BUYING GUIDE
The best wine, beer and spirits from around the world, critiqued by our expert tasting panel.
All wines listed are recommended by our experienced panel of tasters. Each wine is rated based on its varietal character, representation of style and/or region, balance and price-quality ratio. Readers should assess these, and all wines, using the same criteria. Browse our experts’ tasting notes to find the wines that may appeal to your taste or pique your interest to try something new. Afterall, one of the best parts about wine is the discovery. The prices listed are suggested retail prices and will likely vary from province to province. A large number of these wines can be purchased across Canada, so check with your local liquor board or private wine store for availability.
Our tasters are Tony Aspler, Gurvinder Bhatia, Tod Stewart, Michelle Bouffard, Ron Liteplo, Sean Wood, Crystal Luxmore, Tara Luxmore, Tim Pawsey, Michaela Morris, Jordan St. John and Jonathan Smithe.
*Available through private import and online wine clubs
SPARKLING SUNNYCLIFF ESTATE CHARDONNAY/PINOT NOIR NV, VICTORIA ($14)
Clear medium-deep yellow with tons of bubbles. Fruit salad featuring pears and peaches on the nose. Berries, more peaches and orange on the palate, with a sweetish boiled candy finish. Drink up. (RL)*
LIGHTFOOT & WOLFVILLE VINEYARDS BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT 2014, NOVA SCOTIA ($45)
This is a great example of some stunning bubbles made in Nova Scotia. Pronounced brioche and yeasty notes with lemon and an elegant mousse. Rich yet savoury with integrated dosage. Bring on the gougères! (MB)
WHITE $20 AND UNDER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AUSTRALIA WOLF BLASS YELLOW LABEL CHARDONNAY 2018, ADELAIDE HILLS ($13)
Clear medium yellow. Oak prominent on the nose with lots of vanilla and caramel over orange and apple aromas. Full-bodied and smooth on the palate, slightly sweetish and tasting of stone fruit and melon. The oak is obvious but the ample fruit prevents it from being overwhelming. Drink up. (RL)
CANADA FLAT ROCK CELLARS RIESLING 2016, NIAGARA ($17.95)
Pale straw in colour with a minerally grapefruit nose and a suggestion of petrol; just off-dry with a honeyed grapefruit flavour. Nicely balanced. Good length. (TA)
NOBLE RIDGE PINOT GRIGIO 2017, OKANAGAN FALLS ($18.49)
Estate grown on a modified Scott Henry trellising with fruit from different soil types within close proximity. Aromas of orchard fruits precede a fairly full-bodied palate. Some mineral notes, apple and lemon peel with good length and a hint of lemon zest in the finish. (TP)
HESTER CREEK TERRA UNICA VIOGNIER 2018, SOUTH OKANAGAN ($19.99)
Grown on two well-established sites in Osoyoos. Hand harvested and cold fermented in stainless steel for 17 days. Orchard fruits and citrus notes on the nose with a hint of orange blossom followed by a focussed palate of nectarine and honey. Fresh finish with a hint of minerality. A refreshing way to greet the cool weather. (TP)
FRANCE DOMAINE HAUTE FÉVRIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE 2017, LOIRE ($15.95)
Light straw colour with a minerally citrus nose. Light- to medium-bodied and tart, with grapefruit and grapefruit pith flavours. (TA)
CHÂTEAU LAMOTHE DE HAUX 2017, BORDEAUX ($16.95)
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. Pale straw in colour. A bouquet of lanolin and pear with mineral notes. Light- to medium-bodied, dry, waxy pear and green plum flavours with lively acidity. (TA)
GERMANY LOOSEN BROS RIESLING DR. L 2016, MOSEL ($14.95)
Pale straw in colour with a minerally honeyed grapefruit bouquet. Light-bodied with a faint spritz; honeyed grapefruit flavour ending on a note of apple. Good value. (TA)