WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection Border Vista Vineyard Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley $30 | 91/100
UPC: 776545991287
The Terroir Collection is meant to be different, as in site-specific, and this tightly wound Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah saline, strawberry and pink grapefruit rosé flecked with orange rind, and some much-appreciated lees notes is all that. The ferment is a 75/25 mix of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels. It is an altogether different level than the regular B.C. rosé grown at Border Vista Vineyard as far south as you can go in B.C. wine country. Winery online.
Stag’s Hollow Syrah Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley $24 | 89/100
UPC: 626990292708
The mix is 64.8 per cent Syrah and 35.2 per cent Zweigelt. Fresh and juicy, the aromas are a mix of strawberries and rose with pink grapefruit, watermelon, and light pepper. It is a style I like a lot because it is dry, soft, silky and fun to drink. It is what many rosés look like, but not near enough taste by comparison. Classic matches from the winery include Mediterranean flavours (think olive oil, seafood & fresh vegetables). Winery online.
Orofino Vineyards Cabernet Franc Rosè Pozza Vineyard 2019, Similkameen Valley $19.04 | 88/100
UPC: 626990286271 In many ways, Orofino seems to dance to its own tune, but dance they do, and their latest pale, pale orange rosé is a show tune. It’s all Cabernet Franc from a single, cool temperature block that sits on the sloping Pozza Vineyard in the Similkameen’s Olalla Gap. The vineyard is affected daily by the B.C. desert scrubland effect in the same way garrigue makes its savoury mark on the wines of the south of France. The palate is dry, with red berry nuances, rhubarb, and a healthy dose of grippy skin contact lurking in the silky finish. Grilled salmon or fish tacos would be a good match. Winery online.
Quails’ Gate Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley $17.99 | 88/100
UPC: 778856115240 Light in alcohol (12 per cent) and pale in colour suggests a fresher, red-fruited, lean style, and you get that all in spades here. The 2019 blend has been adjusted; the Gamay and Pinot Noir is now teamed up with Pinot Meunier, replacing the Pinot Gris content. The Pinot Meunier seems to juice the entire blend up a bit, adding some electricity and lowering the palate weight. Ready to drink and about as dry as you want it. Sip all summer long. Well done. B.C. Liquor Stores
Kismet Infinity Rosé 2019, Okanagan Valley $17.49 | 87/100
UPC: 626990199885 Infinity is a kitchen sink blend made via saignée, or the bleeding of tanks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Mouvèdre, and Grenache. The result is surprisingly tasty; this fresh, dry, spicy light red comes with a fine lift of acidity throughout the length of the wine — a summer-style rosé that will be a perfect partner for light snacks. Good value. Winery online.