It’s probably no exaggeration to say that a new B.C. winery comes along every week or so these days. At least, it seems so. Here are some new wines from a few of them.

Bench 1775 is owned and operated by Paradise Ranch Wines, founded in 1997. The family of brands also includes Whistler and Soaring Eagle labels. So far, I’ve tasted a couple of excellent whites and a red blend.

Bench 1775 Cabernet-Merlot 2011 ($22.90)
Here’s a relatively low-alcohol red (12.2 percent) that nonetheless has plenty of body and big, hearty fruit. Stick your nose in a glass of this beautiful blend and you’ll come away with a heady whiff of bright, ripe berries. Yes, it could cost a little less, but it’s a magnificent sipping wine or roast-dinner companion. A good start for a new portfolio.

Bench 1775 Chill White Blend 2012 ($17.90)
This is a Bordeaux-style blend that’s a real thirst-quencher with a big, fresh, full finish. Definitely one for the big, unbreakable glasses, on the patio. And it recently won gold at the All-Canadian Wine Championships.

Bench 1775 Sauvignon Blanc 2012 ($17.90)
Folks liked the 2011 version so much that it’s sold-out.

Meet the new Mavericks: winemaker Bertus Albertyn seems out to carve a solid niche for his new label. Rumour has it that Black + Blue restaurant downtown has scooped most of the supply. I’m sure they’ll share!

Maverick Sauvignon Blanc 2011 ($17.99)
Floral, light and bright, with none of that nasty grassiness that imbues many of the New Zealand SBs. An absolutely gorgeous wine—full and rich. It has to be one of the best made-in-B.C. Sauvignon Blancs, maybe the best yet. If you like it clean, lean, and without any hint of kitty cat, come here and drink your fill. Stunning stuff. And the price is astonishing for such quality.

Maverick Pinot Gris 2011 ($20)
No slouch either, this green-tinged PG starts with a sweetish entry that doesn’t colour the finish, which is fruity but nice and dry. (It is a maverick, after all.) It’s rich and full and simply delicious.

Maverick Origin White Blend 2011 ($16)
Simply a steal; get it while you can. A successful blend of Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, it too starts a bit sweet and then finishes dry and with magnificent acidity. One of the best B.C. buys in our market.

Maverick Rubicon 2011 ($23.90)
The only red Maverick I’ve tasted so far, a blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Herby, spicy fruit for the front of the tongue; smoky, leathery finish, with a nice bit of a bite. While the whites appeal to me more this first time out, this is certainly a well-made dinner red wine that could use a year or two in the cellar.

Harper’s Trail is practically an old-timer in this group of wineries, having released its second vintage. (And lest you think the name has anything to do with our esteemed PM, check the website for the tale of one Thaddeus Harper, who provided the impetus for the label’s name.) The first vintage was a stunner for the Kamloops-based winery; this one capitalizes on that promise with a fabulous follow-up.

Harper’s Trail Chardonnay 2012 ($22)
This is nothing short of a brilliant example of what can be done with this hoary old grape variety when you put your mind to it. It’s a lovely, rich Chard that goes particularly well with cream-sauced pasta.

Harper’s Trail Pioneer Block Dry Riesling 2012 ($20)
I love B.C.’s dry Rieslings; they seem to capture the essence of the variety. This is one of the best I’ve encountered in many a vintage—dry but luscious and with sensible Riesling alcohol (10.8 percent). Great fruit; perfect with spicy Asian cuisine.

Harper’s Trail Silver Mane Block Riesling 2012 ($20)
Even better for dim sum is this “regular” Riesling with a very German level of alcohol (8.5 percent). The more German style extends to the big, fat, nicely sweet fruit and the gentle candy finish. This could easily run rings around any of the German selections in our market. If the true German style is your favourite, this one is definitely your tipple.