2012 B.C. Best of Varietal Wine Awards

Excerpt from

GOURMET

the

2012 SPRING

SUMMER 2012

bestof varietal

AWARDS WINE

okanaganwineawards.com

The 18th Best of Varietal Wine Judging Competition kicked off the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival as wine judging in over 20 categories took place April 26 at the Penticton Ramada.

This unique wine judging offered British Columbia winemakers the opportunity to judge their peers and award the Best of Varietal in popular consumer categories. Qualified Okanagan winemakers from among the 113 member wineries judged more than 360 wines.

The winners were announced at the Best of Varietal Wine Awards and Reception on May 3 at a packed group of wine enthusiasts at the Laurel Heritage Packinghouse in Kelowna.

Want to know who makes the Best Syrah? Or Pinot Blanc? Read on!

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2012 best of varietal

2012 Spring Best of Varietal Wine Awards - Winners Category: Sparkling

Category: Red Meritage Blends

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery NV Sparkling Gewürztraminer

See Ya Later Ranch Ping 2009

Fine bubbles allow delicate flavours of pineapple and pink grapefruit to envelop your glass. This wine is ripe and delicious with a soft lingering mousse.

First, aromas of dark plum and Bing cherry permeate from the glass and are followed by rich blackberry, spice and hints of vanilla. This wine pairs well with herb roasted rack of lamb with a smoky cabernet sauce.

1750 cases $28

620 cases $25

Category: Riesling

Category: Pinot Noir

Wild Goose Vineyards Riesling 2011

Nk’Mip Cellars Pinot Noir 2010

The inviting nose reveals elements of luscious Okanagan black cherry and plum with a hint of rosemary spice.

Opens with intense aromas of peach, apple and citrus, followed by mineral, grapefruit and finishing with ample acidity leaving the palate crisp and clean.

1654 cases $20

$19

Category: Pinot Blanc

Category: Rose

Lake Breeze Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2011

CedarCreek Estate Winery Rose 2011

The crisp apple and citrus aromas follow onto the palate, which is clean and fresh. Versatile in its ability to pair with almost anything, this is the wine we recommend for entertaining or gift giving.

100% Pinot Noir. Fruity with a bouquet of strawberries on the nose followed by more red fruit on the palate. Enjoy with smoked salmon and cheese.

630 cases $17

2000 cases $18

Category: Syrah

Category: White Blends

Cassini Cellars Syrah 2009

Wild Goose Vineyards Autumn Gold 2011

Fruit driven with loads of citrus, orange and spice. This wine has a huge mouth feel, yet finishes refreshingly clean and crisp with a hint of sweetness.

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A spicy and floral wine rich in blackberry and currant, with hints of pepper and licorice with a nice full-bodied finish. A French style wine with soft vanilla and toffee notes that complement the fruit with medium to firm tannins.

700 cases $29

2012 best of varietal

Category: Fortified

Category: Fruit Wine

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Pipe 2006

Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery Strawberry Fortified 2011

In Portugal, Pipe means a wine measure of varying capacity. Out of respect for Portuguese “Port” we have chosen the name “Pipe” for this wine, which reflects the time-honoured tradition of Port producers and the quality of this fine wine. Savour the luscious flavours of ripe cherry and soft blackberry with a hint of fig. Enjoy this wine with fruit, cheeses and nuts, or try it with a dark bitter chocolate dessert.

A rich dessert wine, sweet and sumptuous with the wonderful tones of freshly picked B.C. strawberries. 5 in sweetness.

35 cases $22

Category: Sauvignon Blanc

3100 cases $25

Category: Pinot Gris La Frenz Sauvignon Blanc Rattlesnake Vineyard 2011 Arrowleaf Cellars Pinot Gris 2011

Ripe apple, pear, peach and delicate floral aromas. The palate shows good minerality and extract, with refreshing acidity and fruit flavours on the finish.

1480 cases $17

Our Sauvignon Blanc is made in the crisp dry style showing great elegance and minerality. A range of picking dates is used to capture the full spectrum of intense passion fruit, green bean, and freshly cut grass characters that make it the perfect wine for fresh seafood.

1000 cases $22

Category: Red Blend Other

Category: Viognier

La Frenz Viognier Probyn-Eastman Vineyard 2011

Our wine shows the full medley of intriguing tropical fruits overlaid with hints of orange blossom. The palate is rich, ripe, and lingering with just a touch of sweetness.

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Gold Series Cabernet Shiraz Viognier 2008

Complex, well-balanced flavours display aromas of dark red fruits, and spicy rich white and black pepper, with hints of blackcurrant.

Ideal with grilled steak, leg of lamb, roast venison, Cheddar and other aged cheeses.

500 cases $30

750 cases $22

Visit savourmag.com to download an easy to print list of winners and finalists.

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2012 best of varietal

Category: Cabernet Franc

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2009

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

A satisfying yet, long and lingering finish is graced with ripe red fruits, strawberries and the earthiness we have come to love of cool climate Cabernet Franc. Enjoy with seared duck and mushroom risotto.

1250 cases $20

Ripe, rich tannins and a great mouth feel - typical of a ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. The rich, smooth tannins are complemented by cherry, spice, cinnamon and more dark fruit on the palate. Pairs perfectly with lamb popsicles

1160 cases $23

Category: White Single Varieties

Category: Red Single Varieties

Lake Breeze Vineyards Semillon 2011

Citrus flavours and aromas abound in this dry, crisp white. Lemon, gooseberry and herbal notes make it a great companion to Greek dishes and seafood.

333 cases $17

Sandhill Wines Small Lots Sangiovese Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2009

Flavours of juicy red berries and cherries mingle on the palate. Pairs well with grilled lamb skewers, Pecorino and Piave.

Category: Gewürztraminer

505 cases $30

Category: Chardonnay Oaked

Lake Breeze Vineyards Gewürztraminer 2011

Gewürztraminer develops an unmistakable aroma of perfume and rose petals in almost every region it is produced. In this wine, those aromas are complimented by hints of lychee and lime zest. Great with Asian dishes or spicy fare.

700 cases $18

La Frenz Chardonnay Reserve 2010

Intriguing characters of roasted cashews, toast, oatmeal, and melon fruit are intertwined around a rich cream layered palate structure: superb!

250 cases $29

Category: Merlot

Category: Icewine

Robin Ridge Winery Reserve Merlot 2009

A big brooding wine, deep ruby in colour with intense ripe blackberry, blueberry and plum with toasty vanilla oak and subtle violet notes. The palate is full bodied and structured with sun sweetened brambly berries, grilled herbs, cinnamon, charcuterie and dark chocolate.

119 cases $29 60

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Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Proprietor’s Edition Riesling Icewine 2009 $53

September 14 - 16, 2012 RED CARPET SOIREE RED AND WHITE DINNER ON THE WATER SPARKLING SABRE BRUNCH

Come CeLeBRATe THe BeST oF SUmmeR wiTH US! Welcome to O! Osoyoos Celebrates! This is Osoyoos’ first annual event to be held September 14 – 16, 2012. Join us as we celebrate everything that makes Osoyoos an extraordinary destination. The wine. The food. The orchards. The desert. The lakes. The endless recreation.

And, of course, our legendary hospitality, with Canada’s warmest welcome. It’s a blissfully beautiful weekend of wine, food, entertainment and music.

FRIDAY NIGHT RED CARPET SOIREE The star treatment for this Hollywood-style event begins outside on the red carpet where you will celebrate Osoyoos’ multi-cultural, culinary fare and wine. Sip a whimsical white or a robust red and nibble hors d’hoeuvres before following the stylish parade of gowns and tuxes inside, as this elegant evening continues with an extraordinary experience of fine wine, food and music. Ca va bien!

SATURDAY NIGHT RED AND WHITE DINNER ON THE WATER If you love lobster, you’ll love the Red and White Dinner on the Water. Pair the king of seafood with tantalizing tastes of our region; and yes, all that remarkable wine too. The setting?

The sun-drenched Osoyoos waterfront, framed by picture-perfect desert hills, vineyards and orchards. Proceeds will go to the Osoyoos Rotary Club. This will be an evening to remember.

SUNDAY MORNING SPARKLING SABRE BRUNCH This brunch is sure to be a sparkling sensation! Wrap up a wonderful weekend with perfect pairings of wine and food, and have a laugh too as guests take turns ‘sabering’ off the tops of fine sparkling wines. Bragging rights will be awarded to those who use the most creative implements to open the bottles!

Visit osoyooscelebrates.ca today for more details and ticket information!

osoyooscelebrates.ca

2012 Spring Best of Varietal Wine Awards-Finalists Category: Sparkling Lake Breeze Vineyards Zephyr Brut 2009

A bottle-fermented sparkling wine made using the traditional method from 100% Pinot Noir. Classical aromas of bread and yeast, yet still retains vibrant fresh fruit characteristics.

600 cases $30

Category: Pinot Noir

Road 13 Vineyards Jackpot ViognierRousanne-Marsanne 2011

This Southern Rhone style wine shows great length and harmony.

Aromas of white peach, apricot, wild honey, and orange blossom explode from the glass. The palate is round and sexy with fabulous flavors of apricot, orange rind, and Cointreau.

188 cases $29 Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2011

Ancient Hill Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2009

Delicate aromas of raspberry, cherry, vanilla with spicy overtones.

The Pinot Noir pairs well with lamb, turkey dinners and soft cheeses.

300 cases $22 Lake Breeze Vineyards Seven Poplars Pinot Noir 2009

You will find predominant aromas of raspberry, black cherry and anise with an earthy background. A well-structured wine designed for food.

650 cases $25 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Oldfield Series Pinot Noir 2008

Tasting note unavailable at the time of publishing. This wine is due to be released in July 2012.

250 cases $30

Category: Pinot Blanc Wild Goose Vineyards Mystic River Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2011

Melon and apple flavours combined with crisp acid and a perfume finish makes this a popular wine with consumers. This wine always wins numerous awards for Wild Goose.

$19

Aromas of grapefruit and citrus. A clean crisp acidity is matched with tropical fruit flavours and produced slightly off dry.

2400 cases $17

Category: Red Meritage Blends Moon Curser Vineyards Border Vines 2010

This mouth-filling wine has good weight and intensity, with highlights of plum and spice notes, and a long, smooth finish.

1909 cases $25 Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Gold Series Red Meritage 2008

Rich red berries on the palate include flavours of ripe raspberries, plums, vanilla, spicy black pepper, chocolate, coffee and leather.

1000 cases $30 Mission Hill Family Estate Compendium 2009

The palate is rich and full bodied with complex flavours of plum and sundried blackberries, along with classic southern Okanagan notes of dried earth and wild sage. This wine will cellar well and be a perfect foil for rich meats or game.

$50 Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2009

Plum, currant, and dark cherry aromas, laced with subtle notes of sage and lavender.

Category: White Blends Gray Monk Estate Winery Odyssey White Meritage 2011

With hints of lemongrass and kiwi, this wine would pair nicely with seared scallops or Fettuccini Alfredo.

972 cases $27 Red Rooster Winery Bantam 2011

This is a terrific summer sipper. Try with a simple fish dish and light summer salads.

2200 cases $15

$17 Sandhill Wines Small Lots Two Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2009

Intense flavours of black currant, black tea, black pepper and vanilla extract expand on the palate. Pairs well with grilled steak au jus and sautéed mushrooms or beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon.

525 cases $35 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Oldfield Series 2Bench Red 2008

This wine has flavours of racy black fruit and delicate herbs. Pair the Oldfield Series 2Bench Red with roast beef, prime rib, or a lamb dish.

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731 cases $35

2012 best of varietal

Category: Riesling

Category: Forified

La Frenz Riesling Andrew Vineyard 2011

La Frenz NV Liqueur Muscat

The hallmark of a great Riesling is flavors of honey, lime, and even green apple: this vintage is loaded with fruit concentration.

300 cases $20 Mission Hill Estate Winery Reserve Riesling 2010

Intense aromas of tangerine, peach and pears, with hints of Riesling characteristic minerality. Vibrant flavours of green apple and lime juice provide mouth-watering acidity and lend great balance to the honey and stone fruit notes.

$20 The View Winery Riesling 2011

A crisp, mouth-watering Riesling with an intense fruity nose and flavours of green apple, stone fruits and citrus. Indulge with tuna carpaccio or crab ravioli with a cream sauce.

379 cases $18

Category: Rosé Arrowleaf Winery First Crush Rose 2011

This wine is all about strawberry, cherry and tropical fruit aromas.

It finishes off dry with well-balanced fruit and acidity. Enjoy on the summer patio with good friends!

335 cases $15 CedarCreek Estate Winery Rose 2011

100% Pinot Noir. Fruity with a bouquet of strawberries on the nose followed by more red fruit on the palate. Enjoy with smoked salmon and cheese.

630 cases $18 Clos du Soleil Rose 2011

The nose begins with sun-kissed fresh raspberries, tangy cranberry and vanilla bean. This is summer in a bottle.

390 cases $18 Volcanic Hills Estate Winery Rose 2011

Strawberry, mixed red berries, citrus and pink grapefruit. The fruitiness of the palate is well-balanced with vibrant acidity. The finish is long, clean and refreshing.

920 cases $19

Category: Syrah

Beautiful flavors of caramelized brown sugar, cinnamon, muscat fruit with that lovely sweetness, power and complexity that can only come from time.

200 cases $22 La Frenz NV Tawny

Flavors of nuts, dates and dried fruits reminiscent of dark fruit cake infused with a butterscotch sauce. Simply delicious!

200 cases $22

Category: Pinot Gris CedarCreek Winery Pinot Gris 2011

Complex on the nose with ripe stone fruits, citrus and floral notes.

Stone oven pizzas and tarts pair really well.

6100 cases $18 Fort Berens Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2011

Crisp and fruity, this wine features aromas of pineapple and pear.

This wine pairs well with seafood and chicken.

275 cases $18 Gray Monk Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2011

The entry is soft, citrus, honey and melon flavours that finish with a twist of spice. Try this with hard white cheeses or creamy pasta dishes.

17,300 cases $17 Heaven’s Gate Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2010

Soft flavours of honeydew melon and cantaloupe are combined with the scents of sweet peach, tart raspberry and crisp apple.

486 cases $20 See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Gris 2010

Smoked salmon souffle with gingered salad is a perfect compliment to a glass of rich Pinot Gris.

19,000 cases $20 Wild Goose Vineyards Mystic River Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011

From the “Mystic River” vineyard in Oliver. Coconut, pear, and apricot, with a creamy finish.

$20

Mission Hill SLC Syrah 2009

Fresh notes of red and black fruits, violets, chocolate and spice. A ripe, fruit forward palate shows notes of blueberries, licorice and black raspberry, along with hints of vanilla bean, cedar and bacon.

$40 Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Sun Rock Vineyard Shiraz Gold Series 2008

Concentrated flavours of black cherry, smoke and blueberry that all elegantly combine to offer a smooth and persistent finish. Ideal with lamb, venison, quail, grilled steak, smoked back ribs or richly flavoured cheeses.

536 cases $35

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2012 best of varietal

Category: Viognier

Category: Cabernet Franc

Ruby Blues Winery Viognier 2011

Cassini Cellars Cabernet Franc 2009

Citrus aromas with flavours of passion fruit and pineapple. Pairs perfectly with lobster, mussels or Risotto.

290 cases $25 Sandhill Small Lots Viognier Osprey Ridge Vineyard 2011

Flavours of juicy tropical fruit, apple and tangerine. Enjoy with cheese tortellini in a cream sauce, garlic butter shrimp skewers and wild rice.

658 cases $28

Category: Fruit Wine Rustic Roots Winery Santa Rosa Plum 2010

Aroma and flavors of strawberry candy, citrus, spice, coffee beans and cocoa powder. Incredible with anything dark chocolate!

250 cases $28

This classy wine has intense aromas of black currant, raspberry jam, spice and hints of cedar and vanilla. Smooth silky tannins with long lingering blackberry and cocoa notes.

85 cases $45 Fort Berens Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2010

This elegant and full bodied wine has distinct blackberry and black pepper aromas, characteristic for Cabernet Franc grapes. It is an excellent match with grilled steak or a pork roast.

136 cases $25

Category: White Single Varieties CedarCreek Estate Winery Ehrenfelser 2011

Full of fruit with a striking acidity. Taste peaches, pears and lots of nectarines. So vibrant, it tastes like sunlight and pairs perfectly with summertime and patios.

Category: Sauvignon Blanc

1140 cases $19

Lake Breeze Vineyards Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Loads of crisp citrus and gooseberry flavours and aromas. Lively, crisp acidity makes it the perfect match for seafood.

Gray Monk Estate Winery Ehrenfelser 2011

A delicate citrus nose and a pronounced apricot flavour that finishes in a medium sweet yet well-balanced wine. Try with soft cheeses, fresh fruits, lobster and custard desserts.

430 cases $19

500 cases $22 Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010

This wine goes well with those harder to pair foods such as asparagus or goat cheese salad.

1000 cases $14

Category: Red Blend Other Road 13 Vineyards Fifth Element 2009

The wine is well integrated and will continue to be a benchmark wine well into 2017. Selfishly cellar it if you can!

250 cases $50 Ruby Blues Winery Red Stiletto NV

Easy sipping red blend with a base of Syrah grapes grown on the winery site.

760 cases $25 Sandhill Small Lots One Phantom Creek Vineyard 2009

Rich black fruits and sweet spice notes linger on the finish. Pairs well with rich beef stews or beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon.

225 cases $35

Hillside Winery Muscat Ottonel 2011

This wine has lovely floral aromas and hints of spice. Pairs beautifully with Thai food, picnics, and fresh air!

692 cases $22

Category: Gewürztraminer CedarCreek Estate Winery Gewürztraminer 2011

Leaning toward an Alsatian style, its floral nose is gorgeous, followed by orange blossom and honeysuckle. Great paired with Thai green curry and prawns.

2,053 cases $18 Desert Hills Estate Winery Gewürztraminer 2011

Floral, lychee and spicy flavours with a rose petal nose, smooth on the mid palate and a crisp, long finish. Pairs well with Asian dishes.

1133 cases $23 Wild Goose Vineyards Gewürztraminer 2011

Slightly dry in finish and intense rose petal aromatics are the patented Wild Goose flavours extracted and put into every bottle. A must-have wine every vintage!

$19 Wild Goose Mystic River Vineyards Gewürztraminer 2011

Flavours of tropical fruit, rose, and nutmeg are maintained, making this a lush and very intensely aromatic wine.

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$23

2012 best of varietal

Category: Merlot

Category: Red Single Varieties

Hester Creek Estate Winery Reserve Merlot 2008

Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Pinotage 2008

Strong notes of mocha, plum, and a hint of toffee create a perfect pairing for rosemary garlic roasted chicken, barbecued rack of lamb, rich beef curries, or dark chocolate mousse.

Features cherry, raspberry and prune aromas with layers of toasted vanilla. A bouquet of ripe red fruit is accented with spice and firm tannins for a long structured finish.

520 cases $27 Mission Hill Family Estate SLC Merlot 2009

Concentrated flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry, mingle with subtle notes of chocolate, all-spice and forest floor. Rich, supple tannins will ensure that this is a wine which will benefit from some time in the cellar.

$33 Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Black Sage Vineyard Merlot 2009

240 cases $30 Moon Curser Vineyards Tempranillo 2010

Rich and round, with abundant soft tannin, the wine finishes long.

188 cases $29 Robin Ridge Winery Gamay 2010

Intense and welcoming aromas of plum, cherry, ripe strawberry and complex floral and meaty notes.

183 cases $23

Enjoy this luscious wine with fine beef. Excellent when accompanied by roasted beets with a tomato balsamic reduction.

$ 20 Sumac Ridge Private Reserve Merlot 2009

Great notes of fruit and vanilla are obvious to the last sip.

$15 Volcanic Hills Estate Winery Merlot 2008

Aromas and flavours of plum, blueberry, blackberry, with floral, caramel and milk chocolate notes.

218 cases $25

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon Desert Hills Estate Winery Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Cassis and berry notes are complemented by toasty oak, smooth tannins and a long luscious mouth feel. Pairs well with red meats, spicy dishes and strong cheese.

518 cases $30 Volcanic Hills Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

The palate is juicy with black fruits, framed with medium tannins and interwoven with toasty oak tones. The finish is rich and long.

300 cases $30

Category: Chardonnay Oaked Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Gold Series Chardonnay 2009

Displays lovely aromas of vanilla and tropical fruits. This elegant wine is perfect when paired with broiled lobster in butter, Chilean sea bass, fresh salmon, and saffron mussels.

700 cases $18 Peller Estates Private Reserve Chardonnay 2010

Refreshing notes of lemon and lime are accented by spicy oak notes on the finish. Enjoy with battered fish fillets, lemon chicken, creamy lemon risottos, creamy pasta tossed with seafood.

1200 cases $18

Category: Icewine Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine 2009 444 cases $80 Okanagan Wine Festival Society would like to thank its sponsors for their generous support of the 2012 Spring Best of Varietal Wine Awards.

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