Last week was something a little special.  Actually, it is a lot more special than usual.  I was holed up for three days at the Manteo Resort in Kelowna judging the 2011 BC Wine Awards.  An annual wine competition, a panel of judges from all over North America descend onto Kelowna every fall to partake in this grueling wine challenge, which encompasses about 455 wines over the 3 days.  While it may seem like a dream come true, having to stay focused on the chore at hand is no small task.

Everyone arrived and checked in Sunday evening then proceeded to the task at hand, which consisted of tasting and evaluating the first batch of wines.  There are 9 judges in total, broken into groups of three.  Each group received different flights throughout the 3 days since it would take longer than 3 days for all of us to try all the wines.

The first flight in our group consisted of 10 unoaked Chardonnay’s then it was right into 12 red Meritage blends.  The final flight of the evening was 6 fruit wines.  About two minutes are spent evaluating each wine then wines are discussed to decide their rankings, whether a Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal.

Monday morning found us bright and chipper after a good night’s sleep.  It was much needed because it was right into tasting at 9am sharp.  First up were 8 white blends in varying styles although most were off-dry and simple.  Very consumer friendly but not really worthy of a gold or silver medal position.  This was followed by a flight of 12 Cabernet Franc’s and 10 Rieslings.  Again, a few standouts but the consensus was that the wines were not showing what they should be or the wines were poorly made.  However, in amongst the white blends, Cab Franc and Riesling were four Gold Medal Winners; Arrowleaf First Crush 2010, Road 13 Honest John 2010, Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2009 and the Best White of 2011, Summerhill Riesling 2010.

After a hearty lunch to refresh us, we continued our quest to find Gold, Silver and Bronze.  First was a flight of Merlot mainly from the 2009 vintage with a few 2008s thrown in.  All the judges that reviewed the Merlots felt that there was nothing worthy of a gold medal so they were relegated to the silver and bronze categories. Considering that this is the most planted red variety in BC, you would think that at least one would standout.  Maybe some wineries should concentrate on getting it right before trying other varieties.

Next up were 11 Gewürztraminers, 11 red Meritage and 12 reds which were a mix of Gamay, Barbera, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  Here we were able to find some winners.  A consistent BC producer, the 2010 Gray Monk Gewürzt was awarded Gold Medal along with the 2009 Hillside Estate Winery Old Vines Gamay Noir, 2009 Robin Ridge Winery Gamay, 2009 Inniskillin Vineyards Discovery Series Malbec, 2009 Laughing Stock Portfolio, 2007 Jackson-Triggs SunRock Vineyard Meritage, 2008 Sandhill Wines Small Lots Malbec from the Phantom Creek Vineyard and the 2009 Sandhill Wines Small Lots Petit Verdot also from the Phantom Creek Vineyard.

Tuesday morning started off with a treat; sparkling wine.  A flight of 8 wines awaited our palates. Two wines stood out here; the 2008 Jackson-Triggs Entourage Gold Series Sparkling Chardonnay and the 2008 Road 13 Vineyards Home Vineyard Sparkling Chenin Blanc.  Not bad; a 25% medal return rate, the best showing so far.

This was followed by 14 Chardonnay’s.  Only one wine was worthy of a gold here; the 2009 Road 13 Vineyards Jackpot Chardonnay Castle Vineyard.  Again, Chardonnay is the most planted white grape and yet hardly anyone got it right.

The finally flight of the day were 12 Syrah/Shiraz wines.  Once again the selection was spotty with a few noticeable well made wines. However 3 wines were so obvious that they went on to be awarded Gold Medal.  The 2009 Church & State Wines Coyote Bowl Syrah, the  2007 Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Shiraz and the Best Red Wine of 2011, 2009 Red Rooster Reserve Syrah.

Wednesday morning was the final flight of the judging where the Gold and Silver Medals were awarded.  Along the above mentioned wines, the following were awarded Gold Medals:

• Ancient Hill Estate Winery Gewurztraminer 2009
• Blasted Church Vineyards Pinot Gris 2010
• Dunham & Froese Estate Winery Amicitia 2008
• Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery Ogopogo’s Lair Pinot Gris 2010
• Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate SunRock Vineyard Meritage 2007
• Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine 2009
• Lake Breeze Vineyards Semillon 2010
• Lake Breeze Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2010
• Moon Curser Vineyards Viognier 2010
• Nk’Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir 2009
• Peller Estates Winery Family Series Pinot Blanc 2010
• Quails’ Gate Winery Pinot Noir 2009
• Road 13 Vineyards Home Vineyard Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2008
• Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2009

Quite a few of these are produced in very small amounts, the Red Rooster Reserve Syrah.  As of October 4th, there are less than 50 cases left.  Grab some of these spectacular wines before they’re gone.

In Vino Veritas

Thanksgiving Wine Picks:

A typical Okanagan aromatic white, the 2010 Road 13 Honest Johns White is full of peach, nectarine, pear, green apple and kiwi.  A lively blend of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Kerner, Chardonnay, Bacchus and Viognier, this is loaded with fresh tropical and orchard fruit aromas and flavours, perfectly balanced by the racy acidity.  The wine is slightly off-dry with a long crisp finish, showing the mineral contribution of the Sauvignon Blanc.  Delicate and fresh, it is at its best served nicely chilled.

The 2010 Moon Curser Vineyards Viognier is loaded with rich tropical and orchard fruit, honey, white pepper and refreshing acidity. Try pairing this wine with mildly spiced curry dishes, entrees with fruit chutneys or fruit salsas or poached Halibut.