I was privileged to be invited to attend the “Iconic Wineries of British Columbia” Holiday Preview this week, held at the Holt Renfrew, in downtown Vancouver. We sampled selections from Mission Hill Family Estate, Martin’s Lane, CheckMate Artisanal Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Liquidity Wines, and Road 13 Vineyards. There were red, white, rose, and sparkling wines, along with canapes, made by the chefs from their winery’s restaurant, to pair with some of the wines.
All the wines I tasted, I rated 
and higher. These are wines to enjoy with family and friends for the holidays. No need to worry about the quality; they are all top notch. Let me give you some brief notes on each of the wines I tried.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Road 13 Vineyards Old Vines Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2019 – A mix of citrus and lees on the nose. Dry with higher acidity and medium-minus sized creamy bubbles. Citrus on the palate.
Mission Hill Family Estate Exhilarat!on Brut Rosé – A light strawberry nose. Dry, medium-plus body with biting bubble. Strawberry on the palate plus some grape stem. High acidity with biting bubbles.
Martin’s Lane Winery Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 – A medium intensity, translucent garnet colour. Light, oasty nose. Dry, medium-minus body with a lean mouthfeel. Red fruits, sweet spices, pepper and light toastiness on the palate. soft tannins.
CheckMate Artisinal Winery Fool’s Mate Chardonnay 2022 – A nice bright lemon colour. Inviting apple and butterscotch aromas. Dry, medium body with a smooth, soft mouthfeel. Apple, butterscotch and touches of pepperiness and sweet spices on the palate.
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2020 – A deep garnet colour. Lighter red fruit, cherries and some sweet spice aromas. Dry, medium-plus body with a smooth, soft mouthfeel. Tasty berries, black fruits, and sweet spices on the palate. Light tannins. A buttery texture on the finish.
Mission Hill Family Estate Perpetua 2022 – Light oak and apple on the nose and on the palate. This wine is medium bodied with a smooth mouthfeel. Some sweet spices and a touch of pepperiness on the palate.
Liquidity Wines Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022 – A deeper, dull garnet colour. Medium intensity red fruits and light oak aromas. Medium-plus body with a smooth, soft mouthfeel. Ripe red fruits, plus touches of capsicum and floral on the palate and some pepperiness. My favourite wine of the evening.
CedarCreek Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2024 – A light, crunchy berry nose. Medium-minus body with a soft, smooth mouthfeel. Juicy berries and vibrant acidity on the palate. Light tannins.
For upcoming holiday happenings at the wineries, please check the following link: Iconic Wineries of British Columbia Announce Holiday Offerings
