Let me take this opportunity to express our best wishes to all BC wine enthusiasts for the Holiday Season.
The 2022 BC vintage is looking good and we can’t wait for the new wines to be released.
The season began with a cool, extended spring, resulting in later-than-average bud break and flowering. The best harvest news was that the fall weather was terrific with record-breaking temperatures. In general, the yields are finally back to normal after several down years. The grapes matured to an absolute classic level and the wines have amazing acidity and flavour.
As you plan your Christmas meals here are seven excellent BC wines and possible food pairings.
Church and State Gris de Noirs 2019
This is the first vintage of sparkling Rosé made by Church and State. The pinot noir grapes were sourced from the four-hectare estate Brentwood Bay vineyard on Vancouver Island. Only 102 cases were produced.
A gorgeous pale salmon hue. Aromas of fresh strawberries and rose petals with a hint of hazelnut. Full of luscious ripe peach, mandarin orange and baked pear flavours with a hint of earthy bread and a long finish. An exciting creamy mousse mouthfeel that is also perfectly balanced and refreshing. 93 Points.
The wine pairs perfectly with Holiday appetizers or roasted turkey.
Arrowleaf Cellars ‘Archive’ Pinot Noir 2020 ($40.10)
A rich example of Pinot Noir with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, rose petal and well-integrated oak components. Flavours of ripe cherry with earthy undertones and silky tannins that will age gracefully. 90 Points.
Pairs perfectly with duck and baked sockeye salmon.
Black Market Syrah 2019 ($35)
Intense aromas of violet, blueberry and black cherry, followed by a hint of smokey bacon. Vibrant flavours of cassis, black cherry and blueberry. The mid-palate brings freshness with notes of dark chocolate, espresso and cinnamon on the long finish. This is a young wine that based on tasting previous vintages will only get better this age. Rob’s passion for Syrah shines through in this vintage! 93 Points.
Food pairing, cheeses, think soft and stinky to match the earthiness of the wine. For meats, roasted game, rack of lamb, smoked baby back ribs, or even a blue cheeseburger.
Harper’s Trail Pioneer Block Riesling 2021 ($22.99)
A terrific off-dry Riesling with a beautiful golden hue and residual sugar to perfectly balance the acid levels. A complex nose marries aromatic notes of ripe peach, tropical fruit and Earl Grey tea. The palate is intense with flavours of ripe stone fruit, green apple and key lime. An opulent mouthfeel and long finish complete this gem. 5+ year ageing potential. 91 Points
Perfectly paired with Brats and Sauerkraut.
Uppercase Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ($39.99)
From the warm, stony vineyards of the Similkameen and Golden Mile Slopes, this powerful Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the exceptional quality of the 2020 vintage.
The nose is rich cassis fruit with a stony savoury undercurrent and a hint of spice and tobacco. Flavours of toasted oak and black cherry, dark plum, blackberries, black olive and sage. Will age well. 90 points
Township 7 Provenance Series Chardonnay 2019 ($22.97)
The lightly oaked Chardonnay has aromas of ripe apple, pineapple, Meyer lemon and baking spices. Flavours of golden apple, white peach and lemon with a creamy mouthfeel and a trace of minerality. 90 Points.
Serve with cedar plank grilled salmon.
Hester Creek Garland 2019 ($59.99)
Absolutely delicious now, the Cabinet Sauvignon dominant Garland 2019 can cellar for 8+ years. Elegant, intense, muscular and full of dark fruit drama and luscious on the palate with black currant, dark plums, blueberry with mint and savoury herbs. The tannins are ripe and smooth and the finish goes on forever! 94 Points
A special thank you to all the wineries that provided samples this year.