The Holler family used 5 acres of Merlot to help establish their first vineyard, so it’s fitting their longtime winemaker, Stefan Arnason, takes a Right Bank-Bordeaux approach with this Meritage-style blend of Merlot (34%), Cabernet Sauvignon (31%), Cabernet Franc (24%) and Malbec. His selection from among the 140 acres of estate vines made for aromas and flavors of … [Read more...] about Poplar Grove Winery 2020 The Legacy Red Wine, Okanagan Valley $70
British Columbia
Van Westen Vineyards 2021 Viscous Riesling, Naramata Bench $27.50
This multi-generation farm near Penticton, British Columbia, has been growing grapes since 1999, but the clone 21B Riesling for this bottling came from 2016 plantings at their Home Lot. Their Sept. 29 harvest led to this off-dry yet balanced drink of Golden Delicious apple, Rainier cherry and lavender honey that’s finished with tangerine and nectarine. Qualifying awards: … [Read more...] about Van Westen Vineyards 2021 Viscous Riesling, Naramata Bench $27.50
Intrigue Wines 2022 Social Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $24.95
Best Buy! Kerner, a German cross of Riesling and Trollinger, has a legacy at two historic British Columbia wineries that Roger Wong worked at — Gray Monk and Tinhorn Creek — and it takes a significant role in this blend with Riesling and Gewürztraminer and Muscat Canelli. For the fourth time, Wong earned a Platinum with his Social program, and the conversation begins with notes … [Read more...] about Intrigue Wines 2022 Social Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $24.95
Robin Ridge Winery 2021 Organic Chardonnay, Similkameen Valley $21.99
Best Buy! The Cottrill family established Robin Ridge in 1996, helping to transform the picturesque pocket of Keremeos and the Similkameen Valley into British Columbia wine country. Tim and Caroline raised their children on their estate, which prompted them to adopt organic practices and embrace the hands-on Geneva Double Curtain trellis system early on. This expression of … [Read more...] about Robin Ridge Winery 2021 Organic Chardonnay, Similkameen Valley $21.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley $18.99
Best Buy! The Gehringer family devotes this Sauvignon Blanc to its Dry Rock planting adjacent the winery, and it’s no surprise for one of their entries to emerge as elite, evidenced by seven career Platinum Awards for their work with this variety. Wonderfully fresh aromas of pink grapefruit, gooseberry and lime lead into the rewarding palate of pink grapefruit, honeydew melon … [Read more...] about Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley $18.99