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Nk’Mip Cellars 2022 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon was tied for the top Cabernet in the country. Finally, among the white blends, the B.C. standout was the Roche Wines 2023 Viognier Marsanne, an ode to the famous Rhône blend but definitely Okanagan style.

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In the does-your-wine-age-well library category, the Poplar Grove 2015 The Legacy Library Collection red earned a much-deserved platinum medal, rounding out the list.

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B.C. was unsuccessful in its quest for the prestigious winery of the year accolade. That award went to Tawse Winery, while the best performing small winery award (under 5,000 cases produced) went to Black Bank Hill, both from Niagara.

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This year’s B.C. star overall was Naramata-based La Frenz Estate, which finished first among all B.C. producers and fourth overall in Canada, earning five gold, five silver and five bronze medals.

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$24.90 | 91/100

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UPC: 626452201231

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Blue Mountain continues to work the richer, more structured side of Pinot Gris, with old vine fruit, native yeast, partial neutral oak, and lees aging adding weight and shape. The 2025 is whole-cluster pressed from 30-year-old vines. The nose has a bright, vivid fruit character with excellent acidity and balance. The palate is full citrus, mandarin, white flowers, dense orange, lemon, apple, spice and minerality. Drink or hold through 2028.

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$23.99 | 91/100

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UPC: 626990125686

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The signature white of Fort Berens continues to showcase the strengths of the Lillooet region. It begins with pristine, pure lime and apple. On the edge of off-dry, the acid and fruit are well balanced throughout, with apricot, peach, and lime. Another versatile food wine, this consistently polished Riesling also grabbed the attention of judges at the 2026 National Wine Awards. Drink or hold, there is no rush.

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$30 I 89/100

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UPC: 626990442653

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Farmed specifically for rosé, this fresh, citrus-edged Provençal pink is lively, balanced, and lifted. The fruit is hand-sorted, whole-cluster pressed, and given brief skin contact. Liquidity’s elevated vineyards and cooler Okanagan Falls site bring aromatic tension and freshness to a raspberry-cranberry palate touched with pink grapefruit. The style is subtle, and it’s made for summer drinking and remains a natural match for watermelon and feta salad.

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$29.99 I91/100

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UPC: 776545502476

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The deep freeze inspired CedarCreek to look offshore to the Rhône for inspiration and juice, and they hit a home run with this Syrah. It is a super fresh style, very juicy and approachable for Syrah. There is an appealing ripeness here, but in a southern Rhône garrigue style, where a savoury undercurrent tempers the plump berry fruit. Soft, dense, delicious. We love the price, too.

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UPC: 627987248463

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The Solvero 2023 Blanc de Noir is a well-made, inviting traditional-method sparkling wine made from 100 per cent Pinot Noir sourced from the Happy Valley and Garnet Valley Vineyards in Summerland, B.C. It opens with a light copper hue. The nose offers vibrant lemon zest, green apple and orchard pear notes. The texture and finish reflect 20 months of aging, with brioche and toasted almond undertones threading a light, chalky mineral thread. It is disgorged with zero dosage, leaving it completely bone dry. Good value.