2021 Pinot Gris (Switchback Vineyard)
Haywire Winery
Summerland, BC
$29.99
100% organically grown Pinot Gris, whole cluster pressed and naturally fermented before aging in concrete tanks all of which helps to ensure that the terroir shines through. You’re not going to mistake this distinctive wine for another Pinot Gris. Very food friendly. Straw coloured with medium-minus intensity. The nose displays aromas of minerality, Fuji apple, lime, tropical fruit, a hint of salinity, delicate perfume and chopped nuts. Good balance with medium-plus body. The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium-plus dry finish. You can taste the terroir in this wine. Serve with pan-fried halibut, crab cakes or shrimp Creole.
90 Points
2022 Rosé
Fairview Cellars
Oliver, BC
$27.90
Cherry red with a touch of amber and medium-plus intensity. Ripe strawberry, bright cherry, watermelon, raspberry, cream, juicy red delicious apple, and a slight hint of mint. Very good balance with medium-plus body. Luscious on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. This is a big rosé.
90 Points
2021 Blue Frank
Wynwood Cellars
Wynndel, BC
$20.00
Wynndel is located just 10 minutes outside of Creston, BC. The name is a playful twist on the grape variety Blaufränkisch, also known as Lemberger. It is best known in Austria and other Central European countries and is a parent of both Gamay and Zweigelt. The grape tends to be deeply coloured with dark fruit aromas, pepper and spice notes as well as medium to high acidity. This one is garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Dark cherries, black and blueberries, red currant, spice and a touch of smoke on the nose. Very good balance with medium, smooth, tannins. Pleasing fruit on the palate – cherries, blueberries, spice, white pepper and minerality. A medium-plus finish. Serve with grilled Italian sausages, or lamb right off the BBQ.
88 Points
2019 Merlot (Reserve)
Mission Hill
West Kelowna, BC
$31.49
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The delicate nose shows aromas of dark fruit, plum, cherry, beetroot, and spice. Good balance with firm tannins. Pleasing flavours on the palate that include cherries, rhubarb, caramel, and earth followed by a medium finish. I opened this one far too soon. It needs several more years before it is ready.
86 Points
2020 Killer Cab Reserve
Pacific Breeze
New Westminster, BC
$60.00
This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, and 15% Petit Verdot. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. A rich and inviting nose showing lots of red and black fruit – blackberry, cherry, plum, raspberry, a touch of menthol, spice, vanilla, bacon, earth, and leather. Very good balance with full body. The flavours mirror the nose with vanilla standing out followed by a medium-long finish. This is a big wine. Hang on to it for another 5 to 10 years for it to show its best.
94 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
