WEEKEND WINE PICKS

Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand

$26.99 I 90/100

UPC: 9421003130012

Re-tasted about a year later, the 2022 Tohu SB hasn't changed much. Bright acidity and a screwcap have given youth to this all Marlborough, Awatere Valley white that is awash in citrus blossoms and scents of lemongrass and passion fruit. A bright citrus undercurrent steadies a riper, juicy, pink grapefruit and a saline mineral finish. The Awatere Valley is unique among Marlborough sub-regions, as it is drier and windier than most, which leads to longer growing seasons and riper fruit. It is a fine representative of the Kiwi Sauvignon upper class and the first Maori-owed winery. Oysters anyone?

Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay 2021, South Australia $18.99 I 89/100 UPC: 9311659000565

I tasted this 14 months ago, and it is pretty much the same delicious screwcap-sealed Chardonnay today, namely a 70/30 Padthaway/clare Valley blend. The nose is bright with fresh citrus, lees, and vanilla. The palate is packed with juicy nectarine and bolstered by lightly toasted cashew through the backside. Only a tiny portion of new French oak broadens the palate without quashing the fruit, leaving the finish clean and elegant. At $19, back up the truck. It is in 49 B.C. liquor stores.

Nielson Chardonnay 2022, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California $25-$30 I 90/100 UPC: 732099038687

What I like about this wine is its gradual transition to a brighter, fresher style over the last decade while maintaining its full-flavoured, rich exterior, exhibiting the best of California's old and new styles. If you are an acid freak, it is not for you, and if you are a butter and a caramel freak, it's not for you, but if you want both to work together, this is a historical wine you may love. The wine opens with fresh citrus, tight-ish tropical fruit, mineral, lees, and strong peach and pear. It is fun to sip but even better with spicy, savoury chicken or sushi. Private wine shops only.