While winter maintains its firm grip on British Columbia with chilly temperatures and limited daylight, local wine enthusiasts have discovered a silver lining in their glasses. The province's wine industry continues to offer exceptional drinking opportunities, particularly through red wines from previous vintages that provide both warmth and remarkable value.
Supporting Local Through Challenging Times
British Columbia's wine industry faced significant challenges during recent growing seasons, making consumer support more crucial than ever. While many have been enjoying 2024 vintage bottles to help local wineries navigate difficult conditions, a closer examination of wine labels reveals numerous red wines from earlier years still available on shelves. These wines, crafted from BC-grown grapes—often estate-grown—represent excellent opportunities for both value and quality.
Culmina 2018 Hypothesis: A Bordeaux-Style Gem
Culmina 2018 Hypothesis from the Golden Mile Bench in southern Okanagan offers exceptional quality at $34.99 (on sale until February 28). This Bordeaux-style blend incorporates all five classic grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec in carefully balanced proportions.
The wine presents rich, opulent characteristics with red and black fruit notes mingling with cedar and leather aromas. Its solid structure leads to a balanced finish featuring subtle tannins and toasty oak elements. With several years of bottle age already developed, this wine represents both excellent drinking readiness and outstanding value.
Bottom line: A- rating. Perfect pairing: A good book on a winter evening.
Black Sage Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and Approachable
Black Sage Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon ($28.99 until February 28) hails from the Black Sage Bench on the eastern side of the Okanagan Valley. This region's abundant sunshine and heat produce consistently ripe, bold flavors that shine in this classic Cabernet expression.
The wine offers familiar dark fruit aromas complemented by savory notes, with secondary characteristics of mocha and vanilla from careful oak aging. Its comforting, crowd-pleasing style makes it ideal for casual gatherings during blustery winter evenings or as an accompaniment to hearty stews.
Bottom line: B rating. Excellent with roast beef or lamb dishes.
Township 7 Provenance Series 2022 Cabernet Merlot: Elegant Complexity
Township 7 Provenance Series 2022 Cabernet Merlot ($31.97, available through the winery) presents an intriguing blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot sourced from two distinct terroirs: Naramata and Osoyoos. This dual-origin approach contributes to the wine's complexity and depth.
After eighteen months of aging in French and American oak barrels, the wine displays vibrant dark fruit and eucalyptus aromas. Its juicy palate combines toasty oak elements with suave tannins, creating an elegant drinking experience. The winery recommends pairing with Beef Stroganoff or smoked tofu with stewed lentils and aged cheddar.
Bottom line: A rating. Sophisticated and delicious.
Beyond Wine: Vancouver Cocktail Week Returns
For those seeking alternative winter beverages, Vancouver Cocktail Week returns March 1-8 for its fifth anniversary celebration. Presented by The Alchemist magazine, the festival features numerous events including cocktail crawls, educational seminars, and curated happy hours at venues throughout the city. This annual celebration offers another way to explore British Columbia's vibrant beverage scene during the colder months.
As winter continues across British Columbia, these locally produced red wines provide both physical warmth and emotional comfort while supporting the province's wine industry through challenging times. With options ranging from aged blends to current vintage releases, there's something for every palate and occasion during these lingering winter days.
