WEEKEND WINE PICKS
(The View) Silver Lining Estate White 2017, Okanagan Valley $16.95 | 88/100 UPC: 626990226727 This wine over-delivers for an aromatic white blend — in this case a mix Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Ehrenfelser. Look for bright, juicy watery stone fruit flavours that jump from the glass. The attack is floral with hints of lychee fruit but all balanced by a crisp acidity. In a sea full of ordinary, aromatic whites this stands out. Winery direct or private wine shops.
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2017, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley $17.49 | 89/100
UPC: 00626990019138 Gewürztraminer is dialed in at Hillside, where winemaker Kathy Malone has her finger on the Naramata Bench. This year’s Gew yields a juicy, fresh style that is food friendly. The wine is just off — dry, the aroma fragrant with a honeysuckle rosewater bent that spills across the palate in refreshing mix of pink grapefruit, tangerine and ginger. The fruit is a blend of six sites including Hillside’s Hidden Valley Vineyard. From a spicy tuna roll to a favourite light curry chicken dish, this is a great match. Terrific value.
Feudo Maccari Nero d’Avola 2016, Sicily, Italy $19.99 | 89/100 UPC: 8033011200673 A savoury, soft redfruited red with an appealing nose and an even more appealing texture. The fruit is from 17- to 39-year-old bush vines that grow little more than a kilometre from the Mediterranean. The attack is round, juicy and fresh with ripe cherry fruit flecked with licorice and dried herbs and a perfect amount of acidity. Think lamb stew or chops or a favourite pork dish. Killer value here.
River Stone Stones Throw 2015, Okanagan Valley $28.90 | 89/100 UPC: 626990156482 Stones Throw is Merlot dominant at 69 per cent, with 21 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 per cent each Petit Verdot and Malbec. It opens with a savoury, smoky, resinous nose mixed with lifted fruit notes. The attack is full of spicy black fruit, cedar, and rich dense tannins. It was all aged in French oak (one third was new) for 14 months. Big and bold, we recommend three to five years in the bottle to let the wine reach its maximum development, or serve now with grilled meats.
Sette Ponti Crognolo 2015, Tuscany, Italy $36.99 | 91/100 UPC: 8033011200529 Another rich Sangiovese. This one with 10 per cent Merlot is barrique-aged and from the acclaimed 2015 vintage, and it needs another five years to settle into itself. Despite the tannin and austerity there is a tangy freshness with spicy, cherry, earthy, tobacco notes that should ensure cellar time. A wild look at Sangiovese you could serve now with grilled meats and mushrooms, but three to five years aging would be a good plan, too.