Canada’s first female Master of Wine, the charming Barb Philip, has proposed that Pinot Blanc should be the signature grape for the Okanagan Valley. And here’s a stunning example by Heidi Noble and Robert Thielicke, who do right by these 26-year-old vines at St. Hubertus Vineyard on the eastern bank of Okanagan Lake near Kelowna. It opens with fun aromas of Banana Laffy Taffy, ambrosia salad, white peach and cotton candy. On the palate, it’s deliciously serious and refreshing with flavors of peach, pineapple and pear, all backed with bright acidity that leads to a pleasing finish. The barest hint of sweetness – just 0.9% residual sugar – rounds the edges on this superb example of Pinot Blanc.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 438 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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