NV Brut Reserva
Segura Viudas
Torrelavit, Spain
$16.99
Segura Viudas is well-known for delivering good-quality sparkling Spanish wines (cava), and this modestly priced Reserva proves the point. Straw coloured with medium-light intensity. Baked apple, citrus, brioche, wet stones, and dried tree fruit with undertones of yeasty lees on the nose. Good balance with mouth-filling mousse. Crisp on the palate with flavours echoing the nose, followed by a medium to medium-plus finish. With great value like this, you can keep a bottle of this in your fridge for everyday refreshment. Pass the popcorn!
88 Points
2024 Riesling
Dirty Laundry
Summerland, BC
$21.99
If you have never visited this Summerland winery, be sure to put it on your ‘To Do’ list. They do an excellent job telling the story behind their brand. As this wine is from the 2024 vintage, the grapes were grown in Washington, but crafted into wine by Mason Spink at the winery. Pale straw with medium-light intensity. Aromas of lime, minerality, jasmine, lemon, and a hint of peach on the nose. Good balance with refreshing acidity. The flavours mirror the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish. Serve this one with salads, fried cod, seafood, or Thai curries.
89+ Points
2022 Gewürztraminer
Mount Boucherie
West Kelowna, BC
$29.74
This wine is a part of their Original Vines Series, and the grapes were sourced from the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver. Gold coloured with medium-plus intensity. A classic ‘Gew’ aromatic nose showing aromas of clove, floral notes, peach, apricot, honey, lychee, and a touch of rose petals. Good balance and surprisingly dry. The palate reflects the nose, followed by a medium finish. Pair this one with sesame chicken and any Asian cuisine.
88/89 Points
2020 Merlot
Chronos (TIME)
Penticton, BC
$29.99
Two Osoyoos vineyards provided the grapes for this vintage, which were fermented separately and then blended and bottled. It was aged for 18 months in a blend of American and French oak. Garnet red with deep intensity. The nose is deep and dark with aromas of blackberry, black currant, earth, dried leaf, spice, and pencil shavings. Good balance with firm ripe tannins. Appealing fruit on the palate, followed by a medium-plus finish. This is a big wine that needs time to age and come into its own. If drinking soon, aerate and decant so the wine can show its best and serve with some hearty protein.
89 Points
2022 Cabernet Franc (Reserve)
Fort Berens
Lillooet, BC
$43.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Dark berries, dusty herbs, plum, bramble, pepper, and a touch of blueberry on the nose. Good balance with juicy acidity. The flavours follow the nose. A medium-plus finish. I’d let this one age for a few years, as it’s still a baby. With a little more time, it should be an impressive wine.
90 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)