Drew and Barbara MacIntyre are celebrating the 23rd anniversary of their Lake Breeze Vineyards and their 25th vintage of BC wine. In 2016, the winery was awarded the prestigious distinction of Best Small Winery in Canada, along with Best Winery in British Columbia from the National Wine Awards of Canada.
Winemaker Garron Elmes has been with the winery for every vintage, arriving in Canada after receiving his oenology and viticulture education in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Garron was born in Capetown, South Africa. “I am very proud of what we have accomplished here at Lake Breeze, not just with the wine, but with the culture, we have created. Most of our staff have been with us for many years, and they have really built this place to be the success that it is today.” The winery annual production is over 10,000 cases.
What strikes you first as you enter the winery grounds is the breath taking lake view, the manicured grounds and patios and the MacIntyre’s sprawling Tuscan-style villa.
It was mid-morning on a beautiful fall day when we visited the wine tasting room. Ginette did an excellent job of pouring the BC wines and explaining their background and nuances. Her 30 years in the business, including an extended stay with a German winery, came through in the discussion.
Harvest 2019 so far!
2019 thus far has been a challenging season. Usually, at this time of the year, I would be talking about harvest and what the crop looks like, but this year we have only picked Sauvignon Blanc. Despite a cool spring and lower summer temperatures, ripening was well on track for a timely harvest, until September arrived. It has been unusually wet and cool, and we are currently working very hard to try and keep the grapes healthy until we have a dry enough spell that will allow us to pick without too much dilution. It is still early however and as long as we can avoid any early frost we are optimistic about the vintage.
Garron Elmes, President & Winemaker, September 2019
The Wines
Lake Breeze Semillon 2016 ($26.45)
Flavours and aromas of grapefruit and melon with subtle hints of bell pepper and fresh cut grass. Typical nutty, bottle-age characteristics lend complexity and length. A great companion to Greek dishes and seafood.
Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc 2017 ($21.85)
The Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc is intensely fruity and aromatic. The flavours and aromas of green apple and tropical fruits are complimented by more flinty notes from the fruit grown in the Similkameen Valley. The result is a wine with great complexity and balance. Consistently clean, crisp and fresh.
Lake Breeze The Spice Jar 2018 ($21.85)
Gewürztraminer (35%), Schönberger (35%), Viognier (30%) and all fruit from Naramata Bench. A wonderfully aromatic and balanced off-dry wine. Floral and fruity aromas dominate. This is followed by a hint of sweetness and spice on the palette that lends itself perfectly to spicier foods.
Lake Breeze Pinot Noir 2017 ($28.75)
Deep in colour with flavours and aromas of dark cherries and raspberries, followed up by more earthy spicy flavours. It has great texture and mouthfeel on the palate.
Matured for 18 months in a combination of new and old French oak barriques. The Pinot Noir was our favourite wine from this wine tasting.
Lake Breeze Meritage 2017 ($27.60)
Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Cabernet Franc (20%), Malbec (10%) A rich, full-bodied red showing a complex combination of red and black fruits with hints of vanilla and spice. Well-structured with ripe tannin, this wine will continue to improve for 5 to 10 years.
For the complete portfolio of Lake Breeze Vineyards’ British Columbia wines please visit the winery website.
Conclusion
Lake Breeze is definitely worth stopping by for the view and the wines the next time you are in Naramata.