NV Charme De L’Ile (Sparkling Rosé)
Blue Grouse
Duncan, BC
$29.99
Made with 100% Cowichan Valley Gamay Noir, this wine is cherry red with medium-plus intensity. The nose is fruity with aromas of bramble, red currant, cranberry, and cherry, along with hints of strawberry, vanilla, and banana. These pleasing aromas are carried on over to the palate. A medium finish with lingering bramble notes. This is one to open when light and refreshing is the order of the day.
88 Points
2022 Chardonnay
Meyer Family Vineyards
Okanagan Falls, BC
$21.83
A house favourite, this wine is bright lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. The nose shows aromas of yellow delicious apple, citrus, melon, floral and stone fruit. Very good balance. Bright citrus dominates the palate along with apple, melon, and a touch of butter. A medium-plus finish. I see a nod to Chablis in this excellent value wine.
92 Points
2023 Rosé
Ruby Blues
Penticton, BC
$28.90
What’s not to like with a label like this? Apple red with medium intensity. Orange zest, red apple, cherry, ripe strawberry, and honey on the nose. Good balance with a slightly sweet entry and full body. Ripe cherry, strawberry, honey, and cranberry on the palate. A medium-plus finish. Nothing wimpy here, this is a big rosé.
89 Points
2021 Syrah
Hester Creek
Oliver, BC
$ 30.49
Garnet red with a tinge of purple and deep intensity. Red fruit and berries dominate the nose along with black cherry, red currant, bramble, plum, ripe dark raspberries, spice, and sawdust. Good balance and full body. Juicy and fruit forward on the palate with flavours echoing the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. A lovely accompaniment to slow cooker BBQ ribs.
92 Points
2021 Merlot
Deep Roots
Naramata, BC
$26.00
Garnet red with deep intensity. An aromatic nose that begins with a burst of blueberry. Very fruit forward with dark berries, black olive, earth, leaf, spice, stewed plums, chocolate, and toasted oak. Very good balance with smooth ripe tannins. Big on the palate with flavours mirroring the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. It changed over time and became more complex. This wine has improved noticeably since last tasted it a year ago.
93 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
