What do you do when you find yourself surrounded by wines that are all excellent? Overwhelmed, most definitely. Indeed it was overwhelming but crazy exciting at the same time. I wasn’t surprised to see wine buyers from the best wine shops and sommeliers from Vancouver’s premiere restaurants. I can hardly describe what a heady experience this was, and I truly did not know how to even start the exploration.
But wait, there, right in front of me, is Andrew Forsyth, @andyforsyth84 sommelier extraordinaire of L’Abattoir Restaurant, the third and second place winner in two consecutive years of the prestigious British Columbia Sommelier of the Year Competition. Who better to ask the question “where do I even begin”?
Of course, begin with the champagne table. Nothing short of spectacular and if you have to ask, you maybe can’t afford it! Fear not, yes there were wines that went well over any budget I hope to have, but that doesn’t stop you from enjoying the experience of the moment, and enjoy I did. There were also many wines that, although a stretch for everyday drinking, are excellent value for the quality of the wines.
Paired with tasty bites by Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty Street Vancouver, BC
At what was the best wine tasting event I think I have ever attended hosted by Icon Fins Vins, loosely translated, Icons of Fine Wine. It’s taken awhile but finally I am able to reveal not only my favourite wines from the Exceptional Finds tasting but where you can find these superb wines yourself, by the glass in fine restaurants, or by the bottle in exclusive wine shops in both Greater Vancouver and Victoria. Please note that some of these wines will need to be pre-ordered. Check with the wine shops listed below. Not all wines will be available in every wine shop listed here, just remember that have the fun is in the pursuit. Every wine shop featured here will have a selection of fine, premium wines. Enjoy the hunt, it’s worth it!
Bruno Paillard Premiere Cuvee Extra-Brut MV
The Première Cuvée is a very personal interpretation of the whole region, through the selection of 35 of the 320 crus of Champagne. It is the flagship of the Bruno Paillard style. A top quality wine, the Première Cuvée has to survive any harvest whether rich or poor.
Première Cuvée Extra-Brut, signature of the Bruno Paillard House, is a very personal interpretation of the whole region. It is the fruit of more than 30 crus from the noblest terroirs of the Champagne region, whose composition is kept secret.
Selection of the first press of Pinot Meunier (22%), Chardonnay (33%) and Pinot Noir (45%), of which a part (20%) makes its first fermentation in barrel. In addition, there are the reserve wines, 25 vintages blended since 1985 in a proportion that can go up to 50%.
A long aging in the cellar takes place, 3 years on lees followed by 5 months minimum after disgorgement. The dosage, Extra-Brut (less than 6g/L), makes this wine an authentic and pure champagne.
THE BLEND 45% PINOT NOIR, 33% CHARDONNAY, 22% PINOT MEUNIER
WINEMAKING AND AGEING
Exclusively made from the first pressings, Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée is kept three years on lees before being aged another six months post disgorgement. The very low, Extra-Brut dosage is kept below 6 g/l to preserve the purity of the wine. This deliberately long ageing is thus key to enable the wine to fully express its richness without any austerity.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: The golden straw colour reveals a high presence of chardonnay and the exclusive use of the first pressings. The fine bubbles are due to a strict selection of the best grapes, perfectly controlled temperature in the cellar and very long ageing.
Nose: The primary aromas reveal the citrus fruits of chardonnay: lime and grapefruit. Then the red fruits aromas of pinot noir appear: redcurrant, raspberry, morello cherries. When left to open up in the glass, the wine shows hints of dried fruits, sometimes exotic, from pinot meunier.
Palate: Lively and vivacious, thanks to a low dosage, the aromas on the nose are echoed in the mouth. Primary flavours of citrus, almonds, and toasted bread, very soon joined by redcurrant jelly but also dark fruits like cherry, fig and blackberry.
Whilst the wine opens up in the glass, and gets warmer, it expresses light plum and pear flavours. The palate is full, quite long with a very clean finish. The Première Cuvée Champagne is an excellent aperitif. It matches divinely with cheese (Brie de Meaux, Camembert, aged salers), poultry and shellfish.
Available by the glass at these fine restaurants
- Fairmont Pacific Rim – offered as a glass pour
- Wildlight Kitchen – offered as a glass pour
Currently available at these wine shops
- Value On Liquor Store
- Liberty Wines West 10th
- Marquis Wine Cellars
Currently available at Value on Liquor Store (sale price) of $114.99, at Liberty Wines $136.99 and at Marquis Wine Cellars $132.99
May be available at these wine shops, call ahead
- Cork + Barrel (Victoria)
- Caddy Bay Liquor Store (Victoria)
- Cook Street Liquor (Victoria)
- Everything Wine South Surrey
Note: you may have to order these wines in advance
Bruno Paillard Blanc de blancs 1999
Made exclusively from the chardonnay grape variety, this wine was once nicknamed the «lace» of Champagne because of its fine and persistent white mousse…
First pressing chardonnay, sourced exclusively from Grands Crus «Côte des Blancs» vineyards. Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is composed of reserve wines: 25 vintages, going back to 1985.
A very old winemaking method is used where fermentation in the bottle is less powerful than traditional Champagne.
Ageing of four years sur lie, then ten months further ageing after disgorgement. Like in all of our Champagnes, the dosage is very low and it is an Extra-Brut (5 g/l).
THE BLEND
100% CHARDONNAY
AGEING
4 YEARS ON THE LEES
10 MONTHS MINIMUM AFTER DISGORGEMENT
TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE
Very pale and shiny with green tints. The effervescence is lighter than in the other Champagnes thanks to a less powerful bottle fermentation.
NOSE
First aromas are citrus – lime and grapefruit – followed by white flowers. While opening in the glass, a touch of almond and toast appears.
PALATE
After a lively attack, this wine reveals complex notes ranging from citrus to white flesh fruits, marked by the distinctive minerality of the chalk. Fresh and lingering finish.
Like all very fine wine, our Champagnes are also relatively fragile and should be stored carefully, and within its UV protective cellulose film until serving. Never leave a bottle in the refrigerator for more than a few hours; the cold may «break» the wine.
This wine was only brought in in Magnums by
- Marquis Wine Cellars
Angry Otter west 4th (call ahead)
Currently available at Marquis Wine Cellars $725.00 and at select BC Liquor Stores $725.00
The multi-vintage Blanc de Blanc does sell at the Angry Otter location on West 4th
May be available by the glass, or bottle, at these fine restaurants
- Hydra Restaurant
- Terminal City Club
Edouard Duval Blanc D’Eulalie MV
Blanc d’Eulalie is made from our best chardonnays coming from the place called “L’Epicéa”, the sunniest parcel of our domain, planted more than 50 years ago. Approximately 40% of the wines are fermented and matured in demi-Muids Bourguignons and are offered with a very low dosage in order to keep all their quintessence.
100% Chardonnay
10°C in a slender, curved glass
Cold cuts, Lobster, Red mullet, Monkfish, Shrimps, Sea bass, Cottage cheese
TASTING NOTES
The dress
This Champagne has a luminous lemon yellow colour. It is animated by fine bubbles that feed a persistent cordon. The visual sensation announces a fresh and nuanced wine.
The Nose
The nose evokes smoky and iodized limestone smells, typical of our subsoils, mixed with lemon and white peach notes. The aeration of the Champagne reveals notes of cashew nut compote, butter, almond, with aniseed accents.
The Palace
The first contact in the palate is soft and fresh with a creamy effervescence. The Champagne develops a pulpy fruity matter, which confers volume, iodine salinity and length to the palate.
The Ensemble
The whole, both refined and fruity, expresses the character and elegance of ripe grapes from these emblematic terroirs. The finish is harmonious, melting and tasty.
- Everything Wine Langley
- Village Liquor Store West Vancouver (call ahead)
- Value on Liquor (call ahead)
Currently available at Everything Wine Langley $97.99
Edouard Duval Noir D’Eulalie MV
Noir d’Eulalie is a blanc de noirs made exclusively from Pinot Noir from 3 parcels located on the top of the hill. Approximately 40% of the wines are aged in Demi-Muids Bourguignons.
It is a rare and special Champagne, the fruit of a plot-based and secular work where the singular expression of pinot noir in massal selection shines on our terroir of oyster marls.
100% Pinot Noir
10°C in a slender, curved glass
Lobster, Calf sweetbreads, Lamb, Cod Capaccio, Cantal & Epoisses
TASTING NOTES
The Appearance
The Champagne has a luminous robe with a pale yellow gold color. It is animated by fine and lively bubbles that feed a persistent cordon. The visual sensation announces a rich and fresh wine.
The Nose
The first nose expresses the earthy and marine origin of our terroir, evoking notes of smoked limestone. The aeration of the Champagne adds to the pleasure notes of cherry, pomelo, blackberry, with some subtle woody accents reminiscent of toast.
The Palace
The first contact in the palate is rich and fresh, with a creamy effervescence. The Champagne develops a certain greediness; a fruity matter, underlined by an acidity of pomelo, fresh fruit and length on the palate
The Ensemble
The juicy finish conveys a general harmony with a freshness of limestone and salt that resonates on the palate, the signature of our terroirs.
- Nesters Liquor Store Whistler (call ahead)
Available Duval Leroy N/V Brut $46.99 https://shop.nestersliquor.com/
Chateau de Sancerre Terre de Silex 2021
It is by exploring the best of our terroirs that we created this Terre de Silex 2018 cuvée in limited numbers. A careful selection of our plots made it possible to test a unique blend, from 100% Silex soil, which reveals all the clarity and precision of this terroir. Our Terre de Silex offers this vintage aging potential, structure, freshness and minerality.
Appearance
Pale yellow.
Nose
Discreet, white fruit.
Mouth
In addition to freshness, crunch and minerality on the palate, flint gives structure, density and a very nice length and aromatic persistence on the palate. Great aging potential.
Medals
GOLD Medal – Mundus Vini
Bronze Medal – Decanter 2023
It is by exploring the best of our terroirs that we created this Terre de Silex cuvée in a very limited number of bottles. A careful selection of our plots made it possible to create a unique blend, from 100% flint soil which reveals all the clarity and precision of this terroir. Our flint terroir offers this vintage potential for aging, structure, freshness and minerality.
Food and wine pairings
Ideal as an aperitif or with seafood, shellfish, fish and goat cheese.
Expertise
Our vineyard is located in several municipalities in the Appellation zone: Sancerre, Bué, Crézancy, Thauvenay and Ménétreol. For this vintage, we select 2 plots on siliceous clay soil. The selected clones are not very productive and make it possible to produce grapes of exceptional quality.
The soil of the vines is worked to promote the nutrition of the plant and obtain perfectly ripe and healthy grapes.
- May be available by the glass, or bottle here:
-
- Blue Water
- Saba Bistro in Langley
- Ancora Vancouver
- Araxi
Chateau de Sancerre Cuvee du Connétable 2021
de Sancerre is one of the great men of French history: he was both a comrade-in-arms of Du Guesclin and a friend of King Charles V. In recognition of his merit and his talent, he was named Marshal of France in 1368 then Connétable in 1397. This vintage pays homage to this emblematic character of the city of Sancerre. This vintage has a marked character, like the Connétable: lively, frank, fine and complex.
Our vineyard is located in several municipalities in the Appellation zone: Sancerre, Bué, Crézancy, Thauvenay and Ménétréol. For this vintage, we select several plots on soil mainly composed of siliceous limestone. The selected vines are located on hillsides and the low trellising allows good growth of the grapes.
The soil is worked in such a way as to promote the nutrition of the plant and obtain perfectly ripe and healthy grapes.
Appearance
Bright golden color.
Nose
Expressive, with aromas of pomelo, citrus, lime blossom.
Mouth
Fruity with aromas of apricot, yellow peach, and very blended wood. End of mouth with notes of brioche, butter, and grapefruit zest.
Medals
Gold Medalist Mundus Vini
Food and wine pairings
Ideal with seafood, white meats, white-fleshed fish or even goat cheese.
Expertise
Our vineyard is located in several municipalities in the Appellation zone: Sancerre, Bué, Crézancy, Thauvenay and Ménétreol. The three characteristic terroirs of the Sancerre Appellation are therefore represented: Terres Blanches, Silex and Caillottes.
- Sutton Place Wine Merchants (call ahead)
- Marquis Wine Cellars (call ahead)
- The Gull Liquor Store
Currently available at The Gull Liquor Store $76.60
Domaine Jaeger-Defaix Rully Premier Cru 2020
Variety: Chardonnay
If you’re looking for quality Burgundy without breaking the bank, this is wine for you. Rully—of the Cote Chalonnaise— is situated just minutes from Beaune. Sharing similar soil types with the famous Cote de Beaune, these are wines of the same quality without paying for the zip code. In October 2002, Hélène Jaeger-Defaix took over her first vineyard inRully 1er cru Mont-Palais from her great-aunt Henriette Niepce. All of the vineyards are managed organically. She produced her first vintage in 2004, with all the qualities expected of the Rully which achieved AOC status in 1930; ever since she has established a vigorous reputation of producing cool and elegant Chardonnay and ripe Pinot Noir.
This is a Premier Cru vineyard from the appellation of Rully in the Cote Chalonnaise of southern Burgundy. The Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels for 18 months before its release.
Notes courtesy of hartandcru.com
- Everything Wine South Surrey (call ahead)
- Value on Liquor Store (call ahead)
- Marquis Wine Cellars (call ahead)
Famille Carabello Baum Meursault Grand Vin de Bourgogne 2017
On June 29, 2020, our Famille Carabello-Baum Meursault 2017 vintage won the gold medal at the very first edition of the Paris Wine Cup. This award is for us a unique proof of recognition by key players in the world of wine. The vintages presented are judged according to three different categories: quality, value and packaging. Only wines that receive high scores in all of these categories can win a gold medal. In addition, our Meursault 2017 received first prizes in the Burgundy and Chardonnay categories.
It is a definitely modern wine and quite atypical for a Meursault. An energetic wine on the palate, with aromas of ripe fruit, which perfectly combines value and quality. It is also an ideal vintage to enjoy in summer!
Source: Excerpt from the Chateau de Pommard website, image 2015
- Value on Liquor Store (call ahead)
Ladoix Les Grechons Premier Cru 2018
The 2020 Ladoix Les Gréchons et Foutrières 1er Cru has a detailed and attractive bouquet with orchard fruit and light stony aromas. The palate is well balanced with lovely peachy, apricot notes with counterbalancing mineralité on the finish. Worth seeking out. Drinking window: 2024-2034. Score – 90-92. (Neal Martin, vinous.com, Dec. 2021)
Source: LCBO
2020 vintage may be available at the LCBO $85.00
Chateau de Pommard Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Premier Cru 2020
TASTING
With its golden hue, this Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru reveals a refined nose with minerality and pleasant salinity. On the palate, the attack is fresh and energetic, immediately displaying the power and generosity of this wine. The finish is long-lasting with great persistency.
TERRIOIR
“Morgeot” is the largest Premier Cru of Chassagne-Montrachet. It benefits from clay and limestone-rich soils and a southeasterly exposure in the Côte de Beaune, resulting in an intense and full-bodied Chardonnay with long aging potential. First planted in the 15th century, “Morgeot” shares its renowned terroir between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.
WINEMAKING
Alcoholic fermentation and aging in the same French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation. Aging on fine lees. Fining and light filtration before bottling.
- Coal Harbour Liquor Store (call ahead)
Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey Monge Nichola Joseph 2017
TASTING
The 75 rows of the eponymous plot produce a ruby-colored Pinot Noir praised to bring skeleton to our Clos Marey-Monge Monopole blend. Both the nose and palate display aromas of black and red fruit, such as frutti di bosco, alongside wild notes of musk and smokle creating a distinctive and elegant animality. With a salty, mineral finish, our 75 Rangs 2017 is a Pinot Noir made for aging.
TERRIOIR
Thousands of years ago, an underground spring flooded the 0.85 hectare of 75 Rangs with minerals. Planted in 1962 and 1964, this plot located at the lowest topographic position in the Clos Marey-Monge benefits from shallow and limestone-rich soil that produces a Pinot Noir rich in minerals with a salty finish.
Hand-harvested grapes, hand-sorted on a vibrating table. 100% de-stemmed, placed into stainless steel fermentation vats by gravity flow. Weeks-long maceration, minimal pumping-over and punching-down. Pressing in pneumatic press. Placed in French oak barrels for aging on fine lees. Not filtered.
- Angry Otter West 4th (call ahead)
Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey Monge Monopole 2015
TASTING
Our Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2015 is everything a Burgundy Pinot Noir from a great vintage should be: power and elegance in perfect harmony. From the brilliant ruby color to the plush, concentrated fruit to the dense, chewy tannins – this wine has it all. Decanting this youthful Pommard is highly recommended to fully enjoy an aromatic symphony of black currant, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry supported by warm spices, roasted coffee, and herbal, earthy notes of mint, tobacco, and forest floor. The mouth-watering acidity and luxuriant finish leave no doubt that our Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2015 is truly a grand Pinot to enjoy now or easily cellar for a decade – if you’re patient enough to wait.
- Caddy Bay Liquor Store (Victoria) (call ahead)
Domaine Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape Blanca 2021
APPELLATION
Chateauneuf Pope
COMPOSITION
34% White Grenache 33% Clairette 33% Roussanne
WINEMAKING
Our white grape varieties (Grenache blanc, Clairette and Roussanne) are harvested and matured together. The harvest is done in the morning to benefit from freshness, then the grapes are pressed directly and placed in vats for settling for 24 to 48 hours at 10°C. The juices are then barreled into new barrels, vinified at around 16°C.
7 months in barrels
TASTING NOTE
Very rare, elegant, atypical, vinified in new barrels, this confidential vintage is one of the flagships of our production
- Value On Liquor Store (call ahead)
- Marquis Wine Cellars
Currently available at Value On Liquor Store on sale $64.99 and Marquis Wine Cellars $85.99
Domaine Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape 2019
APPELLATION
Chateauneuf Pope
COMPOSITION
70% Grenache 20% Syrah 10% Mourvèdre
WINEMAKING
Selection of the most beautiful bunches by the harvester, then sorting after total destemming in order to select the best grapes, maceration for 20 to 30 days in punching down vats.
12 months in barrels
TASTING NOTE
Red fruits, spices
- Angry Otter West 4th (call ahead)
- Angry Otter Burnaby (call ahead)
- Everything Wine River District (call ahead)
- Denman Beer Wine and Liquor (call ahead)
Domaine Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee le Cote Ronde 2019
APPELLATION
Châteuneuf-du-Pape
COMPOSITION
50% Grenache 50% Syrah
WINEMAKING
Selection of the most beautiful bunches by the harvester, then sorting after total destemming in order to select the best grapes, maceration for 20 to 30 days in punching down vats.
16 months in new barrels
TASTING NOTE
Open, rich and complex, fruit aromas. Very good balance. Plot selection
- Value on Liquor (call ahead)
icon VINS FINS
Founded in 2010, Icon Fine Wine & Spirits has been cultivating relationships between producers and the Canadian wine trade for the past decade. Today, Icon is one of the fastest growing boutique wine agencies in Western Canada with an extraordinary approach and National scope.
With offices in Vancouver and Calgary, Icon provides our partners with a highly motivated, results-oriented and passionate sales and marketing team.
Purveyors of fine wine and spirits, we connect Canadians to a world of excellence.
These were my personal favourites but every wine in the room was excellent. For the full portfolio of wines distributed by IconFinsVins click here. I received complimentary wine tastings for two to facilitate this feature. Wine notes and bottle shots (except as noted) courtesy of the wineries. Feature image: Icon Vins Fins.
Please note that some of these wines will need to be pre-ordered. Check with the wine shops listed above because stock will vary and be subject to availability. Not all wines will be available in every wine shop listed, just remember that have the fun is in the pursuit. Every wine shop featured here will have a selection of fine, premium wines. Enjoy the hunt, it’s worth it!
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