For reasons related to the pandemic, while invited, I wasn’t able to judge at this year’s British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. But having just seen the results, there are a few things that strike me as being worth noting in particular.
In 2018 the BC Wine Awards (formerly the long-running Okanagan Wine Festival judging) were merged with the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in BC Wine. The latter were arguably the toughest of any to win, with odds of around 50-1. Hence it’s important to look in particular at the 2020 Platinum results, which reflect the top dozen or so wines in the competition. (This year there were actually 16 Platinum winners.)
Platinum still rules
A potent reminder of the original LG’s does live on here. It was the intention that in the new, combined format the Platinums would replicate the original awards. Considerable scrutiny remains in the process of awarding Platinum, which has to distinctly stand out from the wider pack of Gold winners—this year 35. All the judges taste wines put forward for Platinum and each winner must have considerable momentum and consensus.
Three things struck me about this year’s Platinum winners.
• The preponderance of smaller producers.
• A strong showing from central and northern Okanagan wineries, specifically Naramata but also Lake Country.
• Finally, some respect for Riesling, which won Wine of the Year (Upper Bench 2019 HB91 pts)— great value at $21.95 no less!
Syrah and Riesling on a roll
Indeed, the judges did find lots to like in Syrah (five Platinum), Riesling (four Platinum), as well as Pinot Noir (three Platinum—two from SpearHead: Saddle Block 2018 and Cuvée 2018).
As planned—under winemaker-manager Grant Stanley—diminutive SpearHead (south Kelowna) is emerging as a Pinot specialist. It’s also rewarding to see Lake Country’s Arrowleaf Cellars’ win for their 2018 Pinot Noir (various sites).
Spearhead Winery, TP photo
Another double Platinum winner, Deep Roots won for its Syrah 2018, a strong follow-up to their 2017 (last year’s overall winner), while Deep Roots Parentage Red 2018 is a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Malbec with some Cab Franc.
The Syrah Platinum lineup includes wines made with fruit from both Naramata (Deep Roots, Three Sisters, Moraine) and Oliver-Osoyoos (Laughing Stock 2017-HB90, QwAM QwMT 2017). Indeed, as evidenced in prior contests, Syrah has arrived as a serious contender for BC. What’s more, overall, I’m sure that the Naramata Bench is pretty happy with its strong showing of seven out of 16 Platinums awarded.
The Riesling Platinums (Upper Bench 2019, HB 91, O’Rourke’s Peak 2019 (92) Tantalus Old Vines 2017 (91) and Lake Breeze 2017 represent the highest proportion yet (25%) of Rieslings awarded in this challenging tier.
I was also excited to see the judges singled out Terravista Albariño 2019 (91), along with Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2018 and Therapy Vineyards Chardonnay 2018. The award is excellent news for Terravista’s new owners, Dallas and Eric Thor, who very much intend to carry on the work started by Bob and Senka Tennant, who pioneered Albariño in the Okanagan.
You can view the full list of winners here.
Leave A Comment