Looking for the best in Okanagan wine? Here's some savvy suggestions from our own Michaela Morris.
2015 Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc • Okanagan Valley • $18, winery direct
Michael Bartier calls Matt Mavety one of the valley’s best winemakers and credits Mavety’s investment to understand his vineyard. “It’s no accident that his wines are outstanding.” I couldn’t agree more. 100 per cent estate fruit from their property in Okanagan Falls, the Pinot Blanc offers sage flower, lemon curd and peach cream.
2014 Tinhorn Creek, Oldfield Series Chardonnay • Golden Mile Bench, BC VQA Okanagan Valley• $35 winery direct
One of the first wines to carry the official Golden Mile Bench sub-GI designation. While it’s far too soon to say this a typical representation, what can be said is that it’s a rich and luscious style of Chard with tropical pineapple fruit, caramel and creamed corn leading to vanilla and ripe juicy melon on the finish.
2013 Tantalus, Old Vine Riesling •BC VQA Okanagan Valley • $38-42 Sold out at the winery but available at private wine stores (Legacy Liquor Store, Kitsilano Wine Store, Liberty Wine Merchants)
This is another producer whose efforts in the vineyard have done nothing but benefit the wines. Located in East Kelowna, Tantalus has demonstrated the affinity this area has with Riesling. Crafted from vines planted in 1978, the Old Vine is focused and pure on the nose with citrus peel, green herb, and granny smith apple. Tautly wound, zippy acidity and a lingering stoney quality.
2014 JoieFarm En Famille Reserve Pinot Noir • Okanagan Valley • $26 winery direct
Blending from different areas within the valley can produce delicious results as well, and many of the Okanagan’s wines do just that. Here, Naramata, Skaha and Summerland come together. Full disclosure, I have yet to try the latest release, but earlier this year I enjoyed the bright cherry, cranberry and clove notes and long finish of the 2012 vintage. Expect more flesh and ripeness from the warmer 2014 vintage.
2014 Le Vieux Pin, Cuvée Violette, Syrah • Okanagan Valley • $30-35, sold out at the winery but available at private wine stores (Firefly, Liberty Wine Merchants)
Combines grapes from the Golden Mile and Black Sage Bench. Floral and meaty with blackberry and blue Italian plums, it’s polished and silky on the palate, finishing with nutmeg. If you have $80 to spend, you can seek out their about-to-be released 2013 Equinoxe Syrah for extra intensity and concentration.
