Anthony Gismondi: What to know about smoke taint for B.C. vintages

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Yet most online retailers, private and public, conveniently skip the vintage, saying the annual turnover prevents them from knowing exactly which year they are selling. Somehow I bet they know which year they are buying before they pay for anything. On the plus side, displaying a vintage is likely to attract more buyers than it scares off.

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Today I leave you with two local picks that are smoke-free, affordable, and widely available in government stores. The Haywire 2025 Chardonnay is a solid bet, with plenty of green apple, lemon and creamy lees to entertain you, and it’s on sale until Oct. 24 for $20.99.

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If you are looking for a red wine, try the newly refreshed Frind 2025 Big Red, also on sale for $ 20.99 until Oct. 24. This juicy, soft grape blend is ready to drink and offers solid value for the price.

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Weekend wine picks

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Maan Farms Blueberry 2025, Fraser Valley

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$20 | 88/100

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UPC: 626990150022

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Blueberries seem like a natural ingredient for fruit wine. B.C. is the unofficial capital of blueberries, so supply is plentiful. The nose is unsurprisingly blueberry-like, with just a dusting of herbal, leafy notes. The palate is soft, sweet, tangy, and spicy, with more intense blueberry and a fresh, cleansing finish. It is fun to sip, but it also works in marinades, salad dressings, and sauces. Spicy dishes like chilli chicken wings are also a fine match. This one is a winner.

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CedarCreek Estate Pinot Gris 2025, South Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley

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$25 | 89/100

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UPC: 776545502148

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The 2025 Estate Gris is grown across vineyards in Naramata, East Kelowna, and the Black Sage Bench. Rather than a single-site expression, it offers a broad portrait of the valley. It opens with aromas of fresh pear, white peach, melon, and citrus. The palate is round yet lively, balancing ripe orchard fruit with bright acidity and a subtle mineral thread. Winemaker Andrés Pizarro says the goal is to express both the grape variety and what the Okanagan Valley can offer in a clean, uncomplicated, highly drinkable style. The slight style shift makes an already well-made wine even more approachable.

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Sandhill Secco Chardonnay – Pinot Noir N/V, Okanagan Valley

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$25 | 88/100

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UPC: 058976503711

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Sandhill’s inaugural Secco, produced by the Peller Group, blends 80 per cent Chardonnay and 20 per cent Pinot Noir. Bright straw in colour, it has abundant, fine, persistent bubbles, with green apple and lemon carrying through to the palate. Fresh and lean, it is best served as a food-friendly apéritif alongside freshly shucked oysters, vegetable gyoza, or warm brie. Ready to drink, it is made in the Prosecco style using the Charmat tank method.

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Lunessence Pinot Noir Estate Single Vineyard 2025, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley

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$34.99 | 89/100

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UPC: 793588413033

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This Summerland Bench Estate Single Vineyard was farmed organically and is certified organic. It is also wild-fermented in neutral oak, and since 2023 the ageing has shifted to seven months in neutral French barrels with no new oak. The difference is immediate. Cleaner and fresher, there is a delicacy that matches its cool mid-valley location in Garnet Valley. Pleasant red cherry and plum are easy to sip and linear across the palate. Drink or hold. Ready to drink alongside lighter fare.

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Solvero Pinot Noir 2023, Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley

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$35 | 90/100

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UPC: 627987248401

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This young Summerland Pinot Noir comes from the Garnet Valley and Kozuki Family vineyards. It displays a dark cherry hue with subtle notes of blackberry and raspberry, complemented by vibrant acidity. The flavour is an intriguing mix of savoury cherry and a spicy blend of soy, balsamic, ginger, and dried desert herbs, underscored by a balanced, silky texture through the finish. Rich and powerful enough to pair with larger dishes like duck, mushroom risotto, or cedar plank salmon.