The Canada Reserve Q2 2026
| Wine | Tasting Highlights | Ideal Pairings | Winery Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted Rock Red Icon 2021 |
Inspired by classic Bordeaux, 41% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot. |
Grilled ribeye or prime steak Braised short ribs with red wine reduction Herb-crusted lamb Aged hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or gouda |
One of the Okanagan Valley’s benchmark producers, known for crafting Bordeaux-inspired wines. |
| Winemakers CUT Pinot Noir 2020 | Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, layered with subtle sweet spice and earthy underbrush. |
Roasted salmon or meaty grilled fish Duck confit or roast duck breast. |
Boutique Okanagan Valley producer based in Oliver, BC, known for small-lot, sustainably farmed wines that emphasize purity and site expression. |
| Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2025 | Dark blackberry, black pepper, subtle espresso, polished tannins | Braised lamb, roasted game, mushroom risotto | Okanagan Valley project emphasizing site-specific reds and thoughtful construction |
| Painted Rock Cabernet Franc 2022 | Blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, warm spice, structured acidity | Beef Wellington, rack of lamb, braised meats, aged cheddar | Renowned Similkameen Valley estate crafting age-worthy Bordeaux-inspired wines |
Painted Rock Red Icon 2021
Okanagan Valley, BC
A flagship Bordeaux-style blend from Painted Rock Estate Winery, showcasing the depth, structure, and precision of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
Tasting Notes
A powerful yet refined expression of Okanagan Cabernet-driven blending, this wine opens with layered aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum, accented by cedar, graphite, and subtle baking spice. The palate is structured and concentrated, with polished tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, elegant finish that reflects both richness and restraint. 41% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 14.6%
Ideal Pairings
Grilled ribeye or prime steak
Braised short ribs with red wine reduction
Herb-crusted lamb
Aged hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or gouda
Winery Significance
Painted Rock Estate Winery is one of the Okanagan Valley’s benchmark producers, known for crafting Bordeaux-inspired wines of precision, depth, and age-worthy structure that consistently reflect site and vintage expression.
Winemaker’s CUT Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, BC
An elegant, single-vineyard Pinot Noir from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, crafted with a focus on purity, restraint, and terroir expression.
Tasting Notes
Light, perfumed, and beautifully structured, this Pinot Noir opens with lifted aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, layered with subtle sweet spice and earthy underbrush. The palate is silky and dry, with fine tannins and a vibrant red fruit core that carries through a crisp, well-defined finish. Balanced, expressive, and quietly complex. Alcohol: 13.5%
Ideal Pairings
Roasted salmon or meaty grilled fish
Duck confit or roast duck breast
Mushroom gnocchi or wild mushroom risotto
Veal carpaccio or herb-driven pasta dishes
Winery Significance
Winemaker’s CUT is a boutique Okanagan Valley producer based in Oliver, BC, known for small-lot, sustainably farmed wines that emphasize purity and site expression. The 2020 Pinot Noir reflects hand-harvested fruit from vineyard sites north of Oliver and southeast of Osoyoos, grown on sandy loam and gravel soils. Naturally fermented and crafted with minimal intervention, it reflects a restrained, food-friendly style with a distinctly cool-climate elegance.
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2025
Okanagan Valley, BC
Founded in 1993, Poplar Grove Winery is one of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley.
Tasting Notes
Brilliant pale straw in color. The nose opens with generous aromas of ripe peach and honeysuckle. The palate is vibrant and fruit-driven with flavors of apricot, orchard stone fruit, and baked pineapple that reflect a classic Okanagan harvest. A refreshing and balanced finish keeps the wine lively and inviting. Alcohol: 13.5%
Winemaker Notes
This wine was made predominantly from Pinot Gris, with a touch of Viognier, Chardonnay, and Muscat to add body and aromatics. The Pinot Gris grapes were pressed after a short period of skin contact to extract additional aromatics. The various parcels of juice were inoculated with three specific yeast cultures to allow complexity and mouthfeel to develop, then slowly fermented at cool temperatures to preserve the signature fruit flavours. The final Pinot Gris blend was crafted to achieve a balanced profile of acidity, aromatics, and natural texture on the palate.
Ideal Pairings
Grilled halibut or white fish
Summer salads with citrus vinaigrette
Sushi and sashimi
Light poultry dishes
Winery Significance
Poplar Grove is widely recognized for crafting benchmark Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc as well as multiple varietals and exceptional blends. Their flagship Okanagan blend of red Bordeaux varieties, The Legacy, first produced in 2003, is a wine that has the rare quality of being good at any age.
Clos du Soleil “Célestiale” 2022
The Pinnacle from Similkameen Valley
Clos du Soleil’s flagship Bordeaux‑inspired wine, crafted only in exceptional vintages with structure built for both now and later.
Tasting Notes
Blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and spice weave through a complex, layered palate. Tannins are firm yet refined, balanced by vibrant acidity.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Pairings
- Classic: Beef Wellington, rack of lamb
- Hearty: Braised meats
- Cheese: Aged cheddar, hard alpine styles
Winery Significance
One of British Columbia’s most respected estates, known for age‑worthy Bordeaux‑style reds rooted in Similkameen terroir.
Q&A RMV 2022
This White Blend is a masterclass in balance and elegance.
This vintage showcases the meticulous blending of aromatic varietals from premium vineyards in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve purity and freshness.
Tasting Notes
58% Roussanne, 34% Marsanne, 8% Viognier. A beautifully expressive white blend that opens with layers of citrus blossom, ripe pear, and white peach. The palate is crisp yet rounded, delivering notes of Meyer lemon, honeysuckle, and a subtle minerality. A vibrant acidity lifts the wine, leading to a clean, refreshing finish with lingering floral hints.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Pairings
- Grilled halibut with lemon butter
- Fresh oysters with mignonette
- Goat cheese salads with arugula and citrus vinaigrette
- Thai green curry with coconut milk
- Roasted chicken with herbs
Winery Significance
Based in the Okanagan Valley, Q&A is a premium wine project by Hollywood actor and director Jason Priestley, Winemaker’s CUT proprietor Michal Mosny, and media personality and broadcaster Terry David Mulligan.
Lieux Communs, Ours 2022
Fresh, Playful, and Expressive
For this 2022 vintage, the winemakers embraced spontaneity, blending immediately after fermentation to capture the essence of the fruit and the character of the year. Crafted from hybrid reds pressed directly, along with Vidal and Frontenac Noir via carbonic maceration, this wine expresses freshness, vibrancy, and a natural, unfiltered personality.
Tasting Notes
Bright aromas of red berries, subtle tart cherry, and fresh cranberry are complemented by earthy, mineral undertones. The palate is light-bodied yet layered, showcasing juicy fruit, gentle acidity, and a lively, mouthwatering finish. With no added sulfites, this wine retains a pure, natural expression of its varietals and terroir.
Alcohol: 10.5%
Ideal Pairings
- Classic: Roasted poultry, grilled vegetables, mushroom risotto
- Comfort: Light stews, lentil dishes, fresh herb-forward cuisine
- Entertaining: Picnic boards, charcuterie, soft cheeses
Winery Significance
The wines were sourced from:
- Ontario locations: Beamsville (Vidal), St. Thomas (Sainte Croix)
- Quebec locations: Sabrevois, Lanoraie (Marquette & Frontenac Noir)
Lieux Communs celebrates small-lot, natural winemaking. Immediate blending and minimal intervention highlight the pure fruit and vintage expression, creating a wine that is vibrant, approachable, and food-friendly.
Poplar Grove Legacy 2018
A Bordeaux‑Style Benchmark from the Okanagan Valley
From one of the Okanagan’s most distinguished estates, the 2018 Poplar Grove Legacy is a richly layered Bordeaux‑style blend that exemplifies the depth, structure, and age‑worthy character this region can achieve. Meticulous vineyard selection and thoughtful barrel aging come together in a wine that’s both commanding and refined.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum are beautifully complemented by subtle notes of cedar, baking spice, and dark chocolate. On the palate, plush fruit is framed by firm yet velvety tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a long, structured finish that invites both immediate enjoyment and future cellaring.
Blend:
48% Cabernet Sauvignon • 25% Cabernet Franc
17% Merlot • 6% Malbec • 4% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 14.4%
Ideal Pairings
- Classic: Grilled ribeye, roast beef, or lamb chops
- Comfort: Braised short ribs, wild game, or hearty stews
- Cheese: Aged Gouda, Manchego, or firm alpine‑style cheeses
Winery Significance
Poplar Grove Winery — rooted in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia — has built a reputation for producing elegant, terroir‑driven wines with precision and poise. The Legacy blend highlights the estate’s commitment to small‑lot quality, thoughtful blending, and classic Bordeaux varietal expression in a uniquely Canadian setting.
