WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Fitz Brut 2013, Okanagan Valley $32.99 | 91/100
UPC: 626990252955
The Fitzpatrick family’s (ex-CedarCreek) are back in the game with a new sparkling wine project run out of the Greata Ranch estate just north of Summerland. The 2013, is the 2nd vintage to be released under the watchful eye of talented Kiwi winemaker Sarah Bain, previously of Burn Cottage and Quartz Reef. This is a 53/47 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay cuvée that spent 27 months in the bottle on its lees. Ripe green apple, lemon, light white cherry anchors the wine amid ample minerality and a brisk, linear, taut fizz. It is drinking beautifully now, but will continue to hold for five-plus years.
Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti White Gold Pinot Nero N/V, Oltrepo Pavese, Lombardy, Italy $29.99 | 89/100
UPC: 8005829230470
Sandro Bottega is a sparkling dynamo of the first order who has been running the family business since 1983. The distinctive liquid metal that envelopes his bottles comes in different shades. The silver packaging of the White Gold is as mesmerizing as this 100 per cent Pinot Noir sparkler. The bead of bubbles is tiny, causing a persistent ring of bubbles at the rim of the glass. The bouquet is delicate with floral, white fruit aromas and flavours with a pinch of dried fruits and nuts. Dry, fresh and persistent, the finish is as clean as the bottle. Good value.
Champagne Le Mesnil N/V, Champagne, France $50.99 | 92/100
UPC: 3700092711101
It’s easy to like this classy little bubbly that brings purity and complexity to the mix, pushing its delicate fruit into the background allowing the minerality and brioche notes to play a prominent role in the bottle. A rare grand cru at this price that easily over delivers in the Champagne category. At this price, you should grab two bottles.
Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs Vintage Champagne 2010, Champagne, France $98.99 | 93/100
UPC: 3114080028056
The Blanc de Blancs vintage is produced in small quantities from top crus in the Cote des Blancs. Look for salt roasted hazelnuts, lemon curd, scented with white flowers driven with a tight stream of acidity through the lingering finish. It’s drinking well now but there is no reason you couldn’t cellar this for three to five years and let the complexity grow.
Champagne Bauchet Saint-Nicaise Blanc de Blancs Millesime Brut 2009, Champagne, France $119.99 | 92/100
UPC: 42361259119
Bauchet is one of the larger growers in Champagne producing about 25,000 cases annually from 34 hectares of vineyards. Creamy and ripe, but stencilled with firm acidity this 100 per cent Chardonnay feels its 2009 vintage. Expect a soft, round and bread dough nose coated with hazelnuts, yellow apple, Asian pear. Powerful and bold, yet with that upright Chardonnay structure. The finish lingers with aged Parmesan, welcoming pairing with poultry. A special treat.