<$10 Whites
2006 Dunavar Connoisseur Collection Pinot Gris (Hungary)
Ripe and flavourful with the peach and melon aromas typical of pinot gris. This seems more New World in style than I expected, with pure fruit and a mouthfilling richness. Keep in mind that this wine is dirt cheap. An excellent value, but better as a second or third bottle.
<$15 Whites
2006 Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
Typical of sauvignon blanc from the Casablanca region. Slightly riper than New Zealand and a few dollars cheaper. Pear, lemon, asparagus and a crisp, grassy finish. A bit more canned vegetables than the pure grassy, gooseberry of NZ. Excellent value.
<$15 Reds
2003 Beaulieu Vineyard Coastal Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
At $15 (in BC), this wine offers good concentration and varietal character for the price. Not too tannic, the Coastal Estates Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas of blackberry, cherry and well-integrated oak, making for a crowd-pleasing and versatile wine.
<$20 Sparkling
Lindauer Brut N/V (New Zealand)
At $16 (in BC), this Kiwi methode traditionelle is less expensive than most still wines from NZ. A cuvee of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Lindauer is dry and in the Champagne style with a noted yeasty complexity. Who needs a special occasion?
2006 Dunavar Connoisseur Collection Pinot Gris (Hungary)
Ripe and flavourful with the peach and melon aromas typical of pinot gris. This seems more New World in style than I expected, with pure fruit and a mouthfilling richness. Keep in mind that this wine is dirt cheap. An excellent value, but better as a second or third bottle.
<$15 Whites
2006 Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
Typical of sauvignon blanc from the Casablanca region. Slightly riper than New Zealand and a few dollars cheaper. Pear, lemon, asparagus and a crisp, grassy finish. A bit more canned vegetables than the pure grassy, gooseberry of NZ. Excellent value.
<$15 Reds
2003 Beaulieu Vineyard Coastal Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
At $15 (in BC), this wine offers good concentration and varietal character for the price. Not too tannic, the Coastal Estates Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas of blackberry, cherry and well-integrated oak, making for a crowd-pleasing and versatile wine.
<$20 Sparkling
Lindauer Brut N/V (New Zealand)
At $16 (in BC), this Kiwi methode traditionelle is less expensive than most still wines from NZ. A cuvee of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Lindauer is dry and in the Champagne style with a noted yeasty complexity. Who needs a special occasion?