Monte Creek
2019 Riesling
Monte Creek, BC
$21.99
Pale lemon colour with medium-light intensity. The nose opens with aromas of petrol, lemon-lime, green apple, minerality, white peach and white blossoms. Very good balance with mouth-watering acidity. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with flavours of lemons, peaches, honeysuckle and white grapefruit followed by a medium-long finish with flavours lingering. Impressive. This is a very versatile food wine and certainly one for the Riesling freaks – you know who you are.
2019 Chardonnay
Blue Mountain
Okanagan Falls, BC
$28.40
Young straw tinged with green and medium-minus intensity. The nose shows a lovely interplay of oak and fruit with aromas of apple, fig, honey, citrus, mango, peach, and butterscotch. Well balanced. Bright lime, honey crisp apple, melon, celery, butter, and toast on the palate followed by a silky medium-long finish. One of BC’s best chardonnays.
Crème de Alsace
Zinck
Alsace, France
$27.99
This blend is made from 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Blanc. Straw coloured with medium-minus intensity. A classic bubbly nose with aromas of brioche, lees, citrus, orange zest, and apple. Good balance with a fine mousse and creamy texture. Crisp and fresh on the palate with flavours that reflect the nose. A medium-plus finish. A good match for pizza or Pad Thai.
2019 Merlot
Spier
Stellenbosch, South Africa
$13.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The first thing you notice on the nose is an odd steely note, followed by some hints of red and black fruit. Overall, a rather simple nose. Good balance with medium body. Some appealing flavours on the palate, primarily dark cherries and earth followed by a medium-short finish. Drinkable for the price.
2022 Malbec (Charisma)
Gold Hill
Osoyoos, BC
$24.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Red and black berries, black cherries, plum, beets, spice, and vanilla. Very good balance with smooth ripe tannins. Beetroot, plum, cherries, mint, and rhubarb on the palate. A medium-plus finish with flavours lingering. This wine improved greatly with time to breathe and did not deteriorate even after being opened for two days. Serve this big red with game, stew, grilled steak, pizza or pasta Bolognese.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
