2022 Pinot Blanc
Gray Monk
Okanagan Centre, BC
$19.99
Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. Pear, orange zest, green apple, cloves, and lime on the nose. Good balance and good body with just a slightly sweet entry. Pleasing flavours on the palate with stone fruit dominating. A medium-plus finish. Serve this delicate wine with herb-roasted chicken, cod or sole.
90 Points
2024 Pinot Gris (Here and There Series)
Fort Berens
Lillooet, BC
$23.89
Pale straw with a tinge of copper and medium-light intensity. The nose shows aromas of peach, apple, citrus, almonds apricot, perfume, and a hint of honeysuckle. Good balance. Peach, citrus, floral, nectarine, and pineapple on the palate. A medium-plus finish with a slight hint of characteristic bitterness. This light summer sipper is great for the beach or picnics. Also serve with creamy pasta, a curry casserole, or a late-night omelet.
88 Points
2020 Chardonnay (Crooked Post)
Fairview Cellars
Oliver, BC
$28.00
Fermented in oak barrels (20%) and stainless steel (80%). Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. A tightly woven nose showing aromas of toast, lemon, apple, pineapple, spice, butter, and pencil shavings. Very good balance with good mouthfeel. The flavours echo the nose, followed by a medium-long finish with flavours lingering. Well matched with crab or roasted chicken and gravy.
92 Points
2024 Malbec Rosé (Good Neighbours Series)
River Stone
Oliver, BC
$24.90
Cherry red with medium intensity. The nose is delicate and has inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, a touch of red currant, herbs, and watermelon. Good balance and pleasing on the palate with flavours reflecting the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish with cranberry flavours lingering. This wine was a little shy at first, but then it evolved into something quite pleasing. Light, lean and refreshing. A lovely patio wine at only 11.6 ABV.
Serve with a fresh fruit salad or other light fare.
91+ Points
2022 Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo
Pietrame
Montepulciano, Italy
$14.99
Garnet red with a purple rim and medium-deep intensity. An integrated nose of bright red fruit – cherry, raspberry, sweet spice, beet root, red currant, forest floor, and coconut. Good balance with smooth, ripe tannins. The flavours echo the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish. A tasty Tuesday food-friendly value wine.
88 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
