result is a sophisticated white with plenty of texture and style. The palate is a fresh mix of citrus, melons, and minerals that finish earthy and dry. The winery recommends patés and terrines for pairing, and I recommend Dungeness crab or a summer pea risotto.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| US | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
LaStella Vivace Pinot Grigio 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you are a Pinot Gris fan, one of the best in B.C. and a "Best Value" is LaStella Vivace. We want to say Vivace is not your grandmother's gris. Vibrant and showy, it is grown and managed to be picked early from cooler sites, and it yields a wine with lively, relatively low alcohol. Look for zesty lime notes on the nose dusted with desert sagebrush. The palate is a citrus, saline, mineral affair that finishes with Granny Smith apples and notes of citrus zest. Clean and fresh but not simple, it was made for summer seafood.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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04 July 2024
88PTS
Township 7 Reserve Provenance Series Sauvignon Blanc Blue Terrace Vineyard 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUpon opening, you can expect some enticing citrus, with grapefruit, lemon, and mandarine. The mid-palate is less exacting, with a flatter presentation and a medium-short finish. It's not the best year compared with previous editions, which have been much more assertive. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.97 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Sauvignon Blanc Desert Wolf Vineyard 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new wine from Bartier that showcases the best of his winemaking style. It has the fresh, zingy, clean fruit he is famous for, with an extra touch of ripeness that softens the style. Think less New Zealand and more Sancerre. Look for grapefruit and white peaches with a splash of sweet, Golden Delicious apples. The finish is long and full of mineral notes, suggesting it will be a food friendly choice. Seafood or vegetable fritters all work here. The wine spends 4 months in stainless steel but gets no less contact. The Desert Wolf Vineyard is planted over sandy loam topsoil on mainly granite glacial till.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine continues to get better with time. Winemaker Ross Wise has been carefully adjusting the blend, favouring sauvignon over sémillon in a 94/6 split. It greets you with delicate, intense aromatics, a dance of classic sauvignon gooseberry, cut grass, and just a hint of the richness of sémillon. A refreshing style with fine minerality, it's a perfect companion for a wide range of dishes. It's fermented in French oak puncheons and barriques with selected and wild yeasts and aged on its lees for six months. This wine will age well into 2027.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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