Here are our top wine picks of the year.
BC Wine Studio Red Nest Meritage $25
Good value for this wine featuring cassis, black cherry, plum, savoury aromas. Nice concentration of dark fruits on the palate with spice and savoury flavours and a long finish.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2022 Merlot $36
Black licorice, soy, cassis, black cherry, cocoa and spicy black pepper. Loads of richness on the palate with black fruit flavours, hint of menthol, pepper, mocha and moderate tannins. Quite yummy.
Castoro de Oro Estate Winery 2022 Merlot $30
Blackberry, anise, vanilla, herbal notes and dark chocolate accented pepper on the nose. Dark rich fruit, herbs, cocoa, black licorice flavours. Think of pairing this with braised lamb and herbed au jus.
Hillside Winery 2018 Mosaic $70
A Bordeaux-style blend that is rich and savoury with black cherry, cassis, plum, chocolate, vanilla, herbal, bell pepper character and a hint of tobacco. Plush on the palate with tangy black fruit flavours, menthol and a slightly hot and peppery finish.
Moon Curser Vineyards 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Confiscated $47
This Washington-grown Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the slopes of the east bank of the Columbia River. It features bell pepper, black cherry, chocolate, savoury notes with some lifted freshness on the palate. Dusty chocolate, spice, cherry flavours, hints of sage and roasted peppers.
O’Rourke Family Estate 2021 Batch Collection Pinot Noir $100
Ruby red fruit of currants, cherry and strawberry with hints of spice and herbal notes. Bright red currant, orange peel and cherry flavours, menthol, black tea, earthy, herbal and spicy accents. Clean finish with some tart tannins.
Peak Cellars 2024 Collaboration Series Unoaked Chardonnay $27
A lovely and approachable wine featuring aromas of honeyed apricot, pineapple, pear, ginger and candied orange rind with toasted almond notes. There’s good acidity to balance the fruit.
Poplar Grove 2025 Benchmark Brut $31
Great value in this elegant bubble with baked pear, apple, pie crust, peach, nutty, honey, lemony aromas. Creamy fine mousse continues to deliver long after the wine is consumed.
Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery 2025 Pinot Blanc $24
Peach, green apple skin, pear, orange zest and lime. This wine has floral notes and a touch of creamy texture on the entry that is balanced by racy acidity. A proven winner.
Wesbert Winery 2023 Gamay $40
This very approachable red offers up gorgeous aromas of cherries, chocolate, vanilla and spice. Has a lovely soft, supple mouthfeel and an entry that is full of sweet red fruits, accented by some spice and cocoa and no bitter tannins.
