We asked six local wine experts to buy three bottles of wine for $100—here’s what they picked.
Barb Philip, MW, Category Director, BCLDB
Les Crêtes Torrette Valle d’Aosta 2016, Italy, $32A juicy, fresh and alpine red that is, as yet, undiscovered here in B.C.
Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chénas 2014, France, $30Minerality balanced by ripe cherry fruit and blackberry tea notes—too delicious not to try.
Fillaboa Finca Monte Alto Rías Baixas Albariño 2014, Spain, $38Time in bottle and lees aging gives extra depth to this peach-scented maritime white.
David Paterson, Winemaker, Tantalus Vineyards
Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2014, New Zealand, $40This wine is one of my favourite new-world chardonnays. It’s great to see it in B.C.
Soumah Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013, Yarra Valley, Australia, $28Extremely good-value pinot noir from a top producer in the Yarra Valley that shows terroir in spades.
Pewsey Vale Contours Vineyard Riesling 2010, Eden Valley, Australia, $38This is one of my favourite single-vineyard riesling sites in the world and it always over-delivers. It ages really well, and I have a vertical of this wine back to 2003.
Jason Yamasaki, Group Sommelier, JOEY Restaurant Group
Ferrari Metodo Classico Brut, Trento, Italy, $30A ringer for glorious and textural Champagne at a third of the price.
Leitz Dragonstone Riesling, Rheingau, Germany, $19A zesty and quenching off-dry sensation from one of the best of Germany.
Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône Valley, France, $50Some of the most soul-touching and elegant syrah made on the planet. Mythical dimensions of spice and brightness.
Check back for more—best buys! Okanagan gems! Smart investments!—from our 2018 Wine Issue!
