2020 Viognier
Moon Curser
Osoyoos, BC
$22.99
Long associated with the Rhone Valley in France, this variety is gaining a foothold along the west coast of North America and in BC in particular. It is often found in blends along with Marsanne and Roussanne. Sometimes it also finds its way into Syrah red grapes where it helps round out the wine. Golden straw colour with medium intensity. The nose is layered with aromas of lime, apricot, orange blossom, orange zest, honey, and white peach. Well balanced with full body. Unctuous on the palate with a symphony of flavours that echo the nose followed by a medium-long finish. This ‘big white’ is an impressive example of this variety.
2019 Rosé
Spearhead
Kelowna, BC
$22.00
Cherry red with medium-minus intensity. Cherries, wild strawberries, along with cranberry and nutmeg undertones. Good balance. Pleasing flavours on the palate including pink grapefruit, cranberries and strawberries. A slight hint of bitterness on the medium-long finish. Serve with creamy pastas, salmon or a charcuterie plate.
2018 Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo
Cantina Faccagnini
Bolognana, Italy
$19.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Cherries, raspberries, rhubarb, and sweet spice on the nose. Good balance, medium body and smooth tannins. Bright fruit on the palate with flavours of red fruit, red berries, and cantaloupe followed by a soft medium finish. Good match for pizza or pasta.
Aussimento – Double Pass Shiraz
Byrne Vineyards
South Australia
$18.99
With a nod to Italian appassimento-styled wines, the wine is passed over vine dried grapes to add concentrated flavour, body, tannins, and a little alcohol to the wine. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose is rich with lifted aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, dried herbs, plum, raspberry, earth and hints of chocolate. Well-balanced with full body. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-long, slightly warm finish. Serve with a ‘big’ flavourful dish that won’t be overwhelmed by the wine.
2018 Cabernet Franc
Deep Roots
Naramata, BC
$34.70
Garnet red with hints of brick and medium-deep intensity. The nose is deep and layered with aromas of plum, dust, leaf, earth, cherries, plum, raspberries, vanilla and hints of sandalwood. Well balanced with smooth ripe tannins. Plums, cherries, blackberries, and raspberries dominate the palate followed by a medium-long finish with mouth-watering fruit lingering. Very impressive.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
