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Twilight Wines

~ Making Your Wine Experience Even More Enjoyable

Twilight Wines

Category Archives: Winery Review Series

Upon visits to wineries, I will review their wines that they submit to me as well as the winery.

ROSSIGNOL WINERY, PEI, Canada

20 Thursday Aug 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Rossignol Winery, Winery Review Series

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Interesting winery that’s owned by John Rossignol for more than 30 years. Local artist contribute to the artwork on the wine labels and statues inside. Their two native grapes grown on the island are the French/North American hybrid grape, Marechal Foch, and The grape is a crossing of the Vitis vinifera variety Goldriesling and another inter-specific crossing Millardet et Grasset  Joffre. Both grapes are early ripening which is perfect for the PEI climate. The wines were from okay to nope. Their winery is more geared to fruit wines not wine grape wines. However, Lisa the strawberry wine and the only one we bought. My only gripe with the winery is that you pay for the 3 wine tastings at $12, but they don’t wave that if you purchase X amount of bottles. Someone told me the reason was that the money goes towards cancer charity that his wife died from. If this is the case, I’m more than happy to pay for the tastings, just would be nice if people knew that, this way more people would take up the tastings.

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GRAY MONK ODYSSEY ROSÉ BRUT MÉTHODE CLASSIQUE 2023 VQA Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada

23 Thursday Jul 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Gray Monk Winery, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $29.00
Grape: 55% Gamay Noir and 45% Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location Bought: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Okanagan Valley, BC
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Gray Monk Winery
Alcohol: 11.2% Alcohol/Vol.

This versatile dry brut rosé is simply eloquent. Score: 95/100.

Tasting Note: Light copper in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, low to medium intensity on the nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Strawberry, cherry, rhubarb, pink grapefruit & brioche.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: “The base wine underwent a traditional second fermentation in bottle and was aged sur lie for 24 months to enhance texture and complexity. After aging, it was disgorged and finished with a proprietary dosage to achieve a precise balance of acidity and subtle sweetness.”

Pairings: Drink this now or 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with Charcuterie Board.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: July 19, 2026

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GRAY MONK PINOT GRIS ODYSSEY SERIES 2024, VQA Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada

04 Saturday Jul 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Gray Monk Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $33.00
Grape: Pinot Gris
Category: White Wine
Location Bought: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, BC
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Gray Monk Winery
Alcohol: 13.4% Alcohol/Vol.

Crisp, clean wine that is an excellent substitute for a high-end Sauvignon Blanc. Score: 88/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, medium nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Grapefruit, kumquat, lemon, pear, dragon fruit, wet stone

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: “Pinot Gris grapes were hand-picked from our Estate Vineyard (Block 8) from some of the oldest vines in British Columbia (approximately 40 years old). The grapes were gently pressed, then the juice fermented in stainless steel tanks for pure fruit expression, and aged in 2,000L French oak foudre for 6 months.”

Pairings: Drink this now or 3 – 4 years on its own or pair it with lightly breaded pan-fried fresh-water fish with buttered new potatoes.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: July 3, 2026

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GRAY MONK ODYSSEY CHARDONNAY 2022, VQA British Columbia, Canada

24 Wednesday Jun 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Gray Monk Winery, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $33.00
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location Bought: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: British Columbia
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Gray Monk Winery
Alcohol: 13.9% Alcohol/Vol.

Top tier Chard that is exquisite, elegant & complexed. Wine features nice balance between oak, fruit & acidity. Score: 98/100.

Tasting Note: Light gold in colour with good acidity, medium+ nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, pineapple, peach, green & yellow apples, green mango, Haden mangos, butterscotch, ginger, dill, oak spice.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: In order to bring out everything this wine has to offer, don’t overchill and use the larger Chard style glassware.

Winemaker’s Note: “The grapes come from select vineyards in Kelowna and Osoyoos regions of the Okanagan Valley, and from the Similkameen Valley, allowing for unique Chardonnay characteristics from each terroir. 50% of the wine was fermented and aged in new French oak barrels for 3 months, with battonage (lees stirring), and underwent a full malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity. 50% of the wine was aged in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation for a more refreshing fruit forward style. This first vintage of the Odyssey Chardonnay was blended, allowed to rest, then bottled in small production of 524 cases.”

Pairings: Drink this now or 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with Chilean Sea Bass in butter.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: June 22, 2026

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NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY DEAN’S LIST CHARDONNAY 2019, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

19 Friday Jun 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $34.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location Bought: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

NC best Dean’s List Chardonnay to date featuring a balance between the oak, fruit & acidity. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Light gold in colour with good acidity, medium+ nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, pineapple, peach, green apples, butterscotch, ginger, dill & oak spice.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: “This Chardonnay for the St. David’s Bench was aged in a combination of new and neutral French oak to balance the freshness of the fruit and the softness of the barrel.”

Pairings: Drink this now or 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with steamed lobster with drawn butter.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: June 18, 2026

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GRAY MONK ODYSSEY TRADITIONAL BRUT 2021, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada

24 Sunday May 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Gray Monk Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $29.95
Grape: 34% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, 32% Pinot Meunier
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Okanagan Valley
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Best valued vintage Champagne style wine that I have tasted to date. Score: 98/100.

Tasting Note: Light straw in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, medium nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Brioche, yeast, lemon, Anjou pear, green & red apples, peach & buttered toast.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or 8 – 10 years on its own or pair it with ocean East Coast Oysters.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: May 24, 2026

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COUNTRY VINE WINERY, Richmond BC, Canada

16 Saturday May 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Country Vine Winery, Winery Review Series

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I was staying in Richmond BC and noticed an interesting family-owned winery. The building was not conspicuous, and they had a large outdoor seating. There’s a pet farm beside them with three cows, two of which (milk cows) are huge.

On May 11, 2026, Lisa and I decided to explore the winery. We were greeted by Louis, a beautiful, friendly, black lab that belongs to Emi, the staff member that was giving us wine tastings and we also had some wine in the outdoor area.

The house is the original home of Suzie who grew up there. The Estate wines all come from the vineyards in the back, and their other wines come from the Okanagan Valley.

Lisa’s two favourite wines were their Estate Siegerrebe 2024, and “Suzie-O” Riesling from Okanagan Valley, while I chose their smoky “Hot Pursuit” Merlot 2021 from Okanagan Valley. Why the smoky notes? It was as a result from the fires that engulfed the Valley that year.

Unfortunately, I was not able to meet the wineries Wine Ambassador Tonya Karmin, but hoping to visit the winery sometime soon.

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GRAY MONK WINERY, LAKE COUNTRY, OKANAGAN VALLEY, BC

12 Tuesday May 2026

Posted by Twilight Wines in Gray Monk Winery, Winery Review Series

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On visiting Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, BC, I fell in love with Gray Monk Winery, so much that I signed myself up for their Club Membership. They ship four times a year, and yes to Ontario for $25 shipping, but if you buy an addition 6, the shipping is free. What I really like about their membership is that you have options on what wines you want versus what the winery wants to get rid of. In addition, you get 15% of wines, merchandise and at the restaurant. Rob (retired from Ontario and moved to BC) was great in serving Lisa and myself wines. Thanks also to Tony for hooking us up with Rob.

The record-breaking “polar vortex” of January 2024 was devastating for the entire Okanagan region, and Gray Monk Estate Winery was not immune. They lost their entire Pinot Gris vines, which now they import from Washington State. Winemaker Jen Oishi has done an excellent job producing a quality Pinot Gris wine.

An interesting wine, in a good way, even Lisa liked that, and that’s saying a lot, is Siegerrebe. Siegerrebe is a white grape variety that originated in Germany in 1929 through the crossing of Gewürztraminer and Madeleine Angevine. Known for its early ripening nature, Siegerrebe is among the first grape varieties to be harvested during the season.

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NIAGARA TEACHING WINERY COMMENCEMENT BRUT SPARKLING WINE, NV, Charmat Method, VQA Ontario, Canada

27 Saturday Dec 2025

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Not Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $26.95
Grape: Chardonnay & Vidal
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Not worth it.

Tasting Note: Light straw in colour with good acidity, medium intense nose & an average length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon zest, pear & orange pith.

Negatives: Plain with slight bitterness

Interesting Point: Taste was very plain with a slight bitterness. Only way this wine is palatable is in a mimosa. However, there are a lot better sparkling wines at a better price to do that.

Winemaker’s Note: “The wine was produced using Cuve Closed Method, completing its secondary fermentation in tank, then bottled under pressure to maintain the natural effervescence.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2 – 3 years and mix it with orange juice or any other juice.

My Opinion: Not Recommended

Tasted: December 20, 2025

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KIN VINEYARDS CARP RIDGE CHARDONNAY 2020, VQA Ontario, Canada

16 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by Twilight Wines in Canadian Wines, Kin Vineyards, Non LCBO Wine, Organic/Sustainability, Recommended, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $32.00
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Cap Ridge, Ottawa, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Kin Vineyards
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Versatile Chard made mostly in neutral oak. Score: 89/100.

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour with good acidity a medium+ intense nose & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, Kumquat, golden apples, pineapple, pear, peach, dill & limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Taste better in the oak style chard glass vs the Chablis style ones.

Winemaker’s Note: “Carp Ridge Chardonnay grapes, grown organically as well as biodynamically, were harvested with rigorous selection and sorting, over three days. After gentle pressing and cool settling, the juice was transferred to French Oak Burgundy format cooperage for indigenous fermentation and malolactic conversion over 5 months. Oak profile is 3% New Oak, 85% Neutral Oak and 12% Stainless Steel. Total elevage of 9 months with biweekly battonage for 4 months. Following barrel blending, light bentonite fining and cold stabilization, the wine was bottled with minimal filtration.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with Coquilles Saint-Jacques.

My Opinion: Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: November 15, 2025

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Edward Rasiulis: Certified Sommelier

What is Twilight Wines?

Twilight is sometimes defined as when something is approaching its end, especially in a gentle or peaceful way. It is universally known as that optimum moment between day and night, light and darkness. Twilight is that point when we have learned the lessons we are apt to learn and have spun our last breath, and told our last tale: our twilight years. It is that moment when everything and everyone is at its finest, when the earth and all its occupants pause for just a fraction of time in anticipation of what comes next. That is the moment at which all wine should be drank and with a little insight and a lot of luck, fate will allow us the moment in which this will occur. The luck my friend’s is totally of your own creation. Here in my domain, Twilight wines. I will endeavour to impart that insight.

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