Kris 2020 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Kris 2020 Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $15-19 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A consistently well-produced, easy-drinking Pinot Grigio with a joyful nose packed with beautiful floral aromas supported by Bosc pear and citrus. Palate is both crisp and a little creamy with some leesy notes beneath the tangy, lemon/lime and apple flavours. Pair with hard, white cheeses or your favourite salads. Drink now-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2019 Pinot Grigio (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $18 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.4%
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2020

Tasting Notes: A light, pinky-brass hued Pinot Gris thanks to extended skin contact during the press and fermentation stages. Though fermented and aged in only stainless steel, no oak, there's lots of texture on offer, contributing added dimension to the orchard and citrus fruit driven, well-balanced palate. Look for a medley of pear, peach, lemon skin and raw nut aromas on the nose. 

Pair with a salty snack and a sunny deck or an Easter roast. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Rust Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Grigio (Cawston) Similkameen Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $20 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.9%
Date Tasted: September 3rd, 2018

Tasting Notes: A super ripe, Tropical and orchard fruit-infused Pinot Grigio with some nice body and length. This single-vineyard wine is aged in 90% stainless steel and 10% French oak, fermented to off-dry with green apple acidity and a touch of mineral notes to balance the sweetness. Finishes a tad 'hot', therefore, a pairing with hard cheeses or creamy pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara is a great idea. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Flat Roof Manor 2017 Pinot Grigio - 85pts

Flat Roof Manor 2017 Pinot Grigio (W.O Western Cape) South Africa

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12.29 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: May 17th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A pleasant, well-priced Pinot Grigio from South Africa's West Cape region with a clean, crisp profile of white peach, lemon/lime and green apple aromas and flavours. No oak in sight with a touch of RS upfront, then finishing dry with some lemon zest lingering briefly. Pair with vinaigrette-dressed salads. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2016 Vivace Pinot Grigio - 90pts

LaStella Winery 2016 Vivace Pinot Grigio (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine stores
Cost: $22.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.1%
Production: 1301 cases
Date Tasted: May 6th, 2017
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: A lip-smacking Pinot Grigio with impressive, restrained intensity, excellent length and acute balance of its fruit, acid and (minute) residual sugar. Plenty of apple, pear, lime peel, honeydew, white peach and river stone, aromas and flavours to pick out and pair with or go for the no-brainer default: a sun-drenched deck with or without accompanying seafood dished of scallops or sable fish. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2015 Pinot Grigio - 87pts

Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2015 Pinot Grigio (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 422 cases
Date Tasted: May 4th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A Northern Italian-styled Pinot Grigio, meaning most elements are subtle and nuanced, offering a nice blend of orchard and citrus fruit with mineral undercurrents. Finishes short and (mostly) dry with a hint of lingering lemon rind and vanilla. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Kris 2015 Pinot Grigio - 88pts

Kris 2015 Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $18.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: September 11th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A light and refreshing Pinot Grigio with a subtle nose packed with beautiful floral aromas supported by light mineral, pear skin and sweet apple notes. Palate is both crisp and a little creamy with some leesy notes beneath the tangy, citrus and green apple fruit flavours. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Graffigna 2015 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio - 84pts

Graffigna 2015 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $12.59 + taxes

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: July 4th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A little 'bigger' in the mouth for 2015, mostly due to the increased residual alcohol creating added weight and a touch of 'heat'. Otherwise, a consistent, fruity profile of pear, apple and apricot with light mineral notes on the muted nose and the crisp, pineapple acidity-infused palate. Drink now-2017.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2015 Vivace Pinot Grigio - 89pts

LaStella Winery 2015 Vivace Pinot Grigio (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and private wine stores
Cost: $21.65 ($24.90 taxes included)
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 1240 cases
Date Tasted: June 23rd, 2016
@LaStellaWinery

Tasting Notes: Always a clean and crisp expression of the Pinot Gris grape, the 2015 Vivace is a tad dryer than recent vintages of the fan-favourite, Pinot Grigio styled wine. Look for more prominent stonefruit and mineral notes this year on the subtle nose and medium-bodied palate with apple, pear, lime rind, herbs, lees and melon notes rounding out the profile. The finish is long and refreshing. Enjoy this wine in its youth and serve with light seafood dishes. Drink 2016-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Artisan Wine Co. N/V Pendragon Satin White Pinot Grigio - 83pts

Artisan Wine Co. N/V Pendragon Satin White Pinot Grigio (Cellared-In-Canada) 

Availability: Private wine shops
Cost: $9.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: April 6th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit sourced from, well, anywhere and everywhere and then combined with small amounts of BC grapes. Though lacking in any unique regionality or distinct character, this off-dry Pinot Grigio drinks like a well crafted, Tropical fruit-infused cocktail with decent balance between its acidic and sweet elements. Spicy Thai or Sushi take-out should pair well. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Graffigna 2014 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio - 85pts

Graffigna 2014 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $12.59 + taxes

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: July 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A light, subtle Pinot Gris, with nothing out-of-place, though, nothing terribly memorable either. Perfect as a picnic wine for a hot day to pair with salads and sandwiches. Apricot and apple lead on the doux nose and refreshing palate, with tropical fruit acidity and delicate mineral notes supporting. Drink now-2016.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Graffigna 2013 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio - 86pts

Graffigna 2013 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $14.49

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: November 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Oh to have reviewed this wine in Summer! Now that it's winter we'll have to use this wine as a conduit back to that warm, sunny deck that where we sit with a glass of crisp, slightly off-dry white wine and soak in the imaginary rays.

Subtle on the apricot and apple scented nose, this well-priced Grigio is all about its balance of light, orchard fruit flavours, tangy tropical fruit acidity and delicate mineral notes on the palate. The taste of summer in a glass. Drink now-2015.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Young and Wyse Collection 2011 Pinot Gris - 88pts

Young and Wyse Collection 2011 Pinot Gris (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 11%
Production: 575 cases
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is the first vintage of Pinot Gris to be released from the Young and Wyse Collection team whose winery rests just north of the Canada/US border beneath Osoyoos. Cool, crisp and masculine with lively stonefruit, lemon/lime, pink grapefruit and peach skin characters and a nice mineral backbone highlighted by a steely finish and a touch of lingering spice. Produced in a Northern Italy Pinot Grigio style, the low alcohol and dry, refreshingly tart palate makes this wine an excellent Summer Sipper and with its screwcap enclosure, should be served by-the-glass at every restaurant with a patio. Enjoy it in its youth. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mezzacorona 2011 Pinot Grigio - 84pts

Mezzacorona 2011 Pinot Grigio (Vigneti Delle Dolomiti) Trentino-Alto Adige - Italy

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $10-12
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: May 17th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Pinot Grigio has found a home in Italy's most northern wine producing region and many of the world's best valued examples of the variety (same grape as Pinot Gris) originate from there. To be sure, there is nothing complex or terribly unique about this wine but is it a good drink with some decent typicity for the variety that will make for a happy addition to any sunny deck? Yes. Clean, crisp and loaded with citrus fruit zest and light mineral notes- well worth the ten $ it will cost to open. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now- 2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2010 Vivace - 88pts

LaStella Winery 2010 Vivace (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 635 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The 2010 vintage yielded juicy Pinot Gris grapes in Lastella's West Bank vineyard site which sees the alcohol in the Vivace jump from 13.5% in 2009 to 14.2% in the 2010 release. Yet, the balance is spot on with good acidity and enough residual sugar to mask the alcohol and create a joyful and full-ish texture on your palate. With citrus characters aplenty, this wine should be enjoyed in its youth and paired with a fruity, summer salad or with your favourite sun-filled deck. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Averill Creek Vineyard 2009 Pinot Grigio - 88pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2009 Pinot Grigio (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here, BCLDB and VQA stores
Cost: $17.90 (BC), $24.95 (AB)
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 900 cases
Date Tasted: December 10th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Crisp texture, concentrated citrus fruit and refreshing acidity- everything you want from a Pinot Grigio. The only thing missing is a hot deck to enjoy it on. Ah, the tribulations of a white wine drinker in December. Stock-up and save some for next summer. In the meantime, enjoy this beauty as an aperitif to a big holiday meal. Nothing better to wake up your palate than a splash of a finely balanced citrus and mineral nectar.

One of the more impressive things about this Pinot Grigio is that it's not only about chilled-citrus-goodness. As the wine warms up in the glass many Pinot Grigio (un-oaked Pinot Gris, essentially) fall flat. The Averill Creek example offers layers of apricot and fig aromas as it warms in the glass - nice complexity for an otherwise straight-forward style of wine.

Averill Creek Vineyard is quietly becoming a provincial power in all things 'Pinot'. Producing a fine Pinot Noir and two of the best Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris (depending on the vintage) wines on the market. The Vancouver Island, Cowichan Valley winery is making a push to becoming more available in the Lower Mainland of BC and beyond by getting this excellent Pinot Grigio listed with the BCLDB stores. Many of the winery's products are also available in Alberta. Visit their website (link above) for more details on where to buy.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca

LaStella Winery 2009 Vivace Pinot Grigio - 88pts

LaStella Winery 2009 Vivace Pinot Grigio (Osoyoos Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery and select VQA shops.
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 590 cases
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2010

Tasting Notes: If you're looking for a tasty, well-made, slightly exotic and refreshing Summer-sipper, than this is the wine for you. Lastella has created a wonderfully refreshing Pinot Grigio full of bright orchard and tropical fruits on the nose and palate. Stainless steel fermentation and a very low-yielding, gravely Westbank vineyard combine to concentrate flavours and let the fruit sing. Some residual sugar (7g/l) balances beautifully with the citrus acidity and minerality. Pairs with a sun-drenched deck and good company. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier

Van Westen Vineyards 2008 Vino Grigio - 88pts

Van Westen Vineyards 2008 Vino Grigio (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Private wine shops.
Cost: $19-23
Production: 333 cases
Date Tasted: April 17th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This is Pinot Gris made in an Italian Pinot Grigio style, which is to say un-oaked and full of fruit intensity. Aromas and flavours of melons, orchard fruits and river stones with tropical fruit characters and acidity.

You can taste the Naramata Bench soils in this fully estate-grown wine. When drinking it you can easily imagine a beautiful, hot Okanagan summer day sitting on a sunny deck overlooking the lake. If you've never been to the Okanagan Valley, then find any scorching porch and pop-open a bottle of this wine for a virtual vacation.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Pinot Grigio - 89pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Pinot Grigio (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Cost: $18 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Fermented in stainless steel this wine, along with its Pinot Gris cousin, show the skills that the Averill Creek team have in the handling of white varieties. This is a gold medal winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships which showcases all the fruit and mineral flavours that an expertly made Pinot Gris can offer in the cool-climate appellation of Cowichan Valley.

The Averill Creek Vineyards offer a terroir of sometimes steep, south facing slopes at the base of Prevost Mountain in Canada's only Maritime Mediterranean climatic zone. The appellation has the warmest mean year-round temperature anywhere in Canada. All of the grapes are estate grown and managed. This is a winery to watch.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2009 IconWines.ca