British Columbia’s 2016 stellar vintage means there’s no time like the present to jump on last year’s whites and rosés.
In fact, what better way to celebrate Victoria Day?
What a difference a year makes. Just over 12 months ago we were basking in record high temperatures. Bud break in the Okanagan was the earliest ever recorded.
It’s a far cry from this year. As B.C.’s main wine region endures relentless cold and wet, most estimate (even in mid May) the growing season is a good three weeks behind. Although, things can, likely will, change on a dime (maybe this week), and with a burst of heat vines will catch up quickly.
From a wide range of recent tastings, it appears 2016 was indeed one of the best years yet. With so many contenders it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few notables. There are many more beyond this across the board selection.
Cedar Creek Pinot Gris 2016 (Kelowna Mission): Aromas of orchard and stone fruit before lemon zest and mineral undertones; good fruit intensity on a luscious palate in a perfect balance of fruit and acidity (92 points, $19).
Little Farm Winery Chardonnay 2016: This small, Similkameen winery continues to make a big impression. Stone fruit and mineral aromas; a mouth-filling palate, underpinned by keen acidity with complex earthy hints and lingering, mineral close (92 points, $31).
Le Vieux Pin Vaila 2016 (South Okanagan): Cherry and wild strawberry aromas precede an intensely fruity palate; savoury and herbal peppery notes before a red berry finish (92 points, $24).
Ruby Blues Viognier 2016 (Naramata Bench): Floral, tangerine and citrus, intense honeysuckle on a luscious palate with viscose mouthfeel and a vibrant, citrus-orange finish ($25).
Road 13 Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2016 (south Okanagan): Luscious, tropical, peach and pineapple with ginger spice, complex and layered with juicy acidity and a lengthy, gently spicy rounded end (91 points) $24.
Quails Gate Rosé 2016 (West Kelowna): Gaymay and Pinot Noir with a splash of Pinot Gris yields aromas of red berries and sage; quince and citrus wrapped in juicy acidity before a dry finish (91 points, $17).
Gewurztraminer 2016 Quails Gate: Rose petal and floral notes before fresh lychee, ginger and tropical hints; an assertive, spicy mid-palate lingers beyond the close (91 points, $16).
Stag’s Hollow Rosé 2016 (Okanagan Falls): Syrah/Grenache (70/30) made dry, in a nod to Provence: rhubarb, strawberry, clove spice and stony notes with good structure and length (91 points).
Taste these and more 2016s at Chef Meets Grape (May 25) featuring 350 wines from 85 wineries, paired with tastes from Vancouver’s top chefs. Tix at chefmeetsbcgrape.com.
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: info@hiredbelly.com.
