WEEKEND WINE PICKS
TINHORN CREEK PINOT GRIS 2017, OKANAGAN VALLEY
$17.99 | 88/100
UPC: 624802981024 There’s something likable about this Pinot Gris that opens with peach yogurt, lemon curd, pear and banana notes boasting a boisterous tropical theme. The palate is ripe and plump, like 2016, but with a little better acid. A crowd pleaser that could ascend even higher with a little tightening. Best now with a favourite curry, or spicy sushi rolls. Fine value.
SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY RIESLING ORGANIC 2017, OKANAGAN VALLEY
$22 | 89/100
UPC: 779000700332
Old vines (Riesling Clone 21B planted in 1978) and Demeter certified biodynamic in the vineyards and at the winery are at the heart of this Riesling, fermented outdoors with ambient vineyard yeasts. The fruit is whole cluster pressed and fermented cold and left with a healthy dose of unfermented sugar to counter its naturally crisp acidity. It’s off dry, but vibrant with complex notes of honey, lemon, peach and river stones. Love the intensity, and while it’s on the sweet side, it only needs a spicy, savoury turkey dish to set it right.
MT. BOUCHERIE BLAUFRANKISCH 2017, OKANAGAN VALLEY
$25 | 89/100
UPC: 812289000301
Mt. Boucherie is spreading its wings with vineyards up and down the Okanagan and beyond, including this Cawston gem in the Similkameen Valley. Now under screw cap, this Blaufrankisch (or Lemberger) is a delight to drink. The aromatic nose offers up fresh pepper and perfectly ripe plummy red fruits with zero funk. The tannins are dusty light, making this very food friendly. A perfect match for grilled sausages or chorizo spiced rice or a full roasted chicken. Restaurants only at this point.
LUNGAROTTI ILBIO 2015, UMBRIA, ITALY
$31.99 | 91/100
UPC: 8016044000946 Ilbio is an organic red made with Sagrantino grapes. The high-density vines sit over a medium, clay mixture with a light amount of stones. It spends 10 months in 30 Hl casks followed by six months in bottle, and the result is sensational. Juicy and vibrant, its silky textures spill across the palate packed full of licorice, cinnamon, pipe tobacco and delicious vibrant, jammy balsamic fruit. Love the balance and elegance of this rich red with aging potential. A perfect wine for richer mushroom dishes. Private wine shops only.
GEORGES DUBOEUF CHATEAU DES CAPITANS JULIENAS 2015, BEAUJOLAIS, BURGUNDY, FRANCE
$20.99 | 90/100
UPC: 03351650011166 The Capitans estate, named after an ancient Roman headquarters, is surrounded by a one-piece vineyard facing south/southeast. Only 20 per cent of this cru is matured in oak, leaving the fruit to sing. The nose, like the wine, is pretty with a spicy, floral nose flecked with wild berries and dusty granite. The palate is more of the same. Delicious red/ black raspberry fruit flecked with pepper throughout a silky mineral, stony finish. Fresh yet serious, and certainly capable of aging a few years.