Making The Case

MAKING THE CASE Back to Local

By TOM FIRTH

year in transition, 2020 has become in part, a year to reevaluate many of our habits A and activities. Was this the year you got in shape? Spent less time shopping and more time with friends and family (in a responsible fashion of course)? Maybe you resolved to direct more of your discretionary dollars to businesses in your community. While Alberta doesn’t have a suitable climate for growing grapes, many high quality wines are made across Canada, and if we can’t get our wine fix locally, supporting the True North Strong and Free with your wine dollars makes good sense.

Find these wines by searching the CSPC code at Liquorconnect.com; your local liquor store can also use this code to order it for you. Prices are approximate.

Black Hills 2018 Nota Bene, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

20 years of Nota Bene… I’ve been fortunate enough to taste every vintage; not only is it an excellent barometer of quality in the Okanagan, but it’s also a treat to enjoy. This year’s release seems a little “quieter” than many of the previous releases, perhaps a little softer too, but on the back palate, a core of pure steel emerges with tightly wound tannins, deep, earthy notes and floral tones that should evolve so well over the years – as always. Perhaps one of my favourite vintages of Nota Bene so far. CSPC +708073 $67-70

Foreign Affair 2015 Apologetic Red Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

An Ontario cabernet franc made with slightly dried grapes (the appassimento method) akin to the famous wine of Italy – amarone – sure, sign me up. Deeply coloured with a slightly russet tone, aromas have some raisin characters with brambly, cherry jelly fruits. Flavours are rich and slightly sweet with good balance throughout. A little weird, but very tasty. CSPC +809500 $65-70

Mission Hill 2019 Reserve Rosé Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Sourced from fruit around Osoyoos and Oliver, this rosé will help cool you down on the deck or patio. Quite dry but not bone dry, it shows cotton candy and raspberry with mild herb and mint leaf characters. Pretty smashable, it works with lighter or grilled fish, poultry, or salty snacks. CSPC +814460 About $16-19

Foreign Affair 2016 The Conspiracy Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

A classic Bordeaux blend of mostly cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, showing slightly cooler climate expressions with tar and cedar, spice and cherry aromas. In the mouth, big and almost chewy tannins are well supported by plenty of fruit and weight. Easily pairs with classic barbecue fare or perhaps braised brisket or pulled pork sandwiches. CSPC +769631 Around $20-23

Indigenous World Winery 2018 Hee-Hee-Tel-Kin White Blend Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

An unusual blend of gewürztraminer, pinot auxerrois, and pinot gris, you are going to see a bit of sweetness here but still well restrained. The best part is the abundance of ripe, tropical fruit with a pleasing tanginess and refreshing quality. Serve cool on a hot Friday afternoon. CSPC +821613 About $20-23 Deep and inky in the glass with more than a little charred earth and smoke. The Speck Family Reserve tier has more rigorous selections, but also lower yields and longer maturations. Quite spicy on the palate with a rich, almost resinous smoky character. This would sing equally well with game meats or charcuterie.

Mill Stone 2018 “Home Block” Pinot

The new project from Cynthia and David Ens, Mill Stone promises a back to the basics sort of approach after the sale of the Laughing Stock winery – pinot noir, from one spot. Quite light in the glass with delicate fruits recalling cranberry and raspberries, herb and woodsy notes and subtlety. This is an all-star wine to hide in the cellar for a little, or just to share with friends.

Hester Creek 2017 “Selected Barrels” Cabernet Merlot, Okanagan Valley British Columbia

Made from both cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc with merlot, this is a classically styled red blend with cedar, cherries, and bell pepper, coupled with enough oak to mellow things out a little. Fairly versatile for food, I’d recommend drinking it in its youth to preserve the brightness. Pair with seared meats or ribs. CSPC +524678 $25-27 Another stunning cabernet franc to tempt our wine drinking dollars. Floral and rich with plum and lavender, cherry, spices, pencil shavings, and strawberries. Very well balanced and a fine example of the direction this wonderful grape is going in the Okanagan. CSPC +820138 $35-40

Benjamin Bridge Pet Nat Nova Scotia

Pétillant Naturel, or Pet Nat, is a very traditional, daresay ancient way of making a lightly sparkling wine. Made from native yeasts, it’s a natural, noninterventionist product, cloudy in the glass and wonderfully expressive. Vanilla and toast-like aromas with bright orange and spice, it’s a living wine that is infinitely refreshing and discussion-worthy. Also available in 250 mL cans for about $13

Indigenous World Winery 2017 Hee-Hee-Tel-Kin Red Blend Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Quite new to our market, the Hee-Hee-TelKin is a meritage style blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Generous fruits show up on the nose with mild spiciness. Palate-wise, look for a clean, open expression with relatively soft tannins. Not too complex, but very agreeable for those cool evenings.

Henry of Pelham 2017 Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir, Ontario

CSPC +461699 $28-30

Mission Hill 2017 Vista’s Edge Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley British Columbia

CSPC +821614 About $26-28

Henry of Pelham 2018 Baco Noir Ontario

Smoky and rich with plum and raspberry fruits, supported by ginger and liquorice root on the nose. Packs a little bit of a kick on the palate with bright acids and a slightly hot profile but balanced well by good fruits. Quite tasty, and would be well suited to any protein rich dish from CSPC +270926 Around $21-23

Noir, Naramata Bench, British Columbia

CSPC +834413 Around $60-65

the grill. CSPC +803301 About $36-38

Black Hills 2018 Cellar Hand Punch Down Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The epitome of a “smashable” red from the Okanagan, the Cellar Hand Punch Down Red is built around syrah with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and some carmenere. Plump fruit expression with excellent support from tannins and acids, the 2018 has the weight to handle dinner from the grill, but also the generosity and suppleness to simply enjoy for the sake of enjoying a glass of wine. CSPC +750649 $24-26