YOU’RE WORKING AT A RESTAURANT
when your boss tells you that the owner of a famous Bordeaux chateau is coming for dinner and hears B.C.’s wine is surprisingly good. What do you serve her?
Similkameen Collective Consensus ($60). One of the better Bordeaux blends in B.C.—SJ
I’d shuffle around the cellar for my last bottle of Osoyoos Larose “Le Grand Vin” 2007 (current release, $48). Like a notable Bordeaux, this wine needs time and will absolutely reward your patience. It will offer that owner of a famous Bordeaux chateau a few hints of the familiar flavours and a few new notes to taste.—JY
Riesling. The Bordelais do not love being challenged by outsiders, so I’m sidestepping the issue completely and picking Tantalus Old Vines Riesling ($31).—KJ
Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs Reserve 2010 ($40)—the 2008 vintage of this wine stands out as possibly the single greatest B.C. wine I’ve tasted. Some very skilled grape-growing and winemaking go into this every year, and the patience shown in its release is a rarity in our market. Long live B.C. bub!—KF
Painted Rock Cabernet Franc 2015 ($40) and Culmina Hypothesis 2014 ($46). Both are wonderful portrayals of Bordeaux from exceptional B.C. producers.—CR
I wouldn’t try to compete with Bordeaux by showing anything from B.C. made from Bordeaux varieties. Rather, I’d present her with a wine that showcases our unique terroir in a way that will knock her socks off: Carson Pinot Noir ($35) from the Naramata Bench is my go-to wine for showoff purposes.—MS