2022 Top 100 Wines under $20

And 88 Points or Better

 

THE SHOW

As promised Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva has delivered another End-of-the-Year Wine List.

I like this one a lot.. Keep in mind Daenna tastes 1000’s of wines a year. That’s what makes these wines special.

All of these wines have been tasted, judged and found to be well made wines. All were $20 or Under and 88  points or better.

 

 

Bang for the buck.

Aside from being affordable, these  wines are all crafted with passion and skill.

We can’t go through all 100 but we’ll do our best.

Find all of the Wine Diva’s lists at www.winediva.ca

For a deeper dive check out

www.winescores.ca

Here we GO:  

 

*  Grow Wild ‘Rapturous Red’, Okanagan Valley, BC $16.99

* Monte del Fra Bardolino DOC, Custoza, Verona Italy $17.99

* Oops ‘Spicy Splendor’ Carmenere, Central Valley Chile $12.99

* Gil Family Estates ‘Zagalin’ Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain $13.49

* Petrichor Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley BC $19.99

* Grow Wild ‘Enchanting White’ Okanagan Valley, BC $16.99

* El Petit Bonhomme, Jumilla Spain $17.99 12. Chateau Dereszla Harslevelu, Tokaji, Hungary $20.00

* Augey Merlot~Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, France $15.00

* Crudo Nero d’Avola~Cabernet Sauvignon, Sicily, Italy $20.00

* Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards ‘The Lookout’ Riesling, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

* Santo Cristo Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain $17.00

* Escorihuela ‘1884’ Estate Grown Malbec~Cabernet, Mendoza Argentina $19.99

* Les Vignerons du Castelas Rose Rose, Rhone Valley, France $16.99

* Les Vignerons du Castelas Cotes du Rhone Rose, Rhone Valley, France $20.00

* Rupert Wines ‘Protea’ Dry Rose, Western Cape South Africa $15.99

* Harper’s Trail ‘Pioneer Block’ Thadd Springs Vineyard Riesling, Thompson Valley, BC $20.00

* Stag’s Hollow ‘Tragically Vidal’, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Nicosia Grillo, Terre Sicilane, Sicily, Italy $19.99

* Bartier Bros. Rose, Okanagan Valley, BC $18.99

* Gnarly Head Chardonnay, California $20.00

* Undurraga ‘8 Rios’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile $12.99

* Stag’s Hollow Syrah Rose, Okanagan Valley N/A

* Quails’ Gate Dry Riesling, Okanagan Valley $19.99

* Sperling Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

* Harper’s Trail Rose, British Columbia $20.00

* Fort Berens Estate Winery Rose, Lillooet BC $20.00

* Harper’s Trail ‘Field Blend White’, British Columbia N/A

* Sasso dei Lupi ‘Sestavia’ Viognier~Chardonnay, Umbria $19.21

* Cantine Leuci Primitivo, Salento, Puglia, Italy $19.99

* Lakeside Cellars ‘Portage White’, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

* Fort Berens Estate Winery Pinot Gris, British Columbia $20.00

* Sandhill Sovereign Opal, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Spier ‘Signature’ Merlot, Stellenbosch Western Cape, South Africa $13.99

* Escorihuela ‘1884’ Estate Grown Syrah, Mendoza Argentina $17.99

* Domaine De L’Olivette Rouge, Pays d’Oc, Southern France $17.99

* Spier ‘Signature Collection’ Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch South Africa $13.99

* Luigi Bosca ‘La Linda Private Selection’ Old Vines Malbec, Mendoza Argentina $19.99

* Gray Monk Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley BC $19.99

* Terranoble Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley, Chile $18.99

* Gray Monk Rose, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Quails’ Gate Rose, Okanagan Valley BC $20.00

THE WINE DIVA YEAR END LISTS – This Week. Wine Gifts and Sparkling Wine

Daenna van Mulligen

We are taking an epic journey to  The Wine Diva’s Palace.

Thing is – she lives in the basement.

It really belongs to Daenna van Mulligen who created the Wine Diva Web Site. www.winediva.ca and it’s partner site www.winescores.ca   Plus wrote the book Jace’s Journey

Daenna van Mulligen is an accredited sommelier, wine judge, wine writer and reviewer, public speaker and a long time friend.

Daenna tastes and makes amazing notes on 1000s  of wines  each year. When possible she travels to vineyards all over the World.  She writes stories and reviews for Vines , TASTE, Montecristo and Vitis Magazines.

We have been celebrating her Wine Diva  end of the year wine lists for at least 10 years. To experience all of her year end lists just go to

www.winediva.ca

This year is going to be like a Wine Super Bowl.

Are you ready?

This week Daenna starts things off with two lists for 2022.

GIFT BOTTLES 2022

Special bottles that someone might not buy for themselves. Singular and expressive bottles that are perfect for a special occasion.

 

THE LISTS!

* Robin Ridge Gamay, Similkameen Valley BC

* Monte Del Fra ‘Ca Del Magro DOC Custoza Superiore,Veneto Italy $24.99

* Township 7 Vineyards & Winery ‘Benchmark Series’ Syrah, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Duoro, Portugal $72.99

* Painted Rock ‘Red Icon’, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley BC $80.00

* Massimo Rivetti Family Farm ‘Aurelia’ Arneis, Langhe, Italy $26.99

* Upper Case Winery Chardonnay, British Columbia N/A

* Quails’ Gate ‘Stewart Family Reserve’ Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley $49.00

* Clos du Soleil Fume Blanc, Okanagan Valley $22.00

* SpearHead Pinot Noir ‘Saddle Block’, Okanagan Valley BC $40.00

* Winemaker’s Cut ‘Bohemian’ Riesling, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Familia Zingarelli ‘Rocca della Macie’ Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy $30.00

* Mazzei ‘Ser Lapo’ Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy $32.99

* Ricasoli ‘Castello di Brolio’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany, Italy $75.00

* Hester Creek Semillon, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Bartier Bros. Grenache~Syrah~Mourvedre, Okanagan Valley BC $45.00

* Lakeside Cellars Cabernet Franc, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

* Gold Hill Syrah, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Domaine Gayrard Loin de L’oil, Gaillac, France $34.99

* Barone di Valforte Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo, Italy $23.00

* TerreLab by Gold Hill ‘Winemakers Series’ Tempranillo, Okanagan Valley, BC N/A

* Stag’s Hollow Pinot Noir, Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, BC N/A

* Clos du Soleil ‘Winemaker’s Series’ Middle Bench Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Similkameen Valley, BC N/A

* Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Estate Cuvee Chardonnay, Okangan Valley BC $30.00

* Moon Curser Viognier Okanagan Valley BC $25.00

* Township 7 Vineyards & Winery ‘NBO’, Okanagan Valley BC N/A

* Lunessence Winery & Vineyard Estate Riesling, Okagan Valley, BC N/A

* Lunessence Winery & Vineyard Estate Blanc de Noirs, Okagan Valley, BC N/A

* CVNE ‘Cune’ Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain $50.00

* Bellingham ‘The Bernard Series’ Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region South Africa $27.00

* Umani Ronchi ‘Fonte del Re’ Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Marche, Italy $20.99

* Vina Cobos ‘Felino’ Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $24.99

Brad Royale –  Sommelier and Micro-Negotiant. ( Kitten Swish, Tomato Wheels, latest crushing list)

 THE SHOW

 “Like the first bottles released in 2012, all are limited-production, with quirky names and labels derived from photos taken by Royale. There’s Call Me, a 2016 Zinfandel from the renowned Stuhlmuller vineyard in Sonoma, California; the label features a rotary phone.

… and Below the Surface, a 2013 Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain, which features a photo of entwined bodies and is a tribute to the unsung heroes behind every bottle: the growers, printers, graphic designers, shippers, importers. “It’s about all that effort that we forget about when we just grab a bottle off the shelf,” Royale says. “This is a tip of the hat toward what goes into making a great bottle of wine.”

Shelley Boettcher  •  Swerve/Calgary Herald

 

 

Brad Royale is Head Sommelier for the Concorde Calgary restaurant group with venues ranging from pinball bars, to bbq smokehouses to very fine dinning at  Model Milk,  Bridgette Bar,  to the restaurant  of the year, Major Tom.  Just this week he was part of the team that opened a new restaurant Barbarella.

Kitten Swish

Brad started ‘Swish in 2012 as a micro-negotiant company.  He works with small quantities of wine from estate producers They make the wine,  Brad makes a blend from their stock,  the team bottles it at the winery under the Kitten Swish label. Brad has wine imported into BC and Alberta.

 

The most recent was Piquette with Rhys Pender MW from Little Farm but he has bottled wines from Hungary (with John Szabo MS), USA, Spain, Germany, France, and British Columbia ( hopes to make a wine from the island next year).  And has a hand in designing the label artwork.  www.kittenswish.com

Tomato Wheels

A brand new project with a partner based in Vancouver, Moirae Choquette.   She heard the Kitten Swish story on a podcast and reached out to  Brad to help her design her own label.  She wanted Lambrusco!  (Don’t we all)  Brad helped her find a fourth-generation vineyard in Emilia Romagna, Italy and the wine began it’s journey.

A brand new order of that Lambrusco is landing right now in Alberta. www.tomatowheels.com

 

 (Little Farm/Kitten Swish  Piquette)

Brad talks about his current  “been crushing”  list

 – Belargus Anju Blanc (bought the Jo Pithon estate and making hard  Chenin)

– Marchesseau Bourguiel (been crushing Loire Valley a lot in general lately…wicked value)

– Domaine Wachau Gruner Veltliner Kellerberg (available in BC to, sick stuff)

– Aubert Chardonnay (recent visit to Vegas my mission was to taste as much as possible…it’s good to have goals)

 

We cover a lot of ground over the course of this TRR – some of these wines will be harder to find or access from outside Alberta BUT they are well worth the seeking!!

Unlike anything else, you’ll see and taste in your local store.  Promise.

  

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

The Launch of Q&A wines.

Holiday Wine Gifts

Wine Diva List Time

Hester Creek

The Five Bottle Bar

Luke  Whittall – The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 Must-Try BC Wines

THE SHOW

Confession Time. I’m half  a year late in getting this story to you.

Then one day, not too long ago a book arrived. Quietly.  On  a Tuesday!

It was smaller than most because it’s a pocketbook. Meant to be carried in a shoulder bag, glove compartment or back pocket.

The author is Luke Whittall. His first books were Valleys of Wine: A Taste of British Columbia’s Wine History and The Okanagan Tour Guide with John Schreiner.

 

He’s currently a wine instructor at Okanagan College and is involved with a valley wine.

Personally, Luke continues his own wine training with WSET.

The Sipster’s Guide will surprise you.

It contains none of the usual tasting notes,  growing season info,  cellar hacks or wine scores.

It speaks to all in a language they can understand. Without dumbing down the knowledge.

And pairing?

You can choose a wine to  match your attitude. From happy to herbal.  From rock star to romantic.

The front inside cover has 50 choices.

Luke’s writing is such a surprise. For example, he doesn’t just sip and spit…

After opening a bottle, Luke lets it breathe while he cooks dinner or lunch to match the wine. Smart!

It’s a great read and a perfect gift for giving.

To yourself and those wine fans around you.

Sipster’s Guide Vol 2 comes out in the Spring!!

 

Luke has started a podcast.

You can find him on line at

www.winecountrybc.ca

@winecountrybc

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

 

The Launch of Q&A wines.

Tony Stewart and Winemaker Jamie Dowell

Lake Sonoma and Plume

Holiday Wine Gifts

Wine Diva List Time

Hester Creek

Meet the Makers

Culmina & Laughing Stock

 

THE SHOW

It was just another Friday morning when the happy invitation came in from the delightful  Lindsay Kelm.

Come celebrate the harvest season with Culmina Family Estate and Laughing Stock Vineyards.

Join Winemakers Jean-Marc Enixon and Sandy Leier for an elegant afternoon sampling their latest releases and chatting about the 2022 harvest. We also have a couple of special sneak peeks in store, including the unreleased 2020 vintage of Laughing Stock’s signature Portfolio, and 2017 vintage of Culmina’s flagship Bordeaux blend, Hypothesis

 

Sandy Leier–Winemaker Laughing Stock (Naramata)

Here’s what I knew. I hadn’t spoken to Sandy Leier for years. At the time she was working with the legend Howard Soon at Sandhill and Calona. In 2018, after 15 years as a great team,  she took over from the departing  Howard.  Then a series of projects with Andrew Peller, Gray Monk and Gretzky Wines. Then, this year, a major move to Senior Winemaker at Laughing Stock on the Naramata Bench.  It’s the home of seriously great wines including a Syrah that makes hearts flutter and their red blend Portfolio.  Sandy brings six wines to taste and discover.

(List below)

 

(tdm and Sandy Leier)

Jean-Marc Enixon – Culmina Winemaker – (Oliver)

(tdm and Jean-Marc)

 

Jean-Marc Enixon’s wine career took flight in Toulouse, France. JM gained international experience in Sonoma County, China, then  back to France at Chateau Puy Guilhem in  Saillans as senior winemaking director.

At the suggestion of his wife saying something to the effect of   “how about making some new world wine”

Jean-Marc joined the Culmina Team  as Vineyard Manager and Winemaker in 2016.  Today he pours 7 wines.

As good as he is, perhaps his greatest accomplishment is welcoming two new children to the family while in the Okanagan.

“they’re taking French and I’m taking English”

 Sandy, Jean-Marc and I  tasted and talked about Laughing Stock Vineyards.

2021 Viognier

2020 Chardonnay

2020 Pinot Noir

2019 Syrah (new release)

2019 Portofino (new release)

2020 Portofino (unreleased)

 

Culmina Family Estate Winery

2019 Decora

2021 Unicus

2018 Dilemma

2019 Malbec

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Hypothesis

2017 Hypothesis (unreleased)

 

www.laughingstock.ca

www.culmina.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Hester Creek

Sipster’s Pocket Guide

Holiday wine gifts

(for you and maybe someone else)

The launch of Q&A Wine.

Tony Stewart and Winemaker Jaime Dowell  Lake Sonoma & Plume

Our Guest is JAK Meyer Co-owner of Meyer Family Vineyard.

(just in time for Holiday Cheer weekend in OKFalls/Skaha Lake)

“We’ve been nearly sold out of many of our current vintage Chardonnays for quite some time now, so with much anticipation, we’re pleased to release four single-vineyard Chards from the 2021 vintage.

While 2021 was a low-yielding vintage due to extreme summer temps, our winemaker Chris Carson believes that it could be one of the most flavourful in recent memory. We hope that you find something you love!”  Jak Meyer. MFV

 

When you contact Meyer Family Vineyards, what catches your eye is a list. Not just any list but a National Wine Awards list of the best Small Wineries of Canada. It goes like this –

Meyer Family Vineyards

 

#2 Small Winery in Canada 2021 at the National Wine Awards

#10 Small Winery in Canada 2019 at the National Wine Awards

#4 Small Winery in Canada 2018 at the National Wine Awards

#2 Small Winery in Canada 2017 at the National Wine Awards

#3 Small Winery in Canada 2016 at the National Wine Awards

 

That’s called consistency.  That’s also what they achieve with their chardonnays.  Congratulations to Winemaker Chris Carson and his entire team

Each and every year Meyer Family present award-winning Chardonnays that set standards for all of Canada.

 

JAK Meyer, the co-founder, and co-owner of Meyer Family Vineyards (with his wife Janice Stevens-Meyer) joins us to walk and talk us through their chardonnay.

Here’s the second list that caught my eye – Their current Chardonnay Releases.

 

2021 Okanagan Valley Chardonnay – 400 cases. $23 A blend of various locations and a great place to start your Meyer Chardonnay journey.

2021  Stevens Block Chardonnay – 230 cases. $28 Clones 4/5 from the fantastic Old Main Road Vineyard in Naramata  – Chablis style!  Clean!

2021 Anarchist Chardonnay Dekleva Clone – 175 cases. $35 Grown at 1700 ft. Unknown Original clone. A suitcase wine. Planted 1985. Some new oak.

2021 McLean Creek Chardonnay – 500 cases. $35 Outside their Tasting Room. Planted 1994. 11 months in barrel/22% new.

2021 Old Main Road  Chardonnay – 533 cases. $35 (formerly Tribute Series) Vines planted 26 years ago on Naramata Bench. 22% new Oak. Cellar 7-10 years.

2020 Micro Cuvee Chardonnay – 200 cases. $70 Best fruit. Best barrels. From McLean Creek Vineyards. 100% French Oak/40 New  Unfined. Coarse Filter. Cellar 8-10 yrs.

These delightful wines range from fabulous entry-level, Chablis clean, to lightly oaked and fully oaked classic Chardonnays.  Winners all!

HEADS UP…

This weekend The Wineries of OK Falls and Skaha Lake are celebrating Holiday Cheer!!

All 15 wineries will be welcoming visitors. Here’s what to expect at Meyer Family Vineyards and Mayhem

 

Meyer Family Vineyards

Our event will be ticketed-only, no drop-ins. Four food and wine pairing stations around the property. Tickets will be $30 and available on our website!

Mayhem Wines

Drop in, no appointment in the new tasting room. $10 tasting fee donated to SOWINS. Or bring an unwrapped toy for a child. The tasting includes ice cream and Fortified Gewurztraminer.

 

See the complete Holiday Cheer winery list at www.theheartofwinecountry.ca

www.mfvwines.com

www.mayhemwines.com

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Hester Creek

Culmina @Meet the Makers

Laughing Stock @Meet the Makers

Lake Sonoma and Plume

Holiday Wines for gifting and pouring

 

Every Chef Needs a Farmer   Every Farmer Needs a Chef!

 The SHOW  

We were invited to the third annual Chef/Farmer gathering.  This week at Church and State Winery in Central Saanich.

It was presented by Buy BC.

The entire concept was created by Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. It’s a great fit because she WAS a farmer when the idea came to her. As Minister, she oversees the  Buy BC program.

It continues to highlight the many unique and engaging products coming from our own backyards. It’s a direct link between consumers and the creators behind each and every label.

(Lana Popham)

Our pal Chef Ned Bell is the chef ambassador for Buy BC.  As long as I’ve known Ned, he’s always been pushing the boundaries between Kitchens and Farmers.  There’s nothing he likes more than uniting and collaborating with other chefs, fishers, farmers, and influencers. The man is a game-changer.

If you’ve ever dined at his Naramata Inn, you’ll know that he’s also one of our very best chefs. His panel was titled – The Future of Food; Sustainable, Indigenous, Farmed, and Wild.

(Ned Bell and TDM)

 

NOTE:  We couldn’t possibly interview all the Farmers. I think there were over 20 in the room but we will reconnect and do stories on many of them – over the Winter.

Our Special Guests this week are:

 Robert Belcham – Chef’s Table Society. Chef and Owner Popina

Shawn Dirksen – Owner Northstar Organics. His panel was Selling Food to Our City. Small-Scale Diversified Organic Farming.

Jared Qwustenuxun Williams – Indigenous Foods Chef, Writer, and Storyteller

Ian Tostenson – President and CEO, BC Restaurant and Food Services Assn

Michael Verbrugge and Victoria Lake  – Canadian Seafood Processing

Chef Ned Bell – Naramata Inn

Lana Popham – Minister of Agriculture and Food

www.buybc.gov.bc.ca

@EatDrinkBuyBC

#buyBC

#everychefneedsafarmer

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Meyer Family Chardonnay

Hester Creek

Winemakers Cut

What’s Brad Royal up to?

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Priestley and I were shooting year two of Hollywood and Vines with Producer Chad Oakes.

It was Jason who suggested Guadalupe Valley in Mexico, and Walla Walla in Washington.

So, I paid attention when he said.

Let’s head for the Gaspareau Valley…

Sure!  Where exactly is the Gaspareau?

Just outside Halifax.

And they’re growing what wines exactly?

They are making sparkling wine and it’s getting local raves.

That was many years ago.

I was so impressed with the vineyards and the bubble they poured for us, I’ve stayed in touch with the story and the people.

Specifically the winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers and the owner Gerry McConnell.

So. Its been 3-4 years since we checked in with Benjamin Bridge and in that time they have become one of the best wine stories in all of Canada.

In doing so, they have ignited not only the Gaspereau but the rest of the Maritimes and Canada. From coast to coast.

We welcome back Jean-Benoît Deslauriers and Benjamin Bridge

 

Jean-Benoit will be talking about

2018 Brut Rose.. 3 years on the lees  beautiful colour, rose on the nose.

On the palate creme de cassis and brioche, creamy mousse…heaven sent!!

2017 Brut  A beauiful straw coloured. Green apple, warm bread on the nose. In the mouth stone fruit, citrus, brioche and a lingering minerality. WoW!

2020 hand crafted small lot Pinot Noir – JB says there’s “a profound sadness to it’s delishiosness ” in this wonderful wine. Mainly because its thriving in the Maritimes because of climate change. Thriving it is…a  clear nose of cedar box & ripe  black fruit. The palete is fresh red fruit and classic tannins.12 months in barrel/12% alcohol.

We also talk about Nova 7, Tidal Bay and non-alcohol  wines in the future.

www.benjaminbridge.com

 

 

New wines and Spirits at IVSA Victoria

THE SHOW

Got my semi-annual invite from IVSA – The Import Vintners and Spirits Association..one of the largest representative bodies of beverage alcohol import agents in Canada.

The very people who seek out great winemakers and distillers and then represent them to our liquor industry and down the line- you the customer.

They’re not really set up for media, but I have always found the room to be filled with new wines and spirits that I know we’ll be talking about later in the year or next year. Best of all , they let me walk around and interview reps, who are mid-pour and telling the story behind the pour.

I can’t talk to everyone.  For one thing, every table is filled with new releases and everyone has questions.. The reps have the answers.

But I do find friends in the room and they point out a table and say something like “check out those guys over there. Thats a rock and roll table:”

And it WAS…

So let’s take a walk around the room..at Delta Ocean Point, Victoria.

CAM DUKE – Representing Vintage West and Coastal Craft..

We talk about 2020 Ridge Three Valleys Zin

Justin Cab 2019  from Paso Robles

Boutinot whites

Bread and Butter Prosecco

Ben Marco  2020 Malbec

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

And Nemiroff Ukrainian Vodka, with the “can’t miss” distinctive national flag on the bottle.

In November, A portion of the sale of Nemiroff Vodka goes to United Way to support local Ukrainians.

 www.coastalcraft.ca

https://vwwinemarketing.com

 

Peter Crews – New World Wines

“for those who seek boutique”

 Peter was featuring:

Ancien Wines – Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Domaine Juliette Avril  2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Red

Sheridan Vineyards  2019 Cabernet   (Yakima Valley)

Chateau Clamens  2021 Julie Rose (Fronton, France) WoW

www.newworldwines.ca

 

Kim Hewitt  – Hewitt Brand Ambassador Services

 Kim had a table full of “everything” but two bottles caught my eye

Papalote Mezcal – ( Papa-low-tay) The Brand Ambassador is Cheech Marin – Cheech and Chong.  Tres Papalote is made in Oaxaca, of course!

Santo  – a collaboration between Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri.  Three different Tequilas (Blanco, Reposado & Mezquila)

 

Kyle Murphy – The Drinks List (VI Territory manager)

Celine Clarac – Caves de Rauzan, (France)  6 glasses of Rauzan wine are consumed every second. They have 312 Winegrowers.

Celeine poured a 2021 Augey Red. It costs around $13.00 and received a 90 score from Decanter.

Also displaying and pouring  Fleur, Augey White, Rose, Red, Chateau Haut Bascia, Chateau Haut – Mazieres Rouge

She teased a wine coming in the Spring called L’Agassant.  Meaning troublemaker, impertinent, rebellious.

Meant to break the very strict rules of Bordeaux.

www.cavesderauzan.com

www.thedrinkslist.ca

www.ivsa.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Benjamin Bridge – Nova Scotia

Meyer Family Vineyards – The New Chards

Hester Creek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022 Harvest Season Sparkling Wines

This weeks TRR didn’t start out as a bubble special., It’s just the way the boxes opened.

Mary McDermott – Winemaker Township 7 (Langley and Naramata Bench)

Before she arrived in the Okanagan Mary made sparkling wines at Peller, also spending time at Stratus and Cave Springs. Under her leadership Township 7’s Polaris was named Best Canadian Sparkling Wine at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine world Championships in London in 2016.

We welcome the much respected Mary McDermott. T7

(Mary McDermott)

 In the Township 7 box were

seven stars Rigel  – created from Riesling grown in the Fools Gold Vineyards in North Oliver. That’s the one originally planted by the legendary Richard Cleave. Now farmed by his son in law Mark Antonello. With all those names attached you know that the fruit and the wine will be award winning.

This is a bright and yummy sparkling wine. Perfect for oysters, blue cheese, mushrooms.

Only 399  6 bottle cases made. $36.97

2018 seven stars Equinox sparkling Brut Rose

100% Pinot Noir grapes went into this outstanding sparkling wine. They came from the highly regarded  Stoneridge Vineyard in Okanagan Falls.

It overlooks the Okanagan River and Vaseaux Lake and because its sharing the valley with the river and lake, the heat of an Okanagan Summer isn’t as all consuming here.

Its tempered by the coolness of the elevation and proximity to the river. It shows. Equinox is rich and round.  It’s glorious.   350  6 bottle cases. $57.97

And finally the 2019 Benchmark Series Cabernet Franc.

Produced from the Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos. I love  Cab Franc and this one is Top 10. Fantastic wine.

Cassis, spice, silky and welcoming texture.

Medium to full bodied,  this beautifully balanced blend of Cab Franc and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed now or celebrated years from now. It’s a wine club exclusive. They are very lucky people.

670 cases  –  $43.97

 

The second box that arrived was from Noble Ridge, Okanagan Falls.

 Our guest is  Noble Ridge winemaker Benoit Gauthier

It was Merlot harvest day at Noble Ridge. Ben came off the crush pad to walk us through these wines and when done, walked straight out into crush heaven. We thank him for the time. Positive he may not  remember doing this interview.

 Leslie D’Andrea co-owner of Noble Ridge sent along a note that said  “although we don’t make “champagne” per se, here’s some  examples of  BC Sparkling Wine to celebrate International Champagne Day Oct 28

There’s also another reason for  celebration,  as we participate in the annual ritual of Harvest and begin the cycle anew.”

 The Fizzy One -NV  $24.99

Frizzante style Pinot Gris and Kerner. Full of pink grapefruit and late fall peaches on the nose.  On the palate, ripe berries, pear and light citrus.

 The Pink One – 2018 $39.99

Smashing sparkling Rose. 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Method Traditionnelle . Only four hour skin contact.

The One – 2017 $39.99

A true Champagne style, comes entirely from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir estate grapes. Reflects the terroir around it.

Completely and totally Yummy. Notes of brioche and apple. Engaging texture. Generous and balanced. En Tirage 47 months.

www.nobleridge.com

www.township7.com

Have a great International Champagne Day Friday Oct 28

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

 

New releases from

Hester Creek

Moon Curser

Benjamin Bridge (Nova Scotia)

Sea Cider wins awards