2023 Pinot Gris
Blue Grouse
Duncan, BC
$29.99
Golden straw colour with medium-minus intensity. The nose is fruity and pleasant with aromas of apple, apricot peel, citrus, delicate notes of pear and pineapple, and minerality, with a steely undertone. Good balance. Full on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose and a medium-plus finish. A lovely luncheon wine.
87 Points
2022 Continuo (Rosado)
High Note
Penticton, BC
$25.00
This wine is mostly Pinot Noir, with a splash of Teroldego (a grape native to Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy). Light cherry red with medium-minus intensity. The nose opens with aromas of sour cherry, rhubarb, citrus, cranberry, raspberry, forest floor, and hints of musk. Good balance with a creamy texture. Flavourful on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish. This paired well with a turkey sandwich with cranberries.
89 Points
2022 Cabernet/Merlot
Ruby Blues
Penticton, BC
$47.90
Garnet red with deep intensity. Red fruit greets you on the nose with raspberry, cherry, and plum, along with cinnamon, white pepper, and black currant. Good balance with some drying tannins. Pleasing on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish. I should have held on to this bottle for another 3-8 years as it is still pretty young and needs time to come into its own. If opening now, serve with a Bolognaise pasta dish or some hearty protein.
87 Points
2022 Lunar Red
Haywire (OCP)
Summerland, BC
$28.88
This is the 11th vintage of this celebratory red blend released in time for the Chinese Lunar New Year. This blend of Merlot and Cabernet is garnet red with medium-plus intensity. The nose is inviting with aromas of cherry, raspberry, toast, plum, red currant, blackberry, a touch of spice and roses. Good balance. Bright red fruit dominates the palate followed by a medium-plus finish. This a tasty wine right out of the bottle, but it really shines with food, especially spicier Chinese dishes (ginger beef, etc.). And as a bonus, it was even better the following day so consider decanting it when opening. Arguably the best vintage of this special wine and less than 100 cases were produced. Buy it before it is all gone.
92+ Points
2017 The One (Grand Reserve)
Noble Ridge
Okanagan Falls, BC
$49.99
A blend of 78% Chardonnay and 22% Pinot Noir, this wine has a golden colour with just a suggestion of copper and medium intensity. This elegant traditional method sparkler opens with aromas of brioche, caramel, citrus, ginger, almond, floral notes and a hint of herbs. Well balanced with a mouth-filling creamy mousse and a fine bead of bubbles. The aromas are reflected on the palate. Flavours linger on the medium-long finish. Beautifully aged, this harmonious wine stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of Champagne at a fraction of the price.
97 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
