Mission Hill 2005 S.L.C. Chardonnay (BC)
Aromas of apricot preserves, pear, green apple skin, orange, golden apple, hazelnut, butter, some floral notes. Apricot, orange peel, apple skin, nuts, butter, lemon oil flavours
Well balanced on the palate with roundness and acidity, clean, extended finish. Score: A-
Price: $29.99

Burrowing Owl 2008 Chardonnay (BC)
Orange, nectarine, apple, hazelnut, honey, lemon, toffee butter. Ripe fruit flavours with distinct minerality. Lovely balance and freshness. Score: A-
Price: $25

Meyer  2009 Tribute Series McLean Chardonnay (BC)
Pineapple, melon, baked golden apple, ginger, citrus, butter, lemon. Ripe and luscious, medium body on the palate, refreshing finish with good length. Well-balanced fruit-forward. Score: A
Price: $35

Therapy 2008 Chardonnay (BC)
Pineapple, melon, orange, honeysuckle, butterscotch, baking spice and lemon oil on the nose. Creamy palate with luscious tropical fruit flavours and solid citrus acidity. Decent value. Score: A-
Price: $22

Summerhill Pyramid Cipes Rose (BC)
Dry, crisp and delightfully pick. Loaded with strawberry, apple, apricot and orange and cream character with a toach of toast. Delicious and festive. Features the work of Canadian icon Robert Bateman on the label and $1 from every bottle sold goes to Bateman’s “Get to Know your Wild Neighbors” organization. Score: B+
Price $30

Blue Mountain Brut (BC)
Lemony, mineral and crisp green apple bouquet with toasty notes. Loads of mouthwatering acidity with citrus and green apple flavours. Classically made sparkler with outstanding value. Score: A-
Price: $24

Sperling Vineyard Sper..itz (BC)
Apple, floral and citrusy aromas of lime and grapefruit pop in this fun little BC bubble served up in a bottle built for two. Fresh apple flavours and a citrusy finish a hint of pie crust. Score: B+
Price: $14 for 375ml

Cristalino Rose Brut (Spain)
Killer value in a sparkler cranberry, strawberry, lime, mineral and surprising pleasant spicyness. Fresh on the palate with bright red fruit flavours and spice. Was voted the top wine at Whistler’s Cornucopia Celebration of Food and Wine. Score: A
Price: $16

Gray Monk Odyssey Brut (BC)
Blend of Riesling and Chardonnay with lovely peach, citrus, honeyed apple and yeasty notes. Quite aromatic. Fine mousse and crispness with peachy-apple flavours. Well done and very affordable. Score: A
Price: $25

Sumac Ridge Stellar’s Jay Brut (BC)
A perennial favourite among bubble aficionados. Orchard fruit, apple peel, mineral and nuttyness on the nose. Fine bubbles with apple, peach flavours and a hint of toast. Superb. Score: A-
Price: $26

Col de’ Salice Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC Extra Dry (Italy)
Prosecco is a great option for bubble and growing in popularity. This version. This version has pear, floral, mineral, apple and a touch of creaminess. Entry is sweet but finishes crisp. Score: B+
Price: $23

Summerhill 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (BC)
Plum, cherry, cassis, cocoa, mint, pepper, toast, cedar aromas. Cherry, blackberry, toast, hazelnut, mocha, herbaceous, coffee bean flavours. Moderate tannins with some bite on the finish and a good hit of spice. Nicely done. Score: A-
Price: $27

Painted Rock 2007 Merlot (BC)
Black liquorice, soy, cassis, black cherry, cocoa, and spicy black pepper. Loads of richness on the palate with black fruit flavours, hint of mentol, pepper, mocha and moderate tannins. Quite yummy
Cellaring Potential: Cellar for 2-5 years
Score: A-
Price: $40

CedarCreek 2008 Syrah (BC)
Cherry, plum, coffee, toast, chocolate, clove and vanilla bean aromas with a slight hint of herbs. Cherry, coffee, toasty flavours with some moderate tannins on the finish.
Cellaring Potential: Cellar for 1-5 years
Score: B+
Price: $25

Advertisement