What the U.S.-Canada tariff war means for local wine consumers

$19.99 I 88/100
UPC: 696852043885

This is an early release of the so-called “replacement wines” being made at B.C. wineries to cover the shortfall caused by the extreme weather events in the winters of 2023 and 2024. You can expect a pleasant, fresh, well-made Sauvignon that is not far off what you might get from Marlborough or B.C., if we had any grapes. The grapefruit and gooseberry scents preview a zesty, crisp white with bits of tropical melon and an herbaceous touch to balance it. Goat cheese on the patio would be a fine match or steamed mussels for an elevated experience. The fruit was hand-harvested from the White Bluffs AVA in Columbia Valley, Wash. The grapes were shipped to B.C. in temperature-controlled trucks and were crushed in Oliver the same day they were picked.

$19.99 I 90/100
UPC: 9421907867267

The Heaphy Nelson Sauvignon Blanc has a strong maritime bent and opens with saline, pink grapefruit and green guava nose. The palate is equally lively, with more freshness playing with high-end tropical citrus fruit notes, kiwi fruit and a creamy mineral midpalate, with pronounced salinity and a clean finish. Expect an impressive rush of fruit and acid that makes it very food-friendly. It is on sale until the end of March.

$25.99 private wine shops only I 90/100

From Roero, Piedmont, comes Passato, a straw-coloured Arneis with a floral, green apple, melon nose and an almond undercurrent. Post ferment, it spends six months on lees to broaden the mid-palate, pitching green apples, ripe pear and citrus all over a mineral stony base, finishing with hints of guava and almonds. It is a delicious wine to pair with an array of West Coast seafood dishes or an Italian classic: Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil (Aglio e olio).

A reliable Syrah from an outstanding vintage is a good combination, and it will be on sale until the end of March. Expect a savoury, plummy, blueberry nose marked with cured meat. The textures are soft and well-integrated into its mature, rich, dark berry fruit flavours and freshness. A solid wine approaching its peak that would be perfect with lamb for dinner.

Erich Smith-Peter is the winemaker/owner of Maison Smith Montpetit Bottega & Vineyards in the Similkameen Valley. His early releases have been impressive and you can add his latest label, “The Journey,” to the list. This Cabernet Franc/Merlot is a winner from its attractive, fragrant nose to its youthful, balanced, layered and perfectly ripened savoury, red and black cherry fruit flavours. Local industry veterans Jim Bagan and Richard Goodine have joined forces to launch “The Journey,” a series of select labels emanating from global producers that embody the spirit of community and commitment to giving back. It’s a statement of support for the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation, and $40 a case — $20 on behalf of the buyer/seller and $20 on behalf of the winery — will be donated to the BCHF’s fundraising campaign. Interested restaurants, retailers and consumers can contact Jim at 604-551-6911 or Richard at 778-778-9475 or buy the wine directly online from Maison Smith Montpetit. You won’t be sorry.