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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Tasting Notes

Tastings: July 2025

30 July 2025

Monte Creek Living Land Pinot Noirtext
88PTS

Monte Creek Living Land Pinot Noir 2022

British Columbia, CanadaExpect a tart, lean, sappy red with cranberry and spice on entry. The palate is juicy and fresh, with more red berry and a hint of wood spice, along with a lot of fresh acidity that balances the fruit. Classic Thompson Valley style, and one the cool kids seem to like. The tannins are silky, supporting a modest 13% alcohol finish. Roasted chicken would be a welcome foil to the acidity and freshness here. Serve this with a cellar chill.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Monte Creek Winery
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Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyardtext
92PTS

Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2023

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGeoff nailed this wine earlier this year, noting its hedonistic "West Coast" flair. It’s only 13.5% alcohol, but the fruit is ripe and peppery, and it has staying power in the finish. Look for notes of Bing cherry, black raspberry, and earthy beetroot, complemented by a generous dollop of oak. The warmth of the vintage and a short crop all conspire to give this a little extra oomph, not a normal Meyer trait, but we’ll take it this year. Duck, anyone?Prices:
BC$37.48750ml
Producer: Meyer Family Vineyards
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Noble Ridge Reserve Pinot Noirtext
89PTS

Noble Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Pinot Noir is grown at the home vineyard in OK Falls, planted to a mix of pinot noir clones 113, 114, 115, and 777. It spends about 14 months in oak, of which very little is new. Similar to last year, the nose is a mix of cola and earthy cherries, mixed with spice and light tannins. The palate is full bodied for pinot, but the texture is silky, giving it a slightly approachable character now. A solid wine you can enjoy now or through 2027. Pair with anything mushrooms.Prices:
BC$34.99750ml
Producer: Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery
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Spearhead Jagged Ridge Pinot Noirtext
89PTS

Spearhead Jagged Ridge Pinot Noir 2024

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJagged Ridge Vineyard is a young plot of vines located in the Naramata Bench sub-GI, giving winemaker Grant Stanley another terroir to play with. The hand harvested Dijon clones 943 (61%) and 115 (39%) are fermented separately with native yeast. Post ferment, it spends 13 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new. It is a classically aromatic pinot with intense violets and dried herbs. The palate delivers more of the same, with black cherries, dark plums, and a wealth of spice and earthy forest floor. The texture is silky smooth, adding more to the story, and the finish is peppery and warm. Cedar planked salmon is my food match.Prices:
BC$39.00750ml
Producer: Spearhead Winery
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29 July 2025

Mas Carlot Générations Blanctext
88PTS

Mas Carlot Générations Blanc 2024

Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGénérations is an organic blend of old vine roussanne, marsanne, and viognier from Costières de Nîmes. Perfumed pear, lychee, apricot glide along a sleek palate, with some stony, gingersnap spicing and dried herbs that sits on the finish. Drinking now.Prices:
ON$23.95750ml
Producer: Mas Carlot
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28 July 2025

Van Loggerenberg Wines Kameraderietext
95PTS

Van Loggerenberg Wines Kameraderie 2022

Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaVan Loggerenberg Wines is a family-run winery based in Paarl, making low-intervention, site-specific wines from vineyards mainly in the Stellenbosch and Swartland appellations. Lukas Van Loggerenberg is one of SA's top indie winemakers, and a hit with somms and media worldwide. Kameraderie (camaraderie, in Afrikaans) was named for the connections between friends, farmer, workers, vineyards, and vines. This is dryland bush vines planted in 1966 and 1980 on decomposed granite vineyards on the western side of Swartland's Paardeberg. Destemmed grapes were pressed and left to settle overnight in stainless before the oldest grapes (80% of the blend) were native fermented in Italian concrete, and the younger in 500L French barrels. Each parcel was left on lees for 10 months without bâtonnage. Stencilled and structural, with a lemon lattice bracing, and crushed stones lining the taut palate of elderflower, quince, wild lemon, and dried green herbs. The finish lingers super long with stony salinity. So much energy and complexity here, making for a fascinating wine to unravel.Prices:
ON$54.00750ml
Producer: Van Loggernberg Wines
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Van Loggerenberg Wines Trust Your Gut Chenin Blanctext
93PTS

Van Loggerenberg Wines Trust Your Gut Chenin Blanc 2023

Western Cape, South AfricaVan Loggerenberg Wines is a family-run winery based in Paarl, making low-intervention, site-specific wines from vineyards mainly in the Stellenbosch and Swartland appellations. Lukas Van Loggerenberg is one of SA's top indie winemakers, and a hit with somms and media worldwide. This old vine chenin comes from a two special blocks across the Western Cape. The biggest portion, 65%, is off a bush vine block in the Paardeberg's decomposed granites (Swartland), and 35% comes from the Polkadraai hills of Stellenbosch (granite). The parcels are vinified separately, destemmed, pressed and settled in stainless overnight before moving to 3rd fill French oak 500L. It remained there for native ferment on full lees with no bâtonnage over 10 months. Focused and driven, with crystalline lemon, pear skin, elderflower, chamomile, and crushed stones streaking across the palate, scented with wildflower honey and flicks of reduction that echo on the lingering finish. Great energy and intent here.Prices:
ON$46.00750ml
Producer: Van Loggernberg Wines
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25 July 2025

River Stone Splash Good Neighbours Seriestext
87PTS

River Stone Splash Good Neighbours Series 2024

Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Good Neighbours Series is how River Stone chose to differentiate their Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. This Splash, their aromatic white blend, sourced fruit from Columbia Valley's Horse Heaven Hills AVA and Wahluke Slope, and this year it is equal parts chenin blanc, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc, all in stainless. Tart grapefruit, guava, melon, and gooseberry take this into a sleek but short palate, closing out with a grapefruit twist. Crack into this summer on a patio.Prices:
BC$23.90750ml
Producer: River Stone Estate Winery
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23 July 2025

Lightning Rock Pinot Noir Rosé Elysia Vineyardtext
88PTS

Lightning Rock Pinot Noir Rosé Elysia Vineyard 2023

Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted but very similar. The wine exhibits a deep garnet-orange hue and offers a subtle, earthy, berry driven, and peppery bouquet. Tasting notes feature red fruits, including cranberry and red cherry, complemented by fresh cut herbs, culminating in a dry finish. This gastronomic style pairs well with richer cuisine, such as spicy Korean barbecue or fire grilled scallops, or can be enjoyed on a warm patio alongside a slice of juicy watermelon. This Summerland pink originates from the alluvial and glacial deposits of the Summerland Bench in the central Okanagan Valley. The fruit is harvested by hand, and 15% is foot treaded for three days, while the remaining 85% undergoes carbonic maceration. Fermentation and aging occur in a combination of neutral oak puncheons (60%) and stainless steel tanks (40%) with full malolactic fermentation completed.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Lightning Rock
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Quinta da Calcada Lago Cerqueira Rosé Vinho Verdetext
87PTS

Quinta da Calcada Lago Cerqueira Rosé Vinho Verde NV

Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalQuinta da Calçada has been producing wines since 1917. António Lago Cerqueira, a republican, winemaker, diplomat, and founder, established the Quinta da Calçada wine cellars. They farm over 50 hectares of vineyards sustainably. Their rosé, with light strawberry and melon, is naturally low in alcohol at 10% and is only 80 calories per 5 ounce glass. It is sold in a lightweight bottle for $14.99 and is available in over 100 BCL stores across the province. Interestingly, it is represented and distributed by a small agency, so purchasing this wine supports people who continue to visit properties and collaborate with growers dedicated to producing high quality wines worldwide, providing a modicum of interest in the ever growing, commercially laden shelves of the monopoly. Stock up for the rest of summer.Prices:
BC$14.99750ml
Producer: Quinta da Calcada
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Hester Creek Rosé Noir Columbia Valley Collectiontext
89PTS

Hester Creek Rosé Noir Columbia Valley Collection 2024

Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesLook for an enticing orange colour with bright, refreshing scents of orange pith and wild berries. On the palate, it presents tart strawberry with some wet stoniness and a medium-long, clean finish. All you can want in a refreshing, light pink that has me thinking of sushi, mussels, and salty potato chips. This pinot noir was farmed in Washington's Ancient Lakes AVA, harvested cluster by cluster, and shipped to Hester Creek's crush pad in recyclable containers. After 20 days of fermentation, the wine was racked and aged for four months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled in early February.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: Hester Creek Estate Winery
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Tightrope Winery Slackline Rosétext
87PTS

Tightrope Winery Slackline Rosé 2024

Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis 2024 replacement wine comes from Washington’s Yakima AVA, sourced from Hahn Hill Vineyard. The colour is Provençal pink, with a nose that combines citrus and fresh cut strawberries. At less than 6% residual sugar, there is a promise of sweetness, but the grapefruit, lemon, and strawberry palate evens out the sweetness with some counterbalancing acidity before a softer finish brings it home. Entirely syrah, it was fermented and aged for 3 months on its lees. Suggested bites include prawn tacos or a fresh caprese salad.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Tightrope Winery
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1 Mill Road Grenache Rosétext
92PTS

1 Mill Road Grenache Rosé 2024

Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis was sourced from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard, owned by 4th generation farmers in Washington's Horse Heaven Hills AVA (they also make Trothe wines). The season at Horse Heaven Hills is roughly six weeks ahead of the Okanagan, allowing winemaker Ben Bryant to give it extended lees contact and get the complexity to make this wine a top flight example of rosé from anywhere in the world. The grenache was fermented primarily in stainless steel with just under 25% of the juice fermented in neutral French oak for four months. A partial malolactic fermentation is employed to refine and soften the mouthfeel. It opens with a beautiful pale, pale pink colour à la Provence. The nose is equally elegant, mixing florals with pink grapefruit and lemon, with just the right amount of pie crust, ginger spice, and leesy creamy notes to add yet another layer of complexity. It is the real thing at 12% alcohol and bone dry, but there are only 180 cases made. It is among the top replacement rosés I have tasted this year.Prices:
BC$38.00750ml
Producer: 1 Mill Road Vineyards
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Nk'Mip Cellars Rosétext
88PTS

Nk'Mip Cellars Rosé 2024

Washington, United StatesThe 2024 replacement pink comes out of Washington. The colour is pale pink, the nose is an open, fragrant mix of red fruits and melons. Clean, fresh, simple, and juicy, this is a summer quaffing style that works well solo on a warm patio, or pair it with grilled chicken and a summer corn salad. Ready to drink.Prices:
BC$25.99750ml
Producer: Nk'Mip Cellars
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Township 7 Rosé Interludetext
88PTS

Township 7 Rosé Interlude 2024

Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Interlude Series Rosé originates from Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The nose and palate are a strawberry affair, with good acidity and some phenolic notes, finishing dry. A food pink, I suggest a mix of pork and vegetable skewers, or cedar plank grilled salmon. The fruit was harvested at night, immediately destemmed and cold soaked for 24 hours during transport in refrigerated trucks back to the Naramata Bench.Prices:
BC$29.97750ml
Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries
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Privato Vineyard and Winery Washington Series Rosé Limited Editiontext
86PTS

Privato Vineyard and Winery Washington Series Rosé Limited Edition 2024

Washington, United StatesThis replacement rosé from Washington State opens with a simple, candy apple nose and ripe red berries. The palate is equally sweet in red fruit, which leaves it cloying and not particularly appealing. The best thing you can do here is chill it well and serve it with some spicy tuna sushi or barbecue ribs, and try to balance off the fruit and sweetness with some spice.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: Woodward Vineyard
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Meyer Rosé Columbia River Plateautext
88PTS

Meyer Rosé Columbia River Plateau 2024

Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis rosé is pinot noir harvested from two vineyards in the Ancient Lakes AVA: Evergreen Vineyard and Spanish Castle Vineyard. It was fermented in stainless steel and then aged for 90 days in neutral French oak puncheons. It opens with a fragrant wild strawberry nose, a twist of desert scrub, cranberries, and citrus zest. The palate is dry, given the ripe strawberries and raspberries throughout the finish. The wine was made in Canada by winemaker Chris Carson.Prices:
BC$20.96750ml
Producer: Meyer Family Vineyards
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Noble Ridge Vilicus Rosétext
88PTS

Noble Ridge Vilicus Rosé 2024

Washington, United StatesFrom the slopes of Wahluke's giant ancestral alluvial fan of windblown sand and loess, winemaker Benoit worked his magic, retaining the acidity necessary to keep this malbec fresh. The must was stabilized and brought to Noble Ridge, where the team carefully crafted the blend, crafting a vibrant, bright berry style with sufficient acidity. The series is a tribute to the vilicus, the noble steward entrusted with preserving their legacy. Ready to drink, try this with grilled shrimp or smoked salmon blinis.Prices:
BC$21.99750ml
Producer: Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery
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Blasted Church Rosé Grenache Grown in Washingtontext
88PTS

Blasted Church Rosé Grenache Grown in Washington 2024

Washington, United StatesBlasted Church selected a Grenache from Andrews Family Vineyards in Washington for its latest rosé. The fruit was harvested on September 9th and underwent a two hour cold soak before the juice was pressed and settled in a tank. Subsequently, it was racked and transported under temperature control to British Columbia, where it was immediately transferred into neutral French oak barrels for fermentation and a six month aging period. The wine was then racked into a stainless steel tank and bottled after a month or so of tension had built up in the tank. Exhibiting a pale salmon pink hue, the rosé presents red berries, with a palate that echoes these notes alongside hints of peach, delivering a slightly richer mid-palate texture. The finish is dry, with a touch of bitterness. This wine is ready to enjoy and pairs well with roasted chicken, poached salmon, and soft cheeses as recommended by the winery.Prices:
BC$26.00750ml
Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards
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Road 13 Honest John's Rosé Grown In Washingtontext
89PTS

Road 13 Honest John's Rosé Grown In Washington 2024

Washington, United StatesExpect a pale colour with some bright florals and candied strawberry on the nose. The palate is fresh, light, lacking all intensity, but otherwise delicate, showing red fruits, peaches, watermelon, and a touch of sherbet. Dry, ready to drink, and quite a bargain. The blend is 45% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 19% cabernet franc, 10% syrah, and 4% grenache.Prices:
BC$20.99750ml
Producer: Road 13
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Erath Pinot Noir Rosétext
90PTS

Erath Pinot Noir Rosé 2023

Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesOregon is joining the wine world in making much more interesting rosé. This pink opens with enticing scents of watermelon and orchard fruits that penetrate its delicate, creamy texture. Vibrant and refreshing, it is the perfect garden party wine on a warm day or evening, or companion to a salmon or turkey dinner. The style is dry and ready to drink.Prices:
ON$28.99750ml
Producer: Erath Vineyards
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22 July 2025

S. C. Pannell Dead End Tempranillotext
93PTS

S. C. Pannell Dead End Tempranillo 2022

McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis tempranillo is partially sourced from Steve Pannell's first / home vineyard, Koomilla, plus the neighbouring Upper Tintara site, McLaren Flat. Each vineyard was native fermented separately, pressed after 2 weeks on skins, settled in tank, blended, and sent to French puncheons for aging. As with all his wines, it is bottled without fining or filtration. Perfumed blue and purple fruit rules, with sultry plum, wild blueberries, and fragrant mulberries along a bright, brisk palate, belying its 14.5%. Tannins are long and fine, shaping this stony, saline red through a lingering finish. Super smart, modern, fresh McLaren Vale.Prices:
BC$30.00750ml
Producer: S.C. Pannell
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Vina Ane Autor Eduardo Monge Riojatext
92PTS

Vina Ane Autor Eduardo Monge Rioja 2021

Rioja, SpainViña Ane Autor is a Rioja red made entirely from tempranillo. The vineyards are situated between San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Rivas de Tereso in La Rioja. It has a purple-black colour and displays notable weight and viscosity. Aromas include minerality, toasted notes, and stone fruits. On the palate, the wine offers firm red fruit, plums, and dark cherries. It is designed for aging and is expected to remain suitable for cellaring through 2030. Grapes are cultivated on clay-calcareous soils and harvested by hand, with both vineyard and bunch selection used to maintain quality standards. The wine is aged for 12 months in French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels. First class.Prices:
BC$38.99750ml
Producer: Bodega del Monge - Garbati
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I'm Your Organic Redtext
86PTS

I'm Your Organic Red 2023

SpainIt's hard not to think more effort went into the not particularly subtle packaging than the wine. This is a simple, juicy red, well suited to a light chill but otherwise not particularly distinctive.Prices:
BC$15.00750ml
AB$15.00750ml
SK$15.00750ml
Producer: Hammeken Cellars
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Viña Pomal Crianzatext
90PTS

Viña Pomal Crianza 2017

Rioja, SpainThis is classic, traditional Rioja in all the best ways: forward American oak, adding dill and coconut; ripe but juicy dark fruits in the plum and cherry spectrum; and of course, a freshness that belies the 14.5%. There's surprising structure for a 2017 Crianza, suggesting this has a long drinking window (even if it's under a Diam3 cork), but it's hard to resist now. Fantastic depth for the price. This is a smart buy.Prices:
BC$23.99750ml
AB$23.99750ml
Producer: Bodegas Bilbainas
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21 July 2025

Plume Cabernet Sauvignontext
92PTS

Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother silky-ameen cabernet from Quails' Gate chief winemaker Jeff del Nin from the highly regarded '22 vintage. The notoriously difficult to ripen grape was a slam dunk in 2022. Winemaker Jeff del Nin produces this wine at Quails' Gate as a sister label to its Plume Alexander Valley version in Sonoma. It is a drier version with more minerality, featuring a dusty, laurel, desert brush undertone. The fruit is a blend of dark candied plums and cassis, finishing with some lingering, sticky tannins yet to be fully dispersed. It is a gastronomic red that needs time to develop into a rewarding, mouthfilling red. Time will tell how good this can be.Prices:
BC$60.00750ml
AB$60.00750ml
Producer: Plume Winery
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Free Form Cabernet Sauvignontext
88PTS

Free Form Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Osoyoos' certified organic Sekhon Family Vineyard, this cab sauv was destemmed and native fermented in stainless before basket pressing and heading to concrete and 11 months' aging. It's curious to see a 2019 as a new release on market, and this is certainly showing age, with soft dried cherry, subtle raspberry filling a juicy, watery core. Tannins are now absorbed into the wine, giving a loose hold to a lightly spiced finish. Nice to see with some age, so if you're looking for a gentler, certainly quite pure version of the grape, look here.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignontext
87PTS

Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is relatively restrained for this vintage, primarily showcasing dark fruit and earth. The attack is soft, with light tannins and some bitterness on a dry mid-palate. Compared to previous editions, it lacks significant warmth or richness and exhibits a lower level of fruit. The finish is brief, and the back end dries out quickly. It should be showing more development, 30 months or more from fermentation. It needs more time in the bottle, but even then, I can't be sure what direction this is going to go.Prices:
BC$45.00750ml
AB$50.00750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Wines
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Gneiss Cabernet Sauvignontext
90PTS

Gneiss Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGneiss is hardly a household name operating out of District Wine Village, but this cabernet is a well struck wine from one of the best growing seasons ever recorded in the Okanagan. It is full bodied and full flavoured. It has gentle tannins and just the right weight to make it drinkable now, and the black savoury south Okanagan fruit, replete with a twist of spice, is a lot of fun to drink. Any meat or fowl grilled on the barbecue works here.Prices:
BC$44.99750ml
Producer: Gneiss Wines
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Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Organictext
87PTS

Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2021

Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis wine has exhibited notable changes since being made with fruit from the DO Colchagua. The vineyards have been certified organic since 2017, which may contribute to added complexity and pronounced fruit. It displays a medium-dark colour, blending florals and black cherry that continue onto the palate. After fermentation, the wine matures for one year in French oak barrels, which impart additional weight and texture to the wine. Further improvements include longer aging and a transition away from American oak. Approachable and fruit forward, this Cabernet Sauvignon represents fair value in the marketplace.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
AB$17.95750ml
SK$18.99750ml
Producer: Veramonte Estate
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Kingston Estate Soft Press Cabernet Sauvignontext
87PTS

Kingston Estate Soft Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

South Australia, AustraliaThe name certainly isn't misleading: this is soft, plush, and easy, if not necessarily exuding cabernet character. But it's rich and mouth coating, impressively so for both the price and its modest 13% abv. Expect macerated dark fruits with a touch of sweet spice, on a medium-full frame that will appeal to those seeking a bold red for grill season.Prices:
BC$16.99750ml
Producer: Kingston Estate
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Free Form Cabernet Sauvignontext
89PTS

Free Form Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom certified organic fruit grown over sandy loam soils in Osoyoos, Free Form is wild fermented and aged for just under a year in concrete. The style is much lighter than you might expect, concentrating on lively red fruit with a stony mineral underside that adds to its vibrancy. It is a bright, lighter style of cabernet sauvignon, with wild red fruits and an undercurrent of stony minerality. The tannins are concrete refined, leaving the palate juicy, a word we seldom use to describe cabernet sauvignon. It is an excellent instructionally pure style of cabernet at 12% alcohol that is ready to drink.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Gran Reservatext
89PTS

Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2022

Buin, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe blend is primarily cabernet sauvignon, with a touch of petit verdot and cabernet franc, all grown at the renowned Alto Jahuel Estate. The main soils are old alluvial terraces and younger colluvial soils on the slopes. The palate is a herbal mix of intense red fruits with a lovely savoury boldo undercurrent. It spends up to 14 months in oak, adding a bit of weight and structure to a wine with firm tannins and a touch of spice in the finish. You could give this another 2-4 years or serve it now with a flank steak or lamb chops.Prices:
BC$26.28750ml
AB$22.50750ml
QC$18.60750ml
ON$18.95750ml
Producer: Viña Santa Rita
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Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Sauvignontext
89PTS

Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Valle del Maipo, ChileFrom the foothills of the Andes in Maipo's Alto Jahuel, this is a restrained, elegant Cabernet that combines well delineated ripe black currant and mulberry with savoury herbal accents of thyme and oregano. It's a more reserved, structured style, with firm, grippy tannins that could benefit from another 2–3 years in bottle to resolve, but it shows a clear sense of purpose.Prices:
BC$41.99750ml
ON$29.95750ml
Producer: Viña Santa Rita
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Carmen Delanz Cabernet Sauvignontext
90PTS

Carmen Delanz Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Alto Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 2020 vintage was well received, though this release offers further refinement. Delanz is composed of several vineyard blocks owned by Carmen, located in the Alto Jahuel DO within the Alto Maipo region. The wine exhibits notable texture, with dense, sweet, and silky tannins that provide structure without overpowering the black fruited, spicy, and youthful character. The blend consists of 87% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot, and 2% malbec. This wine is expected to age well through 2030. It pairs well with grilled beef or lamb.Prices:
BC$35.95750ml
ON$29.95750ml
QC$29.95750ml
Producer: Viña Carmen
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Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignontext
87PTS

Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Gran Reserva offers a classic experience, featuring rich boldo alongside savoury, peppery notes. This full bodied red delivers layers of dark plum, bitter chocolate, hints of tar, and licorice. It is notably robust and benefits from pairing with equally rich dishes such as prime rib, lamb, or game to complement its depth and intensity. I recommend decanting the wine for 30 to 45 minutes before serving to remove the youthful edges.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
AB$18.95750ml
MB$0.00750ml
ON$17.95750ml
QC$19.20750ml
NS$23.27750ml
Producer: Viña Carmen
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Santa Carolina El Pacto Agreement No 1 Cabernet Sauvignontext
88PTS

Santa Carolina El Pacto Agreement No 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileEl Pacto Agreement 1 hails from Totihue in the Cachapoal Valley, about 110 kilometres south of Santiago. The style is fresh and almost crunchy, with plenty of fruit thanks to the minimal use of oak, given that it is aged mainly in 5000L oak casks and only a few barriques. Expect ripe notes of black cherries and blackcurrants, indicative of its youthful character, accompanied by a subtly textured finish. The typical Chilean dried spice and herbal nuances are largely absent, enhancing the wine's approachability, which aligns well with its intended price segment.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
QC$14.70750ml
ON$16.88750ml
NB$26.26750ml
Producer: Viña Santa Carolina
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Township 7 Provenance Series Cabernet Sauvignontext
88PTS

Township 7 Provenance Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Provenance Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a 60/40 blend sourced from select South Okanagan vineyards: Blue Terrace Vineyard in Oliver; and Raju Vineyard near the US border by Lake Osoyoos. The vintage benefited from excellent ripening conditions, allowing the Cabernet to achieve optimal maturity with ease. This release continues the tradition of producing a robust wine, offering an aromatic profile of green and red peppers, accented by notes of sagebrush. On the palate, the tannins are firm and dry, complemented by layers of black fruit and dark chocolate. Displaying a youthful structure, this wine represents a fusion of Bordeaux elegance and Californian richness. It will require at least five years of cellaring to develop and integrate fully.Prices:
BC$33.97750ml
Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries
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18 July 2025

Santadi Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegnatext
89PTS

Santadi Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegna 2024

Sardinia, ItalyThe Villa Solais is vermentino, as demonstrated by its straw yellow colour with some green hues at the edge. The nose and attack are super fresh with strong mineral and citrus, and bright acidity throughout. The palate is well balanced and a mixture of fruit and minerality craves creamy cheeses or seafood pasta dishes. Ready to drink all summer on the patio. Sushi, anybody?Prices:
BC$26.00750ml
ON$21.95750ml
Producer: Cantine Santadi
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Primitivo Collantes Viña Matalián Blanco Seco de Albarizatext
93PTS

Primitivo Collantes Viña Matalián Blanco Seco de Albariza 2024

Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainThe history of Bodega Primitivo Collantes dates back to the 19th century, with the arrival of brothers Primitivo and Tomás Collantes to Chiclana de la Frontera. Today, the current Primitivo Collantes is in charge, a young and dynamic member of the new movement of Jerez wines. He oversees the family farm, which spans 55 hectares of vineyards, including the lauded areas of Pozo Galván, Matlián, and El Inglés. Historically, the palomino grape has been associated with Sherry, but these youthful vines, grown on the famed albariza soils, have given the palomino a new direction. At the Matlián winery, it undergoes native fermentation in stainless steel to maintain its vibrant, pure fruit character, and boy, does it deliver. There are plenty of primary fruit aromas to hold you interested, from white stone fruits to intense citrus scents, with a twist of green herbs. From there, the texture and albariza soils take over, providing a masterclass in modern day Spanish white wines that seem miles ahead of the competition. Stock up, there isn't much of this around.Prices:
BC$33.99750ml
Producer: Primitivo Collantes
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Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanctext
87PTS

Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2024

Washington, United StatesThe 2024 edition of Pinot Blanc is sourced from Washington State, following a severe freeze that eliminated the 2024 crop in the Okanagan. This wine is one of several replacements produced in BC on a short term basis. The style is fresh, offering a sweet, rose petal aroma with hints of red berries and a fruit salad on the palate. It is soft, round, and ready to enjoy now. Spicy appetizers pair exceptionally well with this wine.Prices:
BC$18.99750ml
Producer: Nk'Mip Cellars
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Apãra Barrel-Aged Pinot Blanc Wine Without Boundariestext
88PTS

Apãra Barrel-Aged Pinot Blanc Wine Without Boundaries 2023

Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis barrel aged Pinot Blanc presents lime zest and pear, complemented by subtle notes of white flowers. On the palate, it reveals mineral driven pear, sweet lemon, and white peach that persist throughout. The texture is notably creamy, with a finish that displays a hint of salinity. The wine exhibits a French influence, though it might benefit from a slightly drier finish. Overall, this release demonstrates promise and is certainly worthy of attention. The fruit is sustainably farmed, whole cluster pressed, and fermented and aged in neutral French oak for six months.Prices:
BC$38.00750ml
Producer: Apãra
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Masia de la Roqua Ulivel-latext
85PTS

Masia de la Roqua Ulivel-la 2022

Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMasia de la Roqua is in Olivella, a small town in Massís del Garraf, a mountain range between Barcelona and Tarragona. The winery dates back to 1164 and is under winemaker Jot Camps' care. The philosophy is to make wine from grapes indigenous to the region, like this xarel-lo, topped with 2% malvasia de Sitges. It is partial carbonic, partial skin contact, and partially cofermented with the malvasia de Sitges. All was native fermented with no additives. Pouring a deep yellow hue, this mineral-driven white streams elderflower, green apple, grapefruit pith, and meadow grasses down a sleek palate, kissed with stony spice. Very natural and unfiltered expression of grape, which unfortunately turned to mouse after being opened.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Masia de la Roqua
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Bonnet Huteau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie Les Gautronnièrestext
92PTS

Bonnet Huteau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie Les Gautronnières 2023

Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceDomaine Bonnet-Huteau, nestled in La Chapelle-Heulin, in the heart of Muscadet’s Sèvre et Maine appellation, has been producing Muscadet for over 150 years. Today it is run by the Bonnet brothers, Jean-Jacques and Rémi. This 42 hectare vineyard has been certified organic since 2005, and biodynamic since 2010. They’ve divided their Melon de Bourgogne into parcels to highlight the nuances and subtlety of their individual terroirs, and their focus is on producing pure, fresh, Muscadet. From 20-30 year old vines and profoundly rocky clays and amphibolite fossil-rich volcanic soils, Les Gautronnières was native fermented in stainless, with full MLF and 9 months on lees. Bright and shining Asian pear, green apple, pear blossom stream through the sleek palate, gently textured via the profound soils, and easily lofted with maritime acidity through a lingering saline finish. Super smart now, and with time ahead.Prices:
ON$31.00750ml
Producer: Bonnet Huteau
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Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Bianco Cosechatext
89PTS

Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Bianco Cosecha 2021

Rioja, SpainBodegas Hermanos de Peciña is firmly planted in traditional Rioja, one of perhaps a dozen of producers adhering to the tenets passed down through generations. Founder Pedro Peciña had over two decades of working in Rioja Alta before opening his own Bodega in 1992. This Viura was destemmed and left for 24 hours maceration in stainless, before native fermentation where it remains on lees for at least 6 months. Lemon verbena, white peach, meadow herbs, salted pine nuts is met with an ample deck of downy lees, finishing with a lingering salinity. With one foot in tradition and one foot in the future, this is a solid Rioja blanco to enjoy now, ideally with poultry or white fish dishes.Prices:
ON$21.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas Hermanos Peciña
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Assuli Carinda Insoliatext
89PTS

Assuli Carinda Insolia 2023

Sicily, ItalyBaglio Assuli lies in the midst of land belonging to the Caruso family, a splendid area of countryside in a property of over 120 hectares. Assuli ("In the sunshine" in Sicilian dialect), is the result of the patient, painstaking restoration of an old 18th century baglio (farm).The third generation of the family, Roberto, Nicoletta and Michele, is now leading the organic estate. Insolia is one of the main Sicilian indigenous white grapes, very historic to the island, and Assuli cultivates it on their Carcitella vineyard, Mazara del Vallo, at 120-150m on rocky clay soils. This was fermented and rested briefly in stainless, on lees. Crushed white blossoms, pear skin, ripe gooseberry slide over a subtly waxen palate, filled with Mediterranean sunshine, but freshened with marine acidity. There's a lot of characterful wine here for the price.Prices:
ON$19.95750ml
Producer: Assuli
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Aphros Loureirotext
90PTS

Aphros Loureiro 2023

Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalVasco Croft is one of the pioneering biodynamic vintners in Portugal, and Aphros is his personal project. From Vinho Verde's Lima subregion, this loureiro spent time on skins before pressing into stainless for native fermentation (no MLF) and a few months ageing on lees (no bâtonnage) before filtration and bottling. Very lean and light (10.5%) with crunchy green apple, Asian pear, green spring veg streaking across a slight, saline frame, finishing with a white grapefruit twist. Enjoy this snappy little white with fish / veg tapas.Prices:
ON$28.00750ml
Producer: Aphros
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Unico Zelo Birdwood Fianotext
90PTS

Unico Zelo Birdwood Fiano 2022

Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaHusband and wife duo Brendan and Laura Carter started Unico Zelo in 2012 to shine a light on the numerous Italian varieties planted in Oz, now shining in the face of climate change. While they make a few different fianos, all from different soils / regions, this new inaugural release of Birdwood features the use of oak. From 10 year old grafted vines at 400m on alluvial quarts and clay over limestone, this fruit was destemmed, left on skins overnight, and then pressed to stainless for ferment. This then underwent a 50/50 split, resting in new 500L French puncheons, and stainless over one year. The lots were then blended and remained in stainless for 9 months prior to bottling (final blend 40% oaked, 60% stainless). The wood is present and up front, seasoning the creamy lemon curd, fragrant pear, pencil shavings, and flaxen lees coating the palate. Certainly a fuller, richer style than their other fianos, and one that will tame in future renditions as the new wood fades into the background. For now, partner with creamy pastas or risottos.Prices:
BC$66.00750ml
Producer: Unico Zelo
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Bodegas Vilano La Baraja Godellotext
91PTS

Bodegas Vilano La Baraja Godello 2023

Valdeorras, Galicia, SpainThe DO Valdeorras is home to this godello vineyard growing at the municipality of Petín in poor, shallow soils containing clay, iron and slate. Post ferment it is aged for five months. The attack is fresh and intense, featuring a mix of citrus and green fruits, a slightly oily texture, and a long, complex, persistent finish with the perfect hints of stony minerality. An excellent food wine, and a new direction for white wine lovers to pursue.Prices:
BC$42.00750ml
Producer: Bodegas Vilano
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No Compromise Orange Carricantetext
87PTS

No Compromise Orange Carricante NV

Sicily, ItalyThe No Compromise Orange is a Sicilian wine produced from the Carricante grape, known for its acidity and minerality, cultivated on the slopes of Mt Etna in volcanic soils. Extended skin contact contributes to the wine's texture, resulting in a deeper, amber coloured wine due to a range of phenolics. Dried peaches, honey, citrus, ginger, desert scrub, and herbal notes fill the palate. The wine finishes dry, clean, and lively. It can be served with creamy seafood pasta or vegetarian dishes.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
QC$25.50750ml
Producer: Cantine Ermes
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Spearhead Dual Citizen White Pinot Noir De Vries Vineyardtext
89PTS

Spearhead Dual Citizen White Pinot Noir De Vries Vineyard 2024

Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesA white pinot noir presents an intriguing option and a captivating flavour profile. Although some may classify it as a rosé, it is technically not, as its production process involves direct crushing and fermentation, resulting in the juice of pinot noir with minimal coloration. This wine is sourced from De Vries Vineyard, located on the Wahluke Slope in Washington State. The wine exhibits a juicy, floral, soft palate of wild strawberry that is effortlessly gulpable, with a touch of fruit sweetness that is likely to appeal to a broad audience.Prices:
BC$29.00750ml
Producer: Spearhead Winery
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Roche Artist Series Pinot Blanctext
89PTS

Roche Artist Series Pinot Blanc 2024

Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesIn 2024, many Okanagan vineyards suffered significant losses due to cold weather, prompting Roche and other wineries to seek fruit from alternative sources. This pinot blanc was made Oregon grapes grown by long time friend, Russell Gladhart, and close neighbouring connections. The fruit was sourced from three meticulously tended vineyards in Dundee Hills, one of the Willamette Valley’s most widely recognized sub-AVAs. Dylan and Russell previously studied winemaking in Burgundy two decades ago, and their collaboration continues across the border. The resulting wine is a clean and refreshing style of Pinot Blanc, leaning toward a modern day Bourgogne Blanc, with notes of pear and citrus complemented by a mineral undertone. It is suitable for pairing with a variety of local shellfish.Prices:
BC$27.00750ml
Producer: Roche Wines
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17 July 2025

Domaine La Réméjeanne Les Chèvrefeuillestext
90PTS

Domaine La Réméjeanne Les Chèvrefeuilles 2023

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis blend of 50% clairette, 25% roussanne, and 25% grenache blanc comes from the family's organic vineyards on loess, limestone, and sandstone around 250m. This was native fermented (no MLF) and rested for 6 months on fine lees in concrete. Perfumed pear blossoms, fragrant white peach and apricots glide over a creamsicle and lees-decked base, kissed with honeycomb and lifted with bright tangerine acidity. There's a lovely shape and freshness (13%) to this gently expansive white.Prices:
Producer: Domaine la Réméjeanne
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Domaine Au 7eme Clos Ciel Étoilétext
91PTS

Domaine Au 7eme Clos Ciel Étoilé 2022

Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom CdR Villages Visan, this biodynamic blanc blends 50% marsanne, 40% roussanne, and 10% viognier from young vines in calcareous clays. It was fermented cool and rested on fine lees in stainless. Fragrant and forward with pear blossom, white peach, apricot, and honeycomb on a waxen and expansive palate, trailing off with sandy spices and bitter grapefruit. There's a lovely freshness and completeness in this fuller (14%) wine, allowing for weightier food pairings.Prices:
Producer: Domaine Au 7eme Clos
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Domaine Le Clos Des Sources Côtes du Rhône Blanctext
87PTS

Domaine Le Clos Des Sources Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom organically farmed grenache blanc (55%) and bourboulenc (45%) on hillside vineyards of pebbled clay limestone, this was fermented at low temperature in a mix of stainless and older barrels. Ripe pear and baked yellow apple take over a wider, expansive palate, with bitter citrus notes in the back to close out the snappy finish. The wood and lees work here is evident on the core, giving this more weight to take on bigger food pairings. Drinking now.Prices:
Producer: Domaine Le Clos Des Sources
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Domaine Montirius La Muse Papilles Blanctext
91PTS

Domaine Montirius La Muse Papilles Blanc 2023

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBased in the heart of Vacqueyras, Domaine Montirius is one of the stars of this Southern Rhône. The biodynamic estate is now run by the Saurel's 5th generation, Christine and Eric. This blend of clairette, roussanne, and grenache blanc come from 25 year old vines in sandy clay soils. It was destemmed and native fermented in stainless. Crystalline lemon, quince, green apple hums along the slender, buzzy palate, lit with stony acidity, and finishing with a wash of salinity. Super smart, drinking now and with time ahead. 4000 bottles.Prices:
QC$20.95750ml
Producer: Domaine Montirius
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Domaine La Lôyane Cuvée Bonheurtext
90PTS

Domaine La Lôyane Cuvée Bonheur 2024

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom a young estate on the Rhône's west bank, this is equal parts grenache blanc, roussanne, and viognier, from 20 year old vines rooted in clay, limestone, and pebbles. Juicy white peach, pear skin is shaped with tart grapefruit acidity, and lingering with a humming limestone buzz. The ferment and rest in stainless keeps all shining and effortless. Smart wine of place.Prices:
Producer: Domaine La Lôyane
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Domaine M Boutin Cuvée M-Btext
89PTS

Domaine M Boutin Cuvée M-B 2024

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis organic blend of 80% Grenache blanc, 20% clairette fills a waxen palate, with honeycomb, pear butter, tangerine, and stony spice, the latter lingering long on the finish. Full and fleshy at 14.5%, this has big presence, but lovely limestone freshness to counter. Pair with weightier dishes.Prices:
Producer: Domaine Mikael Boutin
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Le Gravillas Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet Blanctext
91PTS

Le Gravillas Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet Blanc 2023

Sablet, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom the CdR Villages Sablet, this blanc blends clairette, bourboulenc, viognier, and grenache blanc. Sleek and streamlined, with pear skin, quince, and crushed stones streaking down a lightly textured, saline palate. Great energy and definition here.Prices:
Producer: Cave Le Gravillas
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Domaine Saint Damien Le Clos du Cordier Côtes du Rhônetext
91PTS

Domaine Saint Damien Le Clos du Cordier Côtes du Rhône 2024

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceEqual parts old vine clairette and bourboulenc from 400m, this was fermented in a mix of stainless and barrel. Stony and savoury, with fragrant white blossoms, silken pear, crushed stones, fennel, and a lick of interesting reduction, this lingers long with a vibrato of tangerine and lemon. Quite smart.Prices:
Producer: Domaine Saint Damien
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Gabriel Meffre Saint-François Côtes du Rhônetext
88PTS

Gabriel Meffre Saint-François Côtes du Rhône 2024

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis organic blend of grenache blanc, viognier, roussanne, marsanne, and clairette demo from the clay limestones of the Vaucluse, Gard, and Drôme. It was fermented cool in stainless where it remained 6 months prior to bottling. Steely and sleek, with perfumed pear, cold cream, gingersnap, and white pepper streaming along the lees-decked palate, finishing with a tangerine twist. The weightiness is countered by the limestone soils, and would welcoming pairing with pork dishes.Prices:
QC$18.40750ml
Producer: Gabriel Meffre
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M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Blanctext
89PTS

M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023

Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceGrenache blanc, roussanne, viognier, clairette fill the voluminous palate of this CdR blanc, sourced mainly from stony marl soils and clay limestone slopes. A ferment and short 5 month stint in stainless help preserve freshness, which is welcome. Perfumed quince, fragrant pear glide along the silken palate, buffered with a pad of lees, and finishing with lingering white blossoms. There's an easy freshness to lift this fuller (14%) white along, and assist with food friendliness.Prices:
BC$18.49750ml
Producer: M. Chapoutier
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Château Pesquié Terrasses Blanctext
88PTS

Château Pesquié Terrasses Blanc 2024

Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis blend of Terrasses blends equal parts Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier from the limestone laced soils of the terraces of the biodynamic estate. This is fermented and aged in concrete and stainless. Cool and sleek, with white blossoms, pear, quince along a stony base, finishing with a tangerine twist. Fresh and friendly and ready to enjoy now.Prices:
BC$21.99750ml
ON$22.95750ml
Producer: Famille Chaudière Vignerons d'Altitudes
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Black Hills Aridustext
90PTS

Black Hills Aridus 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest white wine addition to the Black Hills portfolio is the 2023 Aridus, crafted from a blend of classic Rhône varieties roussanne (46%), viognier (40%), and marsanne (14%). On the nose, it offers ripe florals and peach that transition seamlessly onto the palate, complemented by subtle mineral and slightly bitter undertones that balance the fruit. The wine displays a gentle viscosity without excessive body weight, while notable oak influence adds complexity. This wine is approachable and enjoyable now, offering a smooth, sleek, and refined profile that will appeal particularly to wine enthusiasts seeking something unique.Prices:
BC$24.90750ml
Producer: Black Hills Estate Winery
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16 July 2025

Foreign Affair Chardonnaytext
87PTS

Foreign Affair Chardonnay 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFermented and aged in oak over 8 months, reflective in its deep yellow hue. Uber ripe green and yellow apple, lemon curd, buttery popcorn is doused with toasted barrel spice, which lingers on the stony finish. A riper, more powerful style ready for butter drawn dishes now.Prices:
ON$29.95750ml
Producer: The Foreign Affair Winery
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Kacaba Unoaked Chardonnaytext
85PTS

Kacaba Unoaked Chardonnay 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis unoaked, screw cap wine opens with a whack of sulfur, then into a perfumed, windex-scented palate, with yellow apple, gooseberry to a snappy, lightly spiced finish. Quite simple.Prices:
ON$15.95750ml
Producer: Kacaba
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Trail Estate Chardonnaytext
88PTS

Trail Estate Chardonnay 2022

Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaFrom their PEC estate and its clay loams over limestone, this chardonnay comes off 10 year old vines. It was whole cluster pressed and native fermented in stainless, with full MLF. It then aged 10 months in French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Pouring a deep yellow hue, this carries ripe green apple, butter, pencil shavings, and white blossoms along a lightly textural, stony palate, finishing with a bitter lemon twist. Promising.Prices:
ON$44.00750ml
Producer: Trail Estate
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Family Tree The Goat Lady Chardonnaytext
86PTS

Family Tree The Goat Lady Chardonnay 2023

Ontario, CanadaThe Goat Lady refers to Marion, who kept goats next to the vineyard when the Speck brothers were kids. Marion fed their Speck's dog, Boswell, warm bowls of fresh goats' milk, leading the dog to abandon his family and move in with her. This is a similarly creamy and rich chardy, fermented and aged in American oak for 7 months, with partial MLF. Sweet and ripe, with baked pear, perfumed blossoms, and a shorter finish, with a sweet lemon twist. Old school and simple.Prices:
ON$14.95750ml
Producer: Speck Bros
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Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reservetext
90PTS

Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom a field mix of clones planted in 1988, the oldest site at HoP, these vines were grown over silty clays and loams. After whole cluster pressing, this was barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in foudres, before aging 8-10 months (partial new wood). Ripe pear, white peach rule a creamy palate, with a fine lees bed, and toasty spice. Polished and silken through the lemony finish. Soils range from lacustrine silty clay to lacustrine silty clay over clay loam till. A field mix of clones planted in 1988. Sustainably grown under SWO. Vineyards are not a monoculture, wildlife corridors are preserved. Yields of 3.0 tonnes per acre. All grapes gently moved by gravity. Hand-picked and whole-cluster pressed. All juice is press fractioned to separate the finest cut. Barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres. Barrel aged for 8-10 months, a portion of that is new.Prices:
ON$30.00750ml
Producer: Henry of Pelham
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Henry of Pelham Three Hills Estate Chardonnaytext
89PTS

Henry of Pelham Three Hills Estate Chardonnay 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe best blocks of chardonnay at HoP's Short Hills Bench estate fall on 3 separate hills, and a mix of silty clays and loam. This was whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented in French barriques and foudres before aging 8 months in barrel. Ripe and creamy, with baked white peach, pear, butter, and barrel spice, with a lemon curd underlay and lemon peel twist on the finish. A friendly, throwback style, with solid Short Hills freshness.Prices:
ON$18.00750ml
Producer: Henry of Pelham
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Le Clos Jordanne Les Grand Clos Chardonnaytext
90PTS

Le Clos Jordanne Les Grand Clos Chardonnay 2021

Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom the western part of the estate Le Clos Jordanne vineyard, in Twenty Mile Bench, this was whole cluster pressed, native fermented and aged in French barrels. Glowing golden yellow in hue, this powerful wine opens with barrel toast, baked yellow apple, crunchy green apple, perfumed pear, with ample lees cushioning the core, and a focused lemon peel trailing out the finish. Quite a posh, polished, though softer example, useful for richer dishes.Prices:
ON$52.00750ml
Producer: Le Clos Jordanne
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Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnaytext
91PTS

Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2021

Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis single vineyard chardy comes from Clayton Terrace, at 120m elevation and 4.8km from the Lake. It was native fermented and aged in French barrels. Fragrant meyer lemon, white blossoms, perfumed white peach, silken pear glide through the palate, over a bed of river stones, scented with barrel spice, and lingering perfumed florals. Very polished, drinking well and with time ahead.Prices:
ON$42.00750ml
Producer: Le Clos Jordanne
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Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Chardonnaytext
90PTS

Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Chardonnay 2021

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaAssumedly sourced from fruit across Niagara Peninsula, this was native fermented and aged in French barrels for 18 months prior to release. Ripe and polished, with French cream, fragrant white peach, pear butter, and toasty spice, this fuller chardy rolls along its cushioned palate to a lemon curd / lemon peel finish. A bright juiciness to the popcorn palate keeps this aloft, and food friendly.Prices:
ON$30.00750ml
Producer: Le Clos Jordanne
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14 July 2025

Coq Léontext
89PTS

Coq Léon 2023

Vin de France, FranceCoq Léon is a Dominique Piron wine designed for fun and drinking. The 95/5 mix is gamay from Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages combined with gamaret, a little-known variety created in the 1990s by crossing gamay with reichensteiner. The grape was never authorized for use in Beaujolais, so it is sold as Vin de France, but do not let that deter you. It is a juicy, fresh, fruity, soft, delicious summer red that you can serve at cellar temperature or with a slight chill from the refrigerator. Slightly richer and darker than classic Beaujolais, it is further refreshed by a concrete fermentation. The winery suggests you consider serving it with seasonal vegetables, pissaladière, goat cheese, or even tiramisu with raspberries. Oh, and the price is a giveaway.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
Producer: Dominique Piron
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D. Piron La Chanaise Morgontext
91PTS

D. Piron La Chanaise Morgon 2022

Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceDominique Piron's family has a history spanning over four centuries of winegrowing in Beaujolais, specifically in the hamlet of Morgon, dating back to 1590. Dominique represents the 14th generation of Piron winegrowers, and the wine under Dominique's name has never been better. The goal is to create characterful terroir wines that are both fruity and sophisticated at the Cru level. His sloping vineyards sit atop fragmented granite and schist, which provide the structure and minerality necessary for the wines to express their origin fully. Morgon wines age well, and this 2022, an excellent year, will be no exception: beautiful fruit, pure freshness, with terrific acidity and some tannin to aid in its ageability. You can drink it now, but if you can wait, you will be rewarded. Great value here, in this gastronomic wine.Prices:
BC$28.99750ml
Producer: Dominique Piron
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D. Piron Brouillytext
90PTS

D. Piron Brouilly 2022

Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThe Beaujolais Cru Brouilly is the largest and furthest south in the Beaujolais AOC. Maison Dominique Piron is a Beaujolais producer with a long family history of production dating back to the 16th century. Here Piron leads with a red fruited wine full of fresh picked black and red fruits, backed by cherries, plums, and pepper. It has more elegance than you might expect, and despite its fruity character, this wine will age easily through 2028-2030. You get a lot for your money here, which is a rare thing these days.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: Dominique Piron
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Cave Spring Gamaytext
88PTS

Cave Spring Gamay 2023

Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis gamay comes from their Cave Spring Vineyard, on a limestone-clay sloping terrace overlooking Lake Ontario. After a month long maceration and native ferment, this aged 1 year in a mix of neutral 225L and 500L French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels. Fragrant plum and cherry lead into a tart palate, with baking spice to season, and sticky, plumped tannins to frame. A useful pairing to try with sauced ribs.Prices:
ON$18.95750ml
Producer: Cave Spring
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Domaine de Leyre-Loup Morgontext
89PTS

Domaine de Leyre-Loup Morgon 2020

Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceSince 1993, the father-son duo of Jacques and Christophe Lanson have been making wine from 10 hectares of land across two Beaujolais crus: 7 hectares in Morgon and 3 hectares in Fleurie. From 50+ year old vines, this was fermented and aged in stainless. Plump dark plum, thorny blackberry, crushed stones, and subtle cracked pepper fill the slightly structured palate through a stony end. A friendly and easy entry into Morgon.Prices:
ON$32.95750ml
Producer: Domaine de Leyre-Loup
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Cannon Fleur Bleuetext
88PTS

Cannon Fleur Bleue 2022

Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAping the French curiosity, passe-tout-grains, this light red wine consists of an even blend of pinot noir and gamay grown in the Fraser Valley, east of Vancouver near Abbotsford. Look for strawberries and red cherries alongside integrated fresh and dried herbs. About 1/3 of the wine has been deftly aged in oak for 18 months. The acidity is moderate, and the tannins are light, making this a perfect wine for poultry or soft cheeses.Prices:
BC$34.99750ml
Producer: Cannon Estate Winery
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Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacquestext
88PTS

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2023

Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThe Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combe aux Jacques is a solid fruity gamay with round, soft textures. The grapes hail from the southernmost part of Burgundy. The flavours of blackcurrants, cherries, and raspberries are all aged in used oak, allowing the wine to expand without tainting the juice with oaky notes. It is an excellent introduction to the world of gamay, offering more for less.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
MB$33.99750ml
Producer: Maison Louis Jadot
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11 July 2025

Plume Rosé of Pinot Noirtext
90PTS

Plume Rosé of Pinot Noir 2024

Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe Quails' Gate foray into replacement wines for the 2024 vintage has been successful by any measure. The Plume rosé is made with fruit that has come off Oregon hillside vineyards, where cool climates and well draining soils contribute to its elegant styling. It begins with a pale Provençal pink colour that previews a floral nose of rosé petals and sweet watermelon. The palate is dry with bright acidity and perfect tension. It is very easy to sip, thanks to a rush of wild raspberry and fresh cut peach. The fruit is sourced from the slopes of Ribbon Ridge in north east Willamette. A complex array of clones, including Pommard 5, Martini, Wadeswill, and Archery, make up the mix. Summer anyone?Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Plume Winery
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Azores Wine Co Isabella a Proibida Rosétext
88PTS

Azores Wine Co Isabella a Proibida Rosé NV

PortugalThe proibida (prohibition) of this wine necessitating the pink line crossing out words here because this is an old vine/vineyard blend of Isabella, a hybrid grape that is not allowed for quality wine in the EU, and certainly looked down upon in the Azores and Portugal. However, winemaker Antonio Maçanita wanted to pay tribute to these old isabella vines, once in abundance and with 200 years history on this volcanic island, before phylloxera ravaged through. This is a new pink offering from the isabella fruit, with up to 6 hours maceration giving the slight pink hue. It was native fermented and briefly aged in stainless before bottling. Watermelon candy, pear blossoms are lifted with rhubarb acidity, sailing this to a sour crunchy plum finish. Salinity is rinsed throughout, leaving this light (11.5%) pink fresh and clean and ready for food pairings (think tapas).Prices:
Producer: Azores Wine Co.
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JoieFarm Rosé Naramata Benchtext
90PTS

JoieFarm Rosé Naramata Bench 2024

Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnlike the vast majority of Okanagan and Similkameen 2024s you come across, this rosé was from BC-grown grapes. A small lot (70 cases) from Naramata's Pipers and Sleeping Dog vineyards, this blended pinot auxerrois (instead of their typical gamay) and pinot noir. Destemmed fruit was soaked in press and whole berry pressed before a 9 day cold settle and slow, cool fermentation in stainless over 3 weeks. Juicy and joyous, with wild strawberry, summer rhubarb, tangerine gliding along a dry, sleek frame, finishing with a stony, pink grapefruit twist. Quite a smart, fun pink, and one with a very special story. Crack into this summer.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: JoieFarm
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Le Vieux Pin Désirtext
91PTS

Le Vieux Pin Désir 2024

Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis cinsault comes from Washington's Wahluke Slope AVA. After 4 hours on skins, this was pressed off and spent 5 months in stainless before bottling. Sleek and saline, with wild strawberry, rainier cherry, mandarine peel streaking across the slender palate, scented with river stones and trailing with lingering fine spices. Elegant and finessed, as expected from LVP.Prices:
BC$25.99750ml
Producer: Le Vieux Pin
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LaStella LaStellina Rosatotext
90PTS

LaStella LaStellina Rosato 2024

Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Washington Edition label is how LaStella chose to differentiate their Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. This blend of cabernet franc and merlot was sourced from Washington's famed Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs. Pouring a glowing salmon hue, this structured rosato glides along the lees-decked palate, drawing wild raspberry, ripe strawberry, and fine spices in its wake. A polished, posher, weightier rosato for equally impressive food pairings.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: LaStella
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Clos du Soleil Washington Series Rosétext
89PTS

Clos du Soleil Washington Series Rosé 2024

Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesClos du Soleil's Washington Series Rosé is made with Sangiovese grapes from the Yakima Valley. The colour is pale pink salmon with a prominent wild berry nose. The palate features a fresh blend of strawberry and tangerine, complemented by crisp acidity and a hint of spice and sea salt. Drink all summer.Prices:
BC$25.90750ml
Producer: Clos du Soleil Winery
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Phoenix Syrah Rosé Cascadia Collectiontext
89PTS

Phoenix Syrah Rosé Cascadia Collection 2024

Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Cascadia Collection wines, produced in BC with Washington grapes from the Wahluke Slope AVA, have been added to the Corcelettes Phoenix lineup. This rosé stands out as one of the top choices among all 2024 replacement wines. It has a pale pink-orange colour with strawberries, melon, and a touch of gooseberry. These flavours result in a crisp, clean palate. Ideal food pairings include crispy calamari, Greek salad, soft cheeses, or a Margherita pizza.Prices:
BC$23.90750ml
Producer: Corcelettes Estate Winery
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Tantalus Rosé Looney Vineyard Oregontext
91PTS

Tantalus Rosé Looney Vineyard Oregon 2024

Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe 2024 Tantalus Replacement Rosé is sourced from Looney Vineyard in Oregon's Ribbon Ridge AVA, a site with which winemaker David Paterson has prior experience from his earlier internship. Exhibiting a Bellini pink hue, this elegant, saline rosé embodies the distinct character of Tantalus, featuring wild strawberry, raspberry, and subtle savoury undertones that dissolve into a lingering minerality. The grapes were gently whole bunch pressed and transported overnight under temperature control to the Tantalus winery. The free run juice was fermented dry in stainless steel, while the harder pressings underwent fermentation in seasoned pinot noir barriques to dryness, enhancing texture. The result is a pure, fruit driven, dry rosé of exceptional quality, as you would expect from Tantalus.Prices:
BC$23.50750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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Villa del Rose Aix Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosétext
90PTS

Villa del Rose Aix Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé 2024

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceVilla Del Rosé is the essence of Provence, grown over clay-limestone hillsides, mixing grenache, syrah, and cinsault. The colour is pale peach/pink; the palate, like last time, is slippery, pitching red fruit with black pepper and a cleansing, mineral, wet stone finish, dusted lightly with garrigue. Crab, prawns, seafood pasta, or creamy cheese all work here. Super valuePrices:
BC$19.99750ml
AB$19.99750ml
Producer: Maison Saint Aix
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Spearhead Dual Citizen Pinot Noir Rosé De Vries Vineyardtext
88PTS

Spearhead Dual Citizen Pinot Noir Rosé De Vries Vineyard 2024

Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesGrapes are sourced from De Vries Vineyard in southwest Washington State in the Yakima Valley. Smooth and elegant, this rosé offers a vibrant bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, and blood orange. The palate reveals pomegranate, rhubarb, grapefruit pith, and a touch of stony minerality. The perfect match for a watermelon salad. Ready to drink.Prices:
BC$27.00750ml
Producer: Spearhead Winery
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Road 13 Select Harvest Rosé Grown in Californiatext
89PTS

Road 13 Select Harvest Rosé Grown in California 2024

Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis year's Select Harvest Rosé comes out of California's Petaluma Gap, an area encompassing approximately 200,000 acres that stretches from Bodega Bay in the west to San Pablo Bay in the east-southeast. The wine presents a pale, Provençal pink hue with a nose characterized by a blend of floral and citrus. On the palate, it offers a lively mix of citrus, white grapefruit, and lime rind. It finishes dry, making it an excellent pairing for seafood appetizers or a favourite sushi roll.Prices:
BC$27.99750ml
Producer: Road 13
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Red Barn at Jagged Rock Transfiction Rosé Petaluma Gap Californiatext
90PTS

Red Barn at Jagged Rock Transfiction Rosé Petaluma Gap California 2024

Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2024 Red Barn pink is the first wine released by winemaker Kaylee Barrs, inspired by her adventures abroad to create a new wine. Fittingly, to fill the 'gap' left by the damage wreaked at Jagged Rock Vineyard, which, by the way, is well on its way to recovery, is a pinot noir from the Petaluma Gap, a large 200,000-acre AVA that stretches from San Pablo Bay to Bodega Bay. The styling is Red Barn, from its barely there colour to its subtle mix of dry red fruits and acidity. Sleek and pure, it fits the gap to a tee. Impressive.Prices:
BC$24.90750ml
Producer: Red Barn
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Liquidity Rosé of Pinot Noir Grown in Oregontext
88PTS

Liquidity Rosé of Pinot Noir Grown in Oregon 2024

Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesLiquidity's 2024 Rosé is sourced from Oregon's Westmount Vineyard, a cool climate site that suits the style of pinot noir rosé the winery produces. The wine is pale in colour and features tangelo. The pinot fruit is specifically farmed for rosé, resulting in balanced acidity and weight. While the grapes were harvested in Oregon, fermentation took place in stainless steel, concrete, and French oak in British Columbia. The result is a rosé with a light pink hue, emphasizing its lightness and freshness, which is well suited for warm weather.Prices:
BC$36.00750ml
Producer: Liquidity Wine Ltd
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CedarCreek Estate Pinot Noir Rosé Grown in Oregontext
87PTS

CedarCreek Estate Pinot Noir Rosé Grown in Oregon 2024

Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesGrown in the Willamette Valley and produced in BC, the 2024 CedarCreek Rosé is primarily stainless steel fermented, with a small portion aged in a concrete egg for added texture. The wine is ripe and round, with low acidity and a hint of residual sugar. Notes of rosewater, strawberries, and lemon are present in both the nose and palate. Ready to enjoy all summer, it's especially suited to alfresco dining.Prices:
BC$24.99750ml
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery
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Mission Hill Terroir Collection Rosé Willamette Valley Grown in Oregontext
89PTS

Mission Hill Terroir Collection Rosé Willamette Valley Grown in Oregon 2024

Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThis year's Terroir Rosé was grown in Willamette Valley, Oregon. The colour is reminiscent of the eye of the partridge, a pale pink, while the nose and flavours are a mix of white fruits and strawberry, all with a hint of residual sweetness. The acidity is lifted and helped to pull it all together by the finish. Delicate, fresh, and easy to sip, it's a solid rosé that pairs well with prawns or can be enjoyed solo on a warm patio.Prices:
BC$38.99750ml
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
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Mission Hill Reserve Rosé Grown in Californiatext
89PTS

Mission Hill Reserve Rosé Grown in California 2024

California, United StatesThe 2024 California wine harvest has yielded a wine that will serve as the 2024 replacement rosé for the Mission Hill Reserve Series. Owner Anthony von Mandl leveraged his California connections to secure sufficient Petaluma Gap fruit for the sought after label. The wine features strawberries and watermelon, with a palate of red fruits and notable acidity. Its colour is a light pink-orange hue. Creamy textures and balanced acidity are present throughout, resulting in a clean finish with subtle mineral notes.Prices:
BC$25.99750ml
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
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Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosétext
91PTS

Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2023

Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceWhispering Angel is a pale pink rosé made from grenache, cinsault, and rolle (vermentino). Its delicate colour and style reveal rich wild strawberries and light cinnamon spice, with a long, silky mineral palate. Blended from select free run and press juices fermented in stainless steel tanks, this wine is ideal for those seeking a standout rosé.Prices:
BC$39.99750ml
Producer: Château d'Esclans
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Maison Bréban Villa Aix en Provencetext
90PTS

Maison Bréban Villa Aix en Provence 2024

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceVilla Aix is 60% grenache, 35% cinsault, and 5% syrah, displaying a delicately pale pink hue. The bouquet offers elegant floral and fruit that gracefully emerge from the glass. On the palate, this wine is supple, finishing smoothly with well balanced acidity that provides the necessary tension to keep the wine lively. Be sure to keep the bottle in sight as Villa Aix tends to disappear quickly. This wine is grown over clay-limestone soils in the AOP Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence. Excellent value.Prices:
BC$23.99750ml
Producer: Maison Bréban
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Solvero Rosétext
88PTS

Solvero Rosé 2023

Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '23 is a fruit driven dry rosé made with pinot noir from Garnett Valley. A small crop has produced a full flavoured Negroni coloured wine with notable acidity and freshness throughout. It features a subtle blend of cranberry and tart raspberry, followed by a juicy mid-palate of watermelon and strawberry, with a hint of smoke in the finish. It has a creamy and balanced palate, making it suitable for pairing with grilled prawns.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: Solvero Wines
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Lunessence Rosétext
89PTS

Lunessence Rosé 2024

Oregon, United StatesA Provençal inspired, ashen pink hue characterizes this wine. It delivers approachable freshness and understated stone fruit and watermelon, making it an enjoyable and refreshing choice. Slightly sweeter, this enhances its drinkability and charm. Crafted from Oregon pinot noir, this replacement wine maintains an elegant standard. Serve throughout the summer. Your guests will appreciate your generosity in sharing it with them. Restaurants should stock up.Prices:
BC$26.99750ml
Producer: Lunessence Winery & Vineyard
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Bartier Bros. Pristine Cabernet Sauvignon Rosétext
89PTS

Bartier Bros. Pristine Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2024

Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Pristine labels are Bartier Bros.' reference to their 2024 replacement wines. The cabernet sauvignon was sourced from 40 year old vines grown in sandy loam soils at Soaring Eagle Vineyard, located in Washington State's Wahluke Slope AVA. It opens with a light peach/orange hue, presenting cherry, watermelon, and raspberry, with a hint of spice. It is appropriate for consumption throughout the summer. The fruit for this wine was harvested at night, destemmed, crushed, and pressed immediately, then transported to Bartier Bros. winery, where it was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks on the Black Sage Gravel bench.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
AB$21.99750ml
Producer: Bartier Bros.
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Stoneboat Vineyards Estate Series Rosétext
88PTS

Stoneboat Vineyards Estate Series Rosé 2023

Black Sage Gravel Bar, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '23 Rosé is the first release from Star Vineyard, made with cabernet franc grapes. The grapes are handpicked and spend a brief two hours on their skins, resulting in a pale Provençal pink colour. It has a fresh and juicy profile, with a balanced level of residual sugar and acidity. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks to ensure maximum freshness. The aroma and palate feature notes of watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, and citrus dusted pink grapefruit, with a hint of earthiness. It is an excellent patio wine for warm weather, with just enough ripeness to complement lightly spiced appetizer bites, making it suitable for consumption throughout the summer.Prices:
BC$23.90750ml
Producer: Stoneboat Vineyards
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09 July 2025

En Terre Coup de Boltext
89PTS

En Terre Coup de Bol 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEn Terre is a newer project from Terravista Vineyards, allowing the owners to expand beyond their original portfolio. Coup de Bol sources 56% grenache, 26% syrah, and 18% cinsault from Naramata Outlook, En Terre, and Rock Oven vineyards from Penticton and Okanagan Falls. The grenache and cinsault were cofermented, while the syrah fermented in oak vat, all blended following MLF and aged 9 months in French oak. 38 cases produced. Herbal and twiney, with plum, cassis, dark earth, cured meats, tobacco, and ample cracked pepper along a slight palate, with barely-there tannins finishing with tart cassis and more pepper. Try this with a light chill, and grilled sausages this summer.Prices:
BC$39.00750ml
Producer: Terravista Vineyards
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Ogier Clos de L'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rougetext
92PTS

Ogier Clos de L'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2021

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes comes from a 25 hectare vineyard which offers a balance between the three great soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Galets Roulés, Safres, and Eclats Calcaires. Based on grenache, this label (unchanged since 1926!) has syrah, cinsault, and mourvèdre playing supportive roles. Sultry raspberry, sun ripened strawberry fill a surprisingly soft palate, with sticky but well-integrated tannins providing the framework to the stony, cherry, garrigue-kissed core. I'm not used to called CdP graceful, but this bottle is certainly that. Drinking well now, and after a few days open it impressed even more.Prices:
BC$52.00750ml
Producer: Ogier
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Wirra Wirra Farmer's Heart Grenachetext
90PTS

Wirra Wirra Farmer's Heart Grenache 2023

McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe '23 Farmer's Heart Grenache is sourced from McLaren Vale sub-regions with vines aged 26 to 130 years. Nearly half of the blend comes from vines that are over a century old, and 74% comes from those that are over 95 years old. This wine offers excellent value for $25 in Ontario. The nose features enticing spice, bright red fruits, dried herbs, and rose petals. The palate delivers creamy red fruit flavours with a long, spicy finish. The subdued tannins and savoury finish provide a delightful umami experience. Drink or hold for up to five years—recommended pairing: braised chicken with ginger, soy, and star anise.Prices:
ON$25.95750ml
Producer: Wirra Wirra Vineyards
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Laya Garnacha Tintorea Monastrelltext
89PTS

Laya Garnacha Tintorea Monastrell 2023

Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThe Gil Family is known for delivering value and that's certainly the case with this wine from Bodegas Atalaya, located in the heart of Spain in Castilla-La Mancha at 700-1000m elevation. A blend of garnacha (75%) and monastrell (25%), this is a wild, rugged medium-full red backed by expressive plummy fruit and a dusting of spice. Give it 15 minutes in the fridge and bust out the charcoal grill. Excellent value, unsurprisingly, and a step up from previous vintages.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
AB$20.99750ml
MB$19.00750ml
Producer: Vinas Familia Gil
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Père Anselme La Fiole du Pape Châteauneuf-du-Papetext
90PTS

Père Anselme La Fiole du Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape NV

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceBeyond its unique bottle shape, La Fiole is primarily a blend of grenache and syrah that is blended each year with reserve wines aged up to five years. The reserve wine imparts a smooth, more approachable character, particularly when first released. Another factor behind the wines' soft textures is their all-concrete fermentations, including malolactic fermentation, which occurs in concrete vats. The final cuvée comprises approximately 30–40% of the total fermented volume and ages in century-old large oak barrels. The palate opens with notes of spice, black cherry, licorice root, strawberry jam, and subtle milk chocolate. This wine pairs well with stews, casseroles, barbecued beef, and similar dishes. The Père Anselme Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Fiole du Pape stands out as one of the most distinctive bottles in the wine industry. Designed in 1952 by Charles Brotte, in collaboration with local Provençal glass and ceramic artisans, the bottle's shape is inspired by the region's gnarled, wind-battered vines shaped by the Mistral. The name "La Fiole," derived from the Latin "Phiala," denotes a precious vessel.Prices:
BC$53.99750ml
AB$45.00750ml
MB$49.95750ml
ON$44.00750ml
QC$42.95750ml
NB$48.99750ml
PEI$48.99750ml
NFL$57.95750ml
Producer: Père Anselme
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Stephane Usseglio Les Amandiers Rougetext
89PTS

Stephane Usseglio Les Amandiers Rouge NV

Rhone Valley, FranceThe Usseglio family first began making wine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape after World War II, and their first vintage was released in 1949. They have since converted their vineyards to organic and biodynamic certified. This NV Vin de France is primarily declassified organic and biodynamic fruit from plots in and outside the classified Rhône appellations and blends 60% grenache noir, 10% syrah, 10% mourvèdre, 10% clairette blanche, 5% caladoc, and 5% other assorted white grapes. It was fermented and aged in concrete. Ripe and cushy blackberry, plum, and mulberry fill the medium+ palate, with soft tannins to frame and ample baking spice throughout. A friendly, welcoming CdR, well suited to grilled sausages and veg.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Stephane Usseglio
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08 July 2025

Murphy-Goode Pinot Noirtext
89PTS

Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir 2022

California, United StatesA retaste indicates everything is in order. Murphy Goode is produced from grapes grown in coastal California vineyards, such as Arroyo Seco, Santa Maria Valley, and Monterey. These cooler sites contribute to the wine's notable acidity, providing a sense of freshness. However, it is the sweet pinot fruit that attracts here. A round texture with pinot-like softness and flavours of earth, cranberry, cherry, and spice all work to entice. It is a wine that could be on dozens of winelists when most of the pinot is priced out of sight. It can be paired with various meals, including a favourite: pulled pork sandwiches.Prices:
BC$28.99750ml
NB$26.99750ml
MB$21.99750ml
Producer: Murphy-Goode
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Pascal Clément Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Valozièrestext
91PTS

Pascal Clément Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Valozières 2019

Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceThis comes from the complexed calcareous red clays of 1er Cru Les Valozières, near the Grand Cru side of Aloxe-Corton. Crushed stones, crushed florals course through this medium bodied pinot, woven with fragrant raspberry and black cherry, and housed with long, fine tannins. Acidity is easily lofted, and cranberry tart, sailing this finely textured wine to a gently spiced finish.Prices:
ON$103.00750ml
Producer: Pascal Clément
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Marcel Deiss Alsace Rougetext
91PTS

Marcel Deiss Alsace Rouge 2022

Alsace, FranceThis certified organic and biodynamic estate pinot noir comes from Alsace's Bergheim, St Hippolyte, and Beblenheim terroirs and their mix of limestone, flint, gravel and granite soils. After destemming, gentle maceration, and a native ferment, this continued to age one year in tank and barrel. Crushed cherry, perfumed black plum is lit with a tart cassis acidity, and wrapped with finely sticky tannins that hug this slender red through a stony, cinnamon spiced finish. Lovely poise and finesse here, and a wine very well suited to duck / mushroom dishes.Prices:
ON$53.00750ml
BC$60.00750ml
Producer: Marcel Deiss
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River Stone Chenin Blanc Good Neighbours Seriestext
89PTS

River Stone Chenin Blanc Good Neighbours Series 2024

Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Good Neighbours Series is how River Stone chose to differentiate their Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. These grapes were sourced from Washington State's Wahluke Slope AVA alongside a large curve in the Columbia River. Juicy quince, fragrant pear flood the off-dry white, with chenin's characteristic acid backbone streaming this sleek white through a snappy, white grapefruit finish. Super smart and easy to like.Prices:
BC$25.90750ml
Producer: River Stone Estate Winery
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Bogle Vineyards Elemental Pinot Noirtext
87PTS

Bogle Vineyards Elemental Pinot Noir NV

California, United StatesThe latest Bogle lineup has embraced sustainability by featuring a painted aluminum container that is 80% lighter than traditional glass. The wine is pleasantly ripe, offering plush, sweet pinot fruit with supple textures and a medium finish. It is an accessible option likely to attract consumers based on its price and flavour. Sourced from vineyards across California, the wine is enhanced by notes of American oak spice and vanilla. It is ready to drink upon release, though current trade discussions between the United States and Canada continue to affect its availability in Canada.Prices:
BC$40.00750ml
Producer: Bogle Family Vineyards
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Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Gran Reservatext
88PTS

Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Gran Reserva 2023

Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Leyda Valley is well regarded for its cool climate Sauvignon Blanc. However, its pinot noir has been steadily gaining recognition. This wine presents a nose of damp earth with hints of red berries. On the palate, it has a sour cherry entry that seemingly ripens through the finish, with a texture as plush as you can expect from a Leyda Valley pinot. Another clean, fresh vintage from Sibaris, clocking in at 13.5% and remaining a substantial value at $19.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
AB$19.95750ml
MB$24.10750ml
QC$16.60750ml
Producer: Viña Undurraga
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Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Pinot Noirtext
89PTS

Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021

Burgundy, FranceDrouhin selects grapes from a dozen clay and limestone appellations for its Bourgogne Rouge, an approachable entry level Pinot Noir. The 2021 vintage is pale red with aromas of raspberry and earth, offering a denser red fruit palate compared to previous decades. Despite being one of Burgundy's smallest harvests, the grapes were of high quality, producing a well made wine with plenty of freshness. Aged in stainless steel vats for 7–8 months, this wine is ready to drink now.Prices:
BC$35.99750ml
AB$33.95750ml
Producer: Maison Joseph Drouhin
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Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noirtext
92PTS

Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2022

Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesFirst produced by the Drouhin family in 1988, this cuvée remains entirely estate grown and is crafted by winemaker Véronique Drouhin. This particular vintage has given rise to a wine that should never be described as entry level, and it has been wowing critics since its release. We can see why. The fruit is sensational, both red (strawberries) and black (blackberries), with its dusty, earthy, savoury Oregon undercurrent. Complex as it is, you can enjoy it now or cellar it for up to 2030. Delicious.Prices:
BC$59.99750ml
Producer: Domaine Drouhin Oregon
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Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyardtext
90PTS

Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2021

Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe vineyard known as Julia's Vineyard was renamed at the 20 year mark in 1988 after Julia Jackson, daughter of Jesse Jackson and Barbara Banke. Julia's Vineyard is a prime piece of land on the Santa Maria Bench that has consistently produced polished pinot noir rich in texture and dark berry fruit. A hedonistic style, if you like, but with a serious underside, hankering to a mix of clones, counting 4, 667, 23, 2A, and 115. At this time of year, cool cellar temperatures or a stay in the refrigerator allow this pinot to shine. The site is home to Santa Barbara's oldest pinot vines, first planted between 1970 and 1971 as part of the original Tepusquet Vineyard.Prices:
BC$50.99750ml
AB$47.00750ml
SK$48.00750ml
MB$50.99750ml
Producer: Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery
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04 July 2025

Orofino Syrahtext
93PTS

Orofino Syrah 2022

Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Similkameen Valley is home to this pure fruited, varietally correct syrah that takes me to the Rhône, where it would compete favourably with many examples grown in the historic region. The excellent 2022 vintage boasts of violets and cherry, complemented by a fragrant dusting of pepper that lingers throughout its lengthy finish. It is aged in a small combination of new French oak and concrete tanks, with the remaining portion aging in neutral barrels for 17 months. This is an exceptional wine, and we have found, through experience, that it ages effortlessly for a minimum of 10 to 15 years.Prices:
BC$31.65750ml
Producer: Orofino Vineyards
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Ochota Barrels Where's the Pope? Syrahtext
93PTS

Ochota Barrels Where's the Pope? Syrah 2024

McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom organic Onkaparinga Hills syrah, planted on schist and clay in 1996 comes this perfumed, crunchy, savoury, and structural syrah, all whole bunch (20% carbo), early-ish picked, native fermented and pressed to seasoned French oak for 5 months with no additions or deletions save for minimal SO2. Sultry salted plum, fragrant boysenberry, perfumed mulberry, wild botanicals, and heaps of white pepper and flake salt are woven throughout the slight palate, hugged with fine, supple tannins, and lingering long with stony salinity and ample lashings of white pepper. Such a graceful charmer. Enjoy liberally with a light chill. 2750 bottles produced.Prices:
BC$85.00750ml
Producer: Ochota Barrels
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Kacaba Terraced Vineyard Syrahtext
86PTS

Kacaba Terraced Vineyard Syrah 2021

Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom a terraced vineyard on the Kacaba site, this syrah was cold soaked and fermented with 9.3% viognier before inoculation and fermentation. Post ferment, this rests in French and American oak. Tart cassis, bitter cherry, dark cocoa, and spice rule this leaner red, fleshed out some with toast and ripeness, but ultimately framed with pasty tannins to a clipped finish. I don't think syrah is so well suited to this climate.Prices:
ON$35.00750ml
Producer: Kacaba
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Kacaba Proprietor's Block Syrahtext
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Kacaba Proprietor's Block Syrah 2021

Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis is the youngest of 3 syrah blocks on Kacaba vineyard, facing south. This was blended with 7.4% viognier and cold soaked for 2 days before inoculation and fermentation, followed by 14 months in French and American oak. Tart cassis, dark cocoa runs the brief palate, with some sticky / powdery tannins to frame, and a clipped finish. Not so sure syrah is the right choice for this site and climate.Prices:
ON$35.00750ml
Producer: Kacaba
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Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Syrahtext
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Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Syrah 2022

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's a shame that syrah has proven so not winter hardy, and especially when you taste accomplished wines like this 2022 syrah. From vineyards in Similkameen's Cawston and Keremeos, this destemmed syrah was co-fermented with 2% viognier over 3 weeks, then pressed and aged for 16 months in French barrels (75% neutral, no new wood). Smouldering black plum, fleshy black cherry, bacon fat, and cracked peppercorn run across a stony base, framed with structural, smoky, sticky tannins and easily lofted with windswept acidity. Not shy, give this some airtime now, or better yet, time in your cellar.Prices:
BC$39.90750ml
Producer: Clos du Soleil Winery
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Mac Forbes Syrahtext
91PTS

Mac Forbes Syrah 2023

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThe stelvin Yarra Syrah is a blend of fruit from their farmed fruit plus grower vineyards across both the upper Yarra and Valley floor. This vintage included 10% whole bunches, was native fermented and spent 14-18 days on skins in stainless before resting 8 months in older small and large format oak. It was bottled without fining or filtration. Super peppery throughout its slender 12% form, this courses with herbaceous thorniness, scrubby wild herbs fragrant violets, and silky dark plum. Tannins are fine and supple, casing this through a lingering and lifted white pepper finish. A fine and pretty iteration of cool climate Aussie syrah (note, NOT shiraz).Prices:
BC$53.00750ml
Producer: Mac Forbes
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Bartier Bros. Syrahtext
88PTS

Bartier Bros. Syrah 2022

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Black Sage Terrace's Cerqueira Vineyard, this syrah is plumped out with 7% merlot. Mostly destemmed (15% whole clusters) before inoculation and 3 weeks' maceration. It was then aged 16 months in neutral French barrels and tank. Peppery black fruit leads and carries through the finish, seasoning a juicy palate of blackberry, cassis, and cracked baking spices. Tannins are chewy, though acidity is present, making this useful for beef or lamb braises.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Bartier Bros.
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E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitagetext
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E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2022

Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceCrozes-Hermitage is produced in the Northern Rhône Valley, where syrah is the primary red grape. Traditionally, Crozes comes off flatter sites in somewhat richer soils and is made in a more approachable style when compared to Hermitage, but not at Guigal. The 2022 vintage showcases aromas characteristic of the region, featuring red and black fruits with a hint of smoked ham. On the palate, it presents full bodied flavours with mostly red fruits, accompanied by hints of graphite and mineral asperities. Balance and restraint alongside the characteristic power of syrah is all you could ask for. Lamb, anyone?Prices:
BC$54.00750ml
AB$43.00750ml
MB$54.00750ml
QC$36.50750ml
Producer: E. Guigal
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03 July 2025

Foreign Affair Cabernet Merlottext
88PTS

Foreign Affair Cabernet Merlot 2022

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet franc and merlot opens with deep cushy plums and blackberry jam, seasoned with wood toast, and framed with sinewy, well-integrated tannins to a bitter cocoa / espresso finish. The weight and heft is well balanced with bright, herbal-twinged acidity, making this a smart choice for food pairings (think grilled beef) now.Prices:
ON$34.95750ml
Producer: The Foreign Affair Winery
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Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Merlottext
90PTS

Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2020

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Merlot blends merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc dating back to 1988 plantings in the Old Farm Block's silty clay soils. Destemmed fruit is partially fermented in a 5000L oak tank before aging in smaller French and American barriques (40% new) for 18 months. Polished blackberry, black cherry, dark earth teems through this structural wine, with long, lightly herbal, and finely sticky tannins housing this to a lingering spiced finish. An easy acidity is well integrated, helping make this an excellent choice for special roast beef / root veg dinners.Prices:
ON$44.95750ml
Producer: Henry of Pelham
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Henry of Pelham The School House Cabernet Merlottext
88PTS

Henry of Pelham The School House Cabernet Merlot 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet(s?) and merlot comes off the Short Hills Bench estate's silty clays. It was destemmed and partially fermented in oak with extended maceration before aging in European and American oak (30% new) over 10 months. Perfumed black cherry, dark raspberry is threaded with branchy herbs and dark cocoa along a streamlined palate. Tannins are fine and lightly sticky, guiding this to a cinnamon kissed finish. The wood is well integrated, and acidity is easy, making this a suitable partner for grilled pork / root veg / beef.Prices:
ON$24.95750ml
Producer: Henry of Pelham
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Henry of Pelham Cabernet Merlottext
87PTS

Henry of Pelham Cabernet Merlot 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon was fermented relatively quickly to preserve the juicy fruit character. Mocha, blackberry jam, ripe cherries are seasoned with toasted wood, and framed with sticky tannins, leading to a baking spice finish. A simple red, ready for your rustic stews.Prices:
ON$15.00750ml
Producer: Henry of Pelham
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Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlottext
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Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlot 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot was aged in 60% French and 40% American barrels (mix of old and new) for 16 months. Ripe and dense with baked cherry, blackberry pie, and smokey / toasty seasoning, wrapped with sticky tannins taking this to a warming finish. A big, yet simple red, built for casual fare on the BBQ.Prices:
ON$15.95750ml
Producer: Speck Bros
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Megalomaniac Pompous Cabernet Merlottext
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Megalomaniac Pompous Cabernet Merlot 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blends 85% cabernet franc, 15% merlot, with 1 year in French wood (75% neutral). Plump, ripe plum, tart blackberry is wrapped with sticky, pasty tannins, and lifted with bright acidity to a lightly spiced finish. Crack into with grilled kabobs.Prices:
ON$17.95750ml
Producer: Megalomaniac
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Kacaba Cabernettext
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Kacaba Cabernet 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Escarpment, this blend of 48% cabernet franc, 38% cabernet sauvignon, and 14% syrah was fermented in stainless before oak aging over 8 months. Tart cassis, black raspberry, ashy tobacco run the brief, but juicy palate, with slightly sticky tannins. Suitable to crack into with grilled burgers.Prices:
ON$15.95750ml
Producer: Kacaba
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Søren Red Blend Boundary Springtext
91PTS

Søren Red Blend Boundary Spring 2022

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Similkameen Valley's Boundary Springs Vineyard (385-425m) and its silty loams and gravels, this blends 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 12% Malbec, and 5% Syrah. Each aged in neutral French barriques (30% seeing new wood). This blend was pieced together from the top barrels. The wild Similkameen shines brightly here, with scrubby herbs scenting black cherry, wild thorny blackberry, with a tart cassis lift on a slightly hazy finish. Supple tannins are well integrated, though still structural, guiding this through lingering black pepper and violets. Quite smart, and a great snapshot of place and time.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Søren
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Burrowing Owl Meritagetext
87PTS

Burrowing Owl Meritage 2021

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's hard to follow up on the sensational 2020 Meritage from BOV, but when you add a hint of smoke, it gets even dicier. That said, you could argue that the smoke is a more of a complex-er here because it's pretty subtle, but the impact still takes away from this wine's vitality. The tannins are well managed, the textures are soft and round, and it's easy to drink, so I'll give it that. I bet many will not even notice the smoke, but we can be more demanding. We look forward to the 2022 release.Prices:
BC$53.00750ml
Producer: Wyse Family Wines
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Søren Red Blend Boundary Springtext
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Søren Red Blend Boundary Spring 2022

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is classic Similkameen, blending scrubby desert with sweet caramel and a mix of black cherry, wild blackberry, and a high acid finish. The tannins are youthful, with some dryness that dissipates as the wine ages. The finish is peppery and lengthy. This is a big red that will require 5-7 years of further bottle age to reach its plateau. You can drink it now if you must, and share it with friends and a Tomahawk steak. Boundary Springs Vineyard sits between 385-425m above sea level in the Similkameen Valley. The wild, windy site is a mix of silty loams and gravels; the blend is 35/30/18/12/5 cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc / merlot / malbec / syrah. Each aged separately in mostly neutral French barriques with only 30% new wood. The final selection represents the top barrels.Prices:
BC$35.00750ml
Producer: Søren
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Phantom Creek Estates Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvéetext
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Phantom Creek Estates Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée 2020

Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEsteemed viticulturist Richard Cleave established the Phantom Creek Vineyard in 1996 on the lower terrace of the Black Sage Bench. The eight acre parcel is predominantly planted with cabernet sauvignon, the primary variety in most single vineyard bottlings since inception. The 2020 vintage was particularly favourable for ripening late harvest varieties such as cabernet sauvignon. It checks in at 15.3% alcohol, but as it ages, it remains a well balanced red with a lot of promise. It spent 22 months in 65% new French oak, which seems to have allowed the alcohol and tannins to mesh seamlessly. The blend of petit verdot, malbec, syrah, cabernet franc, and merlot continues to improve in the bottle, allowing its diverse range of flavours, led by plums, cassis, boysenberries, and black cherries, to shine. The fish is classic south Okanagan sagebrush with a dusting of tobacco. Wow, this week is off to a great start and getting better every day. Exclusive to members of the Phantom Creek wine club.Prices:
BC$100.00750ml
Producer: Phantom Creek Estates
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Otter Trail Winery Cuvée Rougetext
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Otter Trail Winery Cuvée Rouge 2022

CanadaOtter Trail Blend is composed of 38% cabernet sauvignon, 38% cabernet franc, 16% syrah, and 8% merlot. It is reminiscent of the early BC red wines, characterized by light body, notable acidity, and medium ripeness. The palate features red fruits and spice with an earthy finish. This wine pairs well with pizza, though it comes at a higher price point.Prices:
BC$54.00750ml
Producer: Otter Trail Wunery
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Narrative Red Merlot Cabernet Franctext
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Narrative Red Merlot Cabernet Franc 2022

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a delicious backyard red, preferably paired with some grilled sausages, burgers, or a meaty pizza. The blend is a cabernet franc and merlot fermented in concrete. The attack is juicy, the style is lively, and flavours a mix of savoury Okanagan underbrush with cherry, cranberry and bright acidity. Easy to drink and ready to be served all summer around the barbecue. Good value.Prices:
BC$19.90750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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02 July 2025

Trail Estate Juicy Redtext
87PTS

Trail Estate Juicy Red 2023

Ontario, CanadaJuicy Red is a blend of marquette from organic Appletop Vineyard, 240m close to Georgian Bay, along with 20% viognier from Grimsby Hillside, 10% Gew from Tzafona Vineyard, and 10% cabernet franc from Foxcroft Vineyard. Partial carbo, partial whole cluster, partially destemmed and aged in neutral French oak, the whole has come together in a fruity, juicy, chillable, crown cap red. Each grape rears up some, as does the carbo and a bit of VA, but if you're looking for a tart cherry, raspberry, floral, chillable red with zero tannins for a sunny patio, try this.Prices:
ON$34.00750ml
Producer: Trail Estate
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Grão Vasco Tintotext
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Grão Vasco Tinto 2022

Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Dão region is located just south of the famed Douro Valley in northern Portugal and has long been home to a wealth of dependable reds. Grão Vasco Red is a surprisingly elegant blend that sells for a pittance. The nose is a youthful mix of strawberries and cherries, with blackberry and balsamic notes. The textures are soft, the tannins round, and easy to sip. This is it if you are looking for a bargain hamburger, empanadas, or beef taco kind of red.Prices:
BC$10.99750ml
SK$12.95750ml
ON$8.20750ml
MB$9.86750ml
Producer: Sogrape Vinhos de Portugal, SA
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Mariatinto Redtext
89PTS

Mariatinto Red 2021

Guadalupe, Baja California, MexicoFrom the thriving Valle de Guadalupe wine region, within Mexico’s Baja California, comes this red blend focused on tempranillo, syrah, and nebbiolo, with minor splashes for merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and grenache. It rested 1 year in French oak before release. Stony black cherry, medicinal blackberry, and wild mint are woven throughout this mouthfilling, cushy wine, with sticky tannins and noticeable oak seasoning. This medium+ wine is drinking now, ideally with grilled beef / peppers.Prices:
BC$40.00750ml
Producer: Mariatinto
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Stoneboat Vineyards Small Lot Series Pinotage Syrahtext
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Stoneboat Vineyards Small Lot Series Pinotage Syrah 2022

Black Sage Gravel Bar, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 50% pinotage and 50% syrah wine is an exclusive, small lot wine club blend that opens with intense black currant and plums dusted with sagebrush, leather, and cedar. All that tumbles onto the palate, pitching wild berries, meaty game, and black pepper. This fruit is a mix of wine that originates from Stoneboat Vineyard on Road 9 (QG), and Sunflower. It has been aged in a 75/25 mix of French and American oak barrels (25% new) for 18 months. The alcohol content is a modest 13.6%. This is best suited to meaty dishes, such as hamburgers or root vegetable casseroles.Prices:
BC$42.90750ml
Producer: Stoneboat Vineyards
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01 July 2025

JoieFarm Pinot Gris Pacific Northwest Editiontext
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JoieFarm Pinot Gris Pacific Northwest Edition 2024

Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Pacific Northwest Edition label is how JoieFarm chose to differentiate their Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. This gris came from Coventry Vale in Washington State's Wahluke Slope, and was fermented and rested for a short time in stainless. Juicy pear, orchard apples is lit with a citrus acidity that streams this through a grapefruit laced finish. Fresh and friendly, and ready to crack into this summer.Prices:
BC$25.00750ml
Producer: JoieFarm
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Mayhem Anarchy Pinot Gris Columbia River Plateautext
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Mayhem Anarchy Pinot Gris Columbia River Plateau 2024

Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesExpect a clean and fresh style of gris with medium intensity. Green apples and nectarines characterize the aroma and initial flavours, along with grapefruit and lemon, leading to a crisp finish. This wine pairs excellently with oysters, delicate chicken dishes, or winery selections such as grilled vegetables or goat cheese. The grapes were sourced from Ancient Lakes Vineyard within the Ancient Lakes AVA in Washington State, USA. The wine underwent aging for seven months using a combination of ceramic balls (39%), stainless steel (47%), and neutral French oak puncheons (14%). Production was limited to only 166 cases.Prices:
BC$26.18750ml
Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.
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Privato Vineyard and Winery Washington Series Pinot Gris Limited Editiontext
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Privato Vineyard and Winery Washington Series Pinot Gris Limited Edition 2024

Washington, United StatesClean, fresh, soft, and fruity characteristics characterize many of the Washington State pinot gris I am observing this year, replacing the 2024 harvest in BC that did not occur. The Privato Washington Series exhibits these qualities, along with additional notes of peach and pear, complemented by hints of honey and flint. The palate is similar, with increased minerality and a dry, lime-like acidity in the finish. This wine pairs well with goat cheese or clams.Prices:
BC$21.99750ml
Producer: Woodward Vineyard
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Kacaba Jennifer's Pinot Gristext
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Kacaba Jennifer's Pinot Gris 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaRipe pear, yellow apple, and stony spices lead this snappy, dry gris, finishing with a bitter tangerine twist. A crisp, easy, and simple wine to crack into now.Prices:
ON$24.15750ml
Producer: Kacaba
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Poplar Grove Pinot Gris Cascadia Seriestext
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Poplar Grove Pinot Gris Cascadia Series 2024

Washington, United StatesSourced from grapes in Washington state, this is a blend of 92% pinot gris, 3% viognier, 2% sauvignon Blanc, 1.5% chardonnay, and 1.5% muscat. On the nose, pear, very ripe grapefruit, honeydew melon, hints of mango and passionfruit lead. Great, slightly spicy, pinot gris character in abundance here. The tropical flavours take lead on the palate along with honey and lots of pear. Fleet and balanced, with a slightly soft acidity that emphasizes the lush rounded fruit notes. There's a complementary light, grassy back current in the long finish.Prices:
BC$23.49750ml
AB$24.00750ml
Producer: Poplar Grove Winery
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Tantalus Pinot Gris Stoneridge Vineyard Oregontext
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Tantalus Pinot Gris Stoneridge Vineyard Oregon 2024

Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe grapes were sourced from Stoneridge Vineyard, an own rooted organic site planted in 1985 in the northern part of the Willamette Valley, within the Ribbon Ridge AVA. The juice was transported overnight to Tantalus' East Kelowna cellar and fermented using seven pinot gris yeasts. It rested on the lees for three months in a combination of neutral wood and stainless tanks and underwent partial malolactic fermentation. This opens with light notes of apple, lemon, and pear that follow through on the flavours. Precise, focused cool climate fruit is the key here, straddling the line between apple and pear, while adding a hint of lemon citrus. Pure flavours and an impeccably balanced finish.Prices:
BC$20.87750ml
Producer: Tantalus Vineyards
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Blasted Church Pinot Gris Grown in Washington Statetext
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Blasted Church Pinot Gris Grown in Washington State 2024

Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe grapes were sourced from the certified sustainable Andrews Family Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The soils in the pinot gris block are silty-loam over top of fractured basalt, and are similar to the soils in the Blasted Church home vineyard. After a two hour cold soak, the juice was pressed into the tank and trucked to the winery's Skaha Lake cellar for fermentation. The restrained aroma doesn't quite prepare you for the transparent suite of following flavours: rounded notes of melon, honey, bruléed pear, dried apricot, and a drift of sweet spiciness. Definitely on the Alsace end of the pinot gris scale, the elemental flavours here are smooth, harmonious, and beautifully balanced.Prices:
BC$24.00750ml
AB$26.00750ml
Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards
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Mayhem Pinot Gris Columbia River Plateautext
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Mayhem Pinot Gris Columbia River Plateau 2024

Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis replacement gris originates from the Ancient Lakes Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA of Washington State. It underwent a long fermentation in stainless steel, followed by a four month aging process that consisted of 81% stainless steel and 19% seasoned puncheons under the direction of winemaker Ajay Chavan. The nose presents an appealing and flavourful leesy character, reminiscent more of French chardonnay than Washington pinot gris. The initial taste is dry, featuring notes of citrus and peach. It continues with crisp, green apple, complemented by additional notes of toast, lees, and citrus. This wine is ready for immediate enjoyment and pairs with grilled chicken or creamy pasta dishes. The winery's suggested pairing features grilled peaches with burrata and a drizzle of honey. Good value.Prices:
BC$21.83750ml
Producer: Mayhem Wines Inc.
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Santa Julia Reserva Pinot Grigiotext
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Santa Julia Reserva Pinot Grigio 2023

Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Argentinian pinot grigio is similar to the BC style, offering intense, focused flavours with a fresh mineral finish. Its bright lemon finish is dry, with a hint of sea salt. Pair it with dishes that benefit from a squeeze of lemon, such as oysters or deep fried seafood. It's a good value.Prices:
BC$18.99750ml
ON$16.95750ml
Producer: Familia Zuccardi
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Bogle Vineyards Elemental Pinot Grigiotext
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Bogle Vineyards Elemental Pinot Grigio 2023

California, United StatesElement[AL] Wines are the first of its kind wine brand delivered in 750ml aluminum wine bottles, 80% lighter than its glass competitors. The container, shaped like a standard bottle, is 100% recyclable. Made of aluminum, it requires only 5% of the original energy to recycle and is valuable to local collection agencies for recycling. American pinot grigio will never surprise, but it is always enjoyable: soft, round, fruity, and clean with enough acidity to keep you interested. It's a perfect summer patio wine that can go places glass bottles cannot.Prices:
BC$40.00750ml
AB$18.00750ml
Producer: Bogle Family Vineyards
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Free Form Pinot Gris Organictext
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Free Form Pinot Gris Organic 2020

Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic pinot gris, blended from 50% juice and 50% whole cluster fruit grown around Haywire Winery, is native fermented in amphora, where it remained on skins and lees for 9 months. There is no pressing. It opens with a lightly aged nose and flavours of peaches, earth, and apricots. The texture is at its best, rich and smooth, with a peach skin finish. Time to drink up.Prices:
BC$29.99750ml
Producer: Haywire by Okanagan Crush Pad
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Quails' Gate Field and Flight Pinot Gris Farmed in Californiatext
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Quails' Gate Field and Flight Pinot Gris Farmed in California 2024

United StatesThe Field & Flight wines are a Quails' Gate adventure into uncharted territories. The Pinot Gris is farmed in California and Washington and finished in Kelowna. The result is a soft floral rose and honey nose that spills onto and into a tropical fruit palate featuring pineapples and peaches. The finish is fresh, dry, and clean.Prices:
BC$19.99750ml
Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery
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See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris Washingtontext
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See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris Washington 2024

Made in Canada from Imported and Domestic Ingredients, CanadaSimilar to the previous Canadian version, the See Ya Later Gris presents a soft and rounded profile, with a bouquet of orchard fruit salad. The palate offers ripe fruit complemented by a subtle hint of residual sweetness at the finish. This wine pairs well with spicy appetizers, such as spicy tuna sushi rolls or spicy wings. It is ready for immediate consumption, and its pricing is more than reasonable.Prices:
BC$17.25750ml
Producer: See You Later Ranch
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Roche Artist Series Pinot Gristext
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Roche Artist Series Pinot Gris 2024

Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesPenelope and Dylan Roche are terroirists, and so I'm not surprised that The Collaboration Pinot Gris is a well-made, delicious white wine. It is farmed in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, and produced in Naramata, British Columbia. This stainless-fermented wine opens with a bright, orchard fruit attack, a creamy mineral undercurrent, and a juicy finish. One of the best replacement gris I have tasted in 2024.Prices:
BC$27.00750ml
Producer: Roche Wines
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