November Wine Deals #21

Fall Into Winter Wines

Hello and welcome back. This month’s edition is free to all subscribers.

There are 48 great value wines in all for November, including 5 brand new Wine Picks 5 wines 90 points or over and 4 wines under $10.00.

As always, new wine picks are placed at the top of each flavour profile category, previous picks now on sale are next and the Rarer Bird category is listed below that.

This month, at the top of the newsletter are my best 5 value-for-pleasure wine picks for November.

Wine Bargains - Let's Get Started

The wine bargains below are independently reviewed by me and are widely available from B.C. government stores.

For November, the wines chosen are in these styles:

Ripe Fruit Forward Reds (15 wines, 1 new, 1 rarer) | Savoury Fruit Reds (6 wines, 1 new, 1 rarer) | Lighter Fruit Reds (2 wines, 1 new) | Medium Bodied Smooth Whites (9 wines, 1 rarer) | Bigger, Oak Influenced Whites (4 wines, 1 rarer) | Crisp Dry Whites (6 wines, 1 new) | Aromatic Whites (1 wine, 1 rare) | Rosé (4 wines, 1 new) | Sparkling (1 wine)

TOP 5 VALUE-FOR-PLEASURE WINE PICKS FOR NOVEMBER

Rosé Style (crisp, fresh flavours & nuances from citrus to tart red fruit to herbal)

#5 MAISON NO 9 MÉDITERRANÉE ROSÉ 2021 - PROVENCE, FRANCE

$29.99 reduced to $24.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Celebrity rosés seem to be having a moment. Created by hip hop star Post Malone, this grenache based wine shows the very pale and fashionable colour that Provence rosé is modeling these days. A very delicate bouquet of light peach, dried roses, canary melon and a graze of citrus. The silky very, very light, airy, nearly weightless, texture is featured equally here along with the resident flavours of pink grapefruit, Anjou pear, candy floss and applepear. It's very finely balanced and trades successfully on texture/elegance and a little less on complexity and length. Once empty the glass stoppered bottle could hold water elegantly on your dining table! Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 107967

Ripe Fruit Forward Reds Style (think ripe cherries)

#4 DOÑA PAULA LOS CARDOS MALBEC 2022 - ARGENTINA

$12.99 reduced to 8.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

An under $10.00 malbec? 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

Medium Bodied, Smooth Whites Style (little/no oak, easy drinking, fresh or savoury fruit, various grapes)

#3. SECRET CELLAR PINOT GRIGIO 2022 - SOUTH AFRICA

$12.99 reduced to 9.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Here’s another quite drinkable, under $10.00 wine. Crisp green pinot grigio flavours, a little grassy with a touch of melon. A good patio wine and at this price, more than fair. Tasted ✓ 87 Points Find Store Nearest You SKU: 161632

Crisp, Dry Whites

#2 TESORO LEYDA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - CHILE

$17.99 reduced to 14.49 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Off dry with rounded slightly overripe melon aromas on the nose, more like chenin blanc in a way. In the glass, slightly off dry with melon, quince, pear and fresh acidity. Does taste like a crisp aromatic chenin blanc more than a typical zappy sauvignon blanc. Well balanced with a creamy texture and a medium finish, would pair with a wide range of dishes from apricot chicken to sushi. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You    SKU: 494141

Savoury Fruit Reds Style (plenty of fruit - but think fruit tea, cranberry,tomato sauce)

# 1 SANGRE DE TORO TORRES 2021 - CATALUNYA, SPAIN

$17.99 reduced to $11.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Quite savoury dusty red fruit, dry herbs, touch of smoke, simple, clean balanced flavours. Quite the discount. Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You  SKU: 6585

ALL NOVEMBER WINE PICKS

Ripe Fruit Forward Reds Style (think ripe cherries)

New Wine Picks

FINCA LAS MORAS BARREL SELECT TANNAT 2021 - ARGENTINA

$17.99 reduced to 13.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Initially some reddish fruit on the nose along with a more austere touch of graphite or tar. As on the nose, rounded red fruits as well as a touch of more sombre graphite or prune skins combined with consistent overall floral notes. As it opened the fruit increased nicely and kept the appealing floral/graphite tension. Different and interesting. Great value. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU:104018

Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale

DONA PAULA ESTATE MALBEC - UCO VALLEY MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

$19.99 reduced to 14.99 until November 25 - 750 ml.

Overall a mid-weight malbec with just under medium intensity and body with nicely balanced red and black fruits and a touch of tar. A good acidity keeps the flavours fresh. Fair value at the regular price, good value at this sale price. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 631291

VINA COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2021 - MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

$24.99 reduced to $20.99 until November 25 - 750 ml.

Deep, dark, and inky, a touch of wood, with some charcoal, black plum and licorice. Slightly bitter on the end but in a licorice way i.e. a touch of sweetness on the end and also that note of plum. Simple and quite smooth, all mid-palate with a silky texture and a touch of graphite. It does linger and open up to become softer and silkier. The fig/licorice/black plum flavours really have their charms and the wine has some good length in the finish. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 334789

QUID PRO QUO - CASA SANTOS LIMA 2019 - ALENTEJANO - PORTUGAL

$15.99 reduced to 12.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

If you like bigger but soft edged fruit forward reds with some complexity, this blend or Portuguese red grapes has the whole package including dried plums and fruit leather. The wine has good deep, red fruit intensity, rounded tannins, excellent balance and some real interest. The value for money and value for pleasure here is amazing. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 62235

SEGREDOS DE SAO MIGUEL 2021 - ALENTEJANO PORTUGAL

$14.99 reduced to $12.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

One of the best and most consistent red wine values available in B.C. liquor stores, it shows well balanced notes of cherry, plum and some vanilla, a touch of wood and licorice.

Reds at all levels from Portugal are often a blend of grapes. Many of the traditional Portuguese red grapes are present here and sound more like swashbuckling heroes than grape varieties - alicante bouchet, aragonez, touriga national, trincadeira, entre outas, and more.

A simple, wine, with soft tannins, and clean fruit flavours of plum and cherry, it’s the the grapes’ character that speaks here. Some reasonable length in the finish from the fruit intensity with no adverse flavours. Widely available. Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU 167370

BODEGAS LOS TIMOS - VIVANCO PRENSA REAL M CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - SPAIN

$12.99 reduced to $9.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Light, red, rounded fruits and a touch of merlot character here. A slight musty tang on the fruit finish but quite drinkable and very affordable. Tasted ✓ 86 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 57106

LIBERTY SCHOOL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - PASO ROBLES, USA

$25.99 reduced to 22.49 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

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 a lot of extra flavour drifts such as liquorice, anise and cola. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU 527184

BISQUERTT CRAZY ROWS CARIGNAN 2020 - MAULE VALLEY, CHILE

$19.99 reduced to 17.99 until Nov 25 - 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

DOÑA PAULA LOS CARDOS MALBEC 2022 - ARGENTINA

$12.99 reduced to 8.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

A single digit priced malbec? 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

CANTINA TOLLO PIETRAME LTD. EDITION MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2020 - ITALY

$14.99 reduced to 12.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Here again is a crossover wine from what might be expected to be a savoury red to to the fruit forward category. On the nose Plummy, ripe cherry, touch of tar. The flavours are similar. Relatively simple overall but a restrained alcohol level combined with lower acidity, vinification in stainless steel only and good intensity makes this a winner. Great, great deal.  Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 480205

FONTANAFREDDA BARBERA BRICCOTONDO - ITALY

$19.99 Reduced to $15.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Though true to barbera grape character, this wine drinks surprisingly like a decent merlot, very plummy, pretty silky and rounded with very soft tannins and just a light note of liqorice on the end. Although it is in the Savoury Fruit style here, it is oh-so-close to the Ripe Fruit Forward style. I could well mistake this for a merlot if I was tasting it blind. I can’t think of a better way to ease into appreciating Italian red wine. A lovely wine for the price. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 898718

MILES FROM NOWHERE SHIRAZ 2020 - MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA

$30.99 reduced to $26.99 until Nov 25 - 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 back current 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 Beaujolais, 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

PETER LEHMANN PORTRAIT SHIRAZ 2021 - BAROSSA, AUSTRALIA

$22.99 reduced to 19.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml

Very much in the Lehmann style with very big intense syrah fruit, softer acidity and smoothed tannins. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 144937

ROSEMOUNT ESTATE SHIRAZ 2021 - AUSTRALIA

$14.99 reduced to $11.99 until Nov 25 - 1 L

Straight forward medium bodied shiraz with soft tannins, slightly low acidity and good shiraz fruit character. Not a wine to ponder, just an easy drinking one to enjoy. Amazing value here. Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU 201234

Rarer Birds

MERF CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - COLUMBIA VALLEY, WA, USA

$22.99 reduced to 14.97 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Here is a mid-weight fairly mature Washington state cabernet sauvignon that drinks more like Bordeaux than California. Though a little less complex than the 2017 vintage, it is still well developed on the nose with savoury flavours of cherry, deep red berries, smoke, leather and olives. It’s well balanced with a long finish. The wine was created by Chateau St. Michelle's winemaker David Merfeld. A lot of wine for the money. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 135275

Savoury Fruit Reds Style (plenty of fruit - but think fruit tea, cranberry, tomato sauce or fruit leather)

New Wine Picks

MULA VELHA 2021 - LISBOA, PORTUGAL

$14.99 reduced to 11.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Fresh and baked cherry, some wood effects, fairly simple, lean and a little rustic but it did smooth out nicely with a one hour decant. An everyday cheap and cheerful red to irrigate the lasagna. Good value at the sale price here. Tasted ✓ 86 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 498978

Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale

CHATEAU LA BESAGE GRANDE CUVEE 2018 - BERGERAC, FRANCE

$21.99 reduced to 19.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Bergerac is adjacent to Bordeaux and makes similar wines but generally at much lower prices because the area is less well known. The blend here is cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Mid-weight, supple and balanced with aromas and flavours of savoury blackcurrant and red berries. It won a gold medal at the Concours Agricole wine competition in Paris that consistently awards great value wines. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 271023

SANGRE DE TORO TORRES 2021 - CATALUNYA, SPAIN

$17.99 reduced to $11.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Quite savoury dusty red fruit, dry herbs, touch of smoke, simple, clean balanced flavours Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You  SKU: 6585

JACKSON TRIGGS - GRAND RESERVE SELECT SHIRAZ 2016, B.C., CANADA

$29.99 reduced to 22.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Here is another excellent, well discounted grand reserve level wine from Jackson Triggs. Generally speaking JT wines are fairly priced e.g. an $18.00 wine delivers $18.00 worth of wine drinking pleasure. Though “Grand Reserve” is their own designation, (i.e. not an official or legal definition of wine quality or style) they seem to make a consistent effort to craft something special for their grand reserve wines. A few months back their grand reserve riesling delivered a lovely mix of lime peel, overripe cantaloupe, golden delicious apple and ripe pear at a great price.

This shiraz shows what are called tertiary aromas and flavours i.e. those more complex elements developed in the bottle over time. These are separate and in addition to flavours that might come from the type of grape e.g. apple, citrus, pepper or from the winemaking process/barrels e.g. yeast, vanilla, cedar

They have done a great job again. Well on the way to maturity, with accompanying elaborated perfume and flavours, this shiraz (syrah) has an aroma packed, medium intensity nose of stewed plums, tar, leather, struck match, dark very ripe cherries, fruit leather and licorice. This all follows through on the taste with full-fledged, intersecting flavours of preserved plums, tar, ripe loganberry, red mulberry, leather, licorice, dark chocolate and fruit cake with a long nuanced finish. Here is a great opportunity to taste a good, more mature red wine at a very affordable price. Tasted ✓ 92 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 763250

Rarer Birds

CHATEAU LA GAMAYE 2020 - CÔTE-DE-BLAYE, BORDEAUX, FRANCE

$35.00 - 750 ml.

On the nose, fresh rounded cherry, and a touch of raspberry. The flavour follows the nose nose with a slight tannic grip that relaxes with an hour in the decanter.  Lovely soft, rounded merlot fruit intensity and it developed some complexity as it opened up. Good easy drinking Bordeaux at an affordable price. Well worth finding and trying. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 358529

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA 2015 - CASTEL DEL MONTE, PUGLIA, ITALY

$31.99 reduced to $26.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Here is a real level up Italian red at an affordable price. Elegant and a little austere, the flavours include red fruit, tobacco, cured meats and some minerality. The main grape is called Uva di Troia and can produce classy wines with real complexity and refinement like this one. The wine undergoes longer aging in both the barrel and the bottle before it is released. The current vintage on the shelf is 2016 (!) and though it is well ready to drink could easily be held for another 3 to 5 years. If you want to taste what Italian red wine can be beyond accompanying your pasta dish this is one to try. Tasted ✓ 91 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 883348

Lighter Fruity Reds Style (light to medium bodied, savoury or ripe fruit)

New Wine Picks

CHATEAU DES TOURS VIEILLES VIGNES BROUILLY 2020 - BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE

$32.99 reduced to $27.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Initially dense, rounded, a little opulent with scents of game, mushroom and some floral.  The flavours follow closely with berry intensity in the front and woodland mushroom further on. Plush tannins cosset rich mulberry and loganberry with a hint of truffle enfolded in an atmosphere of violets. All elements are smoothly balanced into the long finish. A great price for grand cru Beaujolais of this quality Tasted ✓ 92 Points

Beaujolais is the area in France just south of Burgundy. There are three levels of quality and the wines will be labeled accordingly. Wine from anywhere in the area is simply called Beaujolais, that from 30 selected higher quality sites is known as Beaujolais Villages and the very best is from ten designated Grand Cru villages but the labels will simply state the Cru name such as this one from the village of Brouilly. All red Beaujolais is made from the gamay grape. Despite the name, Beaujolais Superieur is just Beaujolais that is one degree higher in alcohol than regular Beaujolais.

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 224061

Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale

TULI PINOT NOIR 2021 - SONOMA COUNTY, CA. USA

$28.99 reduced to $25.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Cherry pie filling on the nose with a touch of vanilla, some complexity and good balance. Simple, fruity and straight forward, the restrained alcohol, some length in the finish and a silky texture make it approachable and easy sipping.
Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 284521

Medium Bodied, Smooth Whites Style (little/no oak, easy drinking, fresh or savoury fruit, various grapes)

Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale

LOUIS BERNARD COTES DU RHONE BLANC 2022 - FRANCE

$17.99 reduced to $15.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

The grapes in this unoaked wine are a blend of probably less familiar Southern Rhone varieties such as Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc & Clairette but the result is delicious, light to medium bodied, and well balanced with flavours of pear and melon notes, with a decently long finish. Good value at the regular price and now on sale. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 589432

FONTANAFREDDA BRICCOTONDO ARNEIS 2021 - LANGHE, ITALY

$19.99 reduced to $17.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Arneis is the grape here and Langhe is the area that encompasses an area that includes the famous Italian reds Barolo and Barbaresco. This version of is very lean, crisp, floral and focused with citrus, mineral and fresh herb notes. The flavours are lean but very persistent in the long finish in a way that reminds me of the Greek grape Assyrtiko. A great Summer and seafood wine and a real bargain. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 438943

PAUL MAS VIOGNIER 2021 - PAYS D'OC, FRANCE $16.99 reduced to $14.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Light but with persistent flavors of peach, tangerine, spring flowers and fruit blossom aromas. One of the most consistent white value for pleasure wine deals in the province. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU 151100

SECRET CELLAR PINOT GRIGIO 2022 - SOUTH AFRICA

$12.99 reduced to 9.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Crisp green pinot grigio flavours, a little grassy with a touch of melon. A good patio wine and at this price, more than fair. Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 161632

CHAPOUTIER BILA HAUT BLANC 2021 - ROUSSILLON, FRANCE

$19.99 reduced to 16.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Pale gold in colour. On the nose slightly candied lemon and lemon pith and a touch of Parmesan rind. The taste is similar with some silkiness, and good intensity. It lingers in the finish very pleasantly with lemon notes and a touch of green olive and some citrus zing. The grapes here may not be that familiar here including Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Rousanne and Macabeu but the result is delightful. A rose by any other name. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 175042

MENADE VERDEJO 2021 - RUEDA, SPAIN

$23.99 reduced to 21.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Clear and bright in the glass, a very appealing, lush, rounded, balanced lemon aroma. This lemon follows through nicely on the taste. With medium body and intensity there is also a touch of passionfruit, Reggiano rind and some citrus pith that add contrast and interest. All of this is perfectly balanced and this would match with all manner of seafood and chicken recipes. Really splendid. Tasted ✓ 90 Points

Find Store Nearest You    SKU: 28100

UMANI RONCHI CASAL SERRA VERDICCHIO CLASSICO SUPERIORE ORGANIC 2021 - ITALY

$21.99 reduced to $19.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Verdicchio is the wine made from the grape of the same name and is produced the appellation Verdicchio dei Castelli Di Jesi in the Marche region located in the central area of the country on its eastern Adriatic coast.

The wine is crisp, bone dry with white peach, almond and distinct seashell notes on the flavour. It’s medium bodied with elevated intensity, just right acidity and a very light floral/honey note. Standout, balanced elements here. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 25403

ARGIOLAS COSTAMOLINO VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA 2022 - ITALY

$21.99 reduced to $19.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

The grape here is vermentino and the wine is from Sardinia, an island off both the Western coast of Italy and the Northern coast of Africa. The wine is lighter bodied, dry and has some crisp intensity. Subtle fruit notes on the aroma and taste include drifts of apricot, apple, citrus fruit and melon with a lovely balancing acidity. Same white wine style as sauvignon blanc here but with very different flavours. It goes incredibly well with seafood, fish or chicken. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You    SKU: 457945

Rarer Birds

TEDESCHI CAPITEL TENDA 2020 - SOAVE CLASSICO, ITALY

$24.99 reduced to 21.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Pale lemon in colour with a touch of gold. On the nose, a bouquet of citrusy lemon effects including lemon flower and lemon oil. The lemon flavours definitely follow the nose but there is also tart pineapple. Very smooth, almost creamy texture. The grape here is garganega. Very clean flavours with a finish of crisp pineapple acidity. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 252335

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 $15.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Lighter, balanced, clean chardonnay flavours with lemon, apple and a touch of vanilla oak. Very consistent and good value. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 467969

ROSEMOUNT ESTATE CHARDONNAY - SOUTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA

$14.99 reduced to $11.99 until Nov 25 - 1 L

This is straightforward rounded Aussie chardonnay. It’s a very, very simple wine with yeasty notes, some creaminess, a touch of lemon and a clean finish with a thread of oak in the finish. No negative tangs or sourness at all. Very similar to some other Aussie chards like Lindeman’s Bin 65 chardonnay. Outstanding price. Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You    SKU: 201172

FORT BERENS CHARDONNAY 2021 - LILLOOET B.C., CANADA

$23.99 reduced to 22.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

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

Rarer Birds

BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY BAUDOUIN MILLET 2021 - Burgundy, France

$33.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

With Burgundy prices in the stratosphere, basic white Burgundy labeled variously as Bourgogne blanc or Bourgogne chardonnay is the only white wine from the region that is at all affordable.  There are currently eleven of them listed in B.C. liquor stores and it will cost you between $30 and $90 for a chance to taste the Burgundy magic. The wide price range mentioned reflects the variation in where the grapes for a Bourgogne blanc are sourced from.  I suspect that most wine drinkers who dabble in white Burgundy think that a Bourgogne blanc will be sourced only from the top area of burgundy called the Côte d'Or.  This is the home of the fabulous and fabulously expensive wines such as Meursault and Montrachet. We tend to forget that greater Burgundy includes Chablis, Macon (home of Pouilly-Fuissé), Côte Chalonnaise..  Naturally, the wine will reflect where the grapes have come from and chardonnay style is quite variable (a chardonnay pro tip article explaining this variability is in the works).

This wine tastes very much in the Macon end of things. it's a blend of savoury sunny stone fruit, citrus, vanilla and a touch of ginger with an enlivened acidity.  The flavours softened out and rounded further as it warmed to show a pleasing minerality in the finish.  It's neither as full or complex as a Côte d'Or, nor as lean, crisp and elegant as Chablis. Think Macon Villages or Saint Veran in style. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You    SKU: 53623

Crisp, Dry Whites (Sauvignon Blanc & Similar)

New Wine Picks

TESORO LEYDA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - CHILE

$17.99 reduced to 14.49 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Off dry with rounded slightly overripe melon aromas on the nose, more like chenin blanc. In the glass, slightly off dry with melon, quince, pear and fresh acidity. Does taste like a crisp aromatic chenin blanc more than a typical electric sauvignon blanc. Well balanced with a creamy texture and a medium finish, would pair with a wide range of dishes from apricot chicken to sushi. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You    SKU: 494141

Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale

DUNAVAR PINOT GRIGIO 2021 - HUNGARY

$13.99 reduced to $11.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

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 Nov 25 - 750 ml.

On the nose fresh, cut grass, citrus, gooseberry, melon rind. The sauvignon flavours here are noticably 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 (pleasant actually) 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

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - MARLBOROUGH , NEW ZEALAND

$23.99 reduced to $21.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Classic NZ Sauvignon Blanc - very forward with very grassy gooseberry and wet wool, almost nutty aromas and a super crisp finish. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 462333

TOHU SAUVIGNON BLANC SINGLE VINEYARD 2022 - MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

$26.99 reduced to 23.49 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

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

LURTON LES FUMÉES BLANCHES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - FRANCE  

$19.99 reduced to $17.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Great value French sauvignon blanc. Very aromatic, with slightly herbal citrus aromas, gooseberry and distinct lemon, grapefruit, citrus peel. The flavours are similar - crisp, fresh acidity with notes of grapefruit zest, kiwi,lemon but still restrained and in balance. The wine is not too grassy, has notes of hay and wet wool with a bright lemon acidity showing some real polish. It finishes very clean and lingers for a while, the grapefruit citrus persists.

A word about multiple names for the same grape sauvignon blanc. Fumées Blanches is the French version of Fumé Blanc, a marketing term invented by Robert Mondavi to distinguish his drier wines from the fruitier versions such as those from New Zealand. You may still see some California and other sauvignon blancs labeled this way but this distinction in styles and names is now fairly blurred. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 472555

Aromatic Whites (usually dry but smell sweeter than they taste - honey, peaches, fragrant floral notes, more…)

Rarer Birds

NOSTALGIA KERNER 2022 - OKANAGAN VALLEY, B.C. CANADA

$21.99 reduced to $17.97 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

On the nose, stone fruit, pear and a touch of apple. Aromatic and off dry, the rounded silky flavours and good supporting acidity here make it very easy drinking. Not available in a wide range of stores but well worth seeking out.

Though Kerner grape is a white grape it is a cross between a red variety called trollinger and the more familiar riesling. It was probably planted in B.C. because it is a hardy variety that thrives in a range of growing conditions. It’s slightly lush, rounded, off-dry character makes it a match for a wide range of dishes from chicken and seafood to Asian cuisine. Great at this discounted price. Tasted ✓ 88 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 227915

Rosé Style (crisp, fresh flavours & nuances from citrus to tart red fruit to herbal depending on grape(s) used)

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MAISON NO 9 MÉDITERRANÉE ROSÉ 2021 - PROVENCE, FRANCE

$29.99 reduced to $24.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Celebrity rosés seem to be having a moment. Created by hip hop star Post Malone, this grenache based wine shows the very pale and fashionable colour that Provence rosé is modeling these days. A very delicate bouquet of light peach, dried roses, canary melon and a graze of citrus. The silky very, very light, airy, nearly weightless texture is featured equally here along with the resident flavours of pink grapefruit, Anjou pear, candy floss and applepear. It's very finely balanced and trades successfully on texture and elegance versus complexity and length. Once empty the glass stoppered bottle could hold water elegantly on your dining table. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 107967

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SIERRA SALINAS BOBAL ROSADO 2021 - SPAIN

$11.99 Reduced to $10.49 until Nov 25 - 750 ml

This is a consistent excellent value rosé. It delivers all the basics of a good Summer rosé with notes of citrus, watermelon, light strawberry and more with no off putting tang or bitterness to spoil the party. Well balanced with good acidity and the price is unbeatable. Widely available. Tasted ✓ 87 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 102866

COTE MAS AURORE ROSÉ 2022 - PAYS D'OC, FRANCE$16.99 reduced to 14.99 until Nov 25 - 1 L

A pale salmon colour in the glass with aromas of pink candy floss, bubblegum, watermelon, pink grapefruit and citrus peel. The flavours are quite similar, led by watermelon and watermelon seed with good acidity and restrained alcohol. Dry, smooth and on the light side as you would expect for a decent rosé. Tasted ✓  87 Points
Find Store Nearest You SKU: 401711

LAGO VINHO VERDE ROSE NON-VINTAGE - PORTUGAL

$14.99 reduced to $11.99 until Nov 25 - 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

Sparkling Style (flavour range-citrus, toasty, peach, pear, tropical, more…)

Previous Wine Picks Now On Sale

CLOS DE LA CHAPELLE - ECRIN BRUT RESERVE NON-VINTAGE - CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE

$59.99 reduced to $51.99 until Nov 25 - 750 ml.

Champagne is outside the price range of wines usually covered in this newsletter but special events are always in the offing and you might want to have a bottle handy, especially at this price. This is currently one of the lowest priced 750 ml. bottle of genuine Champagne available in B.C. Liquor Stores shelves. In fact, it is lower priced than most of the half-bottles of some of the better known Champagne brands.

It is slightly off dry, which gives it a soft finish. It is more on the fruity side than the “biscuity” side but is delicious, with strings of bubbles that go on and on. Coincidentally, it was one of the wines at my son’s wedding and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Unusually for a non-vintage Champagne it is aged for four years before release, giving ample time for its components to also, uhh…marry. Tasted ✓ 89 Points

Find Store Nearest You SKU: 446818

Until next time.