Here are our top wine picks of the year.
Culmina Estate Winery 2021 Le Chant du Cygne $100
A dark brooding, rich Syrah with 20 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, so expect an intense nose and palate of cherry, raspberry, black pepper, sage, cloves, black tea and vanilla. The mouthfeel is velvety and rich with loads of complexity and a warm, savoury extended finish. Tannins provide structure and ageability.
Dirty Laundry Winery 2024 Riesling $22
Made with grapes grown in the Yakima Valley of Washington state as part of the Vintage 2024 Relief and Support Program, each block of fruit was picked and then fermented separately in stainless steel at cool temperatures to retain fresh aromatics. The result is a bright and racy Riesling with mouthwatering acidity and aromas and flavours of crisp Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, grapefruit, honey, apricot and orange blossom.
Hillside Winery 2022 Heritage Series Viognier $28
Grown on the Naramata Bench, the grapes were given 18 hours skin contact and then 26 percent was fermented in new and older oak, with the remainder fermented cool in stainless steel. A portion was transferred to a sandstone vessel created in a shape that promotes internal motion, which stirs up the lees creating a silky palate. The wine drips with luscious ripe peach, pear, tropical fruit, orange blossom and honey character.
Laughing Stock Vineyards 2020 Market Bubble $40
A classic blend of 40 percent Pinot Noir, 40 percent Chardonnay and 20 percent Pinot Meunier, sourced from Thomas Ranch in Okanagan Falls and Nk’Mip Vineyards in Osoyoos. The nose features citrus, brioche, white peach, toasted nuts, melon and lemon zest. Lots of zesty lemon, apple, toast and mineral on the palate.
Mission Hill Family Estate 2020 Oculus $225
The sticker price is not for the faint of heart, but this consistent winner was awarded 100 points by renowned critic John Schreiner. Indeed, it’s big, it’s bold, it’s juicy, it’s powerful. There is an intense bouquet of blackberry, dark plum, blueberry, dried fruit, with meaty and savoury notes, accented by vanilla bean, black tea and dark chocolate. There are lovely subtleties to it too, such as hints of violet, orange zest and mint.
Moon Curser Vineyards 2022 Malbec $39
Malbec is increasingly becoming a standalone grape in the Okanagan and why not? Its deep tones, richness and aromatics appeal to big, bold red lovers. This version is bold and rich and has loads of black cherry, cassis, blueberry, dark plum, cocoa, violets, leather, nutmeg, savoury spice and black tea. It can sit in a cellar for a few years, but is very approachable now.
Nighthawk Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Franc $40
This Cab Franc is medium bodied and full of bright red fruit and earthy character. On the nose there are aromas of black currants, Bing cherry, violets, licorice and vanilla, while the palate is herbaceous and spicy with hints of mushroom, smoke and leather.
Nk’Mip Cellars 2021 Talon $30
Named for the mythical Thunderbird, this wine is a blend of Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Pinot Noir. Aromas and flavours of black cherry, raspberry, chocolate, black tea, anise, black peppercorn, herbal and earthy notes. The palate is supple and ends with a long, slightly hot finish.
Poplar Grove 2022 Pinot Noir $35
This Pinot is an excellent example of the Okanagan’s ability to produce first class wines that can compete on the world stage in this competitive category. The wine is both savoury and fruity with a solid backbone of tannin needed for extended aging. Dried cherries, raspberries, herbal notes, anise and baking spice are evident in the bouquet. On the palate the wine is silky with well-structured body and an extended finish.
See Ya Later Ranch Winery 2020 Legacy Pinot Noir $43
This Pinot went through full malolactic fermentation and aged in new and one-year-old French oak. The result is a beautiful, multi-layered wine with bright red berry aromas, toasty oak, vanilla, chocolate, black tea and orange zest. The palate is velvety and juicy with earthy character and plenty of freshness.
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $45
Deep, inky colour in the glass with lifted aromas of cassis, black cherry, blueberry, dark plum, chocolate, black tea, tobacco, savoury spice, toast and some meaty notes. The palate is big and concentrated with a long, juicy finish.
