While this superb Naramata Bench winery tends to focus on world-class white wines, it also dabbles in delicious, food-friendly reds. This Pinot Noir is one of JoieFarm's finest efforts to date, and it points to the fact that the Okanagan can be a great place for the variety. Not only does it have cooler pockets that favor Pinot Noir, but it also enjoys dry harvests that put … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2011 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $24
British Columbia
JoieFarm 2011 PTG, Okanagan Valley, $24
This unusual but traditional Burgundian blend of Gamay (52%) and Pinot Noir (48%) is known as "passe-tout-grains," hence the name "PTG." Owners Michael Dinn and Heidi Noble focus on food-friendly wines, and this red fits their strategy perfectly. It opens with aromas of fresh boysenberry juice, milk chocolate, Bing cherry and forest floor. On the palate, it offers huge flavors … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2011 PTG, Okanagan Valley, $24
JoieFarm 2012 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $23
Heidi Noble and Michael Dinn run the rare winery that focuses on white varieties, as the former restaurateurs recognize how well Okanagan Valley whites pair with the cuisine of the Lower Mainland. This tasty Riesling opens with aromas of lemon pudding, candy corn and green apple, followed by succulent flavors of orange, grapefruit, lime and Golden Delicious apple. It offers … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2012 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $23
JoieFarm 2012 A Noble Blend, Okanagan Valley, $24
We like the double meaning of this wine, as it refers to co-owner Heidi Noble as well as the Alsatian style of wine known as "Edelzwicker" - or, literally, "noble blend." This version includes Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Schoenberger and Muscat. It offers aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit, nutmeg, cinnamon and apple, followed by flavors of lime zest, spice … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2012 A Noble Blend, Okanagan Valley, $24
Wild Goose Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $19
Hagen Kruger ranks among the region's top producers of Germanic varieties, but he also produces stellar Pinot Gris, so it makes sense he excels with Chardonnay. Strangely, he went more than decade without producing a Chardonnay, yet he's back with this beauty. Hints of oak appear in the nose akin to lemon meringue pie crust, joined by coconut, apricot, quince and a pinch of … [Read more...] about Wild Goose Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $19