NV Charme De L’Ile (Sparkling White)
Blue Grouse
Duncan, BC
$29.99
Light straw with medium-minus intensity. Pleasing fruit on the nose, fresh fruit salad, lemon and grapefruit, bramble, earth, and minerality. Good balance and a nice lively mousse. Juicy and fruit forward on the palate followed by a medium finish. Lovely to serve when guests arrive, for starters, celebrations, or picnics.
89 Points
2022 Pinot Gris
Solvero
Summerland, BC
$25.00
The grapes were picked at 3.5 tons per acre from 22-year-old vines on the Happy Valley vineyard. Vinted in 50% neutral oak and 50% stainless steel. Only 250 cases were produced. Straw coloured with medium-minus intensity. The nose shows aromas of bright citrus, hay, Granny Smith apple, minerality, pear, honey, and a hint of violets. Very good balance. Bright and refreshing on the palate with plenty of juicy fruit that carries on to the medium-long finish. This is a versatile food wine and one for those who normally don’t care for Pinot Gris. No oily texture with this one.
92 Points
2021 White Pinot Noir
SpearHead
Kelowna, BC
$28.00
Pale lemon yellow with medium-minus intensity. An intriguing nose showing aromas of citrus, melon, pineapple, pear, strawberry, rose petal, and red apple peel. Very good balance. Juicy on the palate with flavours mirroring the nose followed by a medium-plus finish with mouth-watering flavours lingering. A versatile food wine with endless pairing possibilities.
91 Points
2021 Rosé
Ancient Hill
Kelowna, BC
$22.90
This wine reminded me more of a Rosato (between a rosé and a red) in appearance. Made from 60% Zweigelt (a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent) and 40% Baco Noir (a cold hardly red). It will appeal to those who don’t like tannic red wines. Garnet red with medium intensity. The nose is inviting with aromas of candy apple, boysenberry, tart raspberry, herbs, hints of red currant, and blueberry. Acceptable balance. The flavours follow the nose. A soft, medium finish. A nice luncheon or afternoon wine at only 11.7% ABV.
86 Points
2022 Pinot Noir “B” Field Blend
Meyer Family Vineyards
Okanagan Falls, BC
$31.39
Aged for 11 months in neutral French oak, this wine is garnet red with medium intensity. One quick sniff and there is no mistaking what is in the glass. A beautiful varietal nose showing aromas of dried cherry, forest floor, blueberry, black tea, prunes, leather, earth, a hint of bacon, and chocolate undertones. Well balanced with medium tannins and a good mouthfeel. Velvety smooth on the palate with well-integrated fruit and followed by a medium-long finish. Improves noticeably with time to breathe. Very good value. ‘Pinotphiles’ take note. 450 cases produced.
93 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
