Last week, I was lucky to be right on the beach at the south end of Skaha Lake, enjoying a lively, laid-back tasting known appropriately as Party in the Park.
Every winery in the Okanagan Falls Wineries Association was on hand for a delightful evening of wines, excellent barbecued pork (from The Chef Instead) and a terrific band: Uncorked.
It was a great display of community togetherness. But it also marked another step in the consolidation of a regional group that will at some point include one (or more) distinct wine sub-appellations.
After all, most of the vines that produced the wines poured are rooted within the immediate region, and, more to the point, the better wines being made here are beginning to develop their own characteristics, which is also key to the process.
The main roadblocks will come from those few powerful players who, primarily for their own purely commercial reasons, want to continue bottling the valley’s grapes as one large, homogenous source, with no specific indication on the label as to where they originated.
Signs are, however, that the other important part of this equation, the consumer, will help to move both the sub-appellation discussion and process forward. You didn’t have to listen hard at Party in the Park to pick up on the genuine interest and curiosity from people towards all that’s happening in their own back yard, and their desire to taste and learn more to go along.
There were just too many worthy drops to mention here, although standouts included: Blue Mountain Brut and 2013 Sauv Blanc; Painted Rock’s rhubarb-toned 2013 Rosé and soon-to-be-released Icon 2012; Stag’s Hollow nettle-toned Sauvignon Blanc 2013; Noble Ridge Chardonnay 2012, Mingle 2013; Meyer Gewurz. 2013 and Rosé 13; Skaha 2013 Rosé; Wild Goose Gewurz, Syncromesh Thorny Vines Riesling 2013, and more.
If you’re Okanagan bound this summer be sure to make time to explore this truly unique corner of wine country. More info and touring planners at ofwa.ca.
Pender Island’s Sea Star is making waves with its newest releases, several of which won big at Northwest Wine Summit.
These are among the best wines I’ve tasted from the Gulf Islands (and Vancouver Island, for that matter). Sea Star (which has blossomed on the former Morning Bay property) has plenty going for it, starting with a strong team and a keen focus on producing what makes sense for the region.
Two varieties that can flourish in cooler parts of B.C. are Siegerrebe and Ortega. Sea Star proves the point.
Sea Star Siegerrebe 2013
In the right hands, delicious as a single variety. Look for citrus and spice notes up front followed by well-balanced, not overblown, tropical, grapefruit and peach notes on a juicy, well-structured, and lengthy palate ($17.90, 91 points).
Sea Star Ortega 2013
Lifted aromas of floral and orchard fruits, with a lush peach-and-melon-toned palate wrapped in juicy acidity ($18.90, 90 points).
No better weather than the present to sip on Sauvignon Blanc, especially with a plate of fresh shucked oysters on hand. These three from around the world offer varying, delicious styles and tremendous value.
Blue Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (Okanagan Valley)
Citrus on the nose with a definite structured, crisp, clean lemon and grapefruit palate with mineral undertones and zesty end ($18.90, 91 points).
Errazuriz Max Riserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (Aconcagua Costa, Chile)
Fresh herb and citrus up front, with a quite textured, broad, gooseberry, lime and mineral palate that will stand up to strong flavours such as goat cheese and even some spicier items ($18.99, 91 points).
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (Marlborough, New Zealand)
Grassy and herbaceous aromas followed by a juicy palate with more pronounced tropical fruit notes above a mineral streak before a juicy, lingering end ($17.99, 90 points).
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
