The Cellar Edit Q2 2026
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Wine |
Tasting Highlights |
Ideal Pairings |
Winery Significance |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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Painted Rock Cabernet Franc 2022 |
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum, accented by cedar, graphite, and subtle baking spice. |
Herb-crusted rack of lamb Steak frites or grilled ribeye |
Admired for producing wines with a balance of power, elegance, and exceptional aging potential. |
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ORIXE SOTELO Tinta Alta, Tempranillo 2021 |
Black cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, layered with subtle sweet spice and earthy underbrush. |
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, Spanish-style chorizo and manchego, Smoked tri-tip or barbecued beef, Mushroom and roasted red pepper paella, Aged Gouda, Manchego, or Mahón cheese |
Dedicated to exploring the potential of Spanish grape varieties grown throughout California. |
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Joyce Syrah 2021 |
Palate is energetic and beautifully balanced, revealing layers of juicy blackberry, black cherry, and charred raspberry, accented by notes of cracked pepper, sweet tobacco, and cured meat. |
Grilled lamb skewers with rosemary Smoked brisket or barbecued pork shoulder Duck breast with blackberry reduction Wild mushroom flatbread Aged Gouda, Comté, or sheep’s milk cheeses |
Family-owned winery based in Monterey County, dedicated to producing site-driven wines that reflect the unique character of California’s Central Coast. |
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.
Painted Rock Cabernet Franc 2022
Okanagan Valley, BC
A standout single-varietal expression from Painted Rock Estate Winery, showcasing the elegance, complexity, and age-worthy character of Cabernet Franc grown on the renowned Skaha Bench in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
Tasting Notes
Rich and expressive, this Cabernet Franc opens with inviting aromas of black cherry, dark currant, violet, tobacco leaf, and espresso, layered with subtle notes of cedar, cocoa, and baking spice. The palate is concentrated yet refined, offering ripe dark berry fruit, savory herbal undertones, and beautifully integrated oak. Firm, polished tannins and vibrant acidity provide structure and balance, leading to a long, lingering finish marked by spice, dark chocolate, and mineral complexity. 100% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 14.3%.
Ideal Pairings
Herb-crusted rack of lamb
Steak frites or grilled ribeye
Beef tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce
Duck breast with cherry reduction
Aged cheddar, Gruyère, or Comté
Winery Significance
Painted Rock Estate Winery is recognized as one of the Okanagan Valley’s benchmark producers, crafting small-lot wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Skaha Bench. Their Cabernet Franc has become one of the winery’s most celebrated limited-production wines, admired for its balance of power, elegance, and exceptional aging potential.
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.
ORIXE SOTELO Tinta Alta, Tempranillo 2021
Napa County, Monterey County, CA
A distinctive California Tempranillo crafted by Orixe Sotelo, blending fruit from some of the state's most acclaimed vineyard sites to showcase the depth, energy, and versatility of Spanish varietals grown in California.
Tasting Notes
Bold yet remarkably refined, this Tempranillo opens with expressive aromas of dark cherry, blood orange, and subtle bay laurel, complemented by hints of dried herbs, cedar, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and vibrant, revealing layers of ripe red and dark fruit, delicate floral notes, and savory undertones. Smooth, juicy tannins provide structure and balance, while bright acidity carries through a fresh, persistent finish. A complex and energetic expression of California terroir. 98% Tempranillo, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol: 14.27%.
Ideal Pairings
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
Spanish-style chorizo and manchego
Smoked tri-tip or barbecued beef
Mushroom and roasted red pepper paella
Aged Gouda, Manchego, or Mahón cheese
Winery Significance
Orixe Sotelo is a California winery founded by husband-and-wife team Gustavo and Jackie Sotelo, dedicated to exploring the potential of Spanish grape varieties grown throughout California. Drawing inspiration from Gustavo's family roots in Northern Spain and his winemaking experience in Ribera del Duero, the winery focuses on site-driven expressions that bridge Spanish tradition with California terroir. The 2021 Tinta Alta combines fruit from five exceptional vineyard sites across Napa Valley, Amador County, Paso Robles, and Monterey County, creating a uniquely Californian interpretation of Tempranillo. Fermented with native yeast and aged for 22 months in French oak, the wine reflects the winery's commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and minimal-intervention winemaking.
Joyce Syrah 2021
Monterey County, CA
A vibrant, cool-climate Syrah from California's Central Coast, showcasing the freshness, energy, and savory complexity that have become hallmarks of Joyce Wine Company's minimalist winemaking philosophy.
Tasting Notes
Bright, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, this Syrah opens with enticing aromas of brambleberry, crushed violets, dried herbs, and subtle hints of applewood smoke. The palate is lively and expressive, unfolding layers of juicy blackberry, black cherry, and charred raspberry, complemented by notes of cracked pepper, sweet tobacco, and savory spice. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity provide structure and lift, carrying the wine through a fresh, peppery finish. Elegant yet approachable, this is a food-friendly Syrah that captures the character of California's cool-climate vineyards. Alcohol: 13.8%.
Ideal Pairings
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
Smoked brisket or barbecued pork shoulder
Duck breast with blackberry reduction
Wild mushroom flatbread or risotto
Aged Gouda, Comté, or Manchego
Winery Significance
Joyce Wine Company is a family-owned winery in Monterey County focused on crafting terroir-driven wines that reflect the rugged beauty and maritime influence of California's Central Coast. Sourced primarily from the Arroyo Seco AVA, the 2023 Syrah benefits from rocky alluvial soils and the cooling breezes of Monterey Bay, producing fruit with exceptional freshness and complexity. Fermented with native yeasts, incorporating whole-cluster fermentation, and aged in neutral French oak, the wine is bottled with minimal intervention to preserve its purity and sense of place.
The 2023 Joyce Syrah has received significant critical acclaim, earning 94 points and an Editors' Choice designation from Wine Enthusiast, which praised the wine's balance, character, and exceptional value. This recognition further cements Joyce Wine Company's reputation as one of California's most exciting producers of cool-climate Rhône varieties, crafting wines that seamlessly balance elegance, authenticity, and drinkability.
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