Bloom: BC VQA Spring Release Tasting
May 21, 2010 by Sheila Whittaker
Over 50 BC wineries showed off their latest releases to Vancouver’s media and wine tradespeople at the Bloom: BC VQA Spring Release Tasting. Wines of British Columbia hosted the event at the Marriott Pinnacle.
With so many wines to choose from in the room, I was spoiled for choice. But I managed to make the most of it. Here’s my 4X4 list of wines that stood out:
White
Clos du Soleil White 2007 from the Similkameen Valley. A crisp Bordeaux-style white blend (mostly Sauvignon Blanc, with around 5% Semillon). A beautifully-made wine that would be a classy addition to your summer dinner table.
Twisted Tree Viognier/Roussanne 2008 from Osoyoos. Great quality from this aromatic and vibrant wine. Another excellent choice for a special meal — guests bringing this to Chateau Whittaker will be invited back.
Ex Nihilo Riesling 2008 from Okanagan Falls. An intense wine bursting with citrus and bright acidity. A mouth-watering number sure to refresh!
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2008 from Naramata. This is one of those chards that hits the balance between being crisp with green apple, mineral and citrus, yet still offering some creamy texture and only a hint of toastiness.
Rosé
Tantalus Rosé 2009. It’s dry, but very aromatic and a beautiful, bright pink in the glass. It’s made of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier and would suit the poolside or the table.
Le Vieux Pin Vaïla Pinot Noir Rosé 2008 from Oliver. This is the wine snob’s answer to those who think pink wine is a sweet girlie drink. Vaïla proves them wrong with its elegant, distinctly French-style.
Stag’s Hollow Syrah Rose had a sweet smell, but was dry on the palate with a round mouthfeel.
Church & State Wines Cabernet Blanc 2009 had bright fruit, was slightly (sweet but not overly so) and would rock a patio.
Red
Stag’s Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. Yes! An affordable (under $30) red from BC that is smooth, aromatic, and easy-to-drink — while remaining interesting. By comparison, the Heritage Block 1 2006 (Cab/Merlot blend) was earthier, had more oak influence, more complexity, heavier body and grippier tannins.
Church & State Wines 2006 Meritage. Smooth, with sweet red fruit and an easy-drinking nature. Its 2007 Syrah, with sweet spice and current notes, was also pleasant. The former is in the $35 range, the latter $10 less.
Clos du Soliel Red 2007. Cab Sauv/Merlot/Cab Franc that offers bright red fruit and is approachable now. A delicious choice for presenting to the host of the next dinner party you get an invite to.
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2007. Well balanced with ripe, dark fruit, soft tannins and medium body. The Merlot 2007 (plum, oak, medium-bodied with fair acid) and Syrah 2007 (full with grippy tannins, dark fruit and a peppery finish) are also well made.
Reds for your cellar
Dunham & Froese Amicitia 2008. A Merlot/Cab Sauv/Syrah/Cab Franc/Malbec/Petit Verdot blend — totally different from the last vintage, which was driven by Cab Franc. It had a lot to it and is definitely a wine for the cellar. Big, bold and needs time to settle down before it peaks.
Painted Rock Red Icon 2007. A huge Bordeaux-blend that, even after three years, is still tightly wound with lots of tannin and acidity. It will age for many years — and should to be properly enjoyed. If you have the means, it will be the reward.
Poplar Grove Legacy 2006. If you were to drink this now, you should open it at breakfast to enjoy it at dinner. It is powerful, complex and worthy of a cozy spot in your cellar.
Black Hills Nota Bene 2008. There’s a reason this has become BC’s cult wine. It’s full with black current, plum, blackberry, oak, earth, good acidity and smooth tannins. It’s delicious and will be for years to come. The Carmenere was also on offer and was a hefty, meaty, dark, tooth-blackening delight.
If you were at Bloom and tried something that I missed, please comment below! I’d also love to hear what you thought of the wines I have listed here. There were so many on offer, I was certainly not able to get around to all of them (although I gave it the good ol’ college try!).
Comments
2 Responses to “Bloom: BC VQA Spring Release Tasting”
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Hi Sheila,
I’m old enough to remember when a glass of Pommard was like drinking a glass of satin ambrosia. Many years ago it disappeared from the wine store shelves here in Victoria. I understand also that the quality of the wine has been in decline. Can you tell me a little about this? Many thanks
Alastair a.k.a. The Writing Butler.
Member: PWAC.
Hi Alastair,
I’m afraid that I do not often find myself sipping Pommard, so I am not of much help in this instance. For great reading about Burgundy (including Pommard), you should check out Allen Meadows’ http://www.burghound.com/.
Cheers,
Sheila.