Top BC Wines in the LCBO

A number of spectacular wines from British Columbia hit LCBO store shelves recently. Several of them below hosted their own Twitter tasting. They chose the hashtag #ONtastesBC so you can join them.

I’ve been reviewing these wines for several years now, and it’s interesting to track their progress to the most recent vintage. As well, you can find my Top 25 BC Wine List as well as all other wines reviewed from the province.

You may find this directory of BC wineries helpful in planning your next trip there. It’s a gorgeous region with plenty of activities aside from wine tasting and many spectacular restaurants, several of which are operated by the wineries themselves. Enjoy!

Note: All of my reviews are done independently and are not paid for by wineries, wine agents or wine associations. Like other wine writers, I am occasionally asked to moderate an in-person panel or online discussion, like this one, and I may or may not be paid for my time to do so. But facilitating a discussion is entirely separate from my actual reviews of the wines, which are done independently. Here are more details on how I review wines, including what my scores mean, my tasting notes and my review process.

Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2010, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Bursting with aromas of fleshy ripe peach and pear that mingle with toasted almonds. Full-bodied with layers of tropical fruit pleasure. Pair with: roast chicken or turkey, lobster in butter, corn dishes. Drink: 2012-2016.  545004  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 90/100. Twitter: @MissionHillWine

Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2011, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Classic gewurz with aromas of lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Full-bodied and delicious. Perfect for Asian dishes, curries and spicy dishes. Pair with: mildly spiced Asian cuisine. Drink: 2013-2016.  321588  12.6%  D  750 mL  $19.95  Score: 91/100. Best Value White Wine.   Twitter: @GrayMonkWinery

Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2011, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

A full-bodied and generous chardonnay with layers of rip peach and green apple flavour. Some attractive toast almond on the finish. Pair with corn dishes or lobster in butter. Drink: 2013-2016.  377770  14%  D  750 mL  $20.95  Score: 90/100.   Twitter: @Quails_Gate

Eau Vivre Pinot Noir 2008, BC VQA, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia

A lovely, medium-bodied red with a silky smooth texture. Enticing aromas of tart cherry, wild violets and a hint of smoke. Balanced and mouth-watering. Very versatile with food, from planked salmon to roast chicken. Drink: 2012-2016 308353  13.3%  D  750 mL  $24.95  Score: 90/100. Twitter: @EauVivre

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2008, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

A spectacular blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and malbec with a solid Bordeaux-like structure. The Okanagan signature is fully present here with a generosity of dark fruit aromas and rich, full-bodied weight. A long, satisfying finish. Pair with: prime rib, lamb with rosemary. Drink: 2012-2020.  626325  13.80%  XD  750 mL  $45.95  Score: 93/100. Twitter: #OsoyoosLarose

Mission Hill Quatrain 2009, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Spectacularly rich, complex and deep. This towering red offers aromas of dark red fruit, smoke, dried herbs and cigar box. It’s a multi-layered wine that will cellar very well. Truly one of Canada’s flagship wines. Pair with: robust meat dishes. Drink: 2013-2020.  218636  14%  XD  750 mL  $44.95  Score: 95/100. Top Rated Red Wine.  Twitter: @MissionHillWine

See all wine reviews.

Here’s how I review wines, including what my scores mean, my tasting notes and my review process.

 Posted with permission of the LCBO.