Ringbolt 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - 90+ pts

Ringbolt 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River) Western Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $21.99

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: December 29th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A very intense nose on this Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the cool-climate region of Margaret River on the West Coast of Australia. Inky-ruby in colour, this wine offers youthful aromas of green pepper, dark chocolate and dark fruit with hints of vanilla from its oak-aging. On the full-bodied palate are flavours of cherry nibs, mocha chocolate, cassis and forest floor with high acid and well-structured tannins.

At this price, this is a wine to purchase in pairs or triplicate in order to enjoy one now and put aside a few for future years. With some aging (2-3 years) this wine could easily reach 91-92 points, maybe more, all for just $22. Drink 2010-2015. - LC

See Ya Later Ranch 2006 Ping - 90-91 pts

See Ya Later Ranch 2006 Ping (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely available. BCLDB Stores. VQA Stores. The Wine Emporium.

Cost: $27.99

Alcohol: 14.3%

Date Tasted: December 25th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Another winner from Okanagan Falls producer See-Ya-Later-Ranch. This Vincor-owned Estate Winery produces an impressive flight of whites and reds that successfully find the delicate balance between quality, drinkability and price. This Bordeaux inspired blend is no exception. A mixture of 57% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc, this wine offers you pleasant and welcoming aromas of dark cherries, nibs, vanilla and licorice. On the palate you will find an impressive continuity of flavours from the nose: dark cherries, nibs and the vanilla with added oak references and high tannins and acid.

With the prominent presence of the tannins and acid I will be curious to see how this wine ages as it is enclosed with a Stelvin cap which slows down aging to a crawl - to the degree that some believe no aging occurs (but the jury is still out on the agability of screw-top enclosed wines). It has the taste of a wine that needs further aging, even when given the full two-hour decanting, Venturi-pour and Eisch "Breathable Glass" treatment. My suggestion is to open the wine and the reseal a full day in advance of serving it as I found it drinking more "complete" the second day. Drink 2009-2012 (but maybe much longer). - LC

Tantalus Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir - 92+pts

Tantalus Vineyard 2007 Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Kensington Square VQA Store

Cost: $30.00

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous wine. The best pinot noir of the year in my opinion. The appearance is ruby and concentrated. The nose was earthy and woody with notes of wet stone and forest floor. The palate had light oak with smooth cedar. The finish was long with medium tannins. An excellent terroir driven Pinot.

An elegant and subtle pinot noir with some old world style. The wine is extremely complex and I think it would benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar. Buy lots of this wine!!! HC

Therapy 2006 Pinot Noir - 88pts

Therapy 2006 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery

Cost: Can't Recall

Alcohol: $26

Tasting Notes: Very nice. The appearance was light strawberry. The nose was complex with caramel, vegetal, and savoury. The palate had milk chocolate, and candied fruit. The finish was peppery and long.

I bought this in 2006 and felt it needed a bit of work in the cellar. Wow I was right. This wine might be at its peak. I really enjoyed this wine. It was balanced and mature. HC

337 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

337 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi foothills ) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB

Cost: $19.99

Alcohol: 14.5%

Tasting Notes: A nice Californian Cab Sauv. The nose was tar, black current, and plum. The palate has nice medium plus tannins, medium acid with chocolate notes. The finish was thick and chalky, with medium plus length.

Overall the wine was smooth. Considering the alcohol level I thought it would have been bolder and more full bodied. Generally it was well balanced. There are better value wines out there. HC

Mission Hill Estate Winery 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir - 86 pts

Mission Hill Estate Winery 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely available. Direct from winery. BCLDS stores. VQA stores

Cost: $21.99

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: December 26th, 2009

Tasting Notes: The Mission Hill tier of wines can be tough to navigate. At the top is the Legacy series which features their flagship Oculus Bordeaux-style wine. Next is the "SLC" series which stands for Select Lot Collection which are sometimes one-off releases and experiments and are often excellent wines. Below the SLC comes the "Reserve" flight of wines of which this Pinot Noir is a prominent member. The Reserve series are better-priced and more widely available than their SLC cousins and yet they can sometimes be their equal in taste and quality.

This Reserve Pinot Noir is tasty and very drinkable but is as straight and narrow as they come. No fun surprises or deep complexity here and yet I can happily recommend it due to its pleasant nose and palate. Medium intense aromas of blueberries, plums and vanilla with flavours of dark berries, vanilla, light oak and medium tannins and acidity. Drink now through 2011. - LC

Golden Mile Cellars 2006 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Golden Mile Cellars 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. BCLDB stores

Cost: $13.99-19.99

Alcohol: 12.7%

Date Tasted: December 23rd, 2009

Tasting Notes: The "Golden Mile Cellars" transformation into "Road 13 Winery and Vineyards" will one day be studied by marketing students across North America as a near-perfect example of a successful re-branding. The old label (pictured above) was completely adequate but far from memorable. The new Road 13 labels and colours pop and get your attention.

This Sauvignon Blanc was managed by the same winemaker, Michael Bartier, as the Road 13 flight of wines. Nice minerality and aromas of gooseberries and lemon-grass on the nose if not served too chilled. The light-bodied palate offers developing flavours of slate, grapefruit and a hint of orchard fruits.

Sealed with a stelvin cap, this 2006 vintage has peaked and is ready to drink. Drink 2009-2010. - LC

Desert Hills Estate Winery 2008 Gamay - 87pts

Desert Hills Estate Winery 2008 Gamay (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Wine Emporium, Langley VQA

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: December 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Winner of a Bronze medal at the 2009 Canadian Wine Awards, this Gamay is a light and spicy charmer perfect for the holiday season. Light, warm pepper-spice on the nose with dark cherry and vanilla notes. The medium-minus bodied palate offers flavours of dark fruits, white and black pepper with a medium-length finish and a pleasant, lingering spice sensation on the tongue.

Produced by Black Sage Bench producer Desert hills Estate Winery in the Southern Okanagan, this versatile wine will go with many holiday-inspired foods including turkey, lamb and ham. Also enjoy as a stand-alone sipper as you are curling up in front of the fire with a loved-one or a good book. Excellent wine at a great price. - LC

Las Moras 2007 Reserve Tannat - 87+pts

Las Moras 2007 Reserve Tannat (Valle del Tulum) San Juan - Argentina

Availability: Private wine shops

Cost: $15-17

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: December 12th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Tannat is another unique grape to North Americans that is historically grown in France but has found modern-day success in South American countries Uruguay and Argentina. Think of a spicy, Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon cross with similar aging potential.

On the nose this inky-purple coloured wine offers youthful aromas of blueberries, white pepper, pencil shavings and toasted-oak notes. The high-minus bodied palate offers flavours of oak, white pepper, dark fruit and cooking spice notes.

This wine was aged in oak for 16 months and has very high acid and tannins which are a bit unruly. With another year or two of aging the tannins should mellow and the wine will become more balanced and accessible. - LC

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2003 Fortified Vintage Foch - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2003 Fortified Vintage Foch (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Private Cellar

Cost: $25 (375ml)

Alcohol: 20%

Date Tasted: December 12th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This port-style, inky-garnet coloured, charmer from Kelowna producer Quails' Gate Estate Winery is aging beautifully after three years in my cellar. On the nose are developing aromas of prunes, blackberries, coffee grounds and a hint of chocolate. On the full-bodied, sweet palate are flavours of plums, blackberries, coffee grounds with hints of Christmas spice and almonds.

Enjoy as an after-dinner sipper or poured over vanilla ice or for something more savoury serve with a cheese plate with strong blue cheese. Drink 2009-2012. - LC

Bodegas Sur De Los Andes 2007 Bonarda - 88pts

Bodegas Sur De Los Andes 2007 Bonarda (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: Marquis Wine Cellars

Cost: $14

Alcohol: 13.6%

Date Tasted: July 20th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This un-oaked, fruit-bomb from Mendoza is made of 100% Bonarda grapes which many North Americans may be unfamiliar with. Think intense, full-fruit, un-oaked Merlot.

Dark purple in colour, the nose offers youthful, intense aromas of dark fruits, cherry nibs, blueberries, cassis with notes of vanilla. The fruit aromas carry through to the palate with medium-plus acidity and tannins with a slightly shortened finish.

An excellent wine offering great value to be enjoyed now as an accompaniment to grilled meats. Drink 2009-2010. - LC

Blackwood Lane 2006 Alliance - 94pts

Blackwood Lane 2006 Alliance (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Private fine wine shops

Cost: $60-75

Alcohol: 14.3%

Date Tasted: August , 2009

Tasting Notes: Winner of Icon Wines' "Wine of the Year" award for 2009, this Bordeaux-style red blend is a phenomenal wine full of complexity and flavour.

Produced from Southern Okanagan valley grapes, this meritage blend of 58.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 12.5% Cabernet Franc offers youthful aromas of cassis, vanilla, dark fruits and leather. The smooth-as-silk palate offers youthful flavours of cassis, plums, chocolate, roasted coffee beans and cooking spice. This wine has near-perfect acidity and tannin structure which will allow it to age beautifully for 10-15 years - outstanding for a wine from British Columbia.

Despite the aging potential, the wine is approachable now and could be served comfortably on its own or with a fine cut of red meet or lamb in a simple, savoury sauce. This premium Canadian wine will be one to watch as its distribution and reputation increases. - LC

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery 2007 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2007 Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Select VQA stores

Cost: $18.99

Date Tasted: October 27th, 2009

Tasting Notes: The Towship 7 Gewurztraminer is very dry on the palate and very subtle on the nose. Given time the nose opens in the glass to reveal its complexity of aromas ranging from orange blossoms to rose petals with a nice spicy undertone. Good acidity and strong mineral notes with tropical fruit flavours. Medium-plus finish and well balaned.

A quality wine that will match well with Spicy Aisian fare. Drink now. - LC

Thornhaven Estates 2008 Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Thornhaven Estates 2008 Gewurztraminer (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA Stores. Direct from winery

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: December 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: An off-dry Gerwurztraminer verging on medium-dry. Full of tropical fruit flavours including pineapple, papaya and lychee. Match with spicy Asian fare to discover the hidden complexity of peaches, minerals and moderate acidity. Medium-plus finish and body.

May be slightly too sweet for some red wine lovers. Drink now through 2012. - LC

Domaine de Chaberton 2006 Meritage - 86pts

Domaine de Chaberton 2006 Meritage (Langley) Fraser Valley - BC

Availability: The Wine Emporium, Direct from winery

Cost: $24.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: November 30th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Black Sage Bench grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were used for this Meritage red blend wine from Fraser Valley producer Domaine de Chamberton. An easy-drinking and tasty wine with medium intensity aromas of cassis, blueberry and nibs. Flavours of dark fruits with a touch of red cherries with muted oak notes.

Lacks tannins and acidity for longevity but would be good accompaniment to BBQ'd meats over the next two years. Drink now through 2010. - LC

JoieFarm 2007 Reserve Chardonnay - 92+pts

JoieFarm 2007 Reserve Chardonnay (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Private wine stores

Cost: $35-38

Alcohol: 13%

Date Tasted: November 30th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Many of BC's best white wines originate from the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley and bench producer Joie Farm's whites are among those that garner the most attention, and deservedly so.

Joie Farm have release two Chardonnays each vintage; a ready to drink, stevin-capped, Unoaked Chardonnay and a fully-oaked and full-malolactic fermentation, cork-enclosed Reserve Chardonnay that will benefit from some aging.

If you can't wait the recommended one year before opening the 2009 Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence winning Reserve Chardonnay, you will enjoy youthful aromas of butter, pear, apple with floral and mineral notes. On the palate you will taste flavours of lemon, pear, wet cement, green apple, melon and oak notes with high-minus acidity and a seemingly never ending finish.

I believe this wine will age beautifully and am laying down a couple bottles in my cellar. I'll get a glimpse of the aging potential when I open a bottle of the 2006 Vintage next year. Drink 2010-2015. - LC

Osoyoos LaRose 2006 Petales d'Osoyoos - 90pts

Osoyoos LaRose 2006 Petales d'Osoyoos (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely available in BC

Cost: $25

Alcohol: 13.9%

Date Tasted: November 30th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Following the Bordeaux tradition of using the best grapes for the Chateaux's flagship wine and then using the remaining grapes for another release, this "Second Label" wine from outstanding southern Okanagan producer Osoyoos LaRose is a fantastic Meritage blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

An inky-garnet coloured wine with intense aromas of dark fruit, licorice and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate offers developing flavours of nibs, dark fruit, vanilla, leather with exciting spicy notes. Good tannins and acidity will allow for further development yet the wine very approachable now with patient decanting. Drink now through 2012. - LC
SKU 343103 UPC 871610004005

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2006 Meritage - 93+pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2006 Meritage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Direct from winery. Select wine merchants

Cost: $45

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: November 29th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A superb Meritage red blend of 53.8% Merlot, 27.5% Cabernet Franc, 12.5% Canbernet Sauvignon, 3.7% Malbec and 2.5% Petit Verdot from Southern Okanagan producer, and cult favourite, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.

The aromatics of the Cabernet Franc shine on the nose while the smooth fruit flavours of the Merlot are showcased on the palate. The wine also benefits from fine tannins from the Black Sage Bench grown Cabernet Sauvignon making this a very successful blend where the whole is greater than the parts.

This 2006 vintage is very approachable now but is still developing and due to the fine tannin structure and good acidity it will continue to develop for years to come. Open one per year over the next 5 years to treat yourself to an exceptional expression of BC fruit that showcases the depth and complexity that can be achieved in the finest of Okanagan wines. Drink now through 2014. - LC

*Look for the 2007 vintage in select BC wine shops now.

Carmen 2007 Merlot - 85pts

Carmen 2007 Merlot () Chile

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $12-14

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: November 13th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Chilean producer Carmen offers a wide variety of wines in flights of varying quality and prestige. This Merlot, from their entry-level flight of "Classic" wines is a real bargain at $12-14 and will make a great companion to your mid-week, unpretentious dinner of peppercorn-encrusted grilled meats.

This dark-garnet coloured wine offers intense aromas of sweet bell peppers, chocolate covered cherries, pencil shavings, nibs and crayons when decanted for two-plus hours. On the medium-plus bodied palate you will find flavours of cassis, black pepper, roasted coffee, bitter chocolate and pencil shavings accompanying medium acid and tannis. Good length to the finish of this Merlot that has 15% Cabernet Sauvignon added to round out the flavours and add structure to the tannins. Drink now. - LC

SKU 415588 UPC 83300097550

Balthasar Ress 2007 Riesling - 86pts

Balthasar Ress 2007 Riesling (Rheingau) Germany

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $15.99

Alcohol: 10.5%

Date Tasted: September 28th, 2009

Tasting Notes: From the Rheingau wine region of Germany, the oldest wine-producing region in the country, comes this charming, entry-level, off-dry Riesling from prominent producer Balthasar Ress.

The nose of this pale-straw coloured wine offers medium intensity aromas of lemon, pea shoots and diesel. The medium-bodied palate offers youthful flavours of grapefruit, lemon pudding and honey comb with high acidity which complements the residual sugar nicely and creates a quality, well-balanced wine with a medium finish. Drink now through 2012. - LC

SKU 250506 UPC 4018847101336

Pierre Sparr 2007 Gewurztraminer - 82pts

Pierre Sparr 2007 Gewurztraminer (Alsace) France

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $21.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: This pale gold-straw coloured wine from Alsatian producer Pierre Sparr has an intense and aromatic nose but fails to deliver on the palate. Perhaps it was simple a bad vintage which has lead to an unbalanced wine.

On the nose you'll find youthful aromas of jasmine, soap, mandarin oranges and candied-lychee. The dry and medium-bodied palate offers flavours of starfruit and mandarin oranges that are overshadowed by the high alcohol. Combine that with medium-minus acidity and you get an unbalanced and short finish. Drink now. - LC

Selbach 2007 Riesling - 86pts

Selbach 2007 Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) Mosel - Germany

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $15.99

Alcohol: 10%

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A nice and affordable Riesling from the Mosel region of Germany which for those used to New World Rieslings may offer a nice change from a fruit-forward presentation to a more elemental and earthy one.

On the nose are youthful aromas of wet stone, apple, lime zest, aromatic flowers, nectarine and petrol notes.

The off-dry palate offers flavours of lime, nectarine, green-apple with mineral notes and crisp, medium-plus acidity. A well-balanced, light-on-the-palate Riesling with a long finish. Drink now through 2011. - LC

SKU 23242 UPC 717215002582

Batasiolo 2008 Moscato D'Asti - 85pts

Batasiolo 2008 Moscato D'Asti (Piedmont) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $21.99

Alcohol: 5.5%

Dates Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A low-alcohol, full-bodied treat of a sparkling wine made from Muscat grapes that will add a bit of elegance to your Sunday brunch and pair perfectly with Eggs Benedict.

Youthful aromas of apricots, lychee, orange blossoms and Motts fruit cocktails on the intense nose. Flavours of tin mandarins and more apricots on the sweet palate with medium-minus acidity and a medium-plus finish. Drink now. - LC

SKU 288449 UPC 632738100082

2006 Chateau Gaudrelle - 87pts

2006 Chateau Gaudrelle (Vouvray) Loire Valley - France

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $24.99

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: The Loire Valley produces many diverse and satisfying Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc wines. The Vouvray appellation is a prominent producer of crisp and complex Chenin Blanc with strong minerality.

On the muted nose you get find aromas of green-apple and candied-dry apples with mineral notes. On the medium-bodied palate you will find youthful flavours of pineapple, lime stone and cooking spices with a slight underlying taste of chalk and high acidity. Subtle complexity increases with more time in the glass creating gentle aromatics on the nose. Well balanced and approachable now. Drink now through 2013. - LC

SKU 309567 UPC 3466600710041

Pfaffenheim 2007 Pinot Gris - 86pts

Pfaffenheim 2007 Pinot Gris (Alsace) France

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $19.99 (BCLDB stores)

Alcohol: 13%

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: For an Alsatian wine this one has a bit more residual sugar than normal for the region. The nose of this medium-yellow gold coloured wine is light and subtle offering aromas of canned mushrooms, pears with notes of wet slate.

On the well-balanced palate the medium-bodied Pinot Gris offers youthful flavours of tangerines and melons with notes of residual lees from the barrel fermentation. The fruit aromas and flavours hold up to the alcohol well and the medium acid adds to a complex and refreshing wine that will pair well with medium-bodied fish with a creme and mushroom sauce. Drink now through 2011. - LC

SKU 616144 UPC 3185130071025

Heartland 2006 Viognier-Pinot Gris - 89pts

Heartland 2006 Viognier-Pinot Gris (Langhorne Creek) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $24.99

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: November 26th, 2009

Tasting Notes: The Heartland brand is master winemaker Ben Glaetzer's entry level series of wines. This Viognier/Pinot Gris (78%/22%) is the only white wine in the flight and it is very tasty. The nose offers intense youthful aromas of orchard fruits: peaches, apricots, pears all mingling on wet stone with notes of grapefruit.

On the palate this medium-bodied aromatic wine offers flavours of pears, melons, light minerality and medium-plus acidity. A nice long finish completes the experience. - LC

SKU 293282 UPC 833152000129

Rhodanienne 2006 Les Combelles - 84pts

Rhodanienne 2006 Les Combelles (Cote du Rhone) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Widely available in BC

Cost: $13.49

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: October 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This Rhone Valley red blend of Grenache and Syrah is an intense blood-red coloured, medium-bodied wine that will pair nicely with grilled meats.

The nose offers developing, medium-minus intense aromas of cassis, leather, plumbs, stewed fruit and licorice. On the medium-plus acidic and tannic palate are flavours of dark fruits with notes of toasted cedar. A medium length finish completes the experience. Drink 2009-2012.

Sku 759233 / UPC 3263810133581

Catello di Gabbiano 2008 Chianti - 82pts

Castello di Gabbiano 2008 Chianti (Chianti) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $14.99 (BCLDB Stores)

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: October 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This DOCG Chianti is a blend of 90% Sangiovese with small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino grapes added to round out the flavours and add colour. On the nose this intensely ruby wine offers youthful aromas of sweet herbs, coffee and smoke with sweet notes of nibs.

Mild flavours of coffee, toasted oak and dark fruit with medium-minus acidity and tannins create a somewhat subdued palate. Sadly forgettable if consumed without food. Flavours do come alive (well, passable for a life) when matched with tomato-based pasta sauces. Drink now. - LC

Cave Spring Cellars 2007 Riesling - 87pts

Cave Spring Cellars 2007 Riesling (Twenty Mile Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ont

Availability: Limited in BC, Private wine shops, Select BCLDB stores

Cost: $15-18

Alcohol: 11.5%

Date Tasted: November 23rd, 2009

Tasting Notes: This German-style Riesling lacks the petrol notes and refinement of a fine Mosel wine but is nonetheless a refreshing, crisp'n'tasty treat. This is the entry-level wine from excellent Niagara Peninsula producer Cave Springs Cellars who offer a flight of five Rieslings (three table wines and two desert).

The nose offers medium intense aromas of wet stone, grapefruit and tropical fruits. On the palate this pale-gold coloured, light-bodied wine offers flavours of lychee, grapefruit and fine mineral notes with high acidity and a medium finish. A relatively simple and well balanced Riesling that would match nicely with spicy Asian fare and should age well for another 2-3 years. I plan on laying down a bottle in the cellar to see if it gains any complexity over time. Drink now through 2012. - LC

Jackson-Triggs Vinters 2006 Proprietor's Reserve Meritage - 88pts

Jackson-Triggs Vinters 2006 Proprietor's Reserve Meritage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely available. BCLDS stores

Cost: $20.00

Alcohol: 14.4%

Date Tasted: November 10th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This Meritage blend of 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc is a surprisingly charming wine at just $20. Not overly fruity and impressively balanced and smooth having been aged in both French and American oak with full malolactic fermentation.

On the nose this dark-ruby coloured wine offers medium-plus intensity aromas of black pepper and green bell peppers. Dark fruit aromas will develop with further decanting.

This full-bodied, red blend offers flavours of dark cherries, vanilla and toasted oak on the palate with bitter chocolate notes. Medium-plus acidity and tannins add to a balanced medium-length finish. A nice and reasonably complex wine for the price that can be enjoyed on its own or with peppercorn-encrusted steak. Drink now through 2012. LC

Delas 2006 Domaine Des Grands Chemins - 87pts

Delas 2006 Domaine Des Grands Chemins (Crozes Hermitage) Northern Rhone - France

Availability: BCLDS stores

Cost: $26.99

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: October 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This Northern Rhone Syrah is restrained yet full of character featuring a medium-plus intensity nose of vanilla, dark fruits, wet leaves and Fall spices. On the palate this inky-garnet coloured temptress offers flavours of berries, light oak, cherries and forest floor with medium-plus acidity and tannins. A long, balanced and very smooth finish complete the tasting experience.

Still developing, this wine should age well for another 5-6 years. Drink now through 2015. - LC

Grant Burge 2005 Barossa Vines Shiraz - 87pts

Grant Burge 2005 Barossa Vines Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Widely available. BCLDB stores, Private wine stores

Cost: $19.99

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: October 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This inky-garnet coloured wine from top Australian producer Grant Burge is a fruit-forward powerhouse of flavour as is to be expected with big Aussie Shiraz. On the nose you'll get youthful, intense aromas of nibs, vanilla, cherries, licorice with notes of crayola wrapping paper.

On the palate this medium-plus bodied wine offers flavours of red fruits, candied-cherries and licorice with medium acidity, high tannins and a long, pleasing finish. Drink now through 2012. - LC

Road 13 Vineyards 2006 Black Arts Pinot Noir - 89pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2006 Black Arts Pinot Noir (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Select BCLDS stores

Cost: $34.90

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: November 10th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard reserve Pinot Noir still displays the old company name and logo, Golden Mile Cellars, yet the juice inside is familiarly Road 13. Meant as a step-up from their standard Pinot Noir, this medium-dark, purple-ruby coloured wine offers medium-plus intensity aromas of plums, nibs and dark cherry with slight oak notes.

On the medium-bodied palate the aromas carry through adding flavours of bitter chocolate and dark fruits with medium-plus acidity and medium tannins. A long, balanced finish complete the very satisfying experience. Let this wine decant for 2 hours and sip slowly for further development in the glass.

As good as this Pinot Noir is, it mostly serves to remind us how good the standard Road 13 Pinot is at only $23 failing to make a distinctive and lasting impression justifying its $35 price tag. Drink now through 2012.  - Liam Carrier

Saxenburg 2007 Guinea Fowl White - 87pts

Saxenburg 2007 Guinea Fowl White (W.O. Coastal Region) South Africa

Availability: Widely available, BCLDS stores, Private wine shops

Cost: $19.99

Alcohol: 13.0%

Date Tasted: November 10th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Saxenburg is a large South African producer who have a number of different lines of wines on offer but few make it Canada. Their Guinea Fowl wines (a red and white blend) do make it over and showcase the unique flavours of the country. In the case of the Guinea Fowl white, it is a blend of two classic South African white varietals: Chenin Blanc and Viognier (68% and 32% respectively) and a tasty one at that.

On the nose this pale gold coloured wines offers medium intensity aromas of fresh citrus and tropical fruits. On the palate you get flavours of tropical fruits, lemon zest and honey dew with a touch of sweetness on the finish. Nice mineral notes and good crispness from medium-plus acidity make it a great match for sparingly spiced light fish. Drink now. - LC

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's White - 88pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's White (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: 1,526 cases produced. Widely available in BC. BCLDB stores. VQA stores

Cost: $16.99

Alcohol: 12.7%

Date Tasted: October 23rd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A blend of 51% Sauvignon Blanc, 18 % Muller Thurgau, 11% Orange Muscat, 7% Schoenberger, 7% Kerner and 6% Chardonnay, this pale-gold coloured wine is an affordable treat. The Sauvignon Blanc takes center-stage on the nose presenting aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruit. The Muscat and Schoenberger add a touch of sweet notes to the aromas.

The citrus and sweet aromas carry through to the palate showing flavours of grapefruit, lime zest and candied apricots. With (relatively) low alcohol and good acidity, this is a very refreshing wine but not just for a hot summer afternoon. Pair with a tangy salad topped with prosciutto ham and dried cranberries as a first course to jump-start your Fall/Winter dinner party. Drink 2009-2010. CSPC: 601070
 - Liam Carrier

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's Red - 88pts

Road 13 Vineyards 2008 Honest John's Red (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan valley - BC

Availability: 2125 cases produced. Widely available in BC. BCLDB stores. VQA stores

Cost: $18.99

Alcohol: 14.1%

Date Tasted: November 1st, 2009

Tasting Notes: Road 13 produces an extensive line of wines and I have yet to find one that has disappointed. The "Honest John's" brand is the winery's take on an affordable house Red, White and Rosé and as usual, they have delivered a fine product.

This dark-ruby coloured wine is a blend of 41% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Pinot Noir and 6% Cinsault. The Pinot Noir portion is small, but it adds a bit of refinement to the final blend, softening the tannins. Bold fruit aromas of raspberry, strawberry and nibs on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with flavours of field berries and smooth, medium-plus acid and tannins.

I hope Road 13 is considering the small but growing trend of BC wineries producing wine boxes (3 liter bag-in-a-box style). Both the Honest John's Red and White seem to be perfect candidates. Until that time, you'll find the HJW and HJR in 750ml bottles at BCLDB and VQA stores all over the province. Drink 2009-2011. CSPC: 290684
- Liam Carrier

La Frenz Winery 2006 Gewurztraminer - 87pts

La Frenz Winery 2006 Gewurztraminer (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery (sold out)

Cost: $18.00

Alcohol: 12%

Date Tasted: November 1st, 2009

Tasting Notes: An Icon Wines favourite, Naramata Bench producer La Frenz Winery don't release a Gewurztraminer every vintage. On the nose this 2006 version is a bit of an odd duck as you get classic Sauvignon Blanc aromas of gooseberry and cat's pee along with more tradition Gewurztraminer scents of apple and pear. The orchard fruit aromas carry through to the palate along with flavours of crap apple, minerals, lemon zest and hints of spice with medium acidity and finish.

Despite the confusing nose, this is a tasty wine and if you can get a hold of a bottle do give it a try. This pale-gold wine should pair nicely with spicy Asian fare. Drink now. - LC

Luis Felipe Edwards 2007 Reserva Chardonnay - 85pts

Luis Felipe Edwards 2007 Reserva Chardonnay (Vallee De Colchagua) Rapel - Chile

Availability: Private wine stores

Cost: $15-17

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: September 24th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is a Chardonnay to match with food at a busy dinner party where the wine has time to sit in the glass and open up. This is not a stand-alone sipper.

This pale-gold Chardonnay offers medium intensity aromas of melon, pineapple, butter and river minerals. On the palate this dry wine offers flavours of tropical fruits, slate and citrus with toasted-oak notes. Medium-plus acid adds crispness to the medium-length finish and makes it a nice match for creme-based sauces on pasta or protein. Drink 2009-2010. - LC

Luis Felipe Edwards 2006 Reserva Malbec - 89pts

Luis Felipe Edwards 2006 Reserva Malbec (Puquillay Valley) Rapel - Chile

Availability: Private wine stores

Cost: $15-17

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: October 28th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Argentina is known for making many top Malbecs, especially in the Mendoza region. Across the Andes from Mendoza is the Chilean wine region called Rapel which is carving a slice of the Malbec market and doing a fine job.

This Malbec, from 70 year-old vines, has a lot of character and presents exceptional value for the price. Inky-purple core with a ruby rim, this full-bodied Chilean charmer offers an intense nose of red-berry and spice aromas . Medium-plus acidity and tannins with flavours of plums, nibs and cassis. Drink 2009-2011. - LC

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - 91 pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery

Cost: $38.00

Alcohol: 14%

Tasting Notes: A beautiful example of a Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit concentration for this wine was excellent. This wine was opaque, clear, and concentrated. The nose had strong cassis, licorice, pepper, vanilla, and light floral. The vanilla and cassis continued on the palate. The finish was long.

This is a beatiful, balanced wines, with soft tannins and good acid. This wine is complex. Great with steak and other meat dishes. HC

La Frenz Winery 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir - 91 pts

La Frenz Winery 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery

Cost: $32.99

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: October 24th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A true Icon Wine. La Frenz is one of the best wineries in Canada. They consistently produce amazing wines at incredible prices. The Pinot Noir is no exception. If you don't know La Frenz you need to.

The appearance was clear ruby with medium intensity. The nose exhibits chocolate, plum, cement, and pepper. The palate is savory with milk chocolate and cherry. The finish was long and spicey. A gorgeous wine, medium plus body, balanced, medium tannins, medium acid, and very complex. I'm glad I have a couple of these in the cellar. HC

Stoneboat Vineyards 2008 Chorus - 89pts

Stoneboat Vineyards 2008 Chorus (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Winery only

Cost: $18.00

Tasting Notes: What a steal. This is a great value wine. If you can get a hold of it, buy as much as you can. The more I drink Stoneboat wines the more I am impressed.
The appearance was straw and clear. The nose was mineral with hints of pear, lemon, melon, and honey. The palate also had the lemon, pear, and mineral. This wine had great acid and would be a great summer time patio drinker. The finish was long, and overall this wine was balanced and fresh. HC

Blackwood Lane 2005 Vicuna Roja - 88pts

Blackwood Lane 2005 Vicuna Roja (Southern Okanagan) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery. Private wine stores

Cost: $24.00

Date Tasted: November 7th

Tasting Notes: Blackwood Lane is a winery any wine lover should know. While the wines are not widely available, these are worth going out of your way for. Their winery is located in Langley BC and conversations with Carlos are always great. The Vicuna Roja is the product of the quality control and perfectionism of this winery. While trying to put together a Pinot Noir for the winery it did not come out to the standard of Carlos and Charles. The end result is a Pinot Noir blend which is quite rare and quite beautiful.

The appearence is ruby with a concentrated core. the nose exhibits dill notes, caramel and candied strawberries. These notes continue onto the pallate with some pepper and slight cassis. The finish is medium plus. Overall this blend is well balanced, fresh, and straight forward. HC

Beyerskloof 2007 Pinotage - 87 pts

Beyerskloof 2007 Pinotage (Stellenbosch) South Africa

Availability: BC Liquor Store

Cost: $15.99 (BC Liquor Store)

Tasting Notes: A very nice and unexpected wine from South Africa. The appearance was clear and light ruby. The nose exhibited bandaid (in a good way) and coffee which continued onto the palate with notes of strawberry. The finish was decent and overall this was a very nice wine, it was unique as well as light and flavourful.

My good friend from South Africa has been schooling me on the offerings from his homeland. His advice is that there are only a few good ones on the shelves these days so to really get the top notch stuff you'll have to visit. - HC

Hillside Estates 2004 Reserve Series Merlot - 90 pts

Hillside Estates 2004 Reserve Series Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan - BC

Availability: Winery

Cost: $30.00 (Direst from the winery)

Tasting Notes: A developing merlot from a great BC producer. The appearance was opaque and garnet. The nose had blackberry, plum and chocolate notes. The palate had more developed tastes of plum, pepper, and olive. The finish had nice length and a touch of spice. Overall this wine is smooth, balance, and complex. Very nice and pairs well with pasta or dark chocolate.

This wine was saved for about three years from the time of purchase and seems to be performing well. Another year or two may develop this one well. - HC

Dunham and Froese 2005 Night Hawk Merlot - 86pts

Dunham & Froese Estate Winery 2005 Night Hawk Merlot (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA Stores. Fraser Valley: The Wine Emporium

Cost: $21.95

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: October 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Dunham & Froese Estate Winery is a newcomer to the Southern Okanagan wine scene. They are a small boutique producer with a limited production of wines thus far. As I have never tried their wines before I decided my first foray into the Dunham & Froese flight should start with their first vintage, 2005, and be what I believe to be BC's signature red varietal, Merlot.

Being only minimally filtered, this wine requires decanting to allow the wine to settle and open-up. The first impression is the wine's dark-ruby colour followed by a lovely nose of dark berries and bitter chocolate. On the palate you get flavours of cassis, plum, coffee grinds, with just a touch of cigar box spice and well-structured, smooth tannins with medium acidity. A pleasing and balanced finish completes the experience.

As first vintages go, this is a solid wine which suggests greater things to come. I look forward to trying the more recent vintages of their Merlot.

On a side note, you can follow the winery's blog here. - LC

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery 2008 Viognier - 84pts

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2008 Viognier(Penticton) Okanagan Valley - BC Wine

Availability: Direct from winery
Cost: $19.99

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: October 17th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This dry Viognier from Naramata Bench producer Township 7 offers aromas of honey-dew and lemon on the nose. The pale-gold-straw wine displays flavours of citrus, minerals and tropical fruit with moderate acidity and finish on the palate. Drink now. - LC

http://www.township7.com/index.php

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery 2006 Merlot - 87pts

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2006 Merlot (Penticton) Okanagan Valley - BC Wine

Availability: Direct from winery, BCLDB stores

Cost: $24.99

Alcohol: 13.9%

Date Tasted: October 17th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Naramata producer Township 7 Vineyards & Winery have produced a Merlot that is both a cheerful, fruit-forward charmer and a structured, smokey sex-kitten. Aromas of dark fruit, plums and baking spice followed by flavours of black cherry, smoke, cigar box and dark chocolate on the palate.

Visit the firm at two BC locations: Naramata and Langley. While visiting the winery, treat yourself to a bar of "Salt & Pepper" dark chocolate to match with this Merlot. The pairing makes for a fantastic desert. Drink 2009-2012. - LC

http://www.township7.com/index.php

Blackwood Lane 2005 Chardonnay - 88pts

Blackwood Lane 2005 Chardonnay (Southern Okanagan) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery

Cost: $19.00

Alcohol: 13.9%

Date Tasted: October 17th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Blackwood Lane will only make a couple of wines each vintage: their fabulous Bordeaux blends "Alliance" and their flagship "Reference". To produce their other wines they use whatever grapes they can secure that meet their very high standards. As the quality of the source grapes and availability changes each year they are not able to offer the same flight of wines each year. Such is the case for their 2005 Chardonnay which has yet to see another vintage.

The 2005 Chardonnay is a butter-bomb tour-de-force. On the nose you get an intense bouquet of butter and oak with some orchard fruit notes and minerality. On the palate this gold-straw hued wine offers more oak and butter flavours with good acidity and pear, apple and slate notes.

Pair with butternut squash and ricotta ravioli with pesto sauce (add a bit of the Chardonnay to the sauce, yum). This wine is peaking now and should be enjoyed within a year. - LC

Wild Goose Vineyards 2006 Merlot - 87pts

Wild Goose Vineyards 2006 Merlot (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: VQA Stores and direct from winery

Cost: $17.99 (The Wine Emporium)

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: October 17th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A smooth-talking, fruit-forward Merlot from Okanagan Falls producer Wild Goose Vineyards. The firm is perhaps best known for excellent white single-varietal and blends, but this Merlot proves they are very capable at making reds as well.

This wine has typical Merlot aromas of plum and cassis aromas with flavours of dark-berries, chocolate and plums with medium acidity. Where this wine excels, especially at the under-$20 price point, is with its impressively smooth tannins that speaks to its refinement and quality. Drink 2009-2011. - LC

SKU: 497305
http://www.wildgoosewinery.com/

Peller Estates Private Reserve 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - 85pts

Peller Estates Private Reserve 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Southern Okanagan) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Widely available at private and BCLDB stores

Cost: $19.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Alcohol: 13.4%

Date Tasted: October 9th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This wine requires 3 hours+ of decanting to open-up. Once it has decanted, the nose becomes quite lovely and complex. With 2+ years already in the bottle the aromas are developing nicely with scents of licorice, dark fruits, pencil shavings and a hint of leather. The palate offers good tannins and acidity which have preserved the flavours of cassis, bitter chocolate, graphite and dark berries nicely.

Look for the 2006 vintage to be marked-down at some BC Liquor Stores to the bargain price of $13.99 to make way for the 2007 vintage which was release earlier this year. Drink now. - LC