B.C. wines impressed at international competition, columnist says
B.C. wines took 2 of top 5 spots in both Judgment of B.C. events in Penticton
It was British Columbia versus the world at the recent Judgment of B.C. competition — and B.C. managed to do very well, On The Coast Master of Wine Barbara Philip says, despite not winning.
The second-annual event took the very best B.C. Rieslings and Pinot Noirs and pitted them against offerings from around the world in a blind taste test.
"B.C. wines were up against some of the very best Rieslings from Germany, Australia and Alsace and top-notch Pinot Noir from regions including Oregon and Burgundy," Philip told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn. "The B.C. wines stood up extremely well, often outscoring examples from other countries."
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B.C. wines took two of the top five places in both the Pinot Noir and Riesling tastings which were held in Penticton June 21.
Here are some of Philip's picks of the competition's best from B.C. and around the world.
Wild Goose Stoney Slope Riesling. 2014. Okanagan Valley. $17.49
"Riesling was one of the first varieties the Kruger family planted in 1983 and the Stoney Slope has been a consistent award winner. The flavours are ripe and powerful (think juicy peach and perfumed floral notes) while there is minerality and tangy acidity to balance. The finish is very long. Pair it with something salty like an artisanal B.C. cheese."
CedarCreek Platinum Block 3 Riesling. 2014. Okanagan Valley. $22.99
The Platinum Block 3 Riesling won "Canada's Best White Wine over ₤15" at the Decanter World Wine Awards earlier this year and came through again in this tasting with lime zest, mineral, white flowers and a juicy finish. Match it with barbecue pork ribs, if you can find a bottle."
Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir. 2014. Okanagan Valley. $39.90
"The grapes for this bottling are handled particularly gently to allow the vineyard to express itself in the glass. It is medium bodied with cherry and red currant notes and a nice balance of ripeness and delicacy on the palate."
JoieFarm Reserve 'En Famille' Pinot Noir. 2014. Okanagan Valley. $40.00
"A selection of the best barrels goes to make this small production Pinot. Ripe (almost dried) cherry and anise aromas make for a very pretty wine. The palate is silky and makes you think about having it with roasted chicken on midsummer patio."
With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast