A year ago, British Columbia winemaker Dwight Sick stunned the 2017 Judgment of Geyserville panel in Sonoma with his Grenache portfolio, led by his 2014 Renaissance. This blend from Kiln House Vineyard on Penticton's West Bench and Hearle Vineyard to the south near Osoyoos was barely in the 500-liter French puncheons at that point, and while it's a baby, it's rather yummy. … [Read more...] about Stag’s Hollow Winery and Vineyard 2016 Grenache, Okanagan Valley, $26
British Columbia
Tightrope Winery 2017 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $22
This dry Riesling by Tightrope is a stellar example of all the goodness Riesling has to offer. It presents with equal aromas and flavors of lemon, lime, a touch of petrol, grapefruit zest, and evolves on the palate to show a touch of caramel and green apple. The racy acidity lingers for a long finish and prompts another amazing sip. This won a gold medal and best of class at … [Read more...] about Tightrope Winery 2017 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $22
Chaberton Estate Winery 2017 Gewürztraminer, Similkameen Valley, $17
Simon Fraser grad Andrea Lee went onto University of Adelaide for her master's in enology on her way to becoming Chaberton's winemaker in 2015. For her third vintage at the Lower Mainland winery, she used grapes from the Similkameen Valley to create a wine with aromas of candied ginger and lychee, then more ginger and lychee on the palate. It's finished off-dry and would pair … [Read more...] about Chaberton Estate Winery 2017 Gewürztraminer, Similkameen Valley, $17
Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2017 Mystic River Vineyard Gewürztraminer, Okanagan Valley, $20
Pair the Kruger family's Mystic River Vineyard with their own winemaking and it's almost guaranteed to be a winner. The 2017 Gewürztraminer extends that streak. It captures the grape's signature spices and lychee aromas and flavors in a wine that makes the case for this often neglected grape. And its residual sugar is offset by abundant acidity so often found in grapes from … [Read more...] about Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2017 Mystic River Vineyard Gewürztraminer, Okanagan Valley, $20
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2017 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $15
Bright aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon and lemon zest all are boldly displayed on the palate, backed by terrific acidity. Walter and Gordon Gehringer worked in tandem to win a gold medal for the second straight year and best of class at the sixth annual Cascadia International Wine Competition. Rating: Outstanding! Production: 185 cases Alcohol: 13.2% Winery … [Read more...] about Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2017 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $15