B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK

Nk’Mip Cellars Mer’r’iym White Meritage 2017, Okanagan Valley $27.99 | 91/100

UPC:

00063657037881 Mer’r’iym White has to be one of the best Canadian white wines I tasted in 2019, and it was equally acknowledged at the National Wine Awards of Canada. The blend is 62/33 Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and it’s as bright and fresh as they come. The attack has a beautiful floral, herbal quality with bright acidity and crispness balanced by a long, creamy, luxurious texture. The Semillon is barrel-fermented in new oak, but merely tempers the electric Sauvignon fruit that gives this wine its life. You can age this, but frankly, I’m tempted to drink it now while it is fresh and delicious.

WINE FOR THE CELLAR

Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah 2016, Napa Valley, California

$48 | 92/100

UPC: 00089819045853

The 2016 Petite Sirah is another terrific effort by winemaker Christophe Paubert. It comes from a handful of ancient vines on the estate and other sites in the north and south of Napa Valley. It’s big and rich and awash in fruit, but comes with a complexity of flavours, namely black pepper, raspberries and bitter, dark chocolate. The acidity keeps the wine fresh and linear; the tannins are dense, and will give it a long life, but you can drink this wine now, and that is its charm and brilliance. Winemaker Christophe Paubert also uses a small but varying mix of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre to add complexity and balance to the blend. First-class, and you can cellar this for more than a decade.