Deborah Podurgiel scored this wine: 94/100

This was a match made in cheese and wine heaven! Upper Bench Estate Winery's Altitude 2022 is a dry, rich and robust Cab Sauv., Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot (47%/35%/12%/6%) drop-dead delicious red wine blend and an absolute perfect pairing with the winery's King Cole Blue Cheese. I just loooove this cheese. (This time I had one-third of the 200-gram block of cheese with the wine .... as a snack. My snack guest had the rest -- mega workouts tomorrow). Altitude 2022 is plushy with dark berry, crushed black raspberry, plum compote and ripe dark fruits, savoury, spicy with a long finish on a carpet of velvety tannins tamed by King Cole's creaminess. Amazing craftsmanship and balance on this full-bodied red from the Naramata Bench. Tasted September 2026. Drink or hold to 2032.

Deborah Podurgiel scored this wine: 90/100

Love this super fresh white wine blend of Frontenac Blanc, Riesling, Frontenac Gris, Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner and La Crescent from Monte Creek Winery! Hands up White 2024 is summer in a glass but great anytime (particularly in winter when you're thinking summer :) Fresh with light aromas of mango, tropical fruits, green apple, lemon-lime zest, wet stone and minerally notes, the wine is off-dry and medium-bodied with a bright finish on the palate. Chill and enjoy it now through 2027. Tasted September 2026. While Monte Creek Winery in the Thompson-Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, was not completely spared from the brutal freeze up of January 2024, they did fare better than most wineries because of the cold-hardy grape varieties they grow there. "Monte Creek was one of the lone, shining stars to have any sort of significant fruit production in the interior of BC. Although our crop was reduced from 2023, we happily harvested 150 tons of quality fruit. "

Deborah Podurgiel scored this wine: 93/100

Township 7 Vineyard & Winery's Benchmark Series NBO 2022 is rich, plushy and sooooo smooth. Crafted from grapes sourced from the winery’s Blue Terrace Vineyard, North Bench Oliver estate in British Columbia, this full-bodied, hedonistic Bordeaux-style beauty is a blend of 55.9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44.1% Merlot. Deep dark ruby in the glass, it beckons you with ripe dark berry, black currant, plum compote and dark chocolate aromas layered and lush on the palate with polished tannins and a satisfyingly long finish. Winemaker’s notes: Fermented in both large-format wood and stainless-steel tanks with daily remontage, the wine was barrel aged for 24 months in French (70%) and American (30%) oak barriques, 15% new. Decant for an hour or two prior to pouring it with a filet mignon done rare or cellar the wine to 2030. Tasted September 2026. While 2022 was another year of extreme weather and conditions for grape growing, including hail in late July which damaged leaves and left some bruising on fruit, temperatures moderated throughout August, September and October with grapes reaching full ripeness with good acidity and giving higher yields over vintages from the three previous years. With excellent conditions for the fall harvest, the 2022 vintage is one of Township 7's best.

Deborah Podurgiel scored this wine: 90/100

Vasanti Paradise Renewal Series Bubbles (2025) is a perfect bubble for anytime of the day. Enjoy a glass or two (easy to do at 11.6% abv) to celebrate the end of a long week, a light Saturday lunch or Sunday brunch. Produced from 100% Pinot Gris grapes from the winery’s Paradise Block Vineyard in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, this versatile little sparkler tickles the nose with upfront green apple, ripe Bartlett pear, super fresh on the palate with a delicate mousse and a lime-zesty finish. Chill it up and enjoy now on its own or with a snack of creamy cheeses. Tasted September 2026.

Deborah Podurgiel scored this wine: 93/100

An absolutely stunning NV Brut Méthode Classique from Benjamin Bridge In Nova Scotia. Classy and elegant all the way right down to its label. Produced from L’Acadie, Vidal, Seyval, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes sourced from the winery's estate vineyards, this gentle bubble is fresh with ripe apple, pear, baked bread and soft lemony flavours delivered on a pillowy mousse. So lovely, so elegant. Chill and enjoy it with oysters on the half shell and just a squeeze of lemon juice, smoked salmon Bennies, or a chicken Ceasar salad. Enjoy now through 2028. Tasted September 2026.