July Wine Deals #17
Find that really good bottle. 42 great value-for-money wines (9 new & seven 90+ wines) Independently reviewed, on sale until July 29
Hello and welcome back.
This Issue Free to all Subscribers
Yes, a free one. I wanted to let free subscribers see the full newsletter including new features such as the Rarer Birds category and to see the full range of wines typically listed each month in all the style categories.
Free Subscribers, Please Consider Upgrading To a Paid Subscription
I began the newsletter because despite wine prices going up and up, I could see the bargains that remained and wanted to get the word out so wine drinkers could find them. Since then, each month, I go through all the wines on sale in B.C. Liquor stores and pick the best bargains from the wines I know are good value and let you know about them.
Additionally, I taste a number of new wines every month to find wines I can recommend. The dozens and dozen of wines I’ve tasted that have not made the cut are ones you will simply not hear about.
Free subscribers, if wine is your beverage of choice, having Wine Bargains B.C. on your smart phone and in your pocket when you go to the liquor store helps you find that Really Good Bottle. It saves you searching from label to label randomly to try to discover something new and enjoyable or from having to choose the same “old reliables”.
For the monthly cost of a coffee and muffin subscribing to Wine Bargains B.C. gives you access to:
My value-for-money Wine Picks, sorted by wine style category, selected (from 3400 + wines available) with my accompanying tasting notes and scores.
The Master List that contains all the Wine Picks since the newsletter began - over 100 hand picked selections.
Updated links to the list of stores (with inventory levels) carrying each Wine Pick, including the one nearest to you.
Articles on wine related topics such as “Why Acidity is Essential for Quality Wine”, “Making An Open Bottle Of Wine Taste Better, Longer”, “How to Double Decant a Bottle of Wine” and more.
The Savings on Just a Bottle or Two Can Pay For Your Monthly Subscription
The cost of a paid subscription to Wine Bargains B.C. is $8.99 CAD/Month or $89.99 CAD/Yr. (works out to $7.49/Month). So if you typically have a bottle or two of wine during the week or on the weekend, a few good value pleasurable wines found through the newsletter and bought on sale can pay for your subscription fairly quickly.
How quickly? Well for example, if you look below in this newsletter, the delicious Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel is reduced by $7.00 per bottle and the terrific Torres Celeste Crianza is down by $5.00 per bottle. One of each would more than do it. You can also save the price of a subscription just by finding out about good wines available at especially low prices.
I am always on the lookout for wines where great value and low pricing do line up. For example, this month, the perfectly good, easy drinking Dona Paula Los Cardos Malbec is under $10.00 - reduced from $12.99 to $9.99. Good tasting, well priced wines are out there - you just have to know about them and Wine Bargains B.C. is a simple affordable way to find them each month.
But it’s not just about the size of the discount, the wine has to be good and flavourful to begin with to be included in the newsletter. There’s no gain in my pointing out large discounts for wines that are medicinal, flat, acidic or lacking in flavour. That’s not good value, that’s just bargain hunting. What’s the point of saving a few dollars if you’re grimacing with every sip of your “bargain” ?
Upgrade your subscription now to find new great value, great tasting wines.
July Wine Bargains - Let's Get Started
The wine bargains below are independently reviewed by me and are available from B.C. government stores.
For this month the wines chosen are in these styles:
Ripe Fruit Forward Reds (11 wines, 3 new, 1 rare) | Savoury Fruit Reds (8 wines, 1 rare) | Lighter Fruit Reds (3 wines, 1 new 1 rare) | Medium Bodied Smooth Whites (4 wines, 2 new) | Bigger, Oak Influenced Whites (3 wines) | Crisp Dry Whites (5 wines) | Rosé (5 wineS , 3 new) | Sparkling (3 wines)
For detailed descriptions of the wine styles see An Illustrated Guide To Wine Styles
TOP 5 VALUE-FOR-PLEASURE WINE PICKS FOR JULY
Rosé
TOP PICK #5 - ROAD 13 - HONEST JOHN'S ROSE 2021 - OKANAGAN VALLEY,CANADA $20.99 reduced to $18.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.8%
Pale salmon in colour with light citrus, rose hip and pink grapefruit on the nose. On the flavour, very much in the airy Provence end of the rosé spectrum showing grapefruit, melon, fruit tea and watermelon. It’s very clean, not too crisp, with a lovely balance. A bit of citrus peel on the ending invites another sip. A gold medal winner at the recent 2023 National Wine Awards. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 357327
Crisp, Dry White
TOP PICK #4 RAPITALA ORGANIC GRILLO 2021 - SICILIA, ITALY $17.99 reduced to 13.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
The grape here is called grillo and as the wine comes from Sicily, expect dynamic flavours and a good dash of minerality. Light-bodied, fresh and tangy with green olive and citrus zest notes. The wine is well balanced, unpretentious and enjoyable. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 68516
Rosé
TOP PICK #3. LAGO VINHO VERDE ROSE NON-VINTAGE - PORTUGAL $14.99 reduced to $11.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 10%
Made from a single red varietal called Vinhao, it is very light on the nose with pink candy floss and rose petal. The flavours are similar with watermelon on the finish. Good acidity and balance here. A great summer drink that is low on alcohol, a real featherweight with a slight spritz and good acidity. Just a tincture of flavour really but it will work well if you are looking for a tasty low alcohol wine on the lighter side at a very economical price. Just shows that a wine doesn’t have to be grand to be pleasurable. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 34411
Medium Bodied, Smooth White
TOP PICK #2 SPIER SIGNATURE CHENIN BLANC 2022 - SOUTH AFRICA $14.99 reduced to 11.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.2%
Rounded, sappy scents of quince (a pearlike fruit whose skin has a truly enchanting aroma) pear and a touch of honey. On the flavour, again quince and pear with light ginger, nectarine, honey and more that keeps dancing long into the finish.
Very consistent year to year, this wine is one of the very best white wine values in B.C. Liquor Stores as it would be fair value at twice the sale price here. If you don’t like oak in your white wine, bypass unwooded chardonnay and go for this. Food matching here would include lighter asian fare, chicken with stone fruit, apricot, pear, nectarine as well as lighter yellow fruit desserts. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 659037
Ripe Fruit Forward Red
TOP PICK#1 RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2021 - LODI, CALIFORNIA, USA $23.99 reduced to 16.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14.5%
The extra richness and depth of flavour from old vines is very evident here. The aromas and flavours here include ripe black plums, baking spices, ripe berries or jam and the typical smoky and cigar box notes of Zinfandel. This is the distinctly bigger brother to the Ravenswood Vintner’s blend and this month is available for only $1.00 more. If you like big California Cabernets you will probably like this too. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 599381
ALL JUNE WINE PICKS
Ripe Fruit Forward Reds Style (think ripe cherries)
New Wine Picks
MILES FROM NOWHERE SHIRAZ 2020 - MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA
$30.99 reduced to $26.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14.5%
Ruby with a slightly purple rim and a medium depth of colour. On the nose, baked plum, fruit confit, sharpened pencil with restrained alcohol. The flavours are similar with rich plum, dark cherry with a backcurrent of fine grained tannins and some minerality. Rich, concentrated fruit, smooth tannins, lovely mineral tang and a quite long finish. Part of the fruit is vinified using carbonic maceration as in Beaujolias, the result being softer, low tannin fruit. Not a very complex or deeply textured wine but it has rich fruit flavours that are soft and approachable - a pleasing combination. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 477150
THE WOLFTRAP RED - BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF 2021 - SOUTH AFRICA
$15.49 - 750 ml. 14%
Some good syrah character on the nose including dark red fruits and some black pepper. On the palate, mostly syrah with some deeper mourvedre notes and the viognier provides some suppleness. Not too elaborate in its flavours but restrained tannins, good counterbalancing acidity and clean flavours make for a very well priced everyday wine here. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 138479
BORSAO GARNACHA 2021 - CAMPO DE BORJA, SPAIN
$15.99 reduced to $13.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14.5%
This grenache is from the Campo de Borja in Northeast Spain, an area with cold Winters, hot Summers and very little rain. Grapey and fairly forward on the nose with pomegranate molasses, ripe raspberry, star anise and tobacco notes.
The fruit intensity here is partly alcohol driven with a medium acidity and supple, slightly grippy tannins providing some agreeable balance. Overall, lighter bodied closer to a pinot noir with a longish finish. Great price this month. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 296426
Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale
SEGREDOS DE SAO MIGUEL 2021 - ALENTEJANO PORTUGAL
$14.99 reduced to $12.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
A medium bodied blend of Portuguese and international grapes, with notes of plum, blackberry and licorice. A wine that is consistent and great value. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU 167370
KWV CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - SOUTH AFRICA
$19.99 reduced to $16.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14.%
South African wines available in B.C. are generally great value but clustered at very low prices and entry level quality. This is a little higher up the scale and at an excellent price point. Intense, distinct cabernet character, focused, with some real elegance. Cedar, black currant, plum. This one actually straddles the line between the ripe fruit red style and the savoury fruit red style. Amazing value. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 328567
LIBERTY SCHOOL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - PASO ROBLES, USA
$25.99 reduced to 23.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
From the very warm Paso Robles area in California, lots of darker red fruit notes here along with touches of chocolate, leather and oaky notes. Well balanced with a long finish. Approaching its peak it also shows extra flavour drifts such as liquorice, anise and cola. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU 527184
DOÑA PAULA LOS CARDOS MALBEC 2022 - ARGENTINA
$12.99 reduced to 9.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
A single digit priced malbec? Could it be worthwhile? Happy to say that this is quite pleasant and drinkable with no off-flavours, lingering medicinal tangs or impassable tannins. So what separates it from other Argentinian malbecs at twice the price? As you might expect it’s a little simpler, a little plainer, and has less distinct malbec character than the higher priced models but the main difference here is chiefly that it has less intensity and it is definitely lighter bodied. Other than that it is well balanced with pleasing fruit components and satisfying - what the English would call “cheap and cheerful”. The price here is unbeatable. Worth loading up on this one. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU 633628
TORRES CELESTE CRIANZA 2019 - RIBERA DEL DUERO, SPAIN
$29.99 reduced to 24.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14%
The relatively pale colour here doesn’t prepare you for the rich, silky contours of this wine. The aromas and flavours are of concentrated blackcurrants and plums. The grape is tempranillo, the main component of red Spanish Rioja wines but its being grown on different soils in the area of Ribero Del Duero makes a huge difference. The smooth, rounded fruit is similar in some ways to a good quality merlot. The tannins here are very soft and the wine is luscious. A great demonstration of the difference geography can have on the style of same grape. Tasted ✓ 91 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 384040
PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN SHIRAZ 2019 - BAROSSA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA
$24.99 reduced to 21.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14.5%
Big intense concentrated berry fruit. Dense and rich but with soft rich tannins. A lot of wine for the money. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 144937
RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2021 - LODI, CALIFORNIA USA
$23.99 reduced to 16.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14.5%
The extra richness and depth of flavour from old vines is very evident here. The aromas and flavours here include ripe black plums, baking spices, ripe berries or jam and the typical smoky and cigar box notes of Zinfandel. This is the distinctly bigger brother to the Ravenswood Vintner’s blend and this month is available for only $1.00 more. If you like big California Cabernets you will probably like this too. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 599381
Rarer Birds
ANCIANO OLD VINES GARNACHA 2020 - CALATAYUD, SPAIN
$19.99 reduced to 17.97 until July 29 - 750 ml. 15%
"Old Vines" has no real official definition but usually means wines over 30 years old. The vines here are 35 years old. Garnacha (known in France as Grenache) is lighter bodied like pinot noir but generally has a greater flavour intensity. This old vines version of the grape is even richer, packed with fruit, so much so that it fits comfortably in the ripe fruit red style. Good complexity and intensity too. Amazing value here. Note that this wine will be discontinued so if you are a fan, you might want to stock up. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 167740
Savoury Fruit Reds Style (plenty of fruit - but think fruit tea, cranberry, tomato sauce or fruit leather)
Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale
CORTE OTTONE RISERVA 2019 - BRINDISI, ITALY
$21.99 reduced to 19.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
The grape here is negroamaro, one of the many Italian grapes you have never heard of. This is not very surprising since astonishingly, Italy currently makes commercially available wines from over 800 different grapes. The vast majority are unknown to us of course but I wouldn’t like to work for the Negroamaro Marketing Board if there is one. The name in reference to an ancient wine style for negroamaro means “dark, bitter”, so it might be a bit of a tough sell.
Fortunately, the modern styles of negroamaro are delicious and often great value. You will find a few wines labeled “negroamaro” and it is the main grape in Salice Salentino wines. This one from Brindisi is a cut above. The fruit is savoury but on the rich and ripe side, slightly smoky with sweet spices, chocolate, tobacco and cherry notes and all done with only 13% alcohol. Lovely and interesting. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 475988
ANGELO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2019 - ITALY
$12.99 reduced to 10.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
The red fruit flavors here are of sour cherry, cranberry and dark plum with dried herbs Mediterranean herbs and a bit of smoke. This is very much in the savoury Italian fruit style end of things. The dry, and earthy finish here is still very well balanced. A great wine for pizza, pasta or to sip on its own at a very, very affordable price. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 226098
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - COLUMBIA VLY, U.S.A.
$24.99 reduced to 21.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
Oregon is known for its excellent pinot noirs but Washington State is known for cabernet sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties (merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot). Generally, they differ from California cabs which tend to be fruit forward, dense and have concentrated berry flavours. Washington cabs often show the more savoury side, with a kind of dusty tasting lighter intensity fruit and for me are much closer to the Bordeaux style. This is a chance to taste good quality, classic, cabernet sauvignon at a giveaway price. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 232793
MONASTERIO DE LAS VINAS CARINENA RESERVA 2017 - SPAIN
$15.99 reduced to 14.49 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
Dry, savoury fruit, medium-bodied, nicely balanced, fairly smooth with plum, dried herbs leathery and smoky flavours on the palate. Incredible value week in and week out and often goes on sale as it is this month. Note there are two other levels to this “Reserva” wine, a junior level labeled “Crianza” and a senior level labeled “Gran Reserva” Don’t confuse. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 642785
CHAPOUTIER BELLERUCHE 2021 - CÔTES-DU-RHONE, FRANCE
$22.99 reduced to 20.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14%
The main grapes here are grenache and syrah. Rich liqorice notes with preserved red plums and some white pepper on the aroma and the taste. The wine shows good Côtes-du-Rhone character. The intensity and body here are both medium. The finish is long and stays focused, riding on soft approachable tannins. This wine is fairly robust. So if you enjoy a bigger California cabernet, you might want to see what that same style tastes like using different grapes. Good value and very consistent. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 476846
EL PETIT BONHOMME TINTO 2021 - JUMILLA, SPAIN
$17.99 reduced to 16.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14.5%
On the pale side but full of rich dark flavours such as black cherry, brambly blackberry and a liquorice tang. These flavours are typical of the grape here called monastrell (In France called mourvèdre). It’s well balanced with tempered tannins, some silkiness, length and good acidity. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 169383
MADIA TORRE ZAMBRA ORGANIC VEGAN 2021 -MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO, ITALY
$19.99 reduced to 17.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
In the glass, warm, savoury earthy, cherry, plum notes with moderate alcohol. The aromas are not pronounced but really pull you in nevertheless. The flavours follow the nose. It’s simple, earthy and easy with soft but not neutral tannins. Well balanced, not elaborate but satisfying and approachable - simple true flavours of grape and place. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 487655
Rarer Birds
BOUTINOT LES COTEAUX CÔTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES 2021 - RHONE, FRANCE
$23.99 reduced to 20.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 14%
Another interesting and well priced wine from the Côtes du Rhone, an area that consistently provides great value in reds and whites alike. Your nose will find much going on here including cherry, bramble fruit, dry Mediterranean spices, tar/liquorice, black plum, wood ash and raspberries. On the flavour, it is biggish bodied with good length, balancing acidity, not too grippy tannins and black plum on the finish. Shows good Côtes du Rhone character. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 48934
Lighter Fruity Reds Style (light to medium bodied, savoury or ripe fruit)
New Wine Picks
BISQUERTT CRAZY ROWS CARIGNAN 2020 - MAULE VALLEY, CHILE
$19.99 reduced to 17.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
On the nose, simple, very pleasant, easy, slightly confected light berry fruit. The flavours are similar, deceptively light but carry on and on in the finish. The cherries, berries and herbal notes seem to emanate from this wine rather than come at you like a wave. After fifteen minutes in the glass the flavours open further and become richer, more elaborate. The real finesse is in the lovely, slightly silky finish, that echoes long on the palate showing layers of focused fruit. A lighter wine more akin to pinot noir, fine tannins provide a great counterpoint to the fruit flavours. A real delight and a real bargain. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 445656
Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale
MONTE DEL FRA BARDOLINO 2021 - VENETO, ITALY
$18.99 reduced to 17.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 12.5%
This Bardolino is a blend of three Italian grapes you likely have never heard of, Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Bardolino is always on the lighter and easier side but this one also has some real balance and interest. It is very pinot noir like in body and intensity, but with fruit that has a touch of pomegranate in it and is a little more herbal. It has also has a fuller flavour than many Bardolinos. With beautiful balance and a longish finish this wine is another great introduction to Italian wine that shows they are not all dry and unapproachable. Excellent value. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 283648
Rarer Birds
STEEVE CHARVET CHIROUBLES 2018 - BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE
$30.99 reduced to 29.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
Medium intensity aromas of grapey bubblegum, forest floor and dried Autumn leaves here. When Beaujolais is good, it’s silky, easy and seems to just slide pleasurably down the throat and this is a great example. Chiroubles is one of the ten grand crus of Beaujolais. What’s striking about this five year old wine is how completely integrated are all the elements, including the silky mouth filling darker intense fruit, the balanced acidity, and the very soft rounded, tannins. The intensity stays long in the perfectly balanced finish. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 12110
Medium Bodied, Smooth Whites Style (little/no oak, easy drinking, fresh or savoury fruit, various grapes)
New Wine Picks
SPIER SIGNATURE CHENIN BLANC 2022 - SOUTH AFRICA
$14.99 reduced to 11.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
Rounded, sappy scents of quince (a pearlike fruit whose skin has a truly enchanting aroma) pear and a touch of honey. On the flavour, again quince and pear with light ginger, nectarine, honey and more that keeps dancing long into the finish.
Very consistent year to year, this wine is one of the very best white wine values in B.C. Liquor Stores as it would be fair value at twice the sale price here. If you don’t like oak in your white wine, forget unwooded chardonnay and go for this. Food matching for this wine would include lighter asian fare, chicken with stone fruit, apricot, pear, nectarine as well as lighter yellow fruit desserts. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 659037
CHATEAU DERESZLA TOKAJI FURMINT DRY 2021 - HUNGARY
$17.99 reduced to 16.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
Made mainly from the furmint grape, the wine is very pale in colour with light honey, ripe apricot pear brandy, hay and floral notes on the aroma. Drier and more luscious than it smells, the flavours here are fruity just ripe apricot, hay, pie crust, and honey with a clean acidity in the finish. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 16876
Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale
FORT BERENS CHARDONNAY 2021 - LILLOOET B.C., CANADA
$23.99 reduced to 22.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.8%
Quality wine from Lillooet? Yes!
The warm days and cool nights in this area of British Columbia make for wines that ripen fully but retain a great balancing structure of acidity. The style here is leaner, and for me, more balanced and elegant than similar wines at this price point from California or Burgundy. The oak touch is light and you will pick up peach/pear/apple notes on the aroma and flavour. Refreshing and well balanced. Widely available. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 558171
YALUMBA VIOGNIER Y SERIES 2021 - AUSTRALIA
$19.99 reduced to 18.49 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
Spring flower notes on the nose along with apricot, peach and almond notes, make this a great wine to try and it is also vegan. In the glass, the stone fruit notes follow through along with a balanced, pleasant, creamy texture and some length in the finish. This is a very consistent wine and an affordable small luxury. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 624502
Richer, Oak Influenced Whites Style (fuller, buttery, with citrus, vanilla, tropical fruit, more…)
Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale
ALAMOS CHARDONNAY 2019 - MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
$17.99 reduced to 16.49 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
Lighter, balanced, clean chardonnay flavours with lemon, apple and a touch of vanilla oak. Very consistent and good value here. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 467969
CHATEAU ST JEAN CHARDONNAY 2020- CALIFORNIA, USA
$22.99 reduced to 19.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
Once more, a great wine at the regular price, on sale this month. A well balanced little chardonnay package here of baked apple, honey, toasty vanilla oak and orange peel . Easy drinking and interesting from a very consistent producer. Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 421644
RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY 2019 - SONOMA COUNTY, USA
$29.99 Reduced to $26.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
Well balanced, led by a fine oak touch that features creamy lemon and vanilla notes along with focused fruit notes of applepear, nectarine and some hazelnut echoes. A real cut above and well priced. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 275552
Crisp, Dry Whites (Sauvignon Blanc & Similar)
Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale
RAPITALA ORGANIC GRILLO 2021 - SICILIA, ITALY
$17.99 reduced to 13.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
The grape here is called grillo and as the wine comes from Sicily, expect dynamic flavours and a good dash of minerality. Light-bodied, fresh and tangy with green olive and citrus zest notes. The wine is well balanced, unpretentious and enjoyable. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 68516
DUNAVAR PINOT GRIGIO 2021 - HUNGARY
$13.99 reduced to 12.49 until July 29 - 750 ml. 11%
Here is a good example of how differently a particular grape variety can taste depending on where it is grown. This is nothing like a typical Italian or B.C. pinot gris/pinot grigio (same grape), which is why you are finding it in the crisp, dry white wine style category. The style is very lean, crisp and mineral driven with some dry citrus and stone fruit notes, making it a great match for fish or seafood. Well priced. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 438119
ASTROLABE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND
$26.99 reduced to 24.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
On the nose fresh, cut grass, citrus, gooseberry, melon rind. The sauvignon flavours here are noticeably softer than the typical knife edged acidity of many NZ sauvignon blancs. This slightly rounder acidity lets other flavours and complexities shine through. Notes of wet wool married with citrus of lemon and red grapefruit. There is also some melon fruit/rind. Clean, bright, fresh and interesting. Love this take on sauvignon blanc. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 138503
TOHU SAUVIGNON BLANC SINGLE VINEYARD 2022 - MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND
$26.99 reduced to 23.49 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
The $17.00 - $25.00 price range for New Zealand sauvignon blanc wines is a crowded one in B.C. . Most are fairly simple and all have that lovely sauvignon cutting edge. Only a few have something extra in terms of complexity, layered flavours and an extra long finish but this is one of them. Lovely stuff that typically costs upwards of $30.00. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU 380998
DOMAINE DE LA CHAISE CHENONCEAUX BLANC 2020 - TOURAINE, FRANCE
$29.99 reduced to $26.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
This comes from Chenonceaux on the Cher river, a tributary of the Loire in France. The grape here is sauvignon blanc but the style is much different than New Zealand or farther up the Loire at Sancerre or Pouilly Fume.
On the nose a beautiful combination of creamy lemon, pineapple and passion fruit with silky undertones of kiwi and gooseberry. On the taste, the fruit changes are seamless and fascinating to follow, with guava and gooseberry in the very long balanced finish. The texture is very classy, balanced, silky/creamy. A very interesting and lovely wine. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 15350
Rosé Style (crisp, fresh flavours & nuances from citrus to tart red fruit to herbal depending on grape(s) used)
New Wine Picks
ROAD 13 - HONEST JOHN'S ROSE 2021 - OKANAGAN VALLEY, CANADA
$20.99 reduced to $18.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.8%
Pale salmon in colour with light citrus, rose hip and pink grapefruit on the nose. On the flavour, very much in the aerial Provence end of the rosé spectrum showing grapefruit, melon, fruit tea and watermelon. It’s very clean with a lovely balance, and not too crisp. A bit of citrus peel on the ending invites another sip. A gold medal winner at the 2023 National Wine Awards. Tasted ✓ 90 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 357327
LAGO VINHO VERDE ROSE NON-VINTAGE - PORTUGAL
$14.99 reduced to $11.99 until July 29 - 750 ml.
Made from a single red varietal called Vinhao, it is very light on the nose with pink candy floss and rose petal. The flavours are similar with watermelon on the finish. Good acidity and balance here. A great summer drink that is low on alcohol, a real featherweight with a slight spritz and good acidity. Just a tincture of flavour really but will work well if you are looking for a tasty low alcohol wine on the lighter side at a very economical price. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 34411
LA VIEILLE FERME ROSE 2022 - VENTOUX, FRANCE
$13.99 - 750 ml. 13.8%
Pale salmon in colour with aromas of grapefruit peel, and pith, light watermelon/apple and dried rose petals, but very shy. Similar on the taste with grapefruit peel and light roses. Simple, crisp, with light apple in the finish. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 559393
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GERARD BERTRAND COTE DES ROSES ROSÉ 2021 - LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
$24.99 reduced to 22.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13%
The bottle for this rosé was created in a competition at design schools in Paris and has a rose shape cut into the bottom of the bottle along with a glass stopper instead of a cork. Happily, the bottle does not outshine the wine itself. Described accurately as " ballet slipper pink", the aroma and flavour shows fresh citrus, floral and strawberry notes along with drifts of grapefruit and a crisp balancing acidity. It won a Gold Medal at a Global Rosé Masters competition. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 664441
PROTEA ROSÉ 2021 - SOUTH AFRICA
$15.99 reduced to $13.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 13.5%
Very light hibiscus and rose hip on the nose. The flavour is light, clean with good acidity, some rose hip and a touch of watermelon on the ending. Elegant, subtle, not elaborate but very nice clean flavours and well priced. Good balance with a medium length in the finish. Tasted ✓ 87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 18794
Sparkling Style (flavour range-citrus, toasty, peach, pear, tropical, more…)
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FREIXENET CAVA CORDON NEGRO GRAN SELECCION BRUT NON-VINTAGE SPAIN
$18.99 reduced to 16.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 12%
This is the #1 imported sparkling wine in the world and for good reason. It is made using the same traditional method as Champagne (but with different grape varieties) and is very consistent with lemon peel, nectarine, apple, and bread yeast aromas. It's medium bodied, well balanced, lingering and has a creamy mouthfeel with a grapefruit finish. A personal confession - long ago, I lost a bet in a blind tasting by guessing that this wine was a Champagne! Tasted ✓ 88 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 88591
FRIND WINERY BRUT NON-VINTAGE - OKANAGAN VALLEY, CANADA
$26.99 reduced to 24.49 until July 29 - 750 ml. 12%
Frind Estate is a relatively new winery located in West Kelowna. This lakefront property was the home of former B.C. Premier, Bill Bennett.
The wine maker here, Eric von Krosigk, joined Summerhill Pyramid Winery in its early days and was particularly successful with their sparkling wines including a top ten finish in a world sparkling competition.
Slightly off dry, there are notes of citrus peel, melon and apple. It is similar on the flavour with some pear and applepear as well. The bubble is just right, a clean straight forward well balanced sparkler and great value. Made with 76% Riesling and 24% Chardonnay. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 40736
STELLER’S JAY - BRUT 2017 - OKANAGAN VALLEY, CANADA
$24.99 reduced to 22.99 until July 29 - 750 ml. 12%
A very dependable great value sparkling wine made with Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir grapes. Made using the same traditional French “Methode Classique” used in Champagne, it is typically not released until three years after the vintage. Crisp and complex with a creamy, floral finish. Tasted ✓ 89 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 264879
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