2022 Narrative XC Sparkling
Haywire (Okanagan Crush Pad)
Summerland, BC
$24.99
Narrative is one of the labels made at Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad. I first tasted this wine in late 2023 and it has held up beautifully. Oeil-de-perdrix (eye of partridge or a pale pink or copper-tinted rosé wine colour) with medium-minus intensity. This intriguing wine is a blend of Auxerois and Chardonnay from Naramata. It was fermented in concrete, stainless steel and large barrels, all of which contribute to the character of this wine. Light and fresh on the nose with aromas of red fruit, stone fruit, lees, and baking spice. Good balance with mouth-filling mousse. Mouth-watering on the palate with juicy fresh fruit that echoes the nose followed by a medium-long finish with flavours lingering. A very versatile food wine. Serve with salmon, fresh cut strawberries, or popcorn.
90+ Points
2024 Gewürztraminer (Woo Woo)
Dirty Laundry
$19.99
Made from Washington State grapes, this wine is pale lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. Aromatic aromas of citrus, and tree fruit, with floral and lychee notes. Good balance with acid and sugar present, but nicely balanced. The flavours echo the nose along with orange peel, apple, and white (unripe) pineapple, followed by a mouth-watering finish with flavours lingering. A very agreeable Gewürztraminer, not overly perfumey or sweet. Try this one nicely chilled on the patio, with summer salads, Thai curries, or middle eastern cuisine.
90 Points
2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Good Neighbours)
River Stone
Oliver, BC
$24.90
I was pleasantly surprised to see that despite the grapes for the 2024 vintage came from Washington State, this wine is true to their signature style and indistinguishable from what you’ve come to expect from River Stone. Lemon yellow with a tinge of green and medium-minus intensity. The nose displays aromas of intricate fruit, cut grass, grapefruit, green apple, lemon, melon, minerality and dash of honey. Good balance. Full on the palate with flavours echoing the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. A well-made, tasty Sauvignon Blanc.
92+ Points
2021 Chardonnay
Roche
Penticton, BC
$38.90
Golden lemon yellow with medium intensity. Nicely integrated oak and fruit on the nose featuring aromas of lemon cream, honey, apple, almond, coconut, and a touch of toast. Very good balance. The flavours mirror the nose, followed by a medium-long finish with flavours lingering. Very well made.
93 Points
2017 Merlot (Reserve)
Crowsnest Vineyards
Cawston, BC
$36.99
2017? Shouldn’t this one be left for a “From the Cellar” review? Perhaps, but I did but it from a store recently, so it should be available in better stores. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Red and black fruit, black berry, black currant, dark cherry, a touch of cinnamon, stewed plums, dried leaf, underbrush, and sawdust on the nose. Good balance with firm ripe tannins. Bright on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish.
91+ Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
