For several reasons, British Columbia is producing some of the Pacific Northwest’s best sparkling wines, and this is Roger Wong’s fifth Platinum in recent years for his bubbles. His time with Gray Monk Estate Winery and Riesling-focused Tantalus helps explain his stunning success for this frizzante- style pinkish blend of Riesling, Gewürztramer and Merlot. It comes with a … [Read more...] about Intrigue Wines NV I Do Rosé Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $24.95
British Columbia
Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Raspberry Dessert Wine, British Columbia $23
Best Buy! This Fraser Valley farming family scores its second Platinum with this fortified raspberry beauty, only this received a unanimous vote for gold from the judging panel — making it a Double Platinum. It’s unmistakable, beginning with ripe and smashed raspberries and a silky mouthfeel of caramel. Raspberry is a naturally tart fruit, so there’s ample acidity, and the … [Read more...] about Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Raspberry Dessert Wine, British Columbia $23
Fort Berens Estate Winery 2021 Riesling, British Columbia $23
Best Buy! One of the Pacific Northwest’s most striking settings for delicious Riesling is Lillooet, British Columbia — halfway between Whistler and Kamloops, overlooking the Fraser River. The Riesling category at the 2023 Platinum was quite competitive, and this bottling via South African winemaker Alessandro Nel’s first vintage was one of just three Double Platinums in the … [Read more...] about Fort Berens Estate Winery 2021 Riesling, British Columbia $23
Van Westen Vineyards 2022 Viognier, Naramata Bench $28
Rob Van Westen references the Rhône region of Condrieu when describing Viognier, and the Okanagan Valley winegrower produced the highest-rated Viognier of the 24th annual Platinum. It romanced the judges with aromatics hinting at apricot, grapefruit and fresh-baked baguette. The medium-bodied white receives a coating of white peach and buttered baguette that’s brightened by … [Read more...] about Van Westen Vineyards 2022 Viognier, Naramata Bench $28
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley $20.69
Best Buy! When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc — and a few other aromatic whites — the Gehringer brothers are among the Pacific Northwest’s elite, vintage after vintage. This marks the ninth career Platinum for Walter and Gordon Gehringer’s Sauvignon Blanc, which they grow along their estate on the Golden Mile Bench in the south Okanagan Valley. Aromas of cantaloupe, papaya and … [Read more...] about Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley $20.69