The winners of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in B.C. wines (which I helped judge) were announced on Wednesday.
As always, the final outcome was interesting because somehow we managed to select (from 436 entries and 119 wineries) a cross-section of wineries and styles.
Of particular note: two contrasting 2012 Rieslings (from Fort Berens and 8th Generation); and also two Chardonnays (Quails’ Gate’s superbly oaked and Kraze Legs superbly unoaked) that reflect the sound 2013 vintage.
The impressive Howling Bluff 2013 Sauvignon-Semillon blend points the way forward, in my opinion, for one of the best uses of Okanagan Sauvignon Blanc.
Ruby Blues 2013 Viognier won for its perfect varietal correctness and vibrant personality. But it also marks a pleasing deja-vu moment: Prudence and Beat Mahrer owned neighbouring Red Rooster when its 2002 Gewurztraminer won in the very first Lieutenant Governor’s Awards in 2003.
Red entries were equally strong and again reflected in a balanced range of choices. Wayne Gretzky Okanagan “The Great Red” 2011 continues a winning streak for the Peller team, under Howard Soon, made by Stephanie Stanley.
Pentage Syrah Reserve 2010 reflects that variety’s continuing ascendance in the mid valley (and is a first time red winner for the winery), while Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir 2011 is the first Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Okanagan Crush Pad.
Two-time prior winner Laughing Stock shone through the red blends with its superbly balanced and well integrated 2011 Portfolio.
Looking back to the competition’s beginning in 2003 and prior, it’s worth noting how much the quality of the wines has improved. The incidence of flawed wines is virtually non-existent, which was not the case at the competition’s outset. That fact alone makes the whole competition that much more challenging and ultimately so rewarding.
A significant milestone, the selection of the estate-grown Fort Berens 2012 Riesling, underscores the potential for Lillooet, something that was unthinkable a decade ago.
By contrast, the Hester Creek Block 2 Merlot comes from one of the Okanagan Valley’s oldest plantings and most storied vineyards.
The lieutenant governor will travel to all the wineries to present the awards between July 24 and 26.
Rumour has it that by the time you read this the sun will be shining again, which is all the more reason to grab a glass of Provence Rosé. We’ve come a long way in the rosé stakes: the numbers show we’re drinking much more Provence Rosé than we were a couple of years ago.
There’s a couple of reasons for this. Above all, we’re now very much a food and wine loving culture. And there are few more delicious and food-friendly drops as these drier-style provençale wines. Also, the fact that they’re on our shelves longer than they used to be, and that they arrive in plenty of time for summer, have made them a whole lot more accessible.
The following is a list of suggestions to sip on:
Chateau Routas Coteaux Varois Rouviere Rosé 2013
Sustainably grown, light and lively with stonefruit and tropical hints and a touch of minerality. Very refreshing. Think sautéed mussels or seafood soup (BCLS $21.99, 89 points).
La Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix Cuvée Marina Rosé 2013
Strawberry, citrus orange hints with melon and floral notes wrapped in a slightly more hefty palate, plus a wicked Bourbon-style bottle. On its own or even with lightly spiced plates (BCLS $29.99, 90 points).
Chateau de Brigue Cotes de Provence Rosé 2013
Elegant and understated 50/50 Syrah/Cinsault, with lifted red berry notes and a hint of slate wrapped in juicy acidity. Tapenade, garlic tomatoes or spot prawns (BCLS $19.99, 89 points).
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
