Just when you thought summer might be heading for the exit, the barometer swings back and the mercury soars.
No better time than to be sipping something cool and refreshing. Here’s a slew of sippers to pair with this week’s expected high temperatures.
Remember all those critter wines, when everyone was trying to outsmart Yellow Tail? Well, the truth is they never really went away.
Laughing Bird Chardonnay 2015
This perfect “drink don’t think” drop from South Eastern Australia is laden with tropical and peach tones up front, followed by a juicy, fruity, palate with a splash of melon and citrus. There’s a little oak in there for added heft but it’s still very crisp and clean. In fact, it’ll have you singing “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree” in no time (88 points, good value at $12.99, Everything Wine).
Kono Pinot Gris 2014
Just in case you thought New Zealand was all and only about Sauvignon Blanc and Marlborough, here’s a gentle reminder that it isn’t. This very pretty, pale salmon-toned Pinot Gris hails from Nelson, which reminded me very much of Vancouver Island when I visited, with its lush, green rolling hills, and, yes, the odd sheep. Apple and pear on top with a hint of honey, followed by a rich, orchard fruit-driven palate with some lemon zest underpinned by firm acidity. A deal that goes down very easily at just $14.99 (91 points).
Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (Marlborough)
While “savvy” and “Kiwi” indeed may well be synonymous today, it wasn’t always the case. This somewhat more serious wine marks something of milestone: It’s the 30th vintage from celebrated Nautilus, home to one of Marlborough’s original Sauvingnon Blanc vineyards. A crest above some in the ocean of the variety that’s out there, with its distinctive tropical and nettle nose, followed by zesty lemon lime, excellent structure and richness, held together with mouth-watering acidity. Pair it with something chilled, like scallop ceviche and a touch of grapefruit in the dressing ($25, 92 points).
Speaking of anniversaries, it’s 35 years since the late Claude Violet (who came from a French winemaking family) and his wife, Inge, planted vines on a south-facing slope, near the U.S. border in Langley. They opened their winery 25 years ago. Owners Eugene Kwan and Anthony Cheng, Chaberton’s new owners, have built on their success and broadened the portfolio, bringing in grapes from elsewhere. But their origins are always clearly labelled.
Chaberton Estate Reserve Siegerrebe 2015 VQA (Fraser Valley)
Floral and tropical notes on top before a layered and generous off-dry palate of lychee, guava and citrus hints with a lingering end. Pair it with Pad Thai or something mildly spicy. Truly a local wine, and excellent value at $16.25 (90 points).
Chaberton Estate Reserve Pinot Gris 2015 (Similkameen)
Lengthy skin contact delivers a truly appealing, medium salmon colour, with stone fruit, quince and orchard fruits up front, followed by a just-dry palate, citrus and nectarine hints and a touch of spice ($16.25, 91 points).
The Violets proved it could be done, and done well, sowing the seed for a crop of Fraser Valley wineries. (Don’t forget to visit them now that harvest is almost here.)
Singletree Siegerrebe 2015 (Fraser Valley)
From one of the valley’s newest players: Floral and stone fruit on top before a mouth-filling, quite generous palate with apple and peach notes and a little clove before a lengthy end ($19, 90 points).
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
