2019 Moscato Frizzante
Kismet
Oliver, BC
$25.99
This lip-smacker is lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. An inviting Muscat nose with aromas of honey, apricot, melon, orange blossom, and lemon cream. Good balance and drier than the nose might suggest, with good mouth-filling mousse. Persistent bubbles form a necklace around the inside of the glass. Very yummy on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose followed by a medium-plus finish with flavours lingering.
2020 Chardonnay
JoiRyde
Penticton, BC
$30.00
Made under the license of Poplar Grove winery in Penticton. This is one of the bottles we picked up when we visited their retail outlet in the District Wine Village in the fall. Lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. The nose shows aromas of apple peel, banana, pear, peach, delicate citrus, butterscotch, and white flowers. Good balance, though slightly soft with medium body. Pleasing fruit on the palate followed by a medium finish with a hint of almond bitterness.
2020 Pinot Noir Rosé
Spearhead
Kelowna, BC
$23.00
Cherry red with medium-minus intensity. Cherries, cranberries, lavender, strawberries, cream, sweet spice, and a touch of vanilla. Well balanced. Packed with flavours that echo the nose along with chai tea. A medium-long finish with flavours lingering. This impressive wine is harmonious and well-integrated. An excellent match for roast turkey. (Note: There was no deterioration after two days.)
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Reserva Especial)
Santa Rita 120
Maipo Valley, Chile
$11.99
This mass appeal wine over-delivers for the price. Garnet red with deep intensity. Red and dark fruit, black currant, beetroot, spice, dust, pencil shavings, and vanilla on the nose. Good balance with smooth tannins. The palate shows flavours of black fruit, red berries, earth, and vanilla. A medium-plus finish.
2018 The Bear Premier Series
Fairview Cellars
Oliver, BC
$49.90
This is a big red is selected from the best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon (always at least 50%), Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Garnet/Black with deep intensity. The nose is rich, layered and complex with aromas of plum, cherry, raspberry, beets, spice, vanilla, menthol, chocolate, and tobacco leaf. Well balanced with mature tannins. Flavours mirror the nose followed by a long lingering finish. Very impressive. Cellar for three to ten+ years.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
