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Tastings: May 2024
31 May 2024
91PTS
Free Form Blanc de Blanc 2019
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis traditional method Blanc de Blanc (strangely missing the final 's') is organic chardonnay from Summerland's Garnet Valley Ranch, and its loam, granite, and limestone soils. The base wine was fermented in concrete egg before heading to bottle for 42 months' rest, and disgorge with 0 dosage in summer of 2023. The autolysis is immediately evident, with toast and bread dough basing crisp green and red apple, white blossoms, lemon peel, and a lick of anise. There is still a lot of primary freshness here, up against the ample autolytic imprint. Serious fizz, and certainly a project to keep an eye on going forward.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
River Stone Sparkling White Merlot 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis simple, carbonated merlot sparkler comes off their estate River Rock vineyard, in Oliver. A few hours on skins imparted the deep peach pink hue, along with a subtle grip. Smoked strawberries, red apple on a creamy (7 g/L RS) palate is clipped with a bitter cherry snap on the finish. Minimal bubbles here, more just a light effervescence which fades quickly in the glass. Chill very well.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Narrative XC Sparkling 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNarrative's XC Sparkling is packaged in lightweight glass and stelvin that can handle the pressure of sparkling. This blush-hued charmat blends Naramata grown Auxerrois and Chardonnay, fermented in a mix of concrete, stainless, and large barrels before spending 3 months in charmat tanks. Crisp and dry (4.8 g/L RS), this streams pink grapefruit, crunchy Asian pear, and subtle lime blossoms across a lightly sparkling palate, with a light slick of lees and a buzzy framework. Fun and snappy, this is a convenient fizz to crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Bruno Paillard Dosage Zéro NV
Champagne, FranceDosage Zéro blend of 30 vineyards, and all three main grapes with chard and pinot noir coming off the slopes of Montagne de Reims, and the meunier, the majority grape at 50%, coming out of the Marne. Most of the grapes, base year 2018, were fermented and aged in oak before heading to bottle, along with a healthy amount of reserve wines (fermented in a mix of stainless and wood before resting in stainless and bottle for up to 10 years). This bottle spent with 36 months on lees sur lattes, until a zéro disgorge in May 2022. White cherry, crunchy red apple, is scented with fresh blossoms, seasoned with subtle toast, and kissed with ginger. A buzzy chalky base draws this along the palate, while the depth of the perpetual reserve is deftly harmonized by the 0 dosage. Stylish, and smart, this is a well built wine drinking very well now and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $130.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
SummerGate Sparkling Rosé 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for an open, aromatic, red fruit nose. The attack is a juicy mix of mostly riesling with a dash of pinot noir for colour, and delicious raspberry and wild strawberry against a rush of cranberry underneath. The acidity is bright and adequately defends a bump of residual sugar. This is a fun summer sipper that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $30.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Drappier Carte d'Or Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThe Drappier family vineyard holdings are remarkably large, covering 100 hectares. It's taken the negoc family a long time to amass such an impressive holding in Champagne, where they're been actively buying vineyards since 1808. Drappier brought pinot noir to the Aube in 1930s. Vineyards are primarily located around Urville, in the heart of the Côte des Bar, where pinot noir is king and soils are limestone-centric. The Carte d'Or is their trademark wine, a blend of 80% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier, with 40% reserve wines, and 5% of the blend (the liqueur) matured in oak for one year. Wines go through full MLF, and have very little sulphur added. The disgorgement date is etched on the back of each bottle; mine was disgorged in XXX with 5.5 g/L. Toast, green and golden apple, perfumed cherry blossom, and apple danish is brightened with lemon pith / peel, tightening the gently creamy, expansive palate. A friendly, smart champagne for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
River Stone Sparkling White Merlot 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe frizzante category has grown over the years across BC, and this unique blend of merlot with a splash of malbec is yet another entrant. The nose and palate are on the sweeter side, pitching pears and candied cherry with a touch of orchard blossom and a dusting of spice that helps keep the wine on track. It is best with richer spicy bites, and served well chilled.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Mouzon-Leroux L'incandescent Rosé de Saignée 2018
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceSébastien Mouton is a 9th generation vigneron in Champagne, based in GC Verzy, and certified organic (practicing biodynamic) on his Montagne de Reims estate's chalk, clay, and flint soils. This pinot noir rose is from GC Verzy, entirely 2018 vintage, and spent 16 hours on skins to impart the deep cerise hue. This bottle was disgorged January 2022 with 1.5 g/L. Gutsy and forward rhubarb, ripe red apple, candied cherry riffs across the dry palate, finishing with a crushed stone twist. Fun, edgy, rustic, and modern, try this well chilled with charcuterie in the summer.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Family Estate Exhilaration Brut Rosé NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first sparkling rosé from Mission Hill is made in the charmat style, and it looks to be consistent this time out. The pinot fruit comes off two specific vineyard blocks from two different Oliver estate vineyards: one on Black Sage Road, and the other on the Golden Mile Bench. The attack is soft and a bit frothy, with ripe cherries and watermelon on the nose and more cherry and citrus on the palate. Light and easy sipping, this quaffable pink bubble was made for chilling and serving on the summer patio. Well made, but pricey for what it is.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Sandi Prosecco Rosé Il Fresco Millesimato 2021
Veneto, ItalyThe Sandi Rosé Il Fresco is a mix of mostly glera with some pinot nero to create its light coppery/pink colour. It has an attractive off-dry ten g/L of sugar, lightly fizzy palate-pitching candied strawberry, and baked red apple with a dusty, herbal, citrus undercurrent that cleans the back end. This is a ready-to-drink summer sipper you can serve solo or with tapas.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jansz Premium Rosé NV
Tasmania, South Australia, AustraliaThe grapes for this rosé are sourced from selected sites across Tasmania, from the Pipers River and Tamar Valley regions in the north, to the Coal River Valley in the south. The colour is barely there, but the wine is ever present thanks to its enticing creamy textures, strawberry, pie crust, and elegant styling. It is a perfect match with smoked salmon blinis and crème fraîche. The winemaking is a simple affair: hand-picking, gentle whole bunch pressing, cool fermentation, full malolactic fermentation, assemblage, and extended ageing on lees. It is released after three months of bottle age. The blend is 77/23 pinot /chardonnay. Now under Diam cork to preserve all its most delicate scents.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jansz Premium Cuvée NV
Tasmania, South Australia, AustraliaJansz Tasmania is closing in on 40 years of production, and it has been a proven, reliable producer year after year. The fruit is sourced from selected cool climate vineyards from the Pipers River and Tamar Valley regions in the north, to the Coal River Valley in the south. Each batch is kept separate until the blend, roughly a 66/34 chardonnay/ pinot noir mix. The nose is a taut affair of orchard fruits with lemon zest and honeysuckle. The palate has terrific tension, wild strawberries, and bright acidity, tempered by creamy textures and hazelnuts at the finish. It's released with a minimum of three months of bottle age after it is disgorged. Oysters, anyone?Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Étienne Calsac L'Echappée Belle Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceAfter taking over his grandparents' 2.8 hectares scattered in small plots around Avize, Etienne transitioned to organic viticulture, working the vines by hand, plow and horse. This cuvée is based on Grauves, but also contains grapes from his family's plots in Cote de Sézanne, Côte de Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. This current release is based on 2021, with 20% reserve wines from a perpetual starting in 2011. It was native fermented, with MLF encouraged, and aged on lees for 7 months before bottling, followed by 36 months in bottle. My bottle (with a brand new sharp label) was disgorged in August 2023 with 4 g/L. Deep, damp chalk is carved with pithy lemon, kissed with reduction, and structured with chardonnay's nimble acidity. The textural palate is almost chewy with lemon meringue, finishing with a chalky, saline return. As with all his wines, this is very savoury, though I find this cuvée the freshest, and most approachable.Prices:| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne A. Lamblot Mouvance 17 NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France13th generation (!!) Champagne grower Alexandre Lamblot took over his family's 3.8 ha of old vineyards in the northernmost part of the Petit Montagne de Reims, transforming the vines into certified organics and biodynamics, and planting more than 100 trees (mostly fruit) to increase biodiversity. Mouvance (translating to movement, and referring to the dependence of one phenomenon on another) is entirely from the 2017 vintage, and blends equal parts chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier from his top plots in Vrigny and Chenay. This was native fermented in a mix of stainless and older barrels, with random MLF, before a minimum of 2 years on lees (manual remuage) prior to a zero dosage disgorge in December 22, according to the lunar cycle, and with minimal sulphur throughout. That low SO2 level shows in this bottle, with an omnipresent and over time, highly unwelcome oxidative note ruling, thanks to transportation across the oceans to western Canada. However, emerging underneath is the deep layers of chalk, lemon pith and peel, tangerine, deep red and white cherry, young florals, with a rimrod spire of lemony acidity that buzzes along the lingering finish. Though certainly red fruited, the chalky brace wins out in this textural wine. I only wish I could taste it in Europe.Prices:| BC | $140.00 | 750ml |
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29 May 2024
92PTS
Schrader Cellars Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2021
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 2021 Double Diamond Cab is only beginning to breathe at the three year mark. It has that slick Napa persona, rich, ripe black cherry, and slippery tannins. Weighty and dense but with perfectly balanced tannins, it is awash in black fruits and a dusting of dried herbs, vanilla, and wet stones. Complex, long, and inviting, this is Napa at its best: close to over the top but not quite. It is drinkable now, but it will age effortlessly through 2030. It is aged in 54% new French oak and 46% second use barrels.Prices:| BC | $134.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Dumol Wester Reach Russian River Chardonnay 2022
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDumol is an iconic California chardonnay producer known for its outstanding single vineyard labels, so I’m surprised to see the Wester Reach blend fruit from three Russian River sub-districts in this release. This wine blends fruits from the valley and vineyards further west to the coolest reaches of the high elevation coastal ridges. As you might expect, it is reflected in the wine, from broad orchard fruit to electric acidity, pear, and a rich, honeyed texture wrapped around citrus, hazelnuts, and pineapple. It's tight enough for the fans but rich enough to capture the California wine market. It’s a mix of Wente, Mt. Eden, and Robert Young clones, all aged 11 months, in 27% new French oak barrels. The balance keeps the 14.1% alcohol in check.Prices:| BC | $118.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2021
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesThere is something magnetic about the Ridge Chardonnay. A picture of complexity, it has a rich hazelnut current running through its fine leesy textures, with bits of toasted caramelized apples and a long, persistent finish. Ridge produced its first chardonnay in 1962 from fully mature vines planted in the late 1940s in the Monte Bello estate vineyard. By 1985, the old vines were making less than a half-ton per acre and were taken out. The younger vines, planted in the ‘70s, provide the majority of grapes today, planted over fractured limestone overlaid with decomposing Franciscan green stone mixed with clay/loam. The newer plantings were on the lower vineyard, not yet farmed as part of the Monte Bello estate, so the wine was called Santa Cruz Mountains, but since 2009, the wine has been designated. In the finest years, when the differences warrant a separate bottling, a limited amount of Monte Bello Chardonnay is released. In 2021, a dry winter and spring stressed the vines, limiting yields and concentrating flavours. The grapes are whole cluster pressed and native barrel fermented. The barrels were 60% air dried American oak, 40% French oak, 24% new, 5% one year old, and 71% two to three year old. The wine spends 15 months in barrel.Prices:| BC | $109.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ridge Lytton Springs 2021
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesIf there is an authentic California cult wine, my vote goes to Lytton Springs, given its ridiculous level of quality year in and year out, and Ridge’s price restraint. The blend is a complex mix of 72/15/9 zinfandel/petite sirah/carignane with a sprinkling of alicante bouschet, cinsaut, and counoise. Red licorice, crushed strawberries, and black pepper lead smoky, meaty notes, with bright acidity and dense sweet tannins that carry the finish. This wine will age effortlessly for a decade, but you can enjoy it yearly as it fattens up and feathers out at the edges.Prices:| BC | $87.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
California, United StatesCaymus cabernet has always been associated with Napa Valley, but those labels remain on another quality and price level. The decision to make a California wine with Caymus on the label seems unnecessary, but the wheels of business never stop, so cheaper fruit from outside of Napa has been called upon for this label. The style is reminiscent of the Napa labels: big and plush with upfront fruit and softness, but without that Napa gloss. It is a little more rustic and spicy with peppery, savoury notes and sweet milk chocolate. It is ready to drink, but I can’t help thinking the Caymus name will attract more notice in restaurants than this wine deserves, especially given it will likely sell on lists at $175.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2021
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBrewer–Clifton is a champion of the much-heralded Sta. Rita Hills appellation and winemaker Greg Brewer and his team work under the doctrine of discipline, neutrality, and deliberate intent. Only neutral barrels are used, and the fermentations are all whole clusters complete with fully ripened stems to allow for a well structured, earthy wine to offset the big fruit. In 2021, the fruit comes off three sites, 3D, Machado and Hapgood, bringing a rich selection of clones including Swan, Pommard, 667, and the Merry Edwards clone. This was just tasted last month, so no big changes, although this bottle is singing. A lot of work goes into getting the most finesse they can from this wine, which they have done, but make no mistake, this is a powerful pinot. The nose is a dusty mix of red fruit and tea leaf, with an intense earthy forest floor and baking spice palate that finishes long and warm. The bigger the food here, the better. Peking duck would be a treat, or an even more decadent pork dish.Prices:| BC | $71.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $73.32 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCaymus Special Selection is always a selection of the best barrels that play to a style constantly pushing the limits of richness and concentration, in this case, clocking in at 16% alcohol. The nose is slightly cooked and raisiny with plenty of cassis, chocolate, and coffee spilling onto the palate. Blackberry jam, pipe tobacco and brown spices line a richly dark, dense tannin finish. It is only made in the best years, but I wouldn’t mind if this was throttled back a bit. That said, this unabashed New World cabernet has a huge market following, hence its $240 price tag.Prices:| BC | $239.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $135.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $149.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $203.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown Single Vineyard 2019
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAlexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon is grown inside the 22 mile long Alexander Valley AVA, ranging in elevation from 250 to 350 feet. The site was established in 1971 and recognized as the first site in the valley to produce a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Alexander’s Crown vineyard sits on a hill just south of Jimtown. It is a cold site with average daily temperatures of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and in 2019, with all the reservoirs full and minor heat spikes, it was an excellent growing year. The cabernets are showing some fleshy notes, but this wine has the refinement of 2018. This wine has a touch more flesh in 2019, giving it a nod over 2018. As mentioned before, the replanting of the Crown vineyard has paid off, giving this wine new life with rich blackcurrant, violets, and blueberry, with streaks of chocolate and dried herbs that are singing in 2019. The quality of the tannins is particularly attractive, dense, sweet, and long, suggesting you can age this wine through 2030 with no problem. An opulent mountain wine with holy grail power and elegance.Prices:| BC | $105.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $115.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $115.99 | 750ml |
| US | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Caymus Zinfandel 2021
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCharlie Wagner Sr. was a big fan of Zinfandel, so the winery still produces a small amount of California Zinfandel yearly. The 2021 is a varietally correct packed full of bright red fruit reminiscent of a southern Rhône Grenache. Look for crushed raspberries, boysenberries, a touch of pepper, and moderate alcohol. There is a sense of freshness here, adding charm to this solid everyday zin that would be the perfect foil to pork ribs or a mushroom pizza.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesIf you have ever wondered what cabernet smells like when perfectly ripe, this 2018 Stonestreet would be the one. It is always a mix of the best cabernet sauvignon grown at Stonestreet’s Monument Ridge and the Mayacamus Mountains, at the 5100 acre Alexander Mountain Estate. Only 900 acres are planted in 235 individual blocks. Savoury and aromatic, translation Alexander Valley, the fruit sets the stage for a slick, robust, muscular cabernet packed with blackberry, black licorice, menthol, smoke, and tobacco. In 2018, the weather gods cooperated, and this wine has risen to a quality level that reflects its price. A splash of petit verdot is aged 20 months in 35% new French oak. Again, you could drink this wine now, but I recommend cellaring it through 2028 for best results.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $73.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe volcanic soils of Knights Valley are home to this cabernet, sitting on the southwest facing slopes of Mount St. Helena. The colour of this wine is notably dark opaque purple. The attack is a structured hit of blackcurrant and black cherries dusted in a savoury Sonoma mix of dried herbs. The same notes spilled onto a fresh palate, adding some bitter chocolate and a stony minerality that helps keep the wine full flavoured from front to back. The tannins are California rich and dense, reinforcing the wine’s structure and its ability to age. It's all here and will all be revealed over the next seven to ten years and beyond. If you can’t wait, grilled beef will help break down the tannins and take on the spice.Prices:| BC | $118.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $118.99 | 750ml |
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28 May 2024
93PTS
Natte Valleij POW 2019
Coastal Region, South AfricaNatte Valleij's old cape Dutch buildings have seen a lot of history, including housing a prisoner of war who was captured and exiled to the Cape during WWII. He most likely contributed to the farm's farming and winemaking while living in the cottage that winemaker Alex Milner calls home. The inscription P.O.W. B.T. 27/12/1943 is the fighter's only mark. In his honour, Milner created this limited release wine, his take on a SA Bordeaux blend. 2019 blends 73% cabernet sauvignon and 27% merlot, from the decomposed granite slopes of Simonsberg Mountain. This was fermented over 8-10 days and basket pressed into 225L barrels for 1 year prior to blending and a further 2 years' rest in foudre. Fragrant wild black cherry, black raspberry, sultry black plum, and suede is woven across the palate, imbued with scrubby florals/herbs, and lit with a granitic buzz. Tannins are dark cacao dusted, firm, and well integrated, structuring this bigger red through a lingering ferrous finish.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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24 May 2024
90PTS
Cavit Bottega Vinai Müller Thurgau 2022
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThe Vinai Müller Thurgau vineyards sit between 500 and 700 metres above sea level in the Trentino zone on three separate sites. The glacial soils in the Valle di Cavedine and the Dolomite limestone in Cimone give the wine its intense, crisp aromas and minerality. In contrast, the basalt, well-structured soils on the Brentonico Plateau impart a highly persistent, well-balanced palate. Look for a pale colour with an enticing lime, bergamot floral nose and a hint of dried spice. The attack seems rich and lush, even a touch ripe, but it is compelling and complex with a hint of bitterness and some savoury undertones. This is a white wine for wine and food lovers. Perfect for Halibut season.Prices:| AB | $24.66 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hillside Heritage Series Muscat Ottonel 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRinse and repeat is the mantra here. Winemaker Kathy Malone does the impossible by doing nothing, but making one critical decision: when to pick. After that, she stays out of the way of a signature Hillside wine with a long history and deep roots in the ethos of Naramata. Muscat Ottonel was planted at Hillside over 30 years ago, becoming the poster child for what old vines are all about. Decades later, a much needed intervention in the vineyard allowed these old vines to express themselves and their Alsace heritage. Floral, spicy, packed with orchard fruit, rosewater, tangerine, and a small bump of residual sugar, this is delicious, especially when you drink it in the sunshine.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Suavia Soave Classico Garganega 2022
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyRespected Italian exporter Neil Empson has been unearthing wine gems from his Milano base for nearly three decades. Years ago, he spoke of Suavia Soave as a wine he places “on a similar level to Soave superstar Pieropan.” Unlike most Soave that contains a considerable percentage of trebbiano, the Suavia is made entirely from garganega, and is stainless steel fermented. The fruit comes from 60 year old vines grown over 12 hectares of multiple vineyard sites containing calcareous and volcanic soils. The nose and flavours are a mix of lime juice, citrus, and salinity, with a twist of butter that is simple and delicious. The back label says it all: it’s a wine for bars with umbrellas and tables on the cobbles of an old illuminated piazza. Pour me a bottle of spring pasta, or fresh seafood.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laurenz V. Singing Grüner Veltliner 2022
Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaThis note continues to write itself every year, beginning with its electric, fresh, mineral, citrus opening, with notes of green fig and white pepper. The palate is tight and bone dry, with more herbal, floral, stony orange and grapefruit, with a tart, saline, mineral finish. It is an electric storm of flavours ready to take almost any fatty fish dish. There is super value here.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
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22 May 2024
85PTS
River Stone Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Oliver estate, Boulder Vineyard, this deeply hued pink is their inaugural cabernet franc rosé. The grapes were cold soaked up to 48 hours before pressing and a cold fermentation in stainless, where they rested three months on lees. Ripe strawberry, pear, and pear skin rest atop a thick lactic base, kissed with smoke and subtle spice to a tart, snappy finish. Some work ahead here.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Stemmari Rosé 2022
Sicily, ItalyFrom Sicily's sandy soils, this nero d'avola was cold macerated for 12 hours before gentle pressing and cool fermentation in stainless, where it remained for approximately 5 months. Cool, clipped strawberry, melon rests on a lactic bed, finishing with a sour note. Sadly doesn't speak of grape or place, though thankfully dry?Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Nestor Avarinó Dry Rosé 2022
Messinia, Peloponnese, GreeceFrom Greece's peninsular Peloponnese, and the Nestor Wines co.op, this deeper hued rosé blends roditis, grenache, and fileri. Perfumed cherry blossoms, pear, and ginger fill the slightly lactic, compact core, ending with an orange twist. Benefits from a brisk chill.Prices:| AB | $14.50 | 750ml |
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21 May 2024
91PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir 2022
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe second pinot noir release from the 320-acre site is organic and regeneratively farmed. All the grapes are fermented in concrete, with 50% of the whole clusters included in the fermentation, adding a delicate fruit structure throughout. It is aged in a mix of neutral barriques and concrete, again a key to let the finest delicate notes reach for the stars. It's finished under a screwcap, further enhancing the quest for purity. The balance is much improved this year, and the fruit, as mentioned, is more cerebral and delicate as it appears to dance along the palate. The tannins are minimal, and the savoury aspect is also less noticeable, adding to the charm of this wine. Again, simple foods that complement the wine using acidity and absorbing the tannins are the way to go. A fine piece of cheese, duck confit, cedar-planked salmon, or a mix of fresh-picked and grilled root vegetables will work.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire winemakers Matt Dumayne and Kat D'Costa approach the Okanagan's unique terroir with a "less is more" style, and it is no more evident than in this pinot that is made in state of the art concrete tanks with simple, almost hands off winemaking. The fruit comes from 3 Okanagan vineyards, and is 50% whole cluster pressed and 50% whole berries, all naturally fermented over a month before being gently basket pressed to concrete tanks and foudre for aging. The result is a silky soft pinot, with intense spicy, savoury, dark cherry, and just a hint of youthful sticky tannins. It's best with grilled salmon steaks or a mushroom risotto. Drink or hold through 2027. It is a pretty, elegantly styled pinot that weighs in at a modest 12.5%. Take that California and Bourgogne.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Liber Estates Rebil Pinot Noir 2021
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Rebil (Liber spelled backwards) Pinot Noir is grown metres from the west facing banks of the Similkameen River, about 4 kilometres from the US border. The site has been farmed organically since 1962. It is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the sometimes cool, sometimes warm, wild and windy site that gets an added heat from what winemaker Mike Dowell calls "the shimmer effect", the late afternoon sun bouncing off the bend of the Similkameen during peak spring run-off that warms the vines, helping to kick start flowering. It is whole berry fermented at cool temperatures and barrel fermented for 10 months in French oak. The colour is light, but the flavours are intense, pitching spicy and savoury, with branchy forest floor. 2020 wowed the judges at the National Wine Awards of Canada, and this wine is easily equal. Look for a juicy, sweet black cherry entry with a floral underside, streaked with cinnamon and subtle tight grained oak. At 13.8% alcohol, it is nimble by New World standards. It is a lock pairing with grilled or baked salmon with a soya-based marinade.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Little Engine Silver Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike most top BC pinot, this is hand harvested, sorted in the vineyard, and then destemmed into 1 ton fermenters. It gets a 7 day cold soak as the musts gradually warm to allow for natural fermentation. The nose is open and vibrant, pitching an earthy, savoury rhubarb vibe, with strawberries and dried cranberries. The palate is riper, with moe earthy black raspberry and some baking spice lining the finish. It is approachable now but should continue to improve in bottles through 2025. The Silver Pinot Noir is all Naramata Bench fruit from estate vineyards mixing clones 115, 667, 777, 828, 91, 943 and Swan, yielding 2.5 tons per acre on average. Left to its own devices, pinot undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation, and matures in 2nd and 3rd fill and neutral barrels for 14 months with no racking until blending.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Pommard Clone 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Spearhead Pommard Cllone label is sourced from Summerland on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Winemaker Grant Stanley macerated this fruit for 6 days, extracting colouring and tannins without building up alcohol, before a spontaneous fermentation took over, and it moved to 25% new French oak to age for 13 months. The nose is an open dark fruit affair, pitching black cherries and spicy florals. Juicy black raspberry and cherry finish with a savoury, earthy back end. Dare, I say, Bourgogne styled. More decadent dishes work here, like pork or duck.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Da Silva Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDa Silva Pinot Noir comes off Hidden Hollow Vineyard in Penticton, owned and grown by Richard and Twylla da Silva, and Lazy Dog Vineyard, also in Penticton, owned by grower Dean and Liz Marchand. 2021 is beginning to show the polish we seek in this price range. The nose is ripe and clean with dark fruit aromas and a fresh, earthy note. The plate is awash in fresh black cherries with earthy, forest floor, spice and mushroom notes. The textures are pinot silky, and the alcohol is just about right at 13.9. It is ready to drink and would be fun with pork or duck dishes. It was barrel aged 18 months in 60 percent French oak and 40 percent Hungarian oak, all medium toast. The best yet.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Micro Cuvée McLean Creek Vineyards 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMicro Cuvée is a barrel selection from the McLean Creek Vineyard that opens with a slightly reduced barnyard, earthy nose streaked with black cherries, blueberries and brown spices. Autumnal forest, dried florals, and cherry leather rule the middle palate and finish, which is long and silky. It is a mix of clones: Pommard 91 and Dijon 114, 115, and 667 planted over sloping sand and gravel soils. Winemaker Chris Carson starts the fermentation in stainless steel before moving into 50% new French oak, which remains for 11 months. Not super clean, but drinking well now.Prices:| BC | $58.35 | 750ml |
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17 May 2024
90PTS
Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInspired by the late legendary Loire winemaker Didier Dagueneau, this sauvignon blanc rested 6 months on lees in a mix of 43% stainless, 15% French barrels, and 42% puncheons, with regularly diminishing bâtonnage. Crunchy grapefruit, greengage, and lime blossom are lined with a fine lees bed and shaped with grapefruit rind along a slender palate, finishing with a citrus twist. Very stylish, and moreish. 599 cases.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
River Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Southern Okanagan estate Boulder City vineyard, and its sandy loam soils, these destemmed grapes were cold soaked for several hours and settled before heading to stainless for innoculation and cool fermentation. It remained in stainless for a few months before bottling. Quite phenolic, with crunchy orchard fruit, grapefruit, melon, and green papaya on a snappy, compact palate, all with a welcome kiss of Southern Okanagan ripeness. One to try with green curries, or spot prawns.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2022
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFrom Chile's Casablanca Valley, this organic sauvignon blanc was harvested at night, and straight to press where it sat for 24 hours on skins before racking and fermentation in stainless. Crisp and shining, with grapefruit, green apple, subtle papaya, and ample lime pith on a crunchy palate, lined with a very fine slick of lees to balance. Fresh and juicy, and very well priced, this is a smart sauvignon blanc find for summer.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAconcagua Costa is a cool climate valley off Chile's west coast that sits only 12 kilometres from the cold Pacific. It is teeming with freshness, bright acidity, ample minerality, and a surprising amount of citrus, lemongrass, grapefruit, and lemon zest, dusted in dried herbs. Shellfish, crab cakes, sushi, pesto pasta and more all work in this solid sauvignon blanc. I have said it before: this delicious wine is of significant value and should be stacked to the ceiling in retail stores. Sadly, it may not even be their best label in Aconcagua Costa, an area so poorly underrepresented in this market.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Severine Pinte was inspired to make this wine, having tasted the wines of the late legendary Loire winemaker Didier Dagueneau. Grassy grapefruit marks the nose and spills onto the palate, with a citrus herby undercurrent running through its leesy mid-palate and finish. Dry with a touch of bitterness, it is built for local shellfish. The wine is aged for 6 months on its lees and regularly stirred in a mix of 43% stainless steel tanks, 15% French barriques, and 42% larger (puncheon) barrels. Delicious and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
River Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt River Stone, the grapes are grown just North of Oliver on the cooler west side of the valley in sandy loam deposited during the last glaciation. In 2023, there is more orchard fruit, and a sweet, tropical fruit perception. The palate is soft but clean and tasty, with melon and pink grapefruit dominating. Dungeness crab cakes with a spicy sauce would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Morgenster Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFor over twenty years, I was a regular visitor to South Africa, and the wine that impressed me the most was Sauvignon Blanc. The quality was relatively high, and the price was dirt cheap. Unfortunately, the monopolies wanted to sell defective pinotage. Twenty-five years later, the sauvignon blanc is better than ever, and it's still dirt cheap, but very little of the good stuff makes it to BC. If you are a SB fan, it's worth searching for this Morgenster label. Look for a little New Zealand and a lot of Sancerre in this wine, a gooseberry, mineral, ripe apple affair that slides down easily. Elegant, dry, and crisp with a smooth, smoky, mineral finish, this overdelivers for the price. A summer evening of oysters and Morgenster would be a great start to discovering the South African sauvignon blanc special.Prices:| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lightning Rock Sauvignon Blanc Waters and Banks Vineyard 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Waters and Banks Vineyard was planted in the early 2000s with Pinot Noir (115, 667), Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot. This property neighbours the south side of Lightning Rock, and is so close that they say it is barely distinguishable from its Elysia vines. This Summerland sauvignon is fermented wild and then subject to little or no intervention. The attack is crisp and has an obvious mineral, saline character with passionfruit, pears, and lime rind streaks. Drink all summer with oysters or clams. The richness of the palate is a result of it being fermented and aged in a 30/70 mixture of neutral French oak barrels, and stainless steel tanks for 7 months.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc Lighter 2023
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMatua is said to have produced New Zealand's first sauvignon blanc in 1974 in Auckland, and they've been pioneering ever since. This Lighter label clocks in at 8.5% alcohol, and is 25% lower in calories as well (as you can read from the giant nutritional label on the back) compared to the standard Matua Sauvy. They really want you to drink Lighter well chilled, instructing you to wait until a little snowflake appears on the front label, indicating the wine is at temperature (7 degrees celsius). Many things here make me sceptical, though it certainly does have all the taste hallmarks of Marlborough SB. Green and grassy, with underripe papaya, pineapple skin, and lime rind on a brief, somewhat watery palate, finishing with a grapefruit twist. If you're looking for a lighter option that handles a big chill, you can try this. If you're looking for a lighter handed option however, look elsewhere.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.15 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2022
FranceI saw this wine last vintage and thought it was impressive, and it is just fine in 2022. The Vin de France cuvée gives J. de Villebois the leeway to work outside Sancerre with grapes grown on the cool Atlantic Coast and in the Loire Valley. Don’t be fooled: the result is more Sancerre than Vin de France, which means you get a sauvignon that overdelivers for its price. Fresh, dry, and linear, there is a line of citrus and gooseberry with a slight tug of dryness. Still, it's a treat for the price and should be an easy order with fresh oysters.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Château Peybonhomme-les-Tours Le Blanc Bonhomme 2021
Cotes de Bordeaux, Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FranceThis biodynamic Bordeaux blanc blends 45% each Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, and 10% Colombard from their clay / limestone soiled estate in Cars, near the Gironde River. This was native fermented in new oak (40%) and concrete. Crisp lemon, crunchy green apple, and Asian pear glide along the medium palate, with shining acidity tempered with an alluring sémillon waxiness. Lovely light hand and balance in this medium bodied wine.Prices:| ON | $38.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Southern Okanagan estate vineyards, the 2022 Alibi is primarily sauvignon blanc, with 6% sémillon blended in. This was whole bunch pressed, partially native fermented in French puncheons and barriques, where it remained 6 months on fine lees. Tropical pineapple, papaya, and passion fruit leap from the glass, tempered by a cool slick of limey sém. Punchy and energetic, this medium white would well suit an equally exuberant mango salad or Thai salad rolls.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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16 May 2024
89PTS
Ed Edmundo Malbec 2022
ArgentinaThis label is in tribute to Don Edmundo (aka Ed), the founder of Navarro Correas Winery (now owned by Grupo Penãflor), who used to sit in front of the vineyards and write novels. Full and juicy with wild blackberries, blueberries, and black plums, with a sun-ripened richness, seasoning of sweet espresso, and cushy tannins to frame. This is a friendly, modern malbec, ready for enjoying now with BBQ fare.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Catena Zapata Malbec Nicasia Vineyard 2020
San Carlos, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNicasia Vineyard is situated at 1,095m in Uco Valley's Altamira region. It makes an exciting contrast to the Adrianna Vineyard single parcel malbecs reviewed several weeks ago. This comes across as sturdier and riper, with crushed wild berries, raspberry compote, and thyme framed by decadent, chocolatey new French oak. The palate is impressively dense and concentrated, seamlessly balancing the sculpted, firm-grained tannins that still give grip to the long finish. Give this a healthy decant if opening in the near-term, otherwise feel confident that this will improve in your cellar over the next 5-7 years.Prices:| BC | $125.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $104.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Malbec Argentino is drawn from a massale selection of old vines split between Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Angélica Vineyard in Lunlunta. It's hard not to be drawn in by the impressive packaging and label, but this is very much a serious wine in its own right. Twenty percent whole cluster adds a herbal freshness to the ripe wild brambles and cassis that permeate this wine, heightened by fragrant violets. A stony current runs through the palate, giving verve to the opulence of complete barrel fermentation. It's surprisingly approachable now, but the best is to come.Prices:| BC | $144.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $134.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $171.99 | 750ml |
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15 May 2024
90PTS
Tantalus Maija Pinot Noir 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFruit for this pinot noir came off the youngest estate blocks of Dijon plantings at Tantalus, along with some off site, neighbouring fruit. It is native fermented and drained into seasoned and 10% new French oak barriques for 11 months. This wine has an amazing, upbeat, clean, juicy pinot character, aided and abetted by world class textures. Rich, spicy cherry with subtle barrel toast lead to more crushed raspberries on the mid-palate, with an earthy, sweet, soft, round, persistent finish, dusted with minerality. Maija Pinot Noir is named after Tantalus proprietor Eric Savics’ daughter. A benchmark style for young New World pinot.Prices:| BC | $30.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Little Engine Elevation Pinot Noir 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis was completed in stainless from fermentation to aging. It was picked on October 4, and bottled roughly 6 months later, released in ready to drink mode. The nose is a contrasting mix of ripe black cherries and what the Bourgogne call an earthy barnyard note. Round and rich with a touch of cola and candied plums, it finishes with a slurry of fine grained tannin. This is New World in a good way, and, as mentioned, it is one to drink now. Think cedar planked salmon.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe JoieFarm Pinot checks in at 12.7% alcohol and presents with a floral, earthy, green hedge nose. The palate is a slightly sour mix of rhubarb and cherries with more beautiful earthy notes at the finish. The texture is a plus, silky and long, but it needs a touch more ripeness to be that mouth-filling pinot most of us seek. The grapes were picked and sorted by hand, cold soaked for 6 days, and fermented in an open-top vessel for 10 days. The wine is pressed and racked to neutral French oak puncheons and aged for 10 months.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lunessence Pinot Noir 2022
Golden Mile Slopes, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLunessence has embarked on a pinot noir planting program on the home property in Summerland, but we are still awaiting the fruit from that site. This year, the grapes come off the Golden Mile Slopes. That’s right, the Golden Mile Slopes, a confusing name given to what must have been a bunch of unhappy producers whose land fell outside the Golden Mile Bench boundaries, defining the best sites south and West of Oliver, but I digress. The colour is light, the nose pinot-like with cherries and earth, but on the palate, the fruit is more sour than sweet with some light but sticky tannins. It's not my favourite.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Braided Hill Vineyard 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new label at Spearhead, this East Kelowna pinot is fruit-forward and presents soft, silky round textures with just a hint of upfront sweetness. Fresh raspberries, plums, and red cherries follow, with some classic earthy mushroom in the finish. Ready to drink and fun to drink, the winery suggests you serve it with Manchego cheese, or mushroom risotto.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cliff and Gorge Unoaked Pinot Noir 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaCliff and Gorge launched in 2018 to become the second winery operating in Lillooet. We reviewed the inaugural 2018 release, and now this 2022. It is labelled unoaked, which explains its structure and weight. It is light and airy with juicy red fruit and cranberries dusted in dried herbs. This is a simple, straightforward pinot you can drink now and is sold at a very fair price. Serve this slightly chilled for best effect.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Poplar Grove Pinot Noir 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first ever Poplar Grove Pinot Noir is the 2022, due to be released in June. The Holler family purchased a 5.62-hectare site at the southern end of the Naramata bench and planted several French clones: 091 (Pommard), 667, 777, 114, 115, and 828. The wine has a slippery, silky texture, immediately indicating it is pinot. The entry is smooth and earthy with a rush of dark red plum dusted with baking spices reminiscent of New Zealand, combining the fruity Marlborough style with richer Central Otago output. It’s a credible start for a winery that has never made a pinot. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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14 May 2024
91PTS
Maison Smith Monpetit Tempranillo 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMaison Smith Montpetit is located at the heart of the lower Similkameen Valley, Canada’s organic winemaking capital. The vineyard is a mix of French and Italian grape varieties, not to mention this tempranillo. The winemaking is all about minimal intervention to let the site and grapes express themselves, and may I say, wow, this is a knockout first effort from owner, president, winemaker, and director Erich Smith-Peter. The texture and fruit components of this wine are as one. Fresh, juicy dark cherry and plum carries density and length, perfectly managed tannins, and a touch of desert scrub from the Similkameen environment. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pentâge Winery Tempranillo 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTempranillo is trying to find a home in the Okanagan, and it looks like it could be a fit, but for the moment, site selection remains the challenge to ripening the grape to its fullest potential. In this case, vineyards overlooking Skaha Lake are homes to this juicy, black cherry, plummy red with a rift of acidity stiffening its backbone. It spent 18 months in 50% American neutral oak and 50% French oak, which is one-third new and two-thirds 2nd year barrels, following the Rioja regime. I recommend this with lamb chops for an original Spanish match.Prices:| BC | $28.70 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Vina Ane Autor Eduardo Monge Rioja 2019
Rioja, SpainViña Ane is a family winery established in 2004 by Eduardo Monge and Lorena Garbati, both born into families of grape growers. They are located north of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, sheltered by the slopes of the Mount Toloño in the Sierra de Cantabria. This tempranillo comes from 5 different vineyards, all on clay limestone soils. Post-ferment this rested in French oak, with 5% each aging in Hungarian and American oak, for 11 months. Perfumed raspberry, black cherry is seasoned with finely rasped baking spice and peppercorns, and wrapped with long, fine, firm tannins. There's an easy lift of acidity, carrying to this through the lingering finish. Very harmonious and finessed Rioja.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bodegas Luis Marin Essentia Viva Tempranillo 2022
Aragon, SpainThe Ignacio Marin family have deep roots in the Cariñena region, with a winemaking heritage stretching back centuries. This tempranillo is from 30 year old vines from the region's stony, limestone soils. It was fermented in stainless before resting in older American and French oak for a minimum of 3 months. Fleshy and juicy black plum, blackberry, is seasoned with heady tobacco and toasty spice. Tannins are soft and supple, turning sticky on the warming finish. A lot of wine here for a low price, try this one with grilled burgers.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bardos Viñedos de Altura Ribera del Duero 2020
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainOne of the mighty Vintae stable of wineries, Bardos is their Ribera del Duero project, between the villages of Fuentemolinos and Moradillo de Roa, at 950m. This is primarily old vine tinta fina (tempranillo) with tips of Albillo Mayor and Garnacha, rooted in sands and gravels over ferrous clay. It was fermented in large vats, with fermented in stainless before 1 years' rest in oak of various sizes. From this windswept and extreme terroir, a wild, full bodied red, layered with black cherry, thorns, tobacco, pencil shavings, and peppery baking spice. The ample tannins are well absorbed into the muscular fruit, with an inherent mountainous acidity to loft and carry this to the peppery, bitter cherry finish. Lovely typicity here, and one to reach for when you're grilling lamb.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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13 May 2024
89PTS
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFor this Reserve tier bottling, Chenin from Helderberg, Bottelary Hills, and Vlaeberg mountain vineyards, and from sandy, ferrous clay soils goes into this chenin, picked in various waves. The lots were barrel and tank fermented and left on the lees for 9 months in French oak (20% new). This has tightened considerably over the years, with white peach, lemon balm, and subtle lime over a gently lees-decked base. Approachable and friendly, wine and price.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier 2020
California, United StatesThis 80% chenin blanc (from Clarksburg) / 20% viognier (from Lodi) was inoculated and fermented cool in stainless, where it remained for a short time until bottling. Ripe pear, custard apple, perfumed melon are dusted with a gentle ginger spice before a snappy finish. Though slight at under 12%, the grapes' inherent weight makes this a useful contender for flavourful green curries.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pilgrim Chenin Blanc 2021
Voor Paardeberg, Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom Paardeberg sandstone and clay, 1/3 of this chenin was pressed whole cluster, while the rest were destemmed and crushed, with partial skin contact for 7+ days. Once all the lots were fermented, they were blended and rested in neutral barrels for 8 months. Lively and fresh, with a driving lemon and white grapefruit acidity drawing Anjou pear, crunchy Asian pear along a slender, taut palate to a snappy finish.Prices:| AB | $31.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc 2022
Coastal Region, South AfricaWith fruit from the Tygerberg Hills and Stellenbosch, chilled by the proximity to the Atlantic, this chenin had 4 hours skin contact before an overnight settling and fermentation in 300L and 400L French oak barrels, where it rested for ten months (10% new). The wood gives a subtly creamy, toasty lees bed for the ripe pear, white peach on the medium palate, one kissed with gentle spicing which remains on the warming finish. A big improvement from the last time I tasted this a couple of years ago, and a smart, fresh choice for richer shellfish / green risotto now.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spier Chenin Blanc Signature Collection 2023
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThis chenin comes from Western Cape's Breede River and Coastal regions, and an obvious mix of soils (alluvial and decomposed granite ruling) and training (including bush vines). This was cool fermented and aged in stainless on lees for 3 months, prior to bottling. Cool, green edged lemon, verbena sail along the sleek palate, with crunchy green apple, thistle, and subtle guava on the snappy finish. Fresh, bright, and shining, this is a lovely selection for spring salads / simple shellfish.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2020
Coastal Region, South Africa21 Gables is the serious chenin from Spier, as you can tell by the weightier bottle and ample oak treatment. This comes from a vineyard high in the hills of Tygerberg, rooted in the decomposed Malmesbury shale of Stellenbosch and 15km from the ocean. 37-year-old dry-farmed vines were destemmed with 6 hours of skin contact and an overnight settling before a ferment in various sizes of French barrels (60% new) and rested on lees for 14 months. Honeyed pear, white peach, and bright lemon sit on a downy lees palate, seasoned with ample toasted wood spicing, which drowns out the fruit at this point. If you're looking for a richer white to partner with creamy dishes / richer seafood, look here.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Thistle and Weed Springdoring Chenin Blanc 2021
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaThistle and Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families established in 2015, led by Etienne Terblanche (Viticulturist) and Stephanie Wiid (Winemaker). This bush vine chenin was planted in 1982 in the Joubertskloof on the Paardeberg Mountain, rooted in pure granite soils at 300m. It was whole bunch pressed and native fermented in older French barrels, with bâtonnage over the first month, and then left undisturbed for 9 months prior to bottling unfiltered. There's a noticeable Swartland density here, with ripe pear, green fig, subtle quince bedded on a downy, flaxen lees base, sharpened with crystalline white grapefruit. The finish lingers long with a buzzy and saline granitic hum. Powerful and understated at once, this is showing beauty. Srpingdoring is a grippy hitchhiker, quick to latch on, and slow to let go. Much like the memory of this wine. 150 cases.Prices:| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Thistle and Weed Brandnetel Chenin Blanc 2022
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThistle and Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families established in 2015, led by Etienne Terblanche (Viticulturist) and Stephanie Wiid (Winemaker). They seek out interesting vineyards of older vines around the Western Cape. This comes from Nietvoorbij vineyard in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain, in Stelly, on weathered granite soils. The vineyard was planted in 1980, originally as a rootstock trial site, hence its unique 32 rootstocks active there today. This was whole bunch pressed and native fermented in French barrels, with bâtonnage for the first month, and then left undisturbed on lees for 9 months. Heady mountain herbs / meadow grass, downy quince, pear skin, white grapefruit teem in the glass, with a buzzy granitic grip livening and stretching this from beneath. Quite a smart, layered, compact chenin.Prices:| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Thistle and Weed Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc 2021
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaThistle and Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families established in 2015, led by Etienne Terblanche (Viticulturist) and Stephanie Wiid (Winemaker). They seek out interesting vineyards of older vines around the Western Cape. This bush vine chenin was planted in 1961 on the windswept koffeklip slopes of Joostenberg. Duwweltjie are the Devils' thorns that stick to the soles of your boots when you visit the rugged site. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and native fermented in older French 225L barrels, with bâtonnage for the first month, and then was left undisturbed on lees for 10 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Alluring meadow herbs, white peach, pear skin, and subtle quince are woven throughout this gently textural chenin, padded with lees, and lit with a buzzing energy that spirals this out into the lingering finish. Very smart, and drinking beauty now.Prices:| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Blanc 2022
Chinon, Touraine, Loire, FranceOnly 2% of Chinon is planted to white, so when you find a Chinon Blanc, you know you're in for a special chenin blanc experience. This organically farmed chenin comes mostly from Ligre's chalky, limestone clay soils, and was native cool fermented in stainless, to preserve the bright, fresh, very special character of chenin on limestone. Bright and shining, with lemon, verbena, and quince blossom running a sleek palate, with a subtle, alluring chenin waxiness that takes this to a saline finish. Vibrant acidity keeps this lively now, and ensures some great years ahead.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mount Rozier Honey Bee Chenin Blanc Viognier 2023
Western Cape, South AfricaFrom various sites around the Western Cape, this blend of 80% chenin blanc and 20% viognier was fermented and rested briefly in stainless. Perfumed pear, yellow apple is kissed with jasmine spicing and white honey, finishing with a bitter citrus twist. Light bodied at 11%, this is worth cracking with lightly spiced, fragrant curries.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Boschendal Sommelier Selection Chenin Blanc 2021
Coastal Region, South AfricaBoschendal was founded in 1685, making it one of the oldest and grandest Cape estates. This selection comes from old bush vines, fermented and aged in stainless, on lees. Green fig, verbena, almond is brightened with lime leaf, and sails along the sleek, subtly lees-lined palate to a snappy bitter citrus finish. Friendly and smart, and ready for cracking into now.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tania and Vincent Carême Terre Brûlée 2021
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaVincent Carême is a well-known Loire producer situated in Vouvray at Domaine Vincent Carême. Still, his wife Tania is from South Africa, where the couple has a 10-acre vineyard planted over decomposed granite in Swartland. They make wine in both places, and both hemispheres influence each other. Their flagship bottling is made with 40-year-old vines from Swartland's decomposed granite and shale soils at 656m altitude. There's a lovely chenin waxiness to this medium wine, giving layers of depth beyond its 13%. Salted quince, ripe pear, and green fig are lit with a buzzy granitic hum and stretch long across the stony palate. This confident, understated wine is showing beauty now, and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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10 May 2024
90PTS
Chionetti San Luigi 2022
Piedmont, ItalyFrom the 5th generation of Chionetti growers, this organic dolcetto comes off San Luigi Vineyard, at 400m. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Crushed florals, wild raspberry and fragrant plum teem through the textural palate, streaked with scrubby resinous herbs and framed with sticky, plumped tannins. There's a lovely mineral stoniness threaded throughout this medium wine, drawing you to a saline finish. Quite smart, and well suited to grilled sausages / wild mushroom pasta.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Marchisio Barbera d'Alba Belbeive 2022
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThe Marchisio family has been growing vines in Roero since the late 19th century. This organic barbera (15-30 yo vines) comes from Tenuta Ca' Du Russ, and is rooted in limestone marls. After a native ferment in stainless, this rested in a mix of stainless and large format acacia barrels. There's a brisk stony freshness here which holds barbera's intrinsic alcohol at bay, and allows the wild blueberry, cassis, and dusky black plum to shine. Tannins are ample and sticky, hugging this to a peppery finish. Crack into this Italian with grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bocca di Lupo Aglianico 2018
Puglia, ItalyThis flagship red from Tormaresca's 140 hectare Bocca di Lupo estate in Minervino Murge, the heart of Puglia's Castel del Monte DOC, is made with certified organic aglianico grapes from a cooler 2018 vintage. This is already showing more finesse than last year's edition. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barriques, and bottle for 24 months. The colour is nearly opaque, and the fruit is spicy with rich black cherry, plum, balsamic, with silky tannins. The long, persistent finish brings more spice and rich dark fruit. It's a giant of wine with just enough restraint to enjoy now, even if it's a decade away from maturity. Think wild boar meatballs with pappardelle pasta, a black truffle dish, or aged cheese.Prices:| BC | $106.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luigi Einaudi Barolo Ludo 2019
Dogliani, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThe not-so-regular Einaudi Barolo mixes Bussia fruit in Cannubiand Monforte d'Alba, with Terlo, from Barolo. Expect a classic red/burnt orange colour with a fragrance and a spice that seems more intense than most Barolo. The palate is full of power, red cherry, and a surprising lick of chocolate. The winemaking is simple: stainless steel ferments, some concrete, and 22-25 days of post-ferment skin contact before it goes through malolactic and heads for a long sleep in older barrels and more time in the bottle. The long, wet, rainy winter in 2018 was suitable for the vineyards in Piemonte, and a cooler spring helped to start the growing season gradually. Ultimately, the growing season was regular, with good sugar levels and perfect acidity. It has the balance to age gracefully through 2028.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pietradolce Etna Rosso 2021
Etna, Sicily, ItalyThis nerello mascalese is grown at 800m on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Highly perfumed iris, wild blueberry, rosemary leads and carries through a compact palate, finishing briefly. Tannins are slight and sticky, though acidity is lofted, giving this a friendly drinkability.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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09 May 2024
91PTS
Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena 2019
Veneto, ItalyAmarone sounds as powerful as it tastes, and the Bertani version is grown among the hillsides of Valpantena, which translates to the valley of the gods. It is also the only cru sub-zone in Valpolicella. The attack is dense and rich from the get go, with dark plums and licorice leading. On the palate, the fruit is weighty and ripe, pitching sweet dark blackberries, black raspberries, hints of raisins, and black peppercorns. Tannins are thick and youthful before a full blown, warm, rich finish clocks in at 15.5%. This is best headed for the cellar for a decade, but for those who love big wines, osso buco or lamb leg comes to mind. The mix is 80/20 corvina Veronese and rondinella. The winemaking is classic: select ripe bunches are dried through the early new year; the grapes are destemmed, crushed, and fermented; a part ages in Slavonian oak barrels, with the remainder in barriques for about 30 months, after bottling, this rests for a minimum of 6 months before release.Prices:| BC | $52.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famiglia Pasqua Romeo & Juliet Passione e Sentimento Rosso 2021
Veneto, ItalyPassion e Sentimento is dedicated to Verona, the City of Love. The label tells the famous love story of Romeo and Juliet, which lives on today through the messages left daily at Juliet's house on Verona’s Cappello Street. This rosso is a 40/30/30 blend of merlot, corvina, and croatina, hand harvested and dried for one month into wooden trays. The subsequent loss of 30% water content concentrates the grape sugars, enriching the structure of the wine. Each variety is fermented solo in stainless steel, and the wine is aged in large, 2nd fill cherry barrels for 3 months. The final blend follows, and as you might expect, the merlot and the drying give the wine immediate appeal and drinkability. The style is fresh cherry, berry with pleasantly spicy, soft tannins. A perfect red for spaghetti and meatballs, and super value. No big changes here, although the price continues to climb to a new high at $19.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Aldegheri Valpolicella Ripasso Santa Ambrogio 2019
Veneto, ItalySanta Ambrogio is a classic three way mix of corvina, rondinella, and molinara, and surprisingly fresh and light on its feet. The grapes are harvested in mid-to-late September and fermented in temperature controlled tanks. At the end of winter, the Amarone and Recioto musts are added for an extended fermentation period before they are all aged in oak barrels for 18 months, followed by more time in the bottle before release. The colour is seethrough ruby, signalling the fresh, plummy nose and tasty black cherry palate. Light yet fully flavoured, this is an impressive Valpolicella you can drink or hold. Try this with a classic Middle Eastern chicken dish, or mushroom pasta.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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08 May 2024
88PTS
River Stone Pinot Gris 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a pretty gris in '23, beginning with its enticing light copper colour that has bled into the wine's colour from skin contact. Its nose is fresh with the scent of orchard blossoms, while the palate is a simple mix of crunchy apples. It's mostly dry with good acidity and would be fine with a seafood salad or spicy sushi rolls. The vineyard is closing in on a quarter century of production, illustrating how time flies in the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hillside Heritage Series Pinot Gris 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Heritage Gris is made from Naramata fruit grown at Umoya and Davies Vineyards and aged sur lie in 265L Tokaj barrels (34% new) for six months with bâtonnage. It opens with a beautiful hint of copper that sets the stage for an intense floral nose full of orange blossoms and orchard fruit. The palate is awash in exotic tropical mango, oranges, and pineapple, with a dusting of spice and delicacy that feeds through the whole wine. It is Spot Prawn season, and this wine would be perfect for the barely cooked Salish Sea delicacy.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tommasi Pinot Grigio Le Rosse 2022
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe Tommasi pinot grigio is a reliable, screwcap finished white made in a fresh, clean style from fruit grown in the Verona area of Northern Italy. The nose is a citrusy, grassy, floral affair with a hint of honey. The plate is lean and clean, with mineral, pear, and leesy notes and a perfect amount of bitterness to keep it balanced. It is a ready drink but not as a sipper; it is a wine for fresh shellfish or vegetable pizza. On sale to June 1 for $21.99Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Torresella Pinot Grigio 2023
Veneto, ItalyIt's been a decade since I last tasted this eastern Veneto gris. It is modern and well made, with a clean, dry entry, a floral nose, and quiet nutty mineral. The mid palate is fresh, carrying a bright acidity with a hint of lemongrass and wet stone notes in a dry finish. It is best enjoyed with prepared seafood dishes or freshly prepared sashimi.Prices:| BC | $18.70 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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07 May 2024
92PTS
Thibault Ducroux Morgon Corcelette 2022
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThibault Ducroux grew up in a winemaking family in Bojo but was inspired towards natural wines through reading Jules Chauvet. After working with some natural winemakers in Bojo and Jura, he began his winery with 1.25ha owned vines and 6.5ha total via long-term contracts, all organically farmed and in conversion. This was his 3rd vintage of Corcelette, from 50-year-old vines on pink granite and schist. Grapes were whole bunch, carbo, native ferment, and aged in old barriques for eight months before bottling without fining or filtration and minimal SO2. Fragrant plums, peonies, and raspberry blossoms flood this pretty Corcelette, with long, fine tannins framing, and an easy buoyant acidity to lift. Very pure, and very charming.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Thibault Ducroux Morgon 2022
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThibault Ducroux grew up in a winemaking family in Bojo but was inspired towards natural wines through reading Jules Chauvet. After working with some natural winemakers in Bojo and Jura, he began his winery with 1.25ha owned vines and 6.5ha total via long-term contracts, all organically farmed and in conversion. This Morgon comes from 2 vineyards he has contracts with, one in Les Charmes (40-year-old vines) and one in Corcelette (50-year-old vines) on granite and schist. After a whole bunch of carbo, this was native fermented and aged in concrete for eight months, bottled without fining filtration, and with minimal sulphur. Wild plums, wild blueberries pulse through the textured palate, grippy via the schistous soils and fine, long tannins. The finish lingers with crushed florals, pink peppercorn, and salinity. An honest and pure look at the Cru.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Thibault Ducroux Fleurie 2022
Fleurie, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThibault Ducroux grew up in a winemaking family in Bojo but was inspired towards natural wines through reading Jules Chauvet. So after working with some natural winemakers in Bojo and Jura, he began his winery with 1.25ha owned vines and 6.5ha total via long-term contracts, all organically farmed and in conversion. This is the 3rd vintage of Fleurie for Thibault, coming off a parcel he contracts in the Grille-Midi of 50 year old vines on pink granite. It's whole bunch carbonated, native fermented and aged in old barriques for eight months with no fining, filtration, and minimal SO2 at bottling. Ripe and candied plum, fragrant raspberry, scrubby herbs, pink peppercorn, and anise is wrapped with softly sticky tannins, and buoyed with an easy, bright acidity, finishing with a bitter / tart twist. Joyous and bright.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Thibault Ducroux En Roue Libre 2022
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThibault Ducroux grew up in a winemaking family in Bojo but was inspired towards natural wines through reading Jules Chauvet. After working with some natural winemakers in Bojo and Jura, he began his winery with 1.25ha owned vines and 6.5ha total via long-term contracts, all organically farmed and in conversion. This was the wine he made, in 2019, and called En Roue Libre, 'Freewheeling,' referencing his non-intervention winemaking and his love of cycling (he used to race in a club). From 40 year old vines in silty clays, this was whole bunch carbo, native fermented, and aged in concrete for eight months with no fining, filtration and the bare minimum of sulphur at bottling. Perfumed raspberry, cherry blossoms is kissed with scrubby rosemary, and hugged with lightly grippy / sticky tannins, guiding this to a pink peppercorn rasped finish. Fun and fresh.Prices:| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mathieu & Camille Lapierre Morgon 2022
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSiblings Mathieu and Camille Lapierre took over the reins of their father Marcel's groundbreaking naturist wines in Beaujolais, carrying on the house's tradition of organic / biodynamic / estate. From 70+ year old vines on sandy decomposed granites, this was native ferment, semi-carbo (no SO2) for up to 3 weeks before aging 9 months in older 216L barrels. Perfumed plum, iris, tayberry glide through this pretty, medium bodied Morgon, with lofted acidity, and supple tannins to support through the stony, saline finish. Quite complete, in a very pure way, enjoy this natural wine now with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.95 | 750ml |
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06 May 2024
90PTS
Township 7 Infinity Red 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInfinity is a mix of fruit from low yielding premium blocks that are given the highest priority to reveal their best at every step. The grapes are left to gently self press overnight before the juice is run off into new or near new French oak barrels for 24 months. This wine opens with savoury, spicy aromatics that take me to Apulia, although the polished tannins are pure Bordeaux. Ultimately, this is a spicy, savoury, rich South Okanagan red wine that will continue to improve in the bottle through 2027 and beyond.Prices:| BC | $33.97 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend 2020
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom Stellenbosch's decomposed granite and hutton soils, and younger vines (up to 30 years), this blend of pinotage, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc was fermented in concrete before resting 1 year in French barrels. Tart black fruit leads before a plumper, softer plum and blackberry palate, framed with pasty tannins to a warming smoked plum and cinnamon finish. One to drink now, with grilled sausages.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tormaresca Trentangeli Castel del Monte 2018
Puglia, ItalyTrentangeli is a 65/25/10 mix of aglianico / cabernet sauvignon / syrah and it is all Apulia. The nose is a fragrant mix of violets and intensely savoury dark fruit with a dusting of smoke and spice. It is a beautiful mix of power and freshness, pitching black raspberry, licorice, and balsamic that finish with persistence and surprising suppleness. Think big dinner dishes: lamb osso buco, rice with Bolognese sauce, or mature cheeses. It is also certified organic.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tesouro Da Vinha Vinho Tinto NV
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis simple Alentejo red blends alicante bouchet, aragonez, and castelão into a juicy, smokey, tart, medium bodied red. Cherries and perfumed red florals lead, with a snappy red currant on the warming finish, all wrapped with sticky / blocky tannins. One for rustic stews.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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03 May 2024
92PTS
Kelvin Feku Grenache Noir 2022
Wellington, Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaKelvin Feku is Alex Milner's (of Natte Valleij) assistant winemaker, and this is the first release under his own label. Kelvin arrived to South Africa from Zimbabwe as a refugee, and quickly became captivated and inspired by winemaking. This dryland Grenache comes from Wellington's malmesbury shale and glenrosa soils. The grapes were basket pressed and left undisturbed in foudre for 9 months. Pouring a diaphanous crimson hue, this lighter red charms with perfumed wild raspberry, crunchy cherry, smoked plum, tobacco, sapid branchiness, and fragrant roiboos tea which lingers long on the saline finish. The core is pure, acidity buoyant, and tannins whisper delicate, all welcoming drinking now, liberally (try with a slight chill). A winemaker to watch.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Vinyes Domènech Empelts Garnatxa Peluda 2020
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis biodynamic, massale selection Garnacha Pelluda (aka Hairy Garnacha) is rooted on a 400m terrace facing north, protected by easterly-wind forests that give it a unique expression. Calciferous-clay and loess soils gives it a unique finesse, resulting in an airy, delicate, and subtle Garnacha. After a native ferment, it aged for 1 year in French barrels. Fragrant wild raspberry, perfumed cherry is infiltrated with ample scrubby mountainous herbs, gentle white pepper, and kissed with wildflowers. Tannins are long, fine, and well absorbed into the fruit, allowing this to run long on the gently warming finish. A lovely mountain garnacha, very pure, drinking smartly now and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Izadi Larrosa Negra Garnacha Rioja 2021
Rioja, SpainLarrosa Negra is constructed to showcase the juicy, fruity characters of garnacha. It is grown at 700 metres, the highest altitude in Rioja, over poor, stony soils. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for only six months in second and third-year French and American oak barrels. The resulting wine is fresh with a medium body. The palate is a red-fruited, cherry, blueberry affair with a fair bit of spice. It is ready to drink. It is a wine for chicken, lamb chops, or vegetable lasagna. Thirty-five years in, Bodegas Izadi is a relative newcomer to Rioja Alavesa, owned by Gonzalo Antón. Antón made his money in hotels and restaurants and set out to produce wine that works for hospitality wine lists. Suffice it to say the brand has expanded, and you can sip this one at home.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Las Moradas de San Martin Initio 2018
Vinos de Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainLas Moradas de San Martin sits at a height of 870m above sea level, on the fringes of the Sierra de Gredos, in the unique landscape of San Martín de Valdeiglesias to the south-east of Madrid. 21 hectares of vineyards surround the winery. From old vine (some over 100 years), high altitude garnacha located at 900m in the windy Madrilenian slope, these organically dry farmed bush vines are rooted in the estate's granitic sandy soils. Winemaker Isabel Galindo is very hands-off in the winery, respecting the vines and farming. After a week of cooler maceration, this was native fermented over three weeks prior to heading to French barrels for an average of 14 months prior to the final blend. This was then bottled without fining or filtration. Ripe cherry, raspberry leather, fragrant tayberry, cracked mustard seed work through the muscular, yet finessed palate, aided by the mountainous altitude and cooling breezes. Tannins are somewhat wild and grippy / sticky, reminding us of the heritage of this wine and place. Drinking now (ideally with mushrooms / lamb).Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bodegas Luis Marin Gabarda Excelsis Old Vine Garnacha 2020
Aragon, SpainThe Ignacio Marin family have deep roots in the Cariñena region, with a winemaking heritage stretching back centuries. This cuvée sources old garnacha vines from 600m, and aged at least 3 months in French oak. Plumped blackberry, plum, black raspberry roll along the medium bodied palate, lit with a stony acidity, and framed with cushy tannins. At 13.5%, this is charming and drinkable now, ideally with roast lamb / pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bodegas Luis Marin Essentia Reserva 2018
Aragon, SpainThe Ignacio Marin family have deep roots in the Cariñena region, with a winemaking heritage stretching back centuries. This old vine garnacha grows at 650m, and was hand selected from 80+ year old vines. It rested at least 16 months in older wood before release. Sultry and textural, with ripe strawberries, fragrant raspberries, and plum leather working through the palate, licked with red liquorice, deftly brightened with a lofted stony acidity, and framed with well integrated, toothsome tannins. This well harnesses old vine garnacha's heft and power, and turns it back into a friendly, interesting, and drinkable red. Quite smart.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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02 May 2024
90PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir 2017
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale with a garnet rim, this has a quiet opening that shows an array of drifting, seasoned aromas, including autumn leaves, mushroom, strawberry, wet cedar, aged leather and dry tobacco. Very savoury strawberry, leather, cedar, pomegranate molasses, and preserved cherries follow. The finish is clear, elegant and delicately textured, revealing a refined, balanced wine now in its twilight years. The Estate Cuvée is a mix of young vines and a blend of French clones 114, 115, 667, and 777.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Liquidity Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis opens with light intensity, sharing marionberry, cherry, lilac, and baking spice. The palate shows a ripe, rounded raspberry, blackberry, and pomegranate mid, with a light sifting of tannins giving interest and balance to the fruit. Overall, it's lighter in body and intensity, but the flavours are lengthy. There is great harmony in the finish, with marionberry and mulberry finishing. It should improve further with more bottle age as the last of the tannins dwindle. This is estate fruit from Liquidity's 1994 planting of own rooted clone 115 plus clones 667, 828, 777, and 114, all aged in French oak for 11 months.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA beautiful perfume of cinnamon, nutmeg, mulberry, loganberry, pomegranate, and sweeter spiced wood leads. The flavours are a gracefully balanced fuse of raspberry, strawberry, mulberry, and savoury potpourri, while the texture is very airy and delicate, showing a long, reiterating, complex finish. From the McLean Creek Road Vineyard, planted in 1994 in OK Falls, to 5 clones (91, 114, 115, 667, 777). It was destemmed, cold soaked, and native fermented over 2 weeks before moving into French oak (25% new) for 11 months before bottling, unfined, and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $37.48 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Storm Haven Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine initially shows a distinctive and engaging range of florals and darker aromas, including black raspberry, blackcurrant, violets, black olive, and lilac. This follows similarly in the flavours, with blackcurrant, black olive, black tea, and a seam of minerality entering the frame. It's herb tinged, relatively tight and lean, with good fruit intensity from front to back, leading to a long finish involving florals, darker fruits, and coal dust. There's a sense of slumbering power here and a submerged set of flavours that will surface with more bottle time. 2020 comes off two home vineyard blocks: Amelia Block's, with clay and granite; and Block 4's decomposing granite and sandy gravels. The mix of clones here is 114, 115, 667, 777, and 828.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale with a ruby rim, there's some light sour cherry compote, plum, a touch of barnyard, and rounded, smooth cherry and baking spice, with very approachable tannins. The finish is long, focused, and well balanced. This was hand picked from 4 distinct vineyard sites: Fat Coyote, Anarchist Mountain, Lakehill Road, and McLean Creek Road, between Oct 9 and Nov 2. The wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels and puncheons before bottling in April 2023.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Old Block McLean Creek Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis opens with elevated notes of wild strawberry, fresh cherry, lilac, and baking spices, and follows through with a rolling wave of loganberry, cherry, and strawberry. Silky and seamless, the floral tinged fruit has an appealing, supple intensity that pulls you to it. The fruit echoes into a prolonged finish. This Old Block Pinot from Meyer is always special and distinct. The fruit comes from a one acre plot that was established before the previous property was purchased by the Meyers, so the clone is unknown. The fruit was gently destemmed via gravity into small open top fermenters and allowed to cold soak. After cold soaking, an indigenous fermentation began, with temperature peaking at 30 degrees Celsius. Gentle hand plunging of the must was done throughout. After a post maceration period the wine was transferred to French oak barrels (40% new) where it remained for 11 months. A natural malolactic fermentation occurred in late spring. The wine is unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $44.44 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Code Wines Estate Blend Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for bright cherry and preserved plums shaded with mulberry and baking spice/barrel notes. In the glass, transparent, layered flavours of cherry, mulberry and pomegranate throughout, leading to an extended, graceful ending. The modest alcohol and harmonic acidity lets the fruit subtleties shine through. An impressive wine coming from young vines, this winery is one to follow. It mixes three clones: Dijon 115; Ancestor 01 (unknown clone); and Pommard 91; each individually picked for ripeness, processed separately, fermented and aged in 2nd fill and neutral French oak for one year and bottled unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Micro Cuvée McLean Creek Vineyards 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis starts with deeply rounded black cherry, loganberry, early blackberry, blueberry, and baking spices. There's a serious, but elegant concentration in the fruit, which seem to float upwards onto your palate. Focused, supple notes of tea and dried leaves are animated here by a subtle, almost magical acidity. Black cherry and marionberry contribute to a structure that's like a long, breaking wave that shows elevated intensity without sacrificing elegance and nuance. It all rests on very restrained 13.5%, producing a remarkable, next level pinot noir from the hand of winemaker Chris Carson. This mix of Pommard 91, and 4 Dijon clones was fermented in stainless and French oak (50% new) for 11 months prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $58.35 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir - B Field Blend McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlmost a rosé in colour, on the nose this has a lovely balance of fresh wild strawberry, barnyard, rose petals, cinnamon and dried orange peel. The flavours are a balanced, delicate mix of strawberry, autumn leaves, and mushroom, with a drift of pu-eh tea. Rosehip, autumn leaf, and wild strawberry persist along with a floating acidity into a lingering finish. Very different and interesting. The pinot plantings at McLean Creek Road Vineyard are a mix of different Burgundian clones. When winemaker Chris Carson planted the B Field in 2017, the new block received three Dijon clones (115, 667, 777) and cuttings from an unknown clone from the designated Old Block site. The goal was to be able to harvest a Field Blend each year. All other clones harvested from this vineyard are picked and fermented separately, but for the B, the four clones are picked on the same day and cofermented in a more traditional field blend way.Prices:| BC | $31.39 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Noir 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale in the glass with a ruby rim, this wine begins with light, rounded, floral, and airy cherry, strawberry, a touch of baking spices, and some forest floor. The flavours are straightforward but with good clarity. The light berries whisper off nicely into the lengthy finish. The grapes are sourced from the Naramata Bench.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tightrope Winery Pinot Noir Rubis 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two single vineyard pinot noirs from 2022, this comes off Naramata Bench's Rubis Family Vineyard. After destemming, this was native fermented in stainless over 21 days on skins prior to resting in French oak (30% new) for 10 months. Lifted raspberry, fragrant cherry is threaded with black tea, and kissed with cracked pink peppercorn. Tannins are slight, long, and lithe, guiding this to a bitter cherry twist. A smart, pretty pinot for enjoying now with salmon dishes.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tightrope Winery Pinot Noir Fleet Road Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two single vineyard pinot noirs from 2022, this is off Naramata's sustainably farmed Fleet Road Vineyard. Destemmed grapes were native fermented in stainless over 3 weeks on skins before pressing and resting in French oak (30% new) for 10 months. Fragrant black cherry, juicy black plum is scented with scrubby herbs, and wrapped with long, finely sticky tannins, finishing with an alluring medicinal raspberry and salinity. Lovely balance in this medium bodied pinot, one well suited to duck.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Micro Cuvée McLean Creek Vineyards 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMicro Cuvée bottlings are barrel selections, in this case, from the family's estate McLean Creek Vineyard, in OK Falls. This pinot comes from a mix of Pommard 91, and 4 Dijon clones (114, 115, 667), planted across three distinct blocks, and on a range of sloping gravel and sandy loams. This began fermentation in stainless before moving into French oak (50% new) where it remained for 11 months prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered. Autumnal forest, dried florals, and cherry leather rule the medium palate, seasoned with smoked stones and black tea. Tannins are soft and supple, with their silkiness turning into a bitter cherry nip on the finish. Tastes older than 2022 at present, and while the Diam10 cork will preserve this for many years in your cellar, I think it's drinking smartly now.Prices:| BC | $58.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lakeboat Pinot Noir 2021
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 iis much lighter in colour and style than the 2020, but still has a ripe, sweet, cherry, mulberry profile with an earthy, brown spice, barnyard finish. Approachable, ready to drink with mostly silky textures. Lakeboat is owned by Tara Mathison, who originally purchased an older house in Kaleden surrounded by the vineyard of Topshelf Winery, which was also for sale. Lakeboat Winery opened in 2022, and 2021 is the second vintage to be released. The consulting winemaker is Mireille Sauvé.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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01 May 2024
89PTS
Hillside Heritage Series Viognier 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA cool growing season has leaned out this viognier, which is wildly floral on the nose and exceptionally lean on the palate. The grapes were destemmed and given 18 hours of skin contact, with 25% fermented in new and older oak. A small portion was transferred to new jarre, a sandstone vessel shaped to promote constant motion for agitating the lees. After five months of lees contact, it is all blended. The palate is light, with delicate fruit and a wash of rosewater. Ready to drink and might be the ticket for spot prawn season.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pentâge Winery Viognier 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPentâge wines are never rushed to market, as exemplified by this 2018 Viognier. The nose is a tropical affair, pitching baked apples, pineapple and orange rind that spill onto the palate, where peaches and oranges lead, and bitter citrus rind finishes. There is a touch of butter and vanilla here from 75% of the wine aging in 2nd fill French oak barriques.Prices:| BC | $26.09 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tightrope Winery Viognier Fleet Road Vineyard 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their estate Fleet Road vineyard, this viognier was fermented in a mix of French and acacia barrels, with 3 months' rest on lees. The wood use amps up viognier's inherent spice, imbuing the ripe pear, apricot, nectarine, greengage, and jasmine with gingersnap and white pepper. There's a lovely lime line that keeps this fresh and bright through the snappy, dry finish. Highly drinkable.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis viognier offers a restrained expression of the variety, featuring delicate orange blossom and jasmine. The palate reveals tangerine, slightly underripe white peach, and apricot, accompanied by a touch of tropical fruit, including lychee and pineapple. Noteworthy is its elevated crisp acidity, quite high for viognier, offering a tight structure and avoiding the overripeness often associated with this grape. The finish leaves a subtle bitterness which may benefit from further development and integration.Prices:| BC | $27.50 | 750ml |
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June 2024