2016 The White Nest
Carter Wine Company
Okanagan Falls, BC
$24.00
Yes, it is a little odd that the 2016 is the current vintage being offered however, it has stood up quite well. This is a blend of Chardonnay, Siegerrebe, Pinot Auxerrois, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. Peach, apple, pear, white flowers, citrus peel and a touch of petrol on the nose. Good balance and body. The flavours echo the nose along with grapefruit, honey, and pineapple. A medium finish.
88 Points
2022 Chanson d’ Amour
Vin Amité
Oliver, BC
$23.39
This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (some bottles were mislabeled) is lemon yellow in colour with medium-light intensity. The nose opens with aromas of banana, grapefruit, honey, grass, green beans, floral notes, and peach. Good balance with good mouthfeel. The aromas carry through to the palate followed by a medium-plus finish.
90 Points
2020 Chardonnay (McLean Creek Vineyard)
Meyer Family Vineyards
Okanagan Falls, BC
$31.39
These grapes were grown in sandy and gravel loams at an elevation of 320 – 380 metres. 22% was aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Lemon yellow with medium intensity. Well-integrated oak and fruit – ripe apple, lemon cream, grapefruit, honey, toast, and caramel on the nose. Good balance. The flavours mirror the nose with citrus fruits standing out along with buttery notes. A medium-plus finish. A lovely accompaniment to crab, lobster, or salmon.
90 Points
2021 Reluctant Rosé
Fairview Cellars
Oliver, BC
$23.00
26 hours of skin contact is responsible for the pronounced colour of this Pinot Noir-based wine. 30% was finished in neutral French oak. Cherry red with medium-plus intensity. The nose shows aromas of cherries, raspberries, cranberries, orange peel, dried flowers, and herbs. Very good balance. The flavours follow the nose. The medium-long finish has flavours lingering. We enjoyed this wine with grilled salmon.
91 Points
2021 Mediterranean Blend
Castillo de Madax
Jumilla, Spain
$9.99
I don’t usually delve into the ‘cheap and cheerful’ wines. There are many others who cover that territory quite well, but a friend had recommended it and said it was pretty decent for the price (as many Spanish wines are) so I decided to pick one up and give it a try. Garnet red with medium-plus intensity. The nose is fruity and inviting with berries, black currants, and violets standing out. Good balance, with medium body and integrated tannins. Appealing on the palate. A medium finish. A good value wine that will pair nicely with charcuterie, pizza, or burgers.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
