And the winners are …

2010 LG Award Winners2The moment of truth at Government House comes when the wraps are pulled off the winning wines. That’s the challenge of tasting blind: you just hope that the winners span an appropriate range of style, producer and price.

It’s no small coincidence that the actual judging is run by Marjorie King, whose expertise in presenting the entries in a logical and timely fashion contributes significantly to the end result.

This year’s list of winners covers a wide range of varietals—though Chardonnay (which always accounts for one of the largest group of entries) is conspicuous by its absence.

Historically, because of the judging’s scope and limited number of winners (12 at most), the LG’s Awards have often signaled the arrival of notable newcomers—and this year is no exception.  No doubt many will be heading up to Skaha Bluffs to double-winner Painted Rock’s diminutive tasting room (with a spectacular setting).

View from Painted Rock Tim Pawsey photo

Worth the climb for the wines and the view: Painted Rock - Tim Pawsey photo

As for Foxtrot Vineyards, high above Naramata Bench (visit by appointment only), the label alone is a story unto itself.Foxtrot Vineyards label Tim Pawsey photo

The sheer range of red varieties (Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon., Syrah, Merlot) as well as the Bordeaux blend represents an extremely strong endorsement of the Okanagan’s maturing plantings.

Read more details on the judging here.

All are noteworthy winners, of course.  Don’t wait too long to track them down.  Best bet? Go right to the winery…

2010 LG Award winners Tim Pawsey photo

Winning wines: 2010 Lieutenant Governor's Awards - Tim Pawsey photo