BC Government House announces 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards

And the winners are …

The 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).

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.

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.

About the Author: Tim Pawsey

Tim has been covering the food and wine revolution for about 20 kilos. Count 15 kg alone thanks to the blossoming cuisine and wine culture of British Columbia, Canada. His awards include: BC Restaurant Assn. Hall of Fame, Okanagan Wine Festivals Harry McWatters Founder's Award, BC Wine Growers Industry Recognition Award, Vancouver International Wine Festival Spirited Industry Professional award. Tim’s hallmark is seeking out and recommending value wines from BC and around the world that offer quality at every level. He also scopes out noteworthy restaurants that live up to their promises—and often over deliver. For several decades Tim wrote columns in the Vancouver Courier and North Shore News. He currently contributes to several magazines, including BCLS Taste, Vitis and others. Tim is a frequent judge for wine competitions and was a founding judge of The BC Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Wine. He is frequently invited to judge at The BC Wine Awards, and others. Tim has traveled to taste in many of the world’s leading wine regions, across Europe, in North America, Argentina and Chile, Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa.