It was great to see that the organizers for the All Canadian Wine Championships 2020 persevered through all the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is the link to all the results. Congratulations to the winners of the “Best White and Red Wines of the Year” – Monte Creek Ranch and Nk’Mip Cellars.
BC wineries represented 68% of the wines entered and won 72 % of the medals.
With 545 BC wines entered I wasn’t able to try all the wines!
However, here are some of the Gold and Silver medal winners I have tried, along with their tasting notes!
Gold Medal Winners
Lunessence Estate Riesling 2019 ($24.99)
The 2019 vintage is the first 100% Summerland estate Riesling. The blocks of Riesling were planted in 2003 and 2005. Hand-harvested on October 15th it was soaked on skins for 6 hours and aged on lees for 5 months before bottling.
This is an elegant off-dry Riesling with floral aromas of jasmine and apple blossom. On the palate, apricot, crisp green apple and lemon zest with a wonderfully complex mouthfeel. Only 120 cases made. 93 Points.
Lunessence Estate Blanc de Noirs 2019 ($23.99)
12.1% Alcohol, RS 6 gm/L. The first all estate Rosé with 184 cases made from Merlot and Syrah. The Syrah and Merlot are interplanted on the estate which makes harvesting a challenge. 40% whole cluster pressed with only 4 hours of skin contact. 13% barrel fermented with 5 months in natural French Oak.
A beautiful pale salmon colour. The fruity aroma of freshly picked strawberries. The Rosé is drier than previous years with mouthwatering flavours of watermelon and pink grapefruit, vibrant acidity, body from the lees in the barrel and freshness to clean the palate. 92 Points.
Monte Creek Ranch Riesling 2018
Alcohol 11.7%, RS 8.9 gm/ L, pH 2.98, TA 10.1 gm/L.
Fermented in stainless steel to highlight varietal character. Half of the blend was fermented using indigenous yeast and the other half was inoculated with cold-tolerant yeast and fermented as low as 10 C to extend fermentation and retain fresh fruit flavour.
An elegant Trocken-style Riesling. Wonderful aromas lemon zest and both citrus and apple blossoms. Flavours of Meyer lemon, key lime, a bushel of green apples, Anjou pear and flint. This is a crisp and intense riesling. The high acid level is perfectly balanced and is a very food-friendly wine. 91 Points.
Dirty Laundry Hush Rose´2019 ($19.99)
Alcohol 13 % | pH 3.49 | TA 6.3 |RS 7
Small batch whole cluster press of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet, combined with a cold soak of Pinot Gris on skins for 12 – 24 hours to maximize colour extraction and aromatics.
Aromas of red delicious apple, lemon, lime and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, watermelon, strawberry, red grapefruit flavours and a hint of Rhubarb bitterness. On sale at $18 a great value summer sipper! 91 Points.
Dirty Laundry Bordello 2017 ($42.99)
Alcohol 14 % | pH 3.9 | TA 5.4 |RS 0
2 years in French & American (30% new) barrels. A premium blend of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards in Osoyoos and the Similkameen Valley where the hotter climate brings forth the ripest expression of the varietal. After extensive tasting trials, the very best barrels were selected for this premium red blend.
This is a bold full-bodied wine, so I would recommend decanting. On the nose, black fruit, leather and cedar.
Flavours of blackberry, sour cherry, blueberry, sage, tobacco and dark chocolate with ripe firm tannins and a rich mouthfeel. Drink now but definitely worth cellaring if you have the time. 92 Points.
Harper’s Trail Rosé 2019 ($16.99)
Alcohol 12.3% | pH 3.38 |TA 5.40 | RS 1.16
The Rosé is made from Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc.
The wine is a pale salmon colour with a delicate and ripe red fruit nose. Flavours of peach, apricot, grapefruit and strawberries. This is a dry fruit-forward style of rosé with a creamy texture, silky acidity and refined light tannic structure. 90 Points.
Pair with salmon, charcuterie, or aged cheese.
Silver Medal Winners
Moraine Chardonnay 2018 ($25)
The grapes come from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Naramata region, This is seriously oaked chard!
A rich buttery citrus bouquet with a dusting of oak. Flavours of green apple, honeydew melon, flint and toasted oak. Rich mouthfeel with a long smooth creamy finish. 90 Points
Moraine Pinot Noir 2018 ($27)
The fruit was exclusively grown on the Estate Naramata Bench Sophia Estate Vineyard. Hand harvesting and fermenting whole berry, with the cap being punched down by hand, to ensure gentle tannin extraction and maximum flavour.
A classic representation of Clone 777 pinot. On the nose, cherry and a hint of violets.
The flavours are dense with complex black cherry, cassis, leather, tobacco and earthy notes. Ready to drink right now with silky smooth tannins. 92 Points.
Paired perfectly with slow-cooked Moroccan leg of lamb.
Blue Grouse Quill Rosé 2019 ($21.99)
VINEYARD NOTES
The Cowichan Valley Gamay Noir (67%) and Pinot Noir (27%) come from separate vineyards 5 kilometres apart on different sides of the valley. Both are quality grapes suppliers who have long-standing relationships with Blue Grouse. The Okanagan Pinot Noir (6%) is from a grape-growing partner just north of Oliver.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Alcohol 11.5% | pH 3.3| TA 7.1 | RS 2.5
The Gamay Noir continues to be the workhorse for the rosé. It was destemmed into the tank and left on skins for 36 hours before pressing. The two Pinot Noirs were each destemmed into the press and then left overnight for 12 hours. Each of the three wines was fermented separately, left to age in a tank and then blended prior to bottling.
PROFILE & FOOD PAIRING
The rosé is a vibrant reddish-pink with aromas of strawberry, rhubarb and citrus. Fresh and lively on the palate and bursting with the flavour of red berries, key lime and savoury notes. A dry, medium-body wine with a long full-flavoured finish. 90 points.
This complex, full-flavoured rosé will pair well with grilled fish, chicken or pizza.
Noble Ridge Reserve Pinot Grigio 2019 ($19.99)
Pinot Grigio Block 5-6 – the clone is unknown. Whole cluster pressed, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Alcohol 13.5% | pH 3.36 |TA 6.5 gm/L|RS 1.9 gm/L
A dry vibrant fruity Pinot Grigio, crisp and refreshing. Aromas of citrus, apricot and pear. Flavours of Mandarin orange, poached pears and honeydew melon. Beautifully balanced acidity elevated the fruit flavours and extends the finish. 92 Points.
Seaside Pearl Lover’s Lane Cabernet Franc 2018 ($31)
The grapes are sourced from the Herrera Family vineyard in Keremeos.
13.6% Alcohol. A pale garnet colour. The medium-bodied wine has aromas of black currant and ripe raspberry with a hint of smoke when first opened. Airing reveals nuances of allspice and sage. High acidity with flavours of blackberry, black cherry, ripe raspberry, black currant and dark chocolate complemented by tobacco, earthy undertones and soft smoky oak. 92 Points