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