This is a Guest Post by Mark Berry.
The present time constitutes a noble period for BC wine production. The province sees continuous expansion of its winery industry with exceptional quality wine production and tourism that continues to grow throughout its vast regions. Wine prices have delicately increased as the only minor price-based challenge on the vineyard path. The retail prices for everything have surged throughout the past year yet this situation does not create a desperate situation as we still find under $25 BC wines on store shelves but the selection of above $50 flagship winemaker’s wines is expanding rapidly.
One will find deals among wineries if they research the market for hidden gems. We discovered 4 outstanding wines under $25 in British Columbia during the last year that proved their tremendous quality-to-value ratio to us.
1) Chain Reaction 2020 Tailwind Pinot Gris, $23
Okanagan Pinot Gris fails to excite me because their superb standard has made them predictable yet high quality. A visiting Oregon winemaker praised our Pinot Gris standards during his visit while I had to agree he was totally correct about their high quality. The Pinot Gris I select comes from Chain Reaction which just started operations after two significant factors influenced my decision. The Chamaschuk husband-and-wife duo operates the winery with deep appreciation for cycling and they decorate their wines with cycling-themed artwork. Dwight Sick (Amulet, Seven Stones) launched his career at Chain Reaction as winemaker after he accepted the position because he shares the same passion for cycling. He delivers an excellent PG wine that showcases ripe apple elements while remaining light-bodied for road cycling purposes. Please join Amulet’s mailing/waiting list because their Rhone-inspired wines become available quickly.
2) Tantalus 2021 Bear Chardonnay, $23
A strong proclamation awaits your attention. All wines produced at Tantalus fall below their market value and this statement applies to their reserve Pinot Noir priced at $65.22. Two specific bottles within this price range will sell out quickly. The Tantalus team seems unaware that their experimental Riesling Lab should cost more than their signature wines because its price at $21.74 undercuts their main releases. Moving on from our discussion about Mayhem’s grape wines we will explore their Bear Chardonnay. The winery began releasing its Chardonnay
several years ago and has successfully accelerated its reputation development in a brief
timeframe. Silent tasting reveals this Chardonnay stands superior to all other BC Chardonnays as a true value wine.
The expert judgment would select it as a $35 bottle. A well-made $35 wine. Widely known as Chablis, with its flinty character and neutral oak aging it manages to remain surprisingly pure at this price point. It presents citrus notes with crisp pear flavour and Maldon salt-like saltiness.
3) Hillside 2019 Merlot, $24
Hillside has specialized in Merlot production throughout British Columbia’s history and strives to demonstrate how the grape develops in Naramata Bench’s fertile soil. Those who wish to experience their acclaimed single vineyard Merlots must invest $40 per bottle while being happy with this price. Their basic release maintains 100% (expensive) Naramata grapes together with no use of new oak barrels to let you experience firsthand their vision of Merlot. This wine presents an articulate presentation of dried herbs and cassis with cherries that avoids becoming a bomb of sweet fruit. The minimal tannic barriers in this bottle enable me to use ice without guilt when enjoying it on hot summer days.
4) Foxly 2020 Pinot Noir, $24
In Bordeaux second labels remain central to the wine industry as Chateaux release two different tiers of wines priced differently from each other. Configuration of second labels has emerged in the local market with Foxtrot becoming an emblematic case for Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production. Foxtrot introduced the $50 mark for Pinot (other wineries now follow) and thus becomes an optimal point to launch their second label. Foxly represents one of the highest quality affordable Pinots available in Tuscany Valley for its $24 price point. The wine contains rich fruit notes yet differs from similarly sweet Pinot Noirs because it follows its premium counterpart and features dried-spiced strawberry and raspberry flavours alongside the herbal sage character. It’s a real find.
Well, a wine is an essential element to make your events special or to maintain professional discipline in your events!