Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Robert's Selections

Robert's Selections reflects wines we have enjoyed in our home in 2021, visiting friends, or dining out. Our selections are based on a glass or more of each wine in enjoyable surroundings. On numerous occasions our review takes into account the thoughts of our friends. These are wines we recommend for your enjoyment; not every bottle we open will make this list, only the best!

“The simplest definition of a great bottle of wine is when you feel sad because the bottle is empty.” ― Tony Margiotta

Time Merlot 2018--

Wow This is a true Merlot! One of the very best. classic aromas of plum, cherry, and blueberry. The flavours of dark fruit tantalize your taste buds. Lush and rich with a lengthy finish 96

40 Knotts -- Trie Emily 2017 Pinot Botrytis

A very good Botrytis wine. A sweet wine with strong strawberry flavours 93

Vintage Ink Rebal Red

A rich and full blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine opens with intense aromas of cherry, black currant and spice. The palate is elegantly balanced with fruity flavours, soft, round tannins and a lingering finish. 90

Quails' Gate 2018 Chardonnay

The Chardonnay is a blend of reputable French clones including clones 95, 96, 277 and 809 grown on differing terroir on their estate. Aromas of ripe orchard fruit, briochie and a hint of minerality. The palate is bursting with bright stone fruit flavours along with gren apple with a hint of butterscotch and citrus.91

L'acadie vineyards 2014 Prestige Brut Estate

You will be hard pressed to find a more delicious fruit flavoured sparking wine. The wine was aged 69 months sur lie and with its significant mineral backbone it can age further in the bottle post disgorgement. Traditional methods of hand riddling and disgorging to ensure utmost quality. Toasty brioche aromas are dominant with signature mineral and a slight saline essence owing to the ancient seabed origins of our soil and proximity to the Bay of Fundy. This vintage also boasts characters of walnut, creamy, honey and peach.95

Chaberton Estate - Bacchus 2020

This wine captures the true essence of what a good Bacchus should be. Light refreshing fruity and slightly sweet. 95

Church and State 2019 Trebella

A very good smooth and light wine featuring citrus flavours. A blend of 40% Rousanne,40%marsanne and 20% Viognier 92

Church and State Fritzzante Muscat

One of the best Sparkling wines I have ever enjoyed. The grapes are grown on Vancouver Island near Victoria and Black Sage Bench. Good aromas of tropical fruit. The acidity is light making for a smooth wine from start to finish. 95

Church and State Marsanne - Coyote Bowl & Bella 2018

A very fine soft patio wine. Featuring a nice golden colour. Starting with the aromas of fresh apricot, dried orange peel, and honeycomb, finishing with happy floral notes .
palate with fruity flavours and almond notes on the palate.92

Church and State - Pinot Gris 2017

A perfect summer wine. High lighted by tropical fruits with lemon at the forefront. 90

Church and State -Cabernet Franc 2018

A most enjoyable wine offering a nice aroma of dark fruits. Strongs hints of cherry and dark chocolate on the Palate. Good finish 92

Jost Vineyards. - L’Acadie Blanc, Pinot Grigio 2020

A nice blend of Nova Scotia L’Acadie Blanc with a touch of Ontario Pinot Grigio. Slight touch of sweetness. An aroma of green apple, ripe pear and grapefruit. Hints of honeydew followed by lime/lime. A total array of flavours.93

Volcanic - Gamay Noir 2019

A dark ruby red wine. The aroma is strong with nice flavours of raspberry, cherry and hints of Cinnamon. 90

Mt Lehman Winery. - 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

A most enjoyable wine from start to finish, Fruity aromas. The wine is fresh and crisp. Gooseberries dominate on the palate. 93

Township 7. - Merlot 2018

The Merlot features red cherry, plum and spicy aromas of tobacco leaves, cocoa, and vanilla.91

Festina Lente Estate Winery. - Juno Melomel( dry pear)

The wine starts with a nice aroma of Pear and honey. It has the right amount of sweetness Its fresh and very smooth.. 92

Hester Creek - Pinot Gris Viognier 2020

Soft and silky. Wonderful citrus famous, hints of pineapple. More please! 95

Time Winery -Syrah 2016

The wine starts with a nice aroma of black berry and mint followed by rich flavours of black berries, notably dark pum.. Hints of cinnamon add to the flavours. 94

Backyard Vineyards - 2020 Simple Social Gewürztraminer

Starts with a very nice floral aroma of citrus fruits, lychee. Grapefruit and Mango. The palette is delighted by flavours of Honey dew and Melon 92

Backyard Vineyards - 2020 Simple Social Bacchus

An ideal wine for the summer patios. Its light and refreshing full of citrus flavours. On the Peach, Lime zest, Pear, Grapefruit, Honeydew melon 91

Backyard Vineyards - 2020 Simple Social Sauvignon Blanc

A light refreshing wine displaying garden herbal notes with small hint of pineapple. A very good summer patio wine 92

Backyard Vineyards - 2019 Simple Social Viognier

Starts with a floral aroma with hints of mango. Followed by favours of peaches and light mineral tones 90

Skaha Vineyards - Impulsion 2016

A very nice blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Featuring aromas of black cherry, raspberry and ripe plum. Followed by notes of creme brule, espresso and with dark
chocolate extending into the finish 96.

Skaha Vineyards - Flying Change 2016

A very nice port-style wine 100% Merlot age 22 month in French Oak. Flavours of black licorice and dark fruits. 93

Mt Boucherie 2019 Pinot Gris

Excellent smooth and fresh. It shows a darker colour from extended skin contact. Some nice fruit flavours including pear. 95

Black Market 2018 Secret Society

A very nice wine blend. That asks you to guess what the blend is. I do not know but the wine is good with refreshing fruit flavours 92

Clos du Soleil - Célestiale 2017

An excellent Bordeaux-style blend Merlot 38%, Cabernet Sauvignon 33% ,Malbec 13%,Cabernet Franc 13%, Petit Verdot 3%. It begins with a warm aroma of cherries with hints of blackberries. On the palate the wine is well balanced with fruit flavours abounding, raspberry and blueberry hints of cherry. On the finish it evokes a sensation of warmth 95.

Clos du Soleil - Winemaker's Series Pinot Gris 2019

Nice aromas of lemon, perhaps apple It smooth and clean with pineapple and lemon flavours 90

Ruby Blues Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

spice, blackberry flavours with a long and complex finish and firm tannins. A crowd pleaser 93

Ruby Blues Forever Young Riesling 2019

A very nice wine. It starts with welcoming aroma reminds of fresh citrus fruits. On the pallet, Apricot, with hints of pear and pineapple. 96

Corcelettes Merlot 2017

Made from two are, all self-rooted in the Similkameen Stem winder soils. Two different clones, 181 and 184, add to the wine's complexity. Despite been a 2017 it taste young with soft tannins. Fruit flavours are intense with a mixture of dark berries. 93

Serendipity Winery - Next Step 2015

A very nice blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The wine is highlighted by hints of coco. 90

Seaside Pearl 2020 Matsqui Prairie Gewürztraminer

a very nice light wine. Aromas of citrus fruit thats follows through to the finish 92

Seaside Pearl Charlotte Estate Petite Milo 2019

A fresh light wine with notes of honey and citrus on the palette, finishing with tropical aromas of guava and pineapple. 94

Seaside Pearl 2018 Fraser Gold Unoaked Chardonnay!

a very nice unoaked, light wine with a lovely golden colour. Bursting with citrus flavours 93

Seaside Pearl Cabernet Franc 2018

What a Cab Franc should be. Wonderful flavours of black cherry, ripe raspberry, black currant .92

Church and State Winery -Marsanne 2017

A perfect golden colour. Aromas of fresh apricot, dried orange peel, and honeycomb, finishing off with nuts and fruit flavours 90

Narrative 2017 Gewürztraminer:

A fresh easy drinkable wine. Silky smooth. Nice lemon line flavours. 93

Okanagan Crush Pad The Bizou + Yukon Savvy Gris 2019

Wow what flavours It starts with wonderful notes of Honeysuckle followed by lemon line, pear, hints of apple and more A must buy wine. 93

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