2023 Chardonnay (White Gold Reserve)
Fort Berens
Lillooet, BC
$34.99
Lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. Lemon cream, apple, lime zest, peach, banana, and straw on the nose. Good balance and mouthfeel. The flavours reflect the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish.
90 Points
2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Dual Citizen)
SpearHead
Kelowna, BC
$29.00
Being a 2024 vintage, the grapes for this wine came from a vineyard in Yakima near Prosser, Washington. Golden yellow with medium-minus intensity. The nose is an array of melon, cut grass, grapefruit, lime, wild honey, and coconut water. Good balance. The flavours reflect the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish.
91 Points
NV Brut (Gold Label)
Blue Mountain
Okanagan Falls, BC
$28.00
A traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, aged for 24 months sur lie. Pale lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. White flowers, citrus, apple peel, toast, white peach pie crust, a whisper of pine nut, and a hint of crushed gravel on the nose. Very good balance, with good mousse. Thirst-quenching and flavourful on the palate, followed by a medium-long finish with flavours intensifying. Excellent with salt-and-pepper chips or popcorn.
93 Points
2023 Dark Horse Red (Frontenac Noir)
Niche
West Kelowna, BC
$28.00
This hybrid is popular on the east coast due to its winter heartiness. Garnet black with a purple rim and deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of dark berries, black cherry, plum, fruit candies, cocoa, and a touch of smoke. Good balance with smooth tannins and bright acidity. Fruit dominates the palate with lots of interesting flavours. A medium-plus finish with flavours lingering. A versatile food wine and well worth trying if you spot it.
90+ Points
2022 Celestiale
Clos du Soleil
Keremeos, BC
$33.99
A classic five grape Bordeaux blend, this vintage consists of Merlot 44%, Cabernet Franc 25%, Cabernet Sauvignon 22%, Malbec 5%, and Petit Verdot 4%. Garnet red with deep intensity. The nose is deep and layered with aromas of red and black berries, currant, black cherry, plum, spice, black pepper, and cedar. Very good balance with firm ripe tannins. Flavourful on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish with flavours lingering. This is a big wine that is ready to drink and is also suitable for cellaring. This one deserves a well-made steak or prime rib.
94 Points
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)
