Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2010, Okanagan Valley $24.90
It takes guts to charge up to $60 for a B.C. pinot noir, but some wineries try – even though the one challenge facing many wines made here is that they're priced considerably higher than equivalent imports. Unlike most others, Blue Mountain keeps it prices "competitive on the international market," says Matt Mavety, its second-generation winemaker.
Blue Mountain produces two pinot noirs in each vintage: this one called the cream label, and a more complex reserve wine called the stripe label. This is what good, affordable, Burgundian-style pinot noir should be: graceful with a deep garnet colour, cherry rich flavours and hints of spice, and a medium-long finish. It's the easiest red wine to match with food – ideal to serve at picnics and weddings, and there's no better pairing with cheeses.
Will age to 2017. Half bottles (375 ml) are also available in private wine shops.