Wine Recommendations: Summer Purchases

Red, White & Rosé All Over

Where did the time go? Have you asked yourself that question? I know I have. In what may have been the hottest July on record, the days went by quickly with early morning hikes up Knox Mountain and afternoon swims in the lake. I found myself living as if I were in Spain, surviving the heat between 4 pm and 8 pm with a siesta. With 38C temperatures for many weeks in July and early August, I was not sure I would survive and thought often of those helpless grapes (what few there are) hanging from the vine, hoping they had enough canopy to protect them. Vines do shut down at 35C and roots tend to go deep in search of moisture for survival. After the deep winter freeze that killed many vines (including the old vine Syrah at Nichol), the incredible heat units this summer definitely challenged  grapes survival. If you are a winelover then you are like me, worried. 

Wines I Bought this Summer

Photo credit: Tania Veitch Photography

Good Wine Gal is in search of "good wine". The definition of good wine is: wine of quality and price that offer great value to the wine lover. 

Red, White, Rose & Bubbles

Wine is culture. Wine gives life to a table of food, a crowd of friends and a playlist of summer music. Look to Portugal, Spain, France and Italy and you'll see daily pleasures that involves social time with friends over a glass of wine and snacks, watching a sunset, listening to music and just hanging out at the beach. What could be more beautiful. What I really want to talk about is the wine I bought this summer and how you can too. 

Reds

Here are the bottles I purchased. My  strategy is: buy two bottles of each. Drink one now and put one away. Here's what I have left.

2021 Coyote Vineyards $39 &
​2022 Saddleblock Pinot Noir $45

Spearhead Winery was honoured with the top award as Winery of the Year 2024 in Canada capturing both Best Performing Small Winery of the Year, and Winery of the Year trophies.. It's well deserved, recognizing the entire team. Grant Stanley's delicate approach to making quality wine is worth recognition, building a reputation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Spearhead also makes Pinot Gris, Gamay Rose and although not available this year, white Pinot Noir. Celebrate Spearhead by joining their wine club. Be sure to be on the list for BC's top bottles now and in the years to come.

What I like about 2021 Coyote is the sense of rusticity and finesse at the same time. It's 100% clone 115 which has authentic aromatics of muddled dark cherry, ripe plum with toasted oak spice trailing off into the long lingering fresh finish. 2022 Saddle Block won Platinum and is a complex blend of four clones from an east Kelowna block that offers lots of red and black fruit, a bit more earth, shroom and spice with excellent finish. Both these wines will age beautifully if you can keep your hands off them. 

Whites

Here are a the white wines I purchased and still have on hand. 

2020 Alize from the Cellar Series $35

Garron Elmes is winemaker at Lake Breeze Vineyards which is located on the Naramata Bench. Discovering the 2022 Alize made from 100% Roussanne was only because Josh Carlson, Director of Wine at Provence Marinaside in Vancouver introduced it on his wine list. One sip brings to life floral and fruit, freshness and richness creating an excellent alternative to Chardonnay. It's bright, delicate character has a creamy texture with aromas of citrus and stone fruit served on a bed of chamomile flowers. It's unique, surprisingly delicious and a great pairing for roasted specialty chicken, grilled local asparagus or fresh vegetarian Moussaka.

O'Rourke - 2021 Chardonnay $60

The exciting news from Lake Country is a new destination resort winery and event center, a playground for the rich and famous complete with a helipad slated to officially open in 2026. With hundreds of acres of relatively new vineyards, growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris and more, O'Rourke's Family Estate Winery will rival the finest of any wine region in the world. That's saying a lot.

​Nikki Calloway is the head winemaker (x-Quail's Gate) and she's crafting top notch Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In fact the 2020 Chardonnay was in the top 5 at Chardonnay du Monde last year. I bought the 2021 Vintage Chardonnay with it's green gold hue and aromas of spice and oak. The texture is soft, yet vibrant and fresh. It's a lovely pour and will go well with a Pemberton Fries and Fraser Valley roasted Porketta.

**Ken Forrester 2007 Chenin Blanc Reserve $50

This distinctly South African producer, Ken Forrester, makes the finest Chenin Blanc in the world. If you recall, Chenin Blanc is the grape of Vouvray. It's tremendously versatile and can be made in styles ranging from sparkling to sweet. The wonderful thing about tasting a 2007 vintage is gaining some insight into how this wine develops over time. The 2023 Old Vines Reserve Chenin Blanc is available at the BC Liquor stores $23 and even without age, it's a wine that can take you on a journey of dried tree fruit, field flowers and golden honey, It's a momentary journey to the foot of Table Mountain, the richest flora kingdom in the world. Discover aromas and flavours of baked apple crumble, honey, wet stones, and vanilla spice. Pairs perfectly with peel and eat BC prawns, a seafood boil and crab cakes.

Rosé

Culmina Family Estate - Saignee $32

Without a doubt Culmina's Saignee Rose is one of the most elegantly styles roses in the province. Made from a blend of red grapes: Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc from certified organic fruit from Culmina Family Estate Winery on the Golden Mile near Oliver. Winemaker Jean-Marc Enixon balances powerful red grapes and fine careful pressing to bring a beautiful pale pink hue with aromas and flavours of red berries, watermelon and herbs with a creamy texture yet full of freshness, which is a signature of this style. If you love Provence, then this is your sip. Pairs well with salty cheeses and spicy salami.

Orofino - Pozza Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rose $23

One of my favorite wineries in Similkameen Valley and home to some of the best examples of what the region can produce in terms of grapes and wine, put Orofino Vineyards on your list of must visit wineries. When it comes to Cabernet Franc Rose, this may well be the top address for finding it. True to form, Virginia and John are using their innovative ideas to sell more wine with a more thoughtful approach. Introducing Mag Bags. The bottle I bought was at Twin Lake Gas Station and Grocery store (best pies in the world too) so I have not yet tested the Mag Bag but talk about reduced carbon footprint and doing the right thing. So popular it's sold out at the winery, but don't hesitate to stop by and try. Great wine, great people and much love all around. 

Bubbles

Lunessence 2022 Riesling Brut $29

Lunessence Winery is located in Summerland, BC just off Hwy 97. Run by Cameron Walker with winemaker Brandon Lawrence (previously at Daydreamer Wines) this location offers an amazing patio  view from which to taste wine. While producing many styles of wine, the sparkling Riesling Brut, made from organic grapes is perhaps my favorite. Full of fresh fruitiness makes this a great local alternative to good quality Prosecco at the same price. The bottle is sleek and the branding understated. The crown cap gives it a hip vibe. This sparkler offers a lively, soft mousse, sweet fruit, vibrancy and a dry finish, easy to consume the whole bottle so be warned. Perfect with seared scallops.

Conclusion

What did you buy this summer that you still have on hand? Please leave your comments below. Also, if you can, please support our local wine industry by signing up for a wine club, driving to wine country for a weekend getaway or simply buying BC wine at your favorite wine shop. Any or all of this will collectively make a difference. Thank you from the bottom of my wine loving heart. ​