As you know these are challenging times for the wineries of British Columbia (winebc. com). There is way less wine produced from the short crops of 2023 (December 2022 cold snap) and 2024 (January 2024 freeze) and fewer Okanagan wine tasting events being held. Accordingly it was with enthusiasm to receive an invite and to attend a Media/Trade Holiday Preview Reception on the afternoon of USA Election Day November 5 at The Kent in Vancouver. It was very well organized by Laura Serena and Morgan Sommerville of Serena PR with Kaylyn Storey, Director of Public Relations for Mark Anthony Group and the Iconic Wineries of BC. Special kudos to owner Anthony von Mandl for his astute foresight and amazing investment in these seven iconic wineries. A brief summary of this classy event:
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE This architectural wonder by Tom Kundig on Boucherie Mountain is an icon with legendary Summer Concerts with wines now using only Estate vineyards certified organic. They celebrated in 2022 for 25 years of their Oculus top red wine. Executive Chef Patrick Gayler was present preparing an excellent Italian Pumpkin & Chestnut Gnocchi (light and delicate) with Brussels Sprout & Pecorino. Designed to pair with 2022 Jagged Rock Chardonnay. What a treat.
CEDARCREEK ESTATE WINERY Pleased to see some 2023 whites with a fresh Pinot Gris Platinum from the South Kelowna Slopes. Always impressed with their Aspect (late daylight sun exposure on Upper Slopes of Home Block Vineyard planted in 1991) Block 4 Pinot Noir. Executive Chef Neil Taylor from the Home Block Restaurant showed a delicious Seared Scallop, horseradish creme fraiche, brassicas, pancetta & red wine dish that matched so perfectly with their 2022 East Kelowna Slopes Pinot Noir.
MARTIN’S LANE WINERY Big fan of what winemaker Shane Munn is accomplishing here with Riesling and Pinot Noir. 2023 Riesling Naramata Ranch Vineyards harvested on October 12 from their South facing vineyard planted in 1976 at 470m is gently handled with gravity at 12.4 abv. My fav is a silky 2022 Pinot Noir Naramata Ranch Vineyard at 49.67 latitude of Clones 667, 943, and Pommard harvested October 1-17 at elevation 410-490m East/South-East aspect at 13 abv. Appreciated my discussions with knowledgeable Ella Alfonso who most wisely decanted this young red to help open it up and show to best advantage. We also tried together the 2020 from their Artisan Wine Shop display (Joe Roubini Retail Manager) with retail outlets at Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver and downtown Victoria. However this 2020 (only 667 & 943 – no Pommard) picked October 1-10 at only 12.3 abv not decanted was initially quite restrained, tight and a lot of reduction that needed more air.
CHECKMATE ARTISANAL WINERY Another outstanding winery that is spotlighting the best of Chardonnay & Merlot. Spencer Kelly has returned home to the Okanagan taking over from winemaker Philip McGahan. Enjoyed talking with worldly James Berti Guest Experience Manager in detail about the evolution of the winery and the current wines. The Fool’s Mate Chardonnays are showing more fresh vibrancy and depth of flavours and the Merlot Opening Gambit 2020 has riper forward fruit better capturing the varietal definition but a big 14.7 abv.
LIQUIDITY WINES This winery is from Okanagan Falls near McIntyre Bluff, Vaseux Lake & Skaha Lake with a distinct terroir. A wonderful dining experience by Chef Josh Mueller matching the wines. He showed us a lightly smoked Ahi Tuna with firm skinned Sieglinde potato & pink peppercorn salad with cranberry & lettuce cream with the 2023 Estate Rose of Pinot Noir. To organize these three talented chefs at this wine tasting event was truly amazing!
RED BARN AT JAGGED ROCK Newer colourful winery producing unique wines from Jagged Rock Vineyard by winemaker Kaylee Barss including the 2022 Discordian dry white blend of co-fermented 52% rich Chardonnay & 48% fresh Sauvignon Blanc and aged in concrete for vibrant styling. Helpful Guest Experience Manager Valerio Mariani assisted with insightful information.
ROAD 13 VINEYARDS Most southern winery in the Icon group and a wonderful signature of “all about the Dirt. ” Producing some high powered reds from Cab Sauv, Malbec, and Syrah plus top blend of Fifth Element. Big admirer of their old vines Chenin Blanc planted in 1968 with exciting ageable Sparkling. Check this out.
Seven very different special wineries that live up to their bullish “ICONIC” name. Impressive.
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