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Tastings: August 2018
30 August 2018
89PTS
Meyer Pinot Noir 2017
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust released. Juicy red currant fruit, sweet ripe raspberry jam, lovely salty note and bright florality, with a brisk rinse of pink peppercorn and spice. This is sourced from the McLean Creek Road Vineyard in OK Falls, and Anarchist Vineyard in Oliver, along with fruit from Naramata Bench, and East Kelowna's Teasdale Vineyard. After maceration, this was gently pressed and then spent ten months in older French oak. Lovely sapid squeeze on the grippy finish. For current consumption.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nichol Vineyard Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNichol released two pinot noir in from 2016. This was mostly whole cluster (85%), while the parter wine was entirely destemmed. Both were from the same six rows planted in 1990 on granite bedrock at their Naramata estate. Both were bottled unfined and unfiltered. This spent 4.5 on stems before basket pressing into older French barriques for 14 months. This draws an earthy grippiness along the length of this lighter wine, one coloured with suboir, sapid cherry, raspberry, sarsaparilla root. This textural wine wraps around a soft bing cherry core, and finishes with a whiff of pink pepper. Nichol is experimenting with greater use of whole cluster, and as this wine shows, it's a worthy experiment.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNichol released two pinot noir in from 2016. This was entirely destemmed, while the parter wine was mostly whole cluster. Both were from the same six rows planted in 1990 on granite bedrock at their Naramata estate, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. This was gently destemmed into open top fermenters before being basket pressed into neutral French barrique, where it hung out for 14 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Gentle plum, black raspberry, cherry swirls around a juicy core and lightly structured frame. Thorns, dusky pepper season this medium bodied wine through the nutmeg scented finish. Earthy, dusky, expressive and finessed.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Free Form by Okanagan Crush Pad Ancient Method 2017
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFree Form is the new organic, zero-intervention line from Haywire. From their newly planted Garnet Valley Ranch (planted 2013), this is young pinot noir, whole bunch pressed into 2000L concrete tanks and start native ferment. As per ancestrale, the bottles were filled during fermentation, and it completed in bottle, trapping all the bubbly goodness. After six months in bottle it was disgorged with no dosage. Tight and racy, with red apple, lemon, grapefruit pith acidity that rock skips across the palate. Bone dry, but with enough of an orchard kiss of RS (2.3 g/l) to prevent severity, you can enjoy this liberally, which is easy to do at 11.5 degrees. These new Free Form labels are made of stone paper: ground stones turned into a fine powder, which is then rolled to thinness. The process uses no water and no paper.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Free Form Vin Gris 2017
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFree Form is a new stand alone non-intervention, organic wine label from Haywire Winery. This Vin Gris is pinot noir from Summerland's Heckmann Family Vineyard, managed by Summerhill. Whole bunch pressed, this was native fermented in concrete, where it underwent full MLF and rested for six months on lees before being bottled unfiltered with a wee amount of SO2. Alluring quince florals, elderflower, pear skin, orange rind, light salts, all rifled with the concrete texture that Haywire has become known for. The palate is greyhound sleek though plumped with the MLF, achieving an alluring edgy balance that draws you back glass after glass. An exciting new project and worthy focus. These new Free Form labels are made of stone paper: ground stones turned into a fine powder, which is then rolled to thinness. The process uses no water and no paper.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No. 43 Pinot Noir 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe folks at Decanter loved the 2015 version of this wine and Mission Hill winemaker Darren Brooker is equally enamoured with this 2016; I don’t blame him. Two blocks make up the wine, using fruit that used to go into the very good reserve tier at Mission Hill, and located on the brow of Mt. Boucherie, an inactive volcano in West Kelowna. This mixes clone 115 from West Kelowna and 777 from the east side. The wine is delicious, and refreshing to see how refined pinot noir has become in BC in such a brief period of time. Look for slight tannins, rich, showy black cherry fruit and spicy flavours with a silky mouth-filling texture. This wine is unfiltered, unfined, native fermented and spends about 14 months in French oak barrels. Of note, the Terroir Collection showcases the Okanagan Valley's unique microclimates and represents a tiny three percent of the top estate fruit.Prices:| BC | $43.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Equity Pinot Noir 2016
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMarkedly different from their two other pinots (the Estate and the Reserve), this premium tier carries much darker, duskier black fruit (cherry and raspberry) on a firmer, smoked wood frame. Equity spends 15 months in barrel and it shows in the sweeter cola, cedar-lined, spiced, very polished red, ripe with soft black and red fruits that fill the massive structure. This blends seven different clones, but focuses on 828, with 115 seconding the blend. Whole berries fermented partially wild, punched down twice / day during ferment and then pressed into French oak (32 percent new) for MLF and aging.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire White Label Pinot Noir 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted ten months along. Winemaker Matt Dumayne's wines benefit from time in bottle, and I like to revisit vintages when I can. Black cherry, dark raspberry, light kisses of cola feel bright, brisk and fresh, with a layer of plum / clay to base. Medicinal cherry / raspberry threads throughout. This youthful and juicy red has really brightened up over the past year.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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29 August 2018
91PTS
Azores Wine Co. Rosé Vulcânico 2017
PortugalAntónio Maçanita is best known for his FitaPreta wines in Alentejo, though with his newer venture he looked to the volcanic islands of the Azores. Very little of this rosé is made - only 6960 bottles of this vintage - though lucky Ontario scores 120 cases annually. The Azores, a volcanic archipelago and wine region in the Atlantic off Portugal, grow wine grapes on three of the nine islands. This is from the island of Pico 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. Stainless steel preserves the crisp fruit, and no maceration created the appealing scant orange hue. The 600-1000L stainless barrels were lain on their sides to give more lees / wine contact and texture on the palate. Super salty, briny and savoury from first whiff to the finish, this marine wine is not about fruit, though there are kisses of young strawberry and wild raspberry that line the slip of the mineral-dominant palate, one that lingers with bergamot / aperol bitterness. Smashable, and for drinking now, liberally.Prices:| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rathjen Cellars Wine Bunker White 2016
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaBased on Vancouver Island's Saanich Peninsula, Mike Rathjen is one of the next gen of winemakers instigating exciting change on the Wine Islands. He works with various established vineyards on the Peninsula, as well as planting his own small site in 2016. These are all sustainable, low-input wines, with the aim to bring local under-used farmlands / vineyards back into healthy production. This is a field blend of schonberger, epicure and petit milo, the latter two being two of the Swiss Blattner varieties well suited to the coastal climate. Aromatic, with a kiss of sweetness and a tight grip of mineral, lemon-laced acidity to bracket, with pear skin, lime leaf, verbena and a lingering mineral salts that is saliva-inducing and alluring. An impressive showing for Saanich, the Wine Islands, and this new winery. One to watch closely.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Soula No 15 La Macération du Soula NV
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceOne of Southern France's most exciting natural and biodynamic wineries overseen by winemaker Gérard Gauby, who found these abandoned vines in the late 1990s. This extended-skin contact blend of vermentino and macabeu is from 20-24-year-old vines on decomposed granite and gneiss, around 500m altitude in the Fenouillèdes region (the French word for fennel). This is macerated on skins for 15 days before pressing, and native fermented, spending one year in oak before bottling unfined and unfiltered. A dusky orange hue, this firm wine is edgy with tangerine pith, bergamot and, aptly, wild fennel. There's a lovely wisp of citrus oil perfumes and heightened, almost nervous acidity to lift, but this wine is led and structured through the grippy tannins. Haunting mineral salts and a wild scrubby mint linger on the lingering finish.Prices:| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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28 August 2018
90PTS
LaStella Arioso 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2014 marks the second Arioso, a single varietal sangiovese, since the first vintage in 2006. Arioso is a melodic solo performance, and this is entirely sangiovese grosso, the same variety of the grape used in Brunello. The Osoyoos west bench vines are 8-13 years old, and this was aged in French oak, a quarter of which was new. This pours a noticeable brown hue, which is echoed in the leather, brown spices, spiced black cherries, Okanagan scrub, and espresso that weaves throughout to a lingering spiced finish. Tannins that were rustic in youth feel worn sanded at this point. This has a feeling of age about it in every direction. For drinking now, with a rabbit or mushroom stew and polenta. Wine Club exclusive.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Piane Maggiorina Vino Rosso 2015
Piedmont, ItalyFloral violets and grippy, equally determined and nonchalant, welcoming and restrained, this dichotomous wine from Christoph Kuenzil, who purchased the property in 1998, is alluring. No inputs or outputs other than a touch of sulphur, he makes wines to reflect this special site in northern Piedmont. This is 40 percent nebbiolo, 40 percent croatina and 10 other indigenous grapes from 80-100 year old vines trained in the ancient maggiorina system, where three vines are directed upwards in the four points of the compass, to form a goblet. These vines are located on high altitude, volcanic and south sloping vineyards between 400m and 450m. Nothing added but minimal amounts of sulphur. Bright purple and blue fruit leads a vibrant, brisk palate, elegant and gossamer in form, and refreshing with white pepper on the finish. Tannins are fine but bamboo firm, housing diaphanous persistence on the mid palate. Lovely elegance and drinking well now, especially with truffled or wild mushroom dishes. Killer value.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Colleoni Rosso di Montalcino 2014
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyIn 1995, on an evening walk through their new Montalcino property, Marino Colleoni and his wife Luisa came across an abandoned vineyard of sangiovese grosso. Though many vines were dead or damaged, some remained intact, and they decided to produce wines from the find, with their first harvest in 2000. They immediately began organic viticulture, respecting the higher elevation marine / volcanic marl soils, and their wines see native ferment, no fining and no filtration. This wine fermented for approximately one month in Slavonian oak, before one year in wood, and an additional six months in bottle prior to release. Dusky balsamic-kissed cassis, thorny wild blackberry, dried marjoram and dried tarragon, with well worn leather, dried florals and nutmeg on the finish. Lifted and moderate in body and scope, at 13 degrees alcohol, but savoury and rightfully self-assured. Consider this as declassified Brunello, and stock up.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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27 August 2018
89PTS
Juxtaposed Shiraz 2017
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaShiraz is seasoned with seven percent mataro, and three percent grenache, a blend of Kangarilla (shiraz from the Sherry Vineyard, 1955 planted), and Dry Creek Vineyard and Whites Valley Vineyard in the Sellicks Foothills. After destemming, this went into French and American oak hogsheads for 13 months, and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Leathery and full, threaded with thorns, dusky plum, cassis, ample anise and tight white pepper, mineral driven. Tannins are grippy / gritty to house fruit, and the whole is kept afloat with bright acidity. Modern classic McLaren Vale shiraz to set your compass to.Prices:| Australia | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dodgy Bros. GSM 2017
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaClassic McLaren Vale, GSM, but very modern-hued. Generous leather, dusky plum, and black liquorice, seasoned with a salt wash and dark chocolate cherry and kept fresh with a stream of acidity. This year's is a blend of 45/40/15 GSM, sourced from Dry Creek, Pappas, and Redwind vineyards, all in the Sellicks foothills. Crushed and destemmed, this went into old oak hogsheads, with the mataro on skins for an extra 10 days after primary fermentation. Grippy, fine, firm tannins work to hold the ample, juicy fruit in check. Drinking well now and for short term. Fire up the barbie.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Juxtaposed Boomstick Grenache / Tempranillo 2016
South Australia, AustraliaSixty-five percent of this blend, the grenache, came from the 1921-planted Smart Vineyard in Clarendon in McLaren Vale, while the tempranillo remainder came from the Lane Vineyard on Kangaroo Island. The tempranillo was half whole bunch with the remainder crushed and destemmed. Post-ferment it was bottled with the grenache where it remained for four short months before bottling, unfined and unfiltered. Interesting brick dusty edged hue, this perfumed red opens with savoury gravels and a mineral cut defining plum, black raspberry, wild blackberry and graphite-dusted pixellated tannins. Sarsaparilla trails the lengthy finish. Think Montsant crossed with Aussie innovation. Bright freshness at 13.3 degrees, this welcomes a chill.Prices:| Australia | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Juxtaposed Old Vine Grenache 2017
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis is a blend of Clarendon's Smart Vineyard (planted 1921), and Blewitt Springs' Wait Vineyard (planted 1942). From the latter, 35 percent whole bunches were used. Wax, raspberry, bayberry and boysenberry perfumed musk prevails throughout the expansive mid-palate, all still reined in with tight, fine tannins and ripping acidity. Pretty in youth, this medium bodied, floral red has a few years ahead of it. 150 cases made.Prices:| Australia | $39.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Juxtaposed Grenache 2016
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaEighty percent of this comes from the 1923 planted gnarly bush vines of Smart Vineyard in Clarendon, with the rest from Pappas Vineyard and the Sellicks foothills along the edge of the hills, planted late 80s and on the broken Kurrajong soils. These two sites were picked one month apart. Wild blackberry, black raspberry shade this structural expression of grenache, darker shaded than 2015, which was entirely Smart Vineyard. Tannins are finely grippy and the lingering finish dusky medicinal-red hued. Crushed and destemmed, native fermented to start, this was pressed at dryness and racked into old 300L barrels for 13 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. 150 cases.Prices:| Australia | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Juxtaposed Old Vine Grenache 2015
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom the ancient beach sandy soils and dry farmed gnarly bush vines of Smart Vineyard, planted in 1921 in McLaren Vale, Hugely alluring fruit, with wax, raspberry, candied plum, violets, leather, white pepper that sticks to the crazy lingering finish. Flushes with grenache warmth and medicinal raspberry throughout this complexed wine. Crushed, destemmed and native fermented, this spent 13 months in 300L older barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. A special glimpse of a special old site and vines. 100 cases made.Prices:| Australia | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Juxtaposed Cabernet Franc 2017
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSo franc-y, in a Loire green licked vein. Dusky plum hue with slight cloudiness, this 20-year-old single vineyard McLaren Vale cabernet franc yields medicinal plum, scrubby resin, mulberry, tayberry perfume along finely nubby tannins and a slight 12.5 degree frame, finishing with a fine pink peppercorn dusting and sherry vinegar kiss. Crushed and destemmed (no stems in the cool 2017), this was native fermented, racked off solids into barrel with a little sulfur added just after ferment, and none at bottling Light, chill-worthy, designed to be smashable, this is Juxtaposed's 2017 vin de soif.Prices:| Australia | $29.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Juxtaposed Sangiovese 2016
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaDusky plum hue with a slight cloudiness, this strongly swing to balsamic before potent wild currants, wild blackberry, thorns and riffing white pepper take over and ride along a medicinal dark plum base. Tannins are sticky, and the finish is dusty and long. The 2016 vintage's vin de soif, this was picked early, utilized 35 percent whole bunch, native fermented and basket pressed as soon as it reaches dryness to prevent time on skins. Thirteen percent alcohol, and designed to be smashable (chill first). The label is a photo of winemaker Wes Pearson filling a barrel of wine via gravity and hose.Prices:| Australia | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Juxtaposed Alright Hamilton Sangiovese Rosé 2018
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSangiovese gets its flavour early, so it's great for purpose built, earlier-picked rosé. This is from the early ripening Sellicks Hills, close to the water and breezy, keeping disease pressure low. The crumbly Kurrajong soils are prevalent here, crumbled down from the Adelaide Hills. Deeper hued, this glowing bright rose was crushed and destemmed, and basket pressed off. Juicy, ripe cherry, red current, pomegranate, all tinged with sun-sweetness, but with pink grapefruit acidity to carry. The medium-bodied palate finishes with fine spices. Easy to like this friendly pink (actually, a bit too easy). 150 cases.Prices:| Australia | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Juxtaposed Mr. Furley Pinot Meunier Rosé 2017
Piccadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe pinot meunier for this year's rosé comes from Greenhill Vineyard, owned by Paul Henschke, one of Oz's top wine researchers. Wes was going to make tempranillo from Kangaroo Island in 2017, but there wasn't enough fruit from the very cool vintage. This meunier wasn't going to be ripe enough for a red wine, so it came available and Wes jumped. It was the last fruit harvested that year - quite a rarity for rosé. Crushed and destemmed on skins for six hours, this was basket pressed off, 200L was fermented on skins, and then added back to the whole where it fermented cool to dryness. No MLF, this bottled early like his whites. Finely delicate perfume leads to the finely delicate palate, with wild cherry, wild strawberry streamling along the slight palate. Effortless to enjoy this graceful rosé, copiously.Prices:| Australia | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Juxtaposed Bigger Boat Fiano 2018
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaWinemaker Wes Pearson came up with an unusual technique to make this delicious fiano, sourced from McLaren Vale's Lacey Vineyard and ten year old vines. After fermented in barrel and tank, this was racked into one big tank and then sent cold settled at 0C for approximately four months, untouched. During this phase the lees was kept in touch with the wine, though the affects are subtle, and well integrated. The lengthy cold time entirely stabilized the crystal clear wine as well. After this was brought back to temp it was racked, minimal sulphur added, and then bottled. Lovely gentle tropical fruit throughout this juicy wine with pineapple rind, white grapefruit pith, and an herbal medicinal edge. Chiselled, almost pixellated acidity works very well to carry the texture from the lees. So juicy on the mid palate, with great length on the rear. 140 cases. The wine's name is a clue for the label, a painting from Jaws, when Chief Martin Brody sees the massive shark for the 1st time.Prices:| Australia | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Juxtaposed Pinot Gris 2016
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAcid-junky winemaker Wes Pearson shines through his line of Juxtaposed wines. This pinot gris is from Stillwell Vineyard in Blewitt Springs. Slightly earlier picked, native fermented to start, and barrel fermented on full solids, this was then racked off gross lees after primary fermentation (no MLF) and back to barrel for a short stint. Wes likes the wines bottled fresh, and it shows. So much juicy gris character: quince, pear, lemongrass medicinal herbal note on the finish. Medium body and a friendly 12%. 100 cases made. The label, if you couldn't tell, is James T Kirk and some alien dude in the Batmobile.Prices:| Aus | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ciabot Berton Barolo Roggeri 2010
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyAt eight years old this Barolo isn’t giving a lot up on the nose save for some leathery, dusty, dried cherry notes. It’s one hundred percent nebbiolo grown on the clayey-calcareous Roggeri cru, a hilly site, with south-east exposure, at 300 metres above sea level. Maceration is traditional in glass-lined concrete vats for at least 18-20 days before ageing, first in French oak casks, then in Slavonia oak casks. With time the wine opens offering floral, rose petal notes, licorice, dried mushrooms and cinnamon spice. Full-bodied at this point with firm, long dry tannins. Pairings are all on the rich side be it game, braised beef, hard old cheeses or anything involving truffles. Decant for 60 minutes or more when possible. No rush to open this bottle.Prices:| BC | $94.99 | 750ml |
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23 August 2018
91PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2016 is easily the most elegant Nota Bene I have encountered, no doubt aided by a very controlled 13.5 alcohol. Certainly, it's fresher upfront and brighter, but still with some stingy spice and wild herbs that punctuate its red and black current flavours, finishing with savoury, south Okanagan sage and resiny graphite notes. Lay this down for five years if you can wait.Prices:| BC | $59.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Silver Heights The Summit 2015
ChinaWinemaker Gao Yuan interned at Château Calon-Ségur, then married French winemaker Thierry Courtade before they returned to settle in Ningxia, China. The couple run Silver Heights, a winery unlike many in the region, focused on quality wines. Perhaps the best is The Summit. The colour is inky black but the nose is fragrant. The blend is 65/35 cabernet sauvignon/merlot that is aged 12 months in 60 percent new French oak barrels, with the remainder is a mix of older barrels. The nose a mix of charred wood smoke and black raspberry, plummy fruit. The attack is ripe, reminiscent of sweet black cherries, dried herbs and dark chocolate. Very New World but with a sense of balance, and full marks to a finish that is more savoury than was the sweet start. This will need five years in the bottle to really settle into itself.Prices:| BC | $62.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Silver Heights The Last Warrior Red Blend 2015
ChinaSilver Heights has a reputation for restraint and elegance among Chinese wines. The 60/40 cabernet sauvignon / merlot blend has a prominent minty, spicy, cedar thread that runs through the wine. The attack is balanced with rich, smoky, vanilla mixing with intense, ripe black fruits, strong spice and sweet cigar. There is some restraint and even minerality, but it could use less sweet fruit and more savoury tones to invite one to finish the bottle. It’s a simple, modern red that reminds me of a mid-range Washington State red blend.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Silver Heights Family Reserve 2015
ChinaThe Family Reserve, an 80/20 mix of cabernet sauvignon and merlot is a step up in quality and finesse over the Last Warrior but it still comes with a whack of spicy, ripe, liquorice flecked fruit that makes it more New World than Old in style. It’s aged 12 months in French oak, of which 30 percent is new. The attack is warm and round with the oak in check and early freshness before the sweet fruit and dark chocolate kick in near the finish where the tannins are light and fine-grained. Best now with a savoury roast leg of lamb to tone down the fruit.Prices:| BC | $53.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hester Creek Garland 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis estate red was named after Hester Creek owner Curt Garland, and celebrates the 50-year anniversary of the original planting of vinifera vines in 1968. The limited-edition Bordeaux-style blend is a mix of old vine cabernet franc Block 3 (54 percent) and old vine merlot Block 2 (32 percent) with lesser amounts of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and malbec. The 2015 growing season was one of the warmest on record, but at only 13.9 percent alcohol the Garland has taken a much drier, firmer path toward a balanced course. Look for spicy, black cherry with an undercurrent of cloves, cedar and dried herbs. The tannins are rounded, and the finish dry and spicy. Lamb would be a perfect match at this point, or hold another five years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Quinta Ferreira Obra Prima 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFully mature now and showing a bit of volatility and raised acidity. The attack is skinny with dry, cedary black fruit flavours that finish short and dry. This one needs drinking, and best with burgers now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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22 August 2018
89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red +03/10 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlind Trust has settled into its skin, so to speak, at Laughing Stock. It’s a mix of regional wine from Naramata (cool) and Osoyoos (warm) that is aged 15 months in French oak, about 25 percent of which is new. The ‘secret’ blend hidden under the capsule is 45/24/22/9 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and cabernet franc. The malbec brings the spicing and lush notes, cabernet sauvignon some backbone and acidity, the malbec is all about perfume, and cabernet franc adds the savoury likeable factor. This is the most charming version I have tasted to date, and there is no residual sugar to muck up the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is nothing shy about the 2014, a mix of 31/22/22 merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, with the rest split between malbec and petit verdot. This red is full-bodied, showing generous amounts of spicy oak and chocolate, with some telltale south Okanagan sage and just enough freshness to keep it together. Definitely more Napa than Euro, with rich, soft tannins that coat the palate. Best now with fire-grilled beef or let it rest for five years to gather itself. Very good to excellent length.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Grizzli Meritage 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimple stuff in a huge, inordinately heavy bottle. The nose is lifted with cedar, blackcurrant fruit that spills across the palate, mixing with underripe green flavours and healthy doses of oak. The finish is soft and round; the wine is ready to drink. Serve this with smoky sweet and sour ribs.Prices:| BC | $45.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
River Stone Stones Throw 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStones Throw is merlot dominant at 69 percent, with 21 percent cabernet sauvignon and 5 percent each petit verdot and malbec. It opens with a savoury, smoky, resinous nose mixed with lifted fruit notes. The attack is full of spicy black fruit, cedar, and rich dense tannins. It was all aged in French oak (one third was new) for fourteen months. Big and bold, we recommend three to five years in the bottle to let the wine reach its maximum development or serve now with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
River Stone Corner Stone 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRiver Stone is a small estate operating just south of McIntyre Bluff in the Oliver area of the Okanagan Valley. It would be hard to follow up the very fine 2013 Corner Stone, but the 2014 is equally fine. The mix is 27/27/20/18/8 merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, petit verdot, all aged 18 months in French oak. The vineyards are on south facing slopes where soils are composed of rock, sand, and gravel laid down during the last glacial recession. Impressive from the start to the finish. Sleek, dry and firm, with just the perfect amount of muscle and fruit. Tannins are refined and stylish. Lamb would be a super match.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Oreno 2015
Tuscany, ItalyThey scrubbed the sangiovese back in 2009 in favour of a 50/40/10 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. The nose is seductive with rich, expressive dark fruits flecked with more inviting, savoury black liquorice. The attack is rich but juicy, keeping it fresh and moving on the palate. It's delicious stuff and it's just a baby. The finesse and the balance here is what is missed locally, and really sets this classic apart from the norm. All Tuscan. The wine spends 18 months in new French Allier barriques followed by an additional 12 months in bottle.Prices:| BC | $95.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $88.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sunrock Vineyard Red Meritage 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSunRock is a hallowed sight, and one of the warmest in the Okanagan Valley, bathed in sunshine and warmed through the evening by a massive wall of rock to that sits to the northeast of the vineyard. The blend is an attractive mix of merlot and cabernet franc, with some cabernet sauvignon that can ripen easily on the site. The fruit is dark and the oak is rich, soaking up the sagebrush and adding extra spice to the plummy, cassis and chocolate that dominate. One of the fruitier versions I have seen, but there are considerable tannins to shed yet. Best with roasted meats or more time in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs spring arrives earlier, and warmer, it’s only natural the biggest Okanagan reds in the south will continue to profit from extended ripening time. In the case of Oculus 2014, it has allowed for optimal ripening of the 50/24/21/5 blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, fermented and aged in French oak fermenters and barrels respectively. In 2014 all the fruit is from designated Oculus blocks in the MHFE Osoyoos Vineyard. Winemaker Darryl Brooker has tinkered with the formula, dropping the new oak to 25 percent and upping the cabernet franc count to 25 percent. The fruit is more exuberant, showy actually, with rich, spicy, red currant, Bing cherries blueberries and plum flavours flecked with tobacco. The tannins are the best yet showing density and a suppleness that will be well received by consumers. This wine is just getting started, but the early prognosis is excellent. Cellar a decade before you begin to assess the full charm of this wine.Prices:| BC | $135.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis my second look at Oculus 16, months down the track, and it's staying the course although tasted alongside the 2014, it looks a touch less polished. It’s still a big wine with tannins to be subdued, but it has a long future and as I found last year, it's balanced from start to finish. The oak is well managed, the nose is beautiful with savoury, black fruit. Ripe enough but not overripe with just a hint of sticky tannins poking through the cedary back end that will need some time to melt away. Stay the course and leave it be for another three to five years. Power and finesse can be beguiling.Prices:| BC | $135.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Merlot - Cabernet Franc 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith so many giant red blends, it is a pleasure to mull this wine over on your palate and revel in its freshness and vitality. I would describe it as a loose bunch experience rather than a tight bunch affair, although it has nothing to do with their actual bunch character. Merlot and cabernet franc is a masterful blend of Naramata fruit, the only kind used at Hillside. Plums, cranberries, blueberries and umami all come together with some prominent tannin to give it a longer life. Balanced already, this is bargain. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Squeezed Red 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaven’t seen this in awhile, but it’s as it was last time: fun. A fresh, forward blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from Quinta Ferreira that is aged in older oak, leaving the fruit to express fully. Juicy, ripe, black cherry, raspberry fruits disappear into a soft, tobacco, ready-to-drink finish. Grilled sausage on the barbecue would be the match.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quinta Ferreira Alagria 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the better reds coming out of Quinta Ferreira, and one that is clean and fault free. These wines, when well made, can be elegant, and this is a good example of chiselled black cherry fruit with threads of black raspberries, mint and wild berries. Balanced and structured, this should age well for another two or three years but would be prefect now with grilled pork.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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21 August 2018
92PTS
Lock and Worth Semillon 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI pour this for folks when I want them to see the magic that happens on the fringes of BC wine. Semillon is not a major grape in the Okanagan, though it does pop up in sauvignon blanc / semillon blends. There are a few solo varietal sems in BC, and all of them are impressive in their own way. This single vineyard, low-intervention semillon is always a standout for me. Planted in 1993 in Kelowna's Knorr Vineyard's clay, gravels and schist, this was native fermented in 5-10 year old French barrique and whole cluster pressed before time on full solids in neutral french oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered (evident from the harmless clumps at the bottom of the bottle) in August 2017. Savoury, herbal and complexed, unapologetically so, with flake sea salts, meadow grasses along an elastic palate, one that expands with time open in the glass. Drinking well now, but benefits grow with aging.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bartier Bros. Semillon 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Cerqueira Vineyard slopes to the south-west collecting the late day sun between Oliver and Osoyoos just below Black Sage Road. It’s the domain of winemaker Michael Bartier who speaks with a richness of thought but makes wine with a sparing hand. The ferment is all wild yeast the result is a strikingly fresh white wine that is laced with savoury dried herbs, grass figs and assorted yellow fruits with a salty mineral edge. I prefer this wine now, but we know it will age effortlessly as it goes down the honey, nutty, rich road to aged sémillon we have experienced in Australia. Perfect with raw oysters. Real wine.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEvery year Blue Mountain reminds us that pinot blanc needn't mean pinot blah. This year's carefully raised blanc is all Okanagan Falls estate vines from two Germanic clones blossoming at 32-years-old. Whole cluster pressed, this was native fermented in stainless and older wood before five months resting on full lees in a mix of stainless, foudre, 500L barrels and older French wood. Expect textural bosc pear, quince, yellow plum and white peach flavour is grounded with nutty lees brightened with lemon pith, which is threaded throughout. It is a beauty now, and will continue to be in your cellar. Well done.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fontanafredda Gavi di Gavi 2016
Piedmont, ItalyThere is no way to describe how deliciously on point this wine has been, and is again in 2016. The nose is electrically-charged with white flowers, citrus and wet, warm stone aromas. The palate reflects the nose, with more of the cortese di Gavi grape’s quince, grapefruit flecked with a mineral sea salt undercurrent. Delicious and a homerun west coast seafood wine.Prices:| BC | $19.39 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Emandare Vineyard Clara 2017
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe story behind Clara is as sweet as the wine, as well as the wine's name. The rear label states "As sweet as she." Created as a celebration of the birth of owners/winemakers/farmers' Mike and Robin Nierychlo and daughter Clara, this is estate siegerrebe left to do its own thing (highly minimal intervention) before being sweetened with (süssreserve) unfermented siegerrebe juice from the same vintage and bottled in a 500ml bottle. This slight, sweet wine carries the peaceful innocence of a newborn girl, with a lightness of form and weight (10.4 degrees), pear blossom, delicate tangerine, elderflower, applesauce and waves of peach. There's a waxy candle nose and earthy note that grounds this in the natural-swinging camp, and stops it from being just 'pretty'. This would work as a palate cleanser in a multicourse dinner, or with a delicate fruit dessert or brunch dish. Quite interesting.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 500ml |
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88PTS
Singletree Winery Grüner Veltliner 2017
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough I wouldn't immediately think GV at first taste, upon reflection, there's little else this citrusy, green/yellow apple, white peach, medium bodied wine could be, especially when all I can feel in my mouth is the lingering and plentiful dusting of white pepper. Fraser Valley grown grapes spent time in stainless to hold the fresh fruit and acids. Unfortunately, a solid bump of residual sugar jockeys for position, leaving a sweet and sour impression on the finish. That aside, this is a very promising move for the winery, and one I will track as they hone future vintagesPrices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Black Hills Roussanne 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Black Sage Bench, this roussanne lived entirely in stainless, attempting to buoy the grape's inherent fattiness and richness with the tightening of steel. Great intent, though this ends up tasting more of tight, green fruited stainless rather than the voluptuous, generous Rhone grape we expect. Light honeydew, yellow apple, subtle apricot is seasoned with warming ginger to a snappy finish.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hillside Muscat Ottonel 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuscat Ottonel was first in the ground at Hillside over 30 years ago when the winery was among a handful of pioneering farmgate producers. In many ways, winemaker Kathy Malone has taken back the farmgate notion, breathing Naramata into the winery and the bottles. The muscat received a much-needed intervention in the vineyard, allowing theses old vines to express their origin in a meaningful way. Last year was good, but the 2017 may be even better with its bright floral and spice nose that would shock the Alsace crowd. The grapes are hand harvested, destemmed and held overnight in contact with the skins before a gentle press and a long slow cool ferment. Expect intense delicacy in this sophisticated white wine full of floral, orchard fruits, rosewater and tangerine flavours. I served this with cauliflower soup and it was perfection.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Soto y Manrique Tinita Vinas de Verdejo 2016
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis verdejo is grown on poor sandy soils that effectively reduce yields and up the intensity of the wine. The attack is clean and fresh with a bit of mid-palate polish and weight. The vines, well over 20-years-old, grow at altitude. About a quarter of the volume is barrel fermented in old wood for four months; the remainder goes into stainless steel. The attack is a mix of lime and citrus with a silky buttery/quince mid-palate but not in a fat way. Reminiscent of rich sauvignon blanc, it has countless seafood option in BC.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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20 August 2018
90PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways a treat, the 2015 outdoes itself, offering plenty of reasons to drink it for those who prefer the plush, hedonistic style. Black plum, ripe blackberry, and cherry jam mark the palate but just when you think it’s too much, the savoury-floral-sagebrush notes kick in to keep it balanced. It spends 18 months in French, Hungarian, American and Russian oak but the percentage of new has dropped to 23 percent and the wine is better for it. This needs more time in bottle, three to five years, but would be perfect with a braised beef dish now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Grizzli Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA massively overweight bottle contains this medium intensity red that opens with notable lifted notes of black cherry and spice on the nose. The palate is smooth with round chocolate cherry fruit that finishes short with a touch of dry tannins. Try this with beef dishes to best smooth out the edges on the palate. A simple version of merlot that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $36.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mt. Boucherie Merlot 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen, savoury, tobacco, black olive, black cherry aromas mark the nose. The attack is similar with spicy black raspberry, cedar, black pepper and anise before some youthful, grippy tannins dry out the finish. This needs a bit more time in the bottle or serve now with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
River Stone Merlot 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot is the backbone of the River Stone Vineyard. In 2015 it is fully ripe at a full fifteen percent alcohol. The attack is fat and warm with rich spicy black fruit, and a floral black cherry undercurrent. The palate is equally rich with spicy blackcurrant/blueberry with a dusting of tannins and savoury, minty tobacco notes. This needs a rare grilled steak to fend off its youthful, rustic power, or cellar for three years. This 2015 Merlot was fermented in both stainless steel tanks (2200 and 2850 litre) and small fermentation totes to maximize skin to juice contact before being aged in French oak barrels (33 percent new) for approximately 14 months.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot 2015
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesNot a lot of change in what is a very warm, round, spicy, ripe Washington merlot. The attack is round and soft with sweet cherry vanilla, cedar and dark chocolate. The finish is warm and smooth, perhaps best suited to barbecue ribs. Simple.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| US | $13.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No. 39 Whispering Hill Organic Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMission Hill's Terroir Collection is a series of small lot, single vineyard wines, in this case from a certified, 17-acre, organic vineyard encircled by the desert near Oliver. Intensely savoury, this carries what Darryl Brooker describes as a rugged Ponderosa pine character. Love the silky fine-grained tannins that slowly pull you into the black cherries, graphite, plummy earthy branch flavours. This grows in the glass and is well worth decanting an hour before serving. Fine purity. Try this with beef tenderloin with pepper sauce.Prices:| BC | $62.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Merlot 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNice improvement since we last saw this wine. Savoury, light, juicy, simple, easy-sipping style of mid-week merlot, but with a bit of life. It’s a blend of fruit from five sites with a touch of cabernet sauvignon to keep its spine in place. The plummy fruit seems perfectly fitted to the oak, showing only a modicum of vanilla in the finish. Food friendly and ready-to-drink. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $22.97 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Volcanic Hills Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2013 is just hitting its stride. Expect a pleasant plummy, dark fruit nose with a savoury, spicy, underbrush note. The palate is juicy with a mix of dark plums and blackberries but all in balance with a fresh finish and light dusty tannins. Ready to drink now and would be a fine accompaniment to a mushroom pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $21.69 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyard 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Bartier Merlot comes off the home Cerqueira Vineyard along the Black Sage Terrace in Oliver, and continues to impress in the bottle. The vineyard has a gentle west-facing slope, and soils are dense loam topsoil above gravel with limestone (calcium carbonate) covered granite, quartz, and basalt cobbles. The 2016 blend is 96/4/ merlot/cabernet franc fermented in tank where it was pumped over twice a day for four weeks. There is a freshness and nimbleness to the front end, unimpeded by its ageing in neutral French barrels for fourteen months. The nose is a mix of blue/red fruit with a savoury mineral undercurrent. The palate carries ripe blueberries through to a bright finish, with pleasing stony/silky, black cherry, salty fruit free of any obvious oak. There is a dusting of tannins to facilitate another five years of bottle aging, if you like your merlot mature. Perfect now with your favourite steak cuts. Super value. Real wine.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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16 August 2018
96PTS
Opus One 2014
Napa Valley, California, United StatesOpus One continues to hold the bar, set by Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondav, extremely high. Winemaker Michael Silacci follows the Opus mantra to celebrate and express differences in each vintage. The 2014 boasted the earliest bud break in Opus history while the growing season proved to be near-perfect, helping to support a larger than average yield. After some early rains the harvest wrapped up on October 7. The mix is 80/7/6/5/2 cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, cabernet franc, merlot, malbec. The maceration time is 20 days and it all spends 18 months in new French oak. Opus is always subtle, and while it treads that New World/Old World fine line, some years it can be more New World and 2014 is leaning that way. The nose is floral with savoury, dried herb undercurrents before the dark cherry, blackberry, black currant kick in. The tannins are silky, the fruit dark and flecked with black olives and spice with a long persistent finish. I love how they tame most of the overt Napa fruit, instead concentrating on complexity and finesse.Prices:| BC | $499.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $503.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $552.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CedarCreek Platinum The Last Word 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe last word is made by co-fermenting 26/31/19 cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec, picked together. The grapes spend a full month on skins in concrete before joining 24 percent merlot and aging 20 months in French oak. The style is full-bodied and dense with well-managed, fine-grained tannins. It’s full of black cherry, black raspberry with some boisterous baking spices and pepper sprinkled throughout. It’s beginning to settle into itself and should be drinking well through 2024. The Last Word is a true selection of top fruit and it's only made in exceptional years – there won’t be a 2015, 2016 or 2017.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Vieux Pin Retouche 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLe Vieux Pin's wines appreciate with age. I'm not talking $$ (not interested), but about resolution. This wine is showing well now, four years along, and will continue to marry and knit with time in your cellar. Worn leather, bing cherry, violets, black raspberry is rasped with a grippy peppery tannin and propelled with a bright, easy acidity. For a relatively big wine, this carries its structural frame with light feet. The 2014 Retouche, a nod to Hermitaging Bordeaux blends with syrah, merges 43 percent cabernet franc with 21 percent cabernet sauvignon, 15 percent syrah and one percent merlot from fruit sourced from the Golden Mile Bench, North Oliver and Osoyoos Lake District. The whole was aged 17 months in older French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
LaStella Espressivo 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2014 was the inaugural release of Espressivo, the newest member of the musical LaStella family. This Tuscan-inspired red is a blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sangiovese, sourced from Oliver, Osoyoos and Golden Mile, and spent 18 months in French and Slavonian oak, 20 percent of which was new. Potent and concentrated, this earns every millimetre of its 14.5 declared degrees. Greek coffee, potent cassis, brambled thorns, bitter black cherry infiltrated this darkly fruited, big red. Tannins are thick and blocky, but en route to resolution with time in the cellar. 123 cases made.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill Compendium 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCompendium is a compendium of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot from a fine vintage. These are the best fine-grained tannins we have seen yet from this label. Black fruits with savoury cedar, chocolate coats the palate with floral, mineral, licorice, smoky notes appearing in the finish. It is full bodied but with enough acidity to keep it fresh across the palate. You may be tempted to drink this now, and you can, but I suggest another three to five years of cellar time to let this fully develop.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $75.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau d'Armajan des Ormes Sauternes 2013
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceA lovely time to taste Sauternes, when it's still showing the fruity flush of youth, but with just a hint of the honeyed secondary notes to come. Lush aromas of ripe stone fruit, waves of beeswax and floral chamomile. Creme caramel and lemon curd lingers on the honeyed finish. Try with fresh Okanagan peaches, prosciutto, and roasted hazelnuts.Prices:| BC | $26.29 | 375ml |
| QC | $46.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia di Erbe NV
ItalyBurnished seville orange, Scottish marmalade, rasped nutmeg glides along a smooth, warming, silken palate, roughened slightly by a grip of wood on the frame. Spearmint, worn tobacco season, while a light Dutch liquorice salt lingers on the warm finish. Each sniff / sip leads to something more to contemplate. This digestif pomace-based amaro is made in Fruili, and infused with a secretive blend of herbs, spices and roots, including gentian, saffron, licorice, rhubarb, sweet and bitter orange, tamarind, quassia bark, chinchona bark, and galenga. Nonino is a bit less sweet, less bitter, and lighter in texture than other amari. It is aged for five years in oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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15 August 2018
93PTS
LaStella Allegretto Merlot Pie Franco 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAllegretto is one hundred percent merlot from Stagg's Vineyard, a white silica sand site in Osoyoos' east bench. The pie franco in the name signals that the vines are planted on their own rootstock (piè franco). This is a lovely showing of merlot, with a bright acidity, pixellated texture, and fine, grippy tannins. Cassis, plum, crushed stones, savoury tobacco, sinew is threaded with anise. Seemingly light on its feet, but with layers of interwoven complexity and depth to root it, this is a very special wine of place. Drinking very well now, and will reward with cellaring.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
LaStella Maestoso Solo Merlot 2015
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMaestoso is La Stella's flagship wine, and no moment is spared in its creation. This year pinnacle merlot is a blend of 82% Lumeno Vineyard in Osoyoos Lake District, plus 18 percent from La Feuille d'Or on the Golden Mile, and from vines 18-23 years old. The wine built structure through 18 months in French oak, one third of which is new. It was bottled unfined and lightly filtered. Do decant now to allow this big wine time to breathe. Dusky black plum, cassis, tobacco, anise is threaded with peppery spice and warming smoke, and housed with grippy tannins. There's a dark medicinal cherry that warms the finish. This serious red seeks cellaring. I'll revisit in five years time.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Dadá de Finca Las Moras Art Wine 2 2017
San Juan, ArgentinaDadáism is set as artistic anarchy rejecting the social, political and cultural values from 1916 to the mid 1920s. Dadáists rejected any cultural or societal norms. This wine, named in honour of those revolutionaries, should eschew oak, overripeness and sweet fruit. BUT, it so does not. Soft and ripe black and blue fruit is scented with sweet smoke and has had tannins nearly removed, leaving a plush, warming, smoked cocoa red. Simple enough, but Dadá-opposite.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Spier Merlot Signature Collection 2016
Western Cape, South AfricaSoft on the sides, sappy on the palate, and snipped on the finish, this merlot is sourced from vineyards 20-60km from the coast in Swartland, Paarl, Overberg and Stellenbosch. Fruit from these 17-19 year-old-vines were cold soaked and fermented in stainless with ample pump overs. Post-ferment, twenty percent saw time in stainless, with the remainder in contact with wood staves. Plum and cherry jam dominate, with some wet wood, medicinal cherry on the back end, choked out with spice. Though blocky in form, the soft sides and jammy fruit will attract many cushy merlot fans.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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14 August 2018
92PTS
LaStella Fortissimo 2016
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFortissimo is a few percentage points short on merlot content (76) to be considered a solo varietal merlot offering. But add some sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc and you get something special. Plums, spiced fruitcake and savoury dusty south Okanagan notes attract. The palate is a controlled riot of black and red fruits, the latter adding a juicy aspect to this classy red that wraps up with a drier, nutty, umami note in the finish. An impressive red with big food possibilities and ageing potential into 2022 and beyond. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Meritage 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Bordeaux blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec from the winery's Okanagan Falls estate. After warmish ferment, this spends 15 months in French and American oak (40 percent new). Layers of blackberry, cassis, tobacco, leather on this savoury, spicy full-bodied, soft-palated red. The tannins are sueded but ample, pinning in the sides. A little more clarity and less wood presence would free this Okanagan Falls red and to take it next level. For moment a favourite cut of steak grilled woudl be the match.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cellar Hand Punch Down Red 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft, downy and round, with sarsaparilla, baked cherry, raspberry jam and heaps of soft peppery spice. Tannins are well worn and the palate is soupy soft in 2016. This is Black Hills' 'entry level' blend, and this year sees syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and (first time ever) carmenere. Soft and easy on the palate, with cola, cherry candies, ripe raspberries and a lick of spice on the short finish. Easy entry to red wines.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Meritage 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDusky plum, blackberry, wild blueberry, and cassis flushes this southern Okanagan blend of malbec, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. Cedar, tobacco, rock salts, violets, season the fuller palate. You can feel the sunbaked warmth of Osoyoos in the mid-palate, though the rest of the wine works well to keep that heft in check. Velvet tannins snuggle the deep blue/black fruit through the charcoal kissed finish. This was fermented in stainless before twenty months in French oak barriques. There's a lot of a lot (fruit, spice, intensity, finesse) that works very well. This is drinking well now, especially with grilled mushrooms, and will for the next few years.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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13 August 2018
89PTS
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie 2016
Fleurie, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceFragrant rapsberry, floral cherry blossoms, strawberries are seasoned with light spice and supple, fine tannins. The middle is a bit muddled, right up to the pink peppercorn kick on the finish. This young Fleurie, from three lieu dit and granite, clay and manganese soils, will age well over the short term.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Rock Opera Reserve 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe reserve is a more intense version of the regular pinotage but they remain similar in quality. The textures are richer; the tannins thicker, with smoky earthy notes. The attack is all ripe, soft, dark fruit and chocolate. You can drink this now with sweet and sour barbecue ribs. A solid mid-week red.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Rock Opera 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year with perhaps a bit riper fruit to take on the earthy, smoky notes. The attack is fresh with plummy red and black fruit flecked with dark chocolate, that in 2015 finishes with a cleaner demeanour. A round, soft, oaky red suited to grilled sausages or pulled pork, and even dark chocolate.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
The Hatch Gamay 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThirty-year-old gamay from the home Sunrise Vineyard is the star of this wine, one that winemaker Jason Parkes makes because he loves pinot noir but has a gamay budget. This is a relatively rich gamay, something BC pulls off with ease, full of bright raspberry and strawberry that is livelier on the palate in 2016. The finish is alive with a juicy, cinnamon spiced thread that disappears into the round tannins. Serve with bœuf Bourguignon.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sea Star Maréchal Foch 2017
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaI reckon this will be the lightest, freshest, juiciest maréchal foch you've ever tasted. Pender Island grown, this teinturier (red fleshed grape) is whole cluster pressed and the juice sees nil to lil contact with skins. It's this paler medium cherry hue all on its own. Light, fresh and jubilant, with strawberry, cherry, wild raspberry on a soft, gossamer palate. There's a swell of effortless acidity that carries this light red to a crash of white / pink peppercorn spices that linger on the palate. Tannins? Well, there's a light nub of siding to house the fruit, but this plummy, easy drinking red is pitch perfect as what it is: a balanced, bright, easy, local, and light smashable red to chill (if you like) and drink (oft) this summer. Thank you, Sea Star, for showing us another version of maréchal foch.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Carménère 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRoasted meat notes cover this fleshy carménère that weighs in at an incredible 12.1% alcohol. The soft, soupy, ripe body belies its moderate figure, what with all its smoky meats, peppery spicing, medicinal, herby black cherry, raspberry compote, thorny cassis and green cedar hewed Carmenere-ness. There’s a flush of warmth on the finish and a dollop of mellow sweetness, imparted partially by time in 90/10 French /American oak, one-third of which was new. I'd love to see this tightened in the future, though would easily and handily suit roast beef now.Prices:| BC | $59.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Volcanic Hills Gamay Noir 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother fine example of how much this grape has matured in BC. It has a juicy factor that begs you to keeping draining your glass. The aromas are intense and reminiscent of black cherries and wild strawberries. The attack is soft and slippery, the tannins light, and it spends three to four months in French and American oak. Love the smoky, meaty, peppery, tobacco, liquorice notes that punctuate its fresh palate. Volcanic Hills Winery sits on the southeastern slope of Mt. Boucherie, a 60-million-year-old dormant volcano. Try this with grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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09 August 2018
91PTS
Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Escolha 2017
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalNew vintage, same story. Anselmo Mendes is a Vinho Verde icon from the Monção and Melgaço sub-regions, areas the French would call Cru quality. The secret is the steep sloping granitic hillsides that seem to simply take over the wine on the palate. Fresh, herbal, mineral and stony, this is a stunner in texture and electricity, all the while displaying subdued notes of juicy pears, sea salts and the brightest acidity. Precise is the descriptor. Oh, and you can pair it with anything and keep it forever. Real wine. Stupid value.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Harper's Trail Field Blend White 2017
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaRiesling and chardonnay is a dance of weight and density with freshness. In this case, the 2017 is leaning more toward the chardonnay with a fatter, softer entry and a heavier riper fruit. The riesling is hard to notice. The finish is clean and boasting a bump of residual sweetness that will work with spicy dishes. Best well chilled and served on the patio. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Gravelbar Chorus 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNo substantial changes here with this aromatic orchard of fruit stuffed into the glass. I find melons, peaches and red apple with just enough acidity and even some minerality to hold your interest. The fruit is old, dating a back to 1984. Each variety is picked and fermented separately with a long, cold fermentation lasting three weeks. Clean and fresh, it’s a teriffic summer patio wine or a winter shellfish partner.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Character Pinot Gris Gewurztraminer 2017
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI've been consistently impressed with the direction seen in the current releases from Hester Creek: tighter, fresher, dryer, while still maintaining wide appeal. Winemaker Mark Hopley is doing an excellent job of steering a freighter towards the future. Character white is a great example. What has been a bloated, sweeter, overripe white in the past now is showing snappy appeal. Yellow apple, pear, gooseberry, is blanketed with an ample (unnecessary) dose of RS at 9g/l, but thankfully met with a bright spark of acidity to counter. This results in a fresh, juicy, aromatic Okanagan white worthy of sharing.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Hatch B Yanco 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe B. Yanco is mostly pinot blanc (85 percent) from West Kelowna with a splash of viognier (15 percent) from Osoyoos-based Monarch Vineyard. The style is off-dry and floral, with ripe yellow apple and a squeeze of lime pith. Not as refreshing as we would like, but would be well-suited to more substantial spicy fall dinners. For summer drinking, try it with some avocado toast drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon juice.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier +10/10 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRestraint isn't for everyone. Or every wine. If you're in that camp, you probably love viognier, a hedonistic, lush grape. It well suits Laughing Stock's style, showing ripe peach, apricot, honeydew and sweet salami. Split time between French oak, stainless and concrete eggs ups the texture, as does ample lees work. There's a wash of ginger ale that warms the finish, and welcomes food.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rocky Creek TLC 2017
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaTLC is a frizzante style prosecco wannabe which explains its popularity at the winery. Its an orchard fruit blend containing viognier, albariño, Madelaine sylvaner, siegerrebe and ortega. Just when you think its going to be too sweet and floral it tightens up and keeps the sugar in check abetted by the sparkle leaving a delicate, if simple. summer sipper.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Yalumba Viognier The Virgilius Eden Valley 2016
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWe missed you Virgilius. This is our first meeting since 2012. The Virgilius is the flagship viognier at Yalumba, initially released in 2003 and the culmination of decades of research. This outstanding white is hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, wild fermented in French oak barriques before spending ten months under battonage. Even then, only the finest barrels make the cut. What I like most about Virgilius is that it continues to drop weight and power for finesse and aromatics. The 2016 is mouth-filling without being cloying. Apricot, mango, marmalade os flecked with citrus and gingersnap spice to a creamy lime pith finish that dances on palate, leaving it clean and ready for yet another bite of pasta or clams or a favourite vegetarian entrée.Prices:| Australia | $74.99 | 750ml |
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08 August 2018
91PTS
Vaglio Aggie Malbec 2014
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom a single vineyard in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, this is the project of legendary winemaker Susana Balboa's son, José Lovaglio Balbo. José focuses on single vineyard wines, from different sub regions of Northern Mendoza and varying soil types, all sharing vinification with minimal intervention and oak contact. This vineyard was planted in 2008 on sandy, stony loams at 3800 ft altitude. That freshness is apparent right off, with alluring perfumed black plums, black raspberries and cracked peppercorn. Tannins are tuggy, hugging the fruit through a stony, lifted finish. Though alcohol reads 14 degrees, the inherent freshness here is unmistakable. This charming young red is ready for drinking now, but will hold in cellar short term. Planted in 2008Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vaglio Selección Regional Malbec 2014
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVaglio is a project by José Lovaglio, legendary Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo's son. These wines are meant to exemplify Argie terroir, not winemaking. Plush, dusky dark red fruited, this malbec is sourced from different areas in Mendoza's Uco Valley, and from sites that José works with for his single vineyard wines. The whole is scented with dark perfumed blooms, the tannins worked soft, and the finish trails with a find medicinal edge. Though fleshy on the palate, this is held to a reported respectable 13 degrees, and ideal for drinking now with lusty grilled ribs.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Catena Malbec High Mountain Vines 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe High Mountain Vines tips us off to the freshness to be found here, which works to carry the sunned red fruits and leathered mid along a lengthy palate. Sourced from four vineyards ranging from 920m - 1450m, and across various soil types, this carries cherries, wild raspberries, dark cocoa dusted tannins along a stream of acidity to a satisfyingly lingering, smokey finish. This vintage has really opened up, though still benefits from a decant.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.63 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.29 | 750ml |
| PEI | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.90 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paz de Finca Las Moras Malbec 2016
Pedernal Valley, San Juan, ArgentinaFrom the Pedernal Valley and sourced from malbec at 1350m, this approachable malbec spent fifteen months in new American and French barrels, which is felt in the spiciness of this generous, big red. Cedar, cherries, raspberries, blackberries are framed with dense, sweet tannins that dry out quickly on the snappy, peppery finish. Up front, and ready for consumption now, especially with grilled beef, pork or mushrooms.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Estate Grown Malbec 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaPerfumed violets, blackberry, sweet wood and ample smokey spice take over this plush malbec, sourced from higher altitude vineyards in the Andean foothills. Eight months in 70/30 French/American oak have certainly left their impression on this wine, with roasted coffee, cedar spice, grilled meats, and a lingering bitter dark chocolate. Drink now, with grilled burgers or ribs.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.85 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Masi Tupungato Passo Doble 2015
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec/corvina blend was made in the apassimento style, using dried corvina grapes with fresh malbec juice, resulting in a clash of soft and harsh on the hotter palate. Ripe, downy red and purple fruits is framed with bitter cocoa tannins and finishing with a twist of bitter espresso on the dried out finish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaAs the label alludes, this is filled with the perfume of thistle, which overrides (to a degree) the reductive notes stewing underneath (air is this wine's friend). From El Alto Vineyard, in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, this vineyard rests on sandy clay loams at 1050m. Big, punchy plum, blueberry and blackberry fruited, with a fine peppery spice and tautly gritty tannins to a warming finish. This is a kicky youthful wine, 13.5 degrees, and for drinking now with grilled pork or empanadas.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valle Las Acequias Malbec Oak 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaSourced from 90-year-old vines from the Don Angelino estate in, Medrano, Mendoza, this dense, malbec is threaded with sunbaked red fruits and leather, fine dusty spices and bound by sticky tannins. Though the word 'oak' is on the label, and this indeed spent ten months in wood, it's barely noticeable in this wine, lending some much needed boning to the velveteen, ripe and concentrated palate.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec 2016
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis simple, entry level malbec carries warm black fruits, roasted coffee and a kiss of violet florals to a short finish. Tannins are a touch powdery, but primed to meet your grilled root veg or ground beef dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec 2016
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSoft, downy plum, blackberries fills the cushy palate of this malbec, one drawn tight around the sides with a squeeze of tannins. Espresso coats the palate, one kept juicy with black jube jubes, to the drying, warming finish. Pour alongside grilled sweet potatoes or beef for best result. Simple, easy, drink now red.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.55 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.40 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zuccardi Q Malbec Paraje Altamira and Vista Flores 2016
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDecant this or open in advance, as it has a wave of reduction that is helped with airtime. From high altitude (980-1100m) sites in Uco Valley's Paraje Altamira and Vista Flores, this malbec is soft and generous on the palate, native fermented and spent 20 days on skins before concrete and oak aging. Deep purple / blue hued, this potent wine pulls fresh figs, ripe blueberries, blue plums, on a soft, cushioned palate. There's a nice detailing to the structure, though the overall feel is soft. Tannins are smoothed and nubby, and acidity is moderate, making this an easy choice for someone looking for a well made Uco malbec.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.99 | 750ml |
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07 August 2018
86PTS
Mt. Boucherie Estate Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClean and ripe with a noticeable reserve of sugar on the round, soft palate that will appeal to many. More baked pear, yellow apple, quince paste on the fleshy, warm palate. There’s a whiff of acidity holding it together, but it could be tighter. Try this with spicy appetizers to help knock down the sweetness on the palate – spicy sushi tuna roll.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
River Stone Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI liked last year, but this may be better. I love the rich, intense sun-ripened pear with a squeeze of citrus over peach and cantaloupe in this Oliver-based gris. There is also a floral, rose-scented mineral foundation and a touch of lees that keeps this gris on path through the finish. Impressive effort and more than your average bottle. Try this with grilled fish tacos.Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Pinot Gris 2017
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaJust a hint of colour marks the ’17. The nose remains bright and fragrant with a slightly riper style this year. The attack is both rich and juicy and packed full of sweet pear, quince and ripe nectarine flavours. This is ready to drink and dry enough to suit a variety of foods. We think a chicken salad or pasta in a cream sauce would be fine matches.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Pinot Gris 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright and ripe with a candied citrus nose before sweet pear juice mixed with red apples and a squeeze of honey, not unlike last year. The attack is round and soft with more sweet orchard fruit dominating. An easy-sipping gris that is best served with spicy appetizers.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere’s something likeable about this pinot gris that opens with peach yogurt, lemon curd, pear and banana notes boasting a boisterous tropical theme. The palate is ripe and plump, similar to 2016 but with a little better acid. Certainly a crowd pleaser but could ascend even higher with a little tightening. Best now with a favourite curry or spicy sushi rolls. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Screaming Frenzy Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis gris hails from Kurkjian Vineyard in East Kelowna. Twelve hours of skin contact gives it a slightly more natural edge, as well as less obvious fruit in exchange for a little more texture and dimension. The friar of flavour, as it’s known internally, reflects its location near Father Pandosy’s original vineyard site. The attack is a mix of fresh apple and twang-like acidity with a hint of almonds, earth, and a spicy undercurrent. Not your average fruit bomb, this is a food-friendly gris with dusting complexity. Think mushrooms, eggplant, seafood or cheese.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The View Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis was a pleasant surprise, offering up attractive orchard fruits aromas with notes of peach, pear and even a nutty almond trace. The attack is dry with a fresh citrus, almond, peach base and crisp clean mineral finish. Very well made and tasty.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2015
La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom a single site in Uco Valley's Paraje Altamira, this malbec (plus ten percent cabernet sauvignon and ancellotta) was grown at 1100m on alluvial / calcareous laced soils. After native ferment, this sat on skins for 20 days before transfer to concrete and barrels for MLF and a rest prior to bottling. Perfumed and flush with purple florals, blueberries, blue plums, blackberries, the medium-bodied, tight palate is scratchy with texture and studded with stones. Tannins are gritty and acidity is edgy; all in check with the bright fruit and weight (a welcome 13.6 degrees) of this new wave Argentine red.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lamberti Santepietre Pinot Grigio 2016
Veneto, ItalyNo changes here. The nose is a mix of green apple, cardboard, nuts, lees, lemon oil, pear skin. The attack is soft and round with hint of sweetness via honey and baked pear and a touch of freshness throughout the nutty, citrus flavours. Simple, ready to drink and fair value. Try with pasta and clams.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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05 August 2018
90PTS
Domaine Vacheron VdF Le Rosé XVII 2017
FranceThis Vin de France pink is an all pinot noir rosé. The colour is extremely pale. Love red fruit and blood orange notes, the minerality, and sea salt notes that waft from the glass. The attack is tangy with full, intense, orange and cherry fruit flavours but all in balance. The finish is clean and peppery calling for a rich Mediterranean charcuterie plate of cheese, meats and olives. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
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04 August 2018
87PTS
Mt. Boucherie Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium red pink, ‘zweigelt’ colour. Expect an aromatic, candied nose lined with dried herbs and spicy cinnamon notes. There is a line of citrus to keep it all fresh, but this is a bit busy and boisterous and remains best served well chilled and solo on a warm patio.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2017
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire acquired the well-tended 36ha Secrest Mountain Vineyard this year, so you can expect even more from its impressive alluvial, gravel, calcareous soils. Look for a medium coloured pink with a distinctive strawberry nose mixed with citrus, mineral stony bits with a dusting of violets. Leesy, textural, weighty, salty fruit extends through the finish. Flavourful enough to work with a variety of foods. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
River Stone Malbec Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis malbec rosé was sourced the South Okanagan, including the winery's estate River Rock vineyard. The destemmed fruit saw 60 percent left whole berry, with the rest gently crushed before a cold soak for 1-2 days prior to pressing. The juice undergoes fermentation in stainless, where it ages further for three months on fine lees. Punchy and bold, as in previous years, with blackberry, tayberry, cherry fruit. This had some sweetness added back, to leave it off-dry at the finish, a move I think is unnecessary. Pour with burgers or pork ribs.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Rosé 2017
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaOff dry and strawberry jam slicked, this medium-hued rosé is all juicy pear, raspberry and mandarin filling the bright palate. The finish snaps closed with a shake of spice. Chill well and enjoy this summer on a patio.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Les Ligeriens Rosé d`Anjou 2017
Anjou, Loire, FranceLes Ligeriens is grown and made in Anjou. The colour is a pinkish red, and the style is demi sec, or off dry, but in a good way. Fresh picked strawberries would be a good description, along with a slice of ripe watermelon. This is best served well chilled, but perfect with any light spicy summer foods from vegetarian pakoras to spicy tuna rolls or poke dishes. Good value too and ready to drink. The blend is roughly 50/50 gamay/grolleau. Grolleau is a red grape grown primarily in the Loire Valley whose name is derived from the word grolle, meaning "crow" and is said to reflect the deep black berries of the grolleau vine.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Rosé 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGlowing deep pink, this is a juicy, sweet blend of estate pinot noir and pinotage. Strawberry and raspberry jam is flushed out with gushes of orange-lined acidity, finishing short and snappy. Sweet, hot, simple pink, ideal for the ice bucket or ice cubes.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Rosé Cabernet Franc 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis juicy rosé brings quenching pink grapefruit, strawberry, cranberry, and rhubarb to the snappy, glycerol-lined palate, seasoned with cinnamon and sweetened off-dry by the sun and a light bump of RS. A two-day cold soak and gentle pressing of this cabernet franc bled off the medium pink hue, while a cool ferment in stainless preserved the bright acidity in this medium bodied wine, lined with a bed of sunny glycerol. Impressed by the fresher, brighter direction that Hester Creek has been taking of late, with this rosé being a prime example.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jason Parkes Customs Gobsmacked Flipping the Bird Pinot Noir Rosé 2017
British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Flipping the Bird is an equal blend of cabernet sauvignon and gamay - unlikely partners, to be sure. Juicy cool strawberry, cherry fills a silken, pear, mandarin, red apple palate, off-dry but in pitch perfect balance. Acidity is ample to carry the fruit to a quenching, lightly spiced finish. Partial proceeds from this wine benefit Parrot Island, a non-profit sanctuary for abandoned and abused exotic birds in Peachland. The facility was founded by The Hatch partner Jason Parkes' parents.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Screaming Frenzy Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium pale in hue, this is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, gamay and riesling. Pale, juicy, raspberry, this is threaded with bergamot, and has alluring fine tea tannins through the finish. Impressive use of gamay and riesling to bring freshness and acidity to a cab sauv base.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Crudo Organic Rosato 2016
Salento, Puglia, ItalyLovely salmon orange hue, this is an organic Negroamaro rosé, filled with bergamot, juicy raspberry, fine strawberry spices that wrap around a pure-fruited and alluring campari core. This is elegantly shaped with a lovely streamlined flow that lingers and encourages another, and another glass. Impressive packaging and menu suggestion (we concur).Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Rosé 2017
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesA lighter color appeals on pouring. Ripe raspberry jam, candied rhubarb, sweet melon and lemon pastry previews an off-dry palate that tightens up in the back end. It’s all syrah less two percent merlot (why, we don’t know). This should have wide appeal as it straddles the bone dry / super sweet market with some aplomb. Chill this down and serve on the patio with candied salmon.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No.19 Early Morning Brigadier's Bluff Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Darryl Brooker continues to expand the Terroir Collection, designed to showcase the Okanagan Valley's unique microclimates. Only the top 3 percent of estate fruit is used in the collection. In the case of Brigadier’s Bluff, honouring the fur traders known as brigadiers who traversed the trails of the Okanagan Valley in the late 1800’s, the result is a delicious dry rosé with million-dollar pale Provençal pink colour. The palate is juicy and the flavours a perfectly subdued watermelon and wild strawberry affair. There is an elegance here that seems counter-intuitive to its robust 85/10/5 blend of merlot, cabernet franc and syrah. And it's dry. Well done.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Liber Farm & Winery Rosé 2017
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Similkameen winery labels this rosé as Okanagan Valley, leading me to believe they sourced at least some of the organic cabernet(s?) and / or merlot making up this wine from the neighbouring Okanagan Valley. Deeper pink with orange flecks, this is a round, glycerol-lined and warming (14%) pink, with strawberry jam, raspberry jam, candied red fruits to a shorter, snappy finish. Simple pink that's ready to drink this summer.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI’m partial to this drier pink that comes with a subdued wild strawberry nose, and sweetness tempered by a note of rhubarb jam and perfumed raspberries. This is a blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon from the home estates in Keremeos and Cawston. The grapes were soaked for 20 hours on skins before a quick press and cool ferment. I love this understated Similkameen style that makes me think of fresh cheese, pork kabobs, chicken salads and more. Well done, again.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Silver Lining Estate Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmooth strawberry and cherry glides across the silky palate of this estate rosé. Though the packaging relies more on kitschy marketing, as is The View's M.O., the wine is a solid choice for those looking for a silken, sweeter, aromatic rosé. This year blends pinotage with gewürztraminer, riesling, ehrenfelser, baco noir and pinot noir. In addition to the gobs of strawberry and cherry, expect candied pear, apricot blossoms and a snap of spice on the finish. Chill and enjoy this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The View Pinotage Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe View makes two pinotage-based rosés, though this one is 100 percent of the transplanted South African grape. Youthful raspberry, strawberry on a jammy palate, with orange silky siding and juicy fruit mid palate. Fine spices land on the finish. Chill this and enjoy this just-off-dry pink this summer.Prices:| BC | $20.95 | 750ml |
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01 August 2018
88PTS
Sunrock Vineyards Illumina 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA one-of-a-kind Okanagan blend mixing 64 percent zinfandel with 36 percent shiraz, this is not for the timid. Mouthfilling, spicy and rich, it’s done a fair job of soaking up the oak it was aged in without tipping the scales. The palate is a fresh, spicy raspberry affair with enough acidity to take on the power and weight of this jammy blackberry, vanilla and chocolate finish. Best with barbecue ribs or any braised or roasted beef dish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Père Anselme La Fiole Côtes du Rhône 2018
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIn its wonky curved bottle, La fiole is a familiar Côtes du Rhône on shelves. Its familiarity and friendliness, not to mention price, has made it an easy choice. Soft, perfumed strawberry, raspberry, some stewed cherries and subtle tannins to the short finish. This is a simple, inoffensive red to pour with casual fare.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tania Vincent Carême Terre Brûlée 2016
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaA rare glimpse into authentic, South Africa red wine sold in BC. Vincent Carême is a well-known Loire producer situated in Vouvray at Domaine Vincent Carême, but his wife Tania is from South Africa and where the couple has a 10-acre vineyard planted over decomposed granite in Swartland. The Terre Brûlée Le Rouge is a 60/40 syrah/cinsault blend. The viticulture is sustainable, the fruit is handpicked and partially destemmed prior to a stainless-steel ferment using indigenous yeast before ageing eight months in stainless steel vats. The wine is medium bodied with a red raspberry fruit thread throughout and juicy fresh character too. We like the texture and balance here and the soft tannin with a touch of pepper in the finish. Stylish and food-friendly. A classy barbecue red.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ortas La Domeliére Rasteau 2016
Rasteau, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThere is something spicy and savoury about Rasteau that makes it a very inviting red wine for a robust dinner. La Domelière is planted to a commune hillside over chalky-limestone terraces covered with pebbles. The mix is on average 40-year-old grenache (70), syrah (20) and mourvèdre (10). The spice permeates its red fruit flavours, flecked with liquorice and garrigue. The palate is jammy with meaty fruit flavours with a peppery, fresh finish. Love the value here and it will improve over the short term in bottle. Try with pork, or chicken or pair with fresh goat and sheep cheeses.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
JP Azeitao Tinto 2017
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalSoft plum, raspberry, blackberry on the sweetish, easy palate, with tannins wicked away and a cushion of soft lees supporting to the short finish. This is a simple blend of syrah, castelão and aragonez (aka tempranillo) that is best drunk now, with beef or mushroom burgers.Prices:| ON | $9.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.79 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Guisset 2016
Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceThe 2016 blends 66 percent syrah with 20 percent carignan and 14 percent grenache, turning out a scant 5800 cases. The vinification is traditional from destemmed stalks to the daily dump and reloads of the fermenting fruit at the halfway point. Post-fermentation maceration is 7-10 days, followed by eight months in stainless steel for the carignan and grenache and one and two-year-old barrels for the syrah. The colour is dark, the nose complex and inviting with an electric red fruit demeanour followed by a stony, mineral finished wrapped into garrigue. A charcuterie plate, grilled beef or lamb chops would be an excellent match for this real wine, as would a decade in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Alive Organic Red Vegan 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic red also utilizes biodynamic practices, and you can feel the brightness and lightness on the palate of this mix. Since we last saw this wine, the maréchal foch has been dropped to excellent effect, adding cabernet franc to merlot and syrah and fermenting it in all in wood tanks before ageing in neutral oaks for eight months. The delicate, juicy black and red fruit flavours punch well above their weight. Tannins are powdery smooth and light. Impressive local organic option for your roasted root vegetables or mushroom burger.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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September 2018