This September, when summer starts to wane, an entourage of dignitaries will join Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon in the Okanagan to deliver in person the 2016 B.C. Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in B.C. Wines.
This is surely one of the most unique wine competitions anywhere. No other judging starts out with more than 504 wines from 1,325 wineries and winds up with a mere dozen for recognition. Wines submitted have to be made from 100 per cent B.C. grown grapes and produced in the province to be eligible.
The 2016 award winners span a well-balanced range of styles and varieties. But, as is often the case, this year’s edition shines the spotlight on a number of new wineries, which will now enjoy some well deserved attention. Among them are a couple whose families only came to Canada in the 1990s, grew vines for others, and now have opened their own ventures. Their success is a reflection of the remarkable diversity that now makes up our wine community. And it suggests a new phase is well underway in the modern industry.
When the competition started, under former Lt.-Gov. Iona Campagnolo, B.C.’s wine industry was still very much coming out of its infancy. She discovered that Canada’s governor general was on a serious shopping spree to stock the cellar at Rideau Hall with the best of B.C. (and other Canadian) labels. Campagnolo came up with the idea for a competition that would recognize quality in B.C. wines and also capitalize on the cachet of her office. She also decided to visit each winning winery to present their award.
People outside of the industry are not truly aware of the prestige of the awards. The B.C. Consular Corps, which accompanies the lieutenant governor on the tour, are always enthusiastic in their purchases, an added bonus.
Congratulations to this year’s winners: Bordertown 2013 Living Desert Red; Ex Nihilo 2014 Pinot Noir; Gold Hill 2013 Meritage Family Reserve; Hester Creek 2013 Syrah Viognier; Intersection 2013 Cabernet Franc; Kismet Estate 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve; Lunessence 2014 Riesling Icewine; Okanagan Crush Pad 2014 Haywire, The Bub; Quails’ Gate 2014 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay; Red Rooster 2012 Reserve Merlot; Ruby Blues 2015 Commune Viognier; and St. Hubertus & Oak Bay 2014 Riesling.
My picks of the week:
CedarCreek Riesling 2014 (Okanagan Valley)
Here’s another wine that shows just how much Riesling’s star is rising. Developing aromas of mineral and petrol precede a juicy, mouth-filling palate of citrus and stony notes before a lingering finish ($15.29, 90 points).
Arrowleaf Cellars Pinot Noir 2015 (Okanagan Valley): This good value Pinot delivers bright red fruit and earthy notes before vibrant cherry and raspberry with a touch of savoury wrapped in approachable, well-managed tannins ($17.90, 90 points).
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
