Meyer Gerwurztraminer
$27.99
Meyer is one of BC’s top wineries focusing on small premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Each wine reflects the single vineyard of its origin, the soil, the meso-climate, the aspect and the people that hand tend the vines. All wines are Hand-harvested and hand-crafted, with great attention to detail and minimal winemaking intervention. Meyer Family Vineyards wines are produced from two main vineyards, the 1.62-hectare “Old Main Road” vineyard on the Naramata Bench and the 6.9-hectare “McLean Creek Road” vineyard in Okanagan Falls
Painted Rock Chardonnay
$62.99
Painted Rock began with John and Trish Skinner’s belief that the Okanagan Valley had enormous, largely unrealized, potential. While the area was long known for producing some of the world’s finest fruit, it was the wines produced from the 1980s “Vinifera Program” (where vineyards were paid to remove high-producing, inferior hybrids and plant vinifera) that convinced the Skinners that the Okanagan would one day be an internationally recognized wine region. John knew that if they wanted to be involved, and make an impact, they had to move quickly. The goal was simple: find the best property and apply the most aggressive mandate for quality. Their extensive search took nearly three years and ended when they found “The Black Hawk”, a spectacular 56-acre bench on Skaha Lake in Penticton. In 2004 they purchased what was once “the largest apricot orchard in the British Commonwealth”. The orchard had been felled in the 1980s and had lain fallow since. Detailed analysis of the property occurred for the next year while the site was prepared and the property was planted in 2005. Envisioned as a family-run estate winery, the assumption was that this could be some of the finest “terroir” in the world and it was their job to deliver on its promise. From expertise to equipment to mandate the commitment was and remains uncompromising. According to John Skinner, “If Painted Rock is going to compete with the best in the world we must have confidence in our terroir and allow it to express its uniqueness. That's why we are 100% Estate."
Detailed analysis of the property occurred for the next year while the site was prepared and the property was planted in 2005. Envisioned as a family-run estate winery, the assumption was that this could be some of the finest “terroir” in the world and it was their job to deliver on its promise.
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling
$77.99
Tantalus was established in 2004 when Proprietor Eric Savics was presented with the opportunity to acquire one of the Okanagan Valley’s premier vineyard properties. Originally known as Pioneer Vineyards, the site was first planted to table grapes in 1927 by renowned, local horticulturist JW Hughes. The old vine plantings – 1978 Riesling and 1985 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay became the backbone of the vineyard. Other varietals were removed and new plantings of the 3 flagship varietals commenced in 2005. The vineyard would not only have considerable vine age as its anchor, but it would also grow to have superior clone variation as well. With the success of the wines and the increase in production came the need to build a new winery. Tantalus’ sleek new facility was completed in March 2010 and has the distinction of being British Columbia’s first LEED-certified winery. This wine has been awarded best overall BC wine in previous competitions. The vines are generally regarded as the oldest vinifera plantings in the Okanagan.
Le Vieux Pin Petit Rouge
$39.99
"The inspiration for Petit Rouge is to make a wine that adheres to the same exacting standards and level of care as the rest of the wines at Le Vieux Pin, yet at the same time is more accessible upon release. Made from the fruit of younger vines and vines pruned and cropped at less stringent levels, Petit Rouge offers a big bang for your buck. This year’s blend consists mostly of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon thanks to a gorgeously classic summer growing season with a balanced crop. Cabernet Sauvignon, albeit in a smaller percentage as part of the blend, still makes its presence known on both the nose and the palate with that unique herbacious, spicy, black currant note. The palate is lively and harmonious and a great balance of fruit, tannin and acid make this wine quite versatile and very food friendly." Aged 10 months is primarily neutral oak (16.5% new oak) and only about 800 cases made. This is a wine perfectly suitable to drink on its own, but would also be suitable for just about any casual meal. Pair with mom's meatloaf.
Moon Curser Syrah
$41.99
"A staple of the South Okanagan vineyard scene, this peppery, fruit driven, elegant wine is well worth trying," says the winemaker, and we agree! This fine red is dry and medium-bodied, with pleasant notes of black cherry, black pepper and a subtle floral hint. Pair with anything meaty: slow-roasted lamb, steak or roast beef.
Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin
$79.99
Osoyoos Larose is a winery found in the heart of BC wine country right in the Okanagan Valley that focuses on creating red Bordeaux style blends. 'Le Grand Vin', as it is called It is typically made primarily from Merlot, with the other primary Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot) playing a supporting role in its makeup. The winery itself is owned and operated by the same owners of the well-respected Chateau Gruard Larose which resides within the Bordeaux region of Saint-Julien.
Here is what Anthony Gismondi has to say about Le Grand Vin 2016 vintage:
"Wow, wow, wow. When the merlot is over 60 percent in this wine, it has always looked better, and this year the 62.5/12.5/11.8/7.7/5.5 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and malbec is one of the best yet. The original single vineyard red in BC has nailed the 2016 vintage, with texture, dense ripe tannins, and a smooth, stylish structure that portends much more in the future. It has all the parts: red cherries, stony gravels, floral notes, and a broad swipe of south Okanagan garrigue. The balance is already in place and will serve this red blend for the next twenty years."
Osoyoos Larose ‘Le Grand Vin’ is the result of centuries-old Bordeaux tradition deployed on an exceptional Canadian terroir. In 1998, Groupe Taillan—co-owner of the prestigious Château Gruaud Larose in the Saint-Julien appellation, classified as a Deuxie me Cru Classé in 1855— created the Osoyoos Larose estate on an 80-acre bench overlooking the magnificent Lake Osoyoos.
Burrowing Owl Meritage
$72.99
One of Canada's finest wines! The Burrowing Owl winery and vineyard lie within one of Canada's most unique ecosystems, near the north end of Osoyoos Lake, and is one of the most highly rated grape-growing locations in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, and for that matter Canada. Here is the winemaking team's tasting note: "Vibrant and complex nose with everything from ripe raspberry, cassis, blackberry and prune plum through to dried sage brush, orange zest, clove, black olive, marzipan, dusty vanillin oak and malt. The palate is dry, rich and full bodied with crisp acidity and firm, medium-plus ripe tannins. The structure for aging is framed by plenty of dark chocolate, cocoa, cassis, black plum, black cherry, spiced berry compote, citrus peel and a touch of fig, raisin and leather. Drinking well now, it also shows the concentration to open up and evolve over a decade. Pair with rosemary and garlic studded leg of lamb or lamb tagine".
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon
$69.99
Brilliantly made, and worth every penny. Owner Jim Wyse produced his first wines in 1997, concentrating on 4 grape varieties -- Cabernet and Merlot for red wines and Chardonnay and Pinot Gris for white. Winemaker Bill Dyer takes special pride in the fact that Burrowing Owl has become one of THE Canadian cult wines and is highly sought after upon release. Look for cedar, mint and blueberry aromas, finishing with hints of dill and anise. Small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc added.
Blasted Church Syrah
$37.99
On the one hand, the story of Okanagan Falls, BC, winery Blasted Church Vineyards is similar to many others in the region. In 2002, Vancouver expats Evelyn and Chris Campbell were through with their urban careers and figured owning a winery would be fun. But on the other hand, Blasted Church is the story of a brand, and their story is like few others in the Okanagan.