Although award-winning Church & State Wines still retain their lovely tasting room and vineyard near Butchart Gardens, they have long since expanded into the Okanagan. That’s the source of their impressive Lost Inhibitions line ($23), whose 100 custom labels are emblazoned with such bold slogans as “No Drama” and “Ignore the Trolls” (and many less printable ones!). The red bottling, a vivid and juicy Bordeaux-style blend, offers the palate velvety smoothness, complexity, and an impressive finish. As my wife noted during a recent dinner, “This is a great Saturday night wine.”
If you’re looking for an inexpensive Pinot Noir that nonetheless wields a substantial charm, don’t hesitate to buy a bottle of Chile’s Cono Sur Bicicleta ($15). Smooth and medium-bodied, this is a classic New World Pinot, with cherry, strawberry, and raspberry notes lifted with hints of sweet spice. Velvety and mouth-filling, it offers a surprisingly long and satisfying finish for a wine at this price point. Very good with everything from cheese pasta to salmon pie.
Brancott Estate was a Sauvignon Blanc pioneer in New Zealand’s Marlborough region and continues to produce an SB that is notably crisp, clean, intense … and also beautifully balanced. Pink grapefruit flavours combine with juicy notes of pear, melon, and passion fruit, while a slight effervescence adds to the appeal of this vibrant and refreshing wine. With its lively acidity and sweet fruit, Brancott Estate represents very good value at $21.
Located on the Golden Mile Bench south of Oliver, Hester Creek Estate Winery was acclaimed as the BC Winery of the Year for 2023 by Great Northwest Wine Magazine. Their “Foundation Series” Pinot Gris ($23) is a good example of why they won this recognition. Off-dry but not sweet, this fresh and crisp wine starts with heady aromatics before offering flavours of apple, pear, and apricot alongside hints of honey, citrus, and a touch of minerality. This would be perfect with spicy fish tacos. (All prices include tax.)
READ MORE: Four wines to savour or gift this holiday season in Victoria