Robert Bell's Wines of Canada

The Best of 2018

Robert's Selection reflects wines we have enjoyed in our home, at a friends or dining out. This means our selections are based on a glass or more of each wine in a relaxed and enjoyable surrounding. 2018 produce some really remarkable wines. Perhaps some are scored two high, but when you give a good wine a 92 and find one slightly better it gets a 94 and so on. All the wines listed here are worth seeking out and buying! For more detailed information on each wine see Robert's Selections. We welcome your thoughts.

Benjamin Bridge 1842 White Rock Road RR1 Wolfville, NS B4P 2R1 A Nova Scotia wine steals the show this year. Benjamin Bridge has gained a world wide reputation for sparkling wine production. This one Nova 7 exceeded expectations. Score 97

Culmina Family Estate Winery 4790 Wild Rose Street Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 It is no surprise that Donald Triggs' Culmina winery ranks among the very best. Dilemma 2014 is an excellent wine; perfection, light, elegant and suttle, full of flavours. Score 97

Blackwood Lane Vineyards & Winery 25180 8th Ave Aldergrove, BC V4W 2G8 Wow I found this treasure tucked away under the stairs. The Referènce 2008 is the best win ever produced by Blackwood Lane with a price to match. Score 96 The 2009 ranks right behind the 2008. A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Deep ruby in colour with a high-toned, savoury-spicy nose of black plums with vanilla oak and note of graphite. Medium to full-bodied, rich and full on the palate, with plum, dark chocolate and oak spice flavours; Creamy mouth-feel and ripe tannins. score 95

Trius Wines 249 Niagara Stone Road Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario Ontario is famous for producing Icewine. The Trius Vidal Icewine 2016 is among the best. Peach favours dominates this sweet wine. Score 95

Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery 1140 - 27th Ave St Creston BC This is the third straight year Récolte Blanche has made our list of Best wines. This time the vintage is 2017. The 2015 is slightly better but hey this wine still ranks among the best.  A fresh blend of Pinot Gris,Schoenburger, Kerner and Gewürztraminer

Winemaker's Cut Okanagan Deadman Lake Winemakers cut is the brand name of winemaker Michal Mosny. Who launched Winemaker’s CUT wines in 2017 (2016 was the first vintage for Syrah). Like a director’s cut, an edited version of a film that represents the director’s unique point of view, Winemaker’s Cut is the winemaker’s unique styling of an Okanagan wine. Through traditional winemaking methods the wines develop naturally and express the characteristics indicative of the Okanagan Valley vineyard. 2017 Sauvignon Blanc An excellent wine really nice flavours you will enjoy this elegant wine 94

Chaberton Estates Winery 1064-216th St., Langley, BC V2Z 1R3 There is nothing finer than a nice Ortega dessert wine. This one is perfect! Fresh floral aroma. honeysuckle, notes of baked apple a real nice finish Score 94

Chaberton Estates Winery 1064-216th St., Langley, BC V2Z 1R3 Reserve Bacchus 2017 It may not be the most popular grape but I love a good Bacchus and Chaberton is the leader in production of this wine Unique fruity flavours score 94

Sunrock Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 From one of the Okanagan's best vineyards a complex array of favours with black cherry and chocolate. Strong finish! This is the personal label of winemaker Dave Carson Score 94

Unsworth Vineyards 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd #1 Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P2 Unsworth's Ovation Solera made with estate maréchal foch is a truly fine fortified wine. Smooth and warms the body with comfort as one sips the wine. When visiting Vancouver Island make sure you visit the winery Score 94

Chaberton Estates Winery 1064-216th St., Langley, BC V2Z 1R3 Yes Chaberton has an amazing cellar of wines Winemaker Andrea Lee is doing a magnificent job. Madeleine Sylvaner has Fresh floral aroma. Honey melon flavours and a real nice finish. Score 93

Whispering Horse Winery 43721 Vedder Mountain Road, Chilliwack BC V2R 4C5 Pinot Gris 2017 Rose displays clear salmon hue. Lovely aromas of peach and strawberry followed by a light but crisp body The palate receives an array of fruit flavours finish strong with subtle minerality. Excellent. Score 93

Sunrock Vineyards Dave Carsonhas produced a very enjoyable Red Meritage. Starts with a very nice aroma producing flavours of dark fruit. Followed by tingling spices. The grapes were harvested at their peak ripeness, softly crushed and then fermented in open tank fermenters. They were gently punched down multiple times daily to extract the colour and flavour from the skins. The wine was pressed off and then went through ML fermentation in oak barrels. Aged for approximately 18 months in a blend of French and American oak. Merlot 37%, Cab Franc 32%, Cab Sauv 31% Score 93

Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery 5290 Olund Rd, Abbotsford, A young winery that has made great strides in its first two years. Under the guidance of Mark Simpson, David Zimmerman has produced some excellent wines The Royal Engineers Petit Verdot is a very fine wine. The wine provides flavours of dark berries and hints of blueberry Score 93

Honourable Mention

Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery - Charlotte Estate Petit Milo 2016 and 2017

Country Vines 2014 Merlot Cabernet -Yee Haw 2015

Winemaker's Cut Okanagan Deadman Lake Syrah VQA 2016

Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2017

Glasshouse Bacchus 2016

Noble Ridge Reserved Pinot Noir 2015

Arrowleaf Bacchus 2016

The Wineries to Visit in 2019 ~ The Wineries to Watch for in 2019

Robert's Selections 2018 ~ Robert's Selections 2019

Home | About | Sitemap | Support | Contact Us |©2019 Robert A Bell