Wine

Three Sommelier of the Year Alum Pick the Best at the Upcoming Van Wine Fest

Experts pick the best of the fest.

By Neal McLennan /

Taittinger – Shane Taylor, SOTY 2018

“I adore blanc de blancs because of the finesse and laser-focused precision and elegance of the Champagne-only blend. I worship Comtes and consider it one of the finest examples of blanc de blancs.”

Charles Heidsieck and Piper Heidsieck – Sebastien le Goff, SOTY 2006

These two Champagne houses were purchased a few years ago by a group who also recently purchased Biondi-Santi in Tuscany, and the investment in the vineyards and the winery has been colossal and ambitious. Now we shall see some great improvement in the wines.

Jean-Luc Colombo -— Jill Spoor, SOTY 2017

Wines of this region already have my heart, but his Condrieu is something to behold, a wine from the heavens. I can’t wait to taste the lineup. 

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan is the wine and spirits editor for Vancouver and Western Living magazines, where he susses out the wonderful (and occasionally weird) options for imbibing across Western Canada.