From a Local ‘Lunar Red’ to an Alpinesque Aperitif: Here’s What Vessel Recommends This February

The Goods from Vessel Liquor

Victoria, BC | Since opening doors in December 2015, Vessel has become Victoria’s hub for all things wine, beer, spirits, cider, and the conversation and culture surrounding them. Our locally-owned, independent company was built around supporting authentic products and producers, from our BC backyard and from around the globe.

Awarded Best Liquor Store in Victoria (seven times!), Vessel remains even more committed to serving the community. In 2022 we greatly expanded the footprint of our store, allowing for hundreds more listings. And in 2023, we expanded provincially, with an extensive new website and online store, allowing customers from across BC to shop Vessel from home.

It’s February, and while the cherry blossoms are soon to be blooming on the coast, we have rosés on our mind here at Vessel. Plus, a couple of very special wines worthy of ringing in the Fire Horse for Lunar New Year.

MADE IN BC

Haywire Lunar Red 2022, Okanagan Valley, BC. $26.99

This limited edition Lunar Red was crafted to celebrate this year’s Year of the Fire Horse, though this lush Merlot-dominant blend can certainly be enjoyed year round. Dark plum, fragrant cassis, tobacco, and baking spice are woven throughout the fuller palate, encouraging celebrations over glazed ribs, duck, or hoisin tofu. Find it online.

HISTORIC HEIGHTS

Catena La Marchigiana Mendoza Criolla Chica 2024, Cuyo, Argentina. $39.99

This alluringly pink hued Criolla, a grape native to Argentina (and also known as País) is naturally and authentically shown as a rosado via the careful Catena hands. Bright pomegranate, wild raspberries, and white pepper stream along a graceful palate, with lithe, near non-existent tannins to frame. Great energy and allure, for solo sipping or tapas crawling. Find it online.

SINGULAR CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Brut Extra 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV, Champagne, France. $99.99 (on sale all month from $119.99)

This wine, like all of Gimonnet’s Chardonnay-centric wines, is laser focused. Brut Extra (cute!) is the same base as their flagship Cuis 1er Cru, but with lower dosage, aimed for trendy wine bars and drinkers. Crunchy apple, toast, and wet chalk slide along the focused palate, with lingering sea salt on the finish. *Vessel has the Canadian exclusive on this special wine, and once this order is gone, it’s gone, so act quick! Find it online.

MOUNTAIN CLARITY

Everleaf Mountain, United Kingdom. $39.99 for 500mL

This chic UK non-alcoholic aperitif is a vibrant and aromatic pour of 12 sustainably sourced botanicals. Strawberry, cherry blossom, myrtle, and rosehip lead, with a bitter orange sweetness that’s smashing in a Spritz. Pour into a glass full of ice, top up with light tonic and garnish abundantly, pretending you’re breathing in the alpine air. Find it online.