B.C. RULES THE ROOST AT NATIONAL WINE AWARDS
The 20th Winealign National Wine Awards of Canada results are final. Today we look at the top-10 B.C. wineries ranked by scores from among Canada's top 25 wineries entering a minimum of five wines, not including icewine.
■ La Frenz (No. 1 B.C., No. 2 Canada) and Best Performing Small Winery of the Year earned two platinum, six gold, five silver and seven bronze medals. Jeff and Niva Martin repeat their 2017 wine with daughter Elise Martin in charge of growing the grapes. The good news in 2021 is the many star wines, including the outstanding N/V Liqueur Muscat, 2019 Reserve Ensemble, the 2019 Chardonnay Reserve, the 2018 Cabernets Rockyfeller Vineyard and the 2020 Riesling Clone 21B Freedom 75 Vineyard. The bad news is most are sold out. So you will need to get in line for next year now.
■ Blasted Church Vineyards (No. 2 B.C.; No. 3 Canada) have quietly resurrected themselves under winemaker Evan Saunders. In all, the Skaha Bench winery grabbed two platinum, six gold, five silver and 11 bronze medals led by the 2019 Big Bang Theory and the 2019 Cabernet Franc. Other bright lights included the 2017 Nectar of the Gods, the 2018 Cabernet Merlot and 2088 Small Blessings Malbec. So watch for this winery in the coming years to continue to press the competition across the Okanagan.
■ Road 13 (No. 3 B.C.; No. 6 Canada) continued its top 25 finishes with one platinum, three gold, three silver and five bronze medals. Under the steady hand of winemaker Barclay Robinson, the Rhone-focused winery scored big with its 2019 GSM and 2019 Syrah Malbec. There was equal love for the 2020 Cabernet Merlot and 2019 Jackpot Malbec. Look for a total winery refit to begin next year, adding more lustre.
■ Quails' Gate Estate (No. 4 B.C.; No. 7 Canada) had a solid showing grabbing one platinum, three gold, eight silver and four bronze medals. With a major East Kelowna project set to come on stream, the West Kelowna winery will control all its fruit sources moving forward. Some personal favourites that wowed the judges include 2019 Rosemary's Block Chardonnay, 2019 Richard's Block Pinot Noir, the 2019 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay and 2018 The Boswell Syrah.
■ Mission Hill Family Estate (No. 5 B.C.; No. 8 Canada) grabbed six gold, eight silver and five bronze medals. The famous winery on the hill continues to set standards as its multiple vineyard sources head for complete organic certification. Look for even more innovation under new chief winemaker Corrie Kreibhl as she puts her stamp on the property. Top picks include 2017 Legacy Collection Quatrain, 2019 Legacy Collection Perpetua, 2019 Terroir Collection Vista's Edge Cabernet Franc, 2017 Legacy Collection Compendium and the Mission Hill 2020 Reserve Pinot Gris.
■ Nk'mip Cellars (No. 6 B.C.; No. 10 Canada), under winemaker Justin Hall, took home five gold, four silver and seven bronze medals continuing to add to its legacy of consistent performances at The Nationals. The unique, First Nations winery is well worth a visit, as is a patio lunch. Wines to look for are 2018 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay, 2019 Mer'r'iym Red Meritage, 2018 Qwam Qwmt Syrah Syrah/shiraz and 2020 Mer'r'iym White Meritage.
■ Meyer Family Vineyards (No. 7 B.C.; No. 11 Canada) had an impressive strike rate entering seven wines and taking home seven medals. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist is hitting on all cylinders at the moment. Look for any following stars: 2019 Tribute Series Chardonnay Old Main Rd, 2019 Chardonnay Mclean Creek Road, 2019 Micro Cuvee Chardonnay Mclean Creek.
■ Maverick Estate Winery (No. 8 B.C.; No. 12 Canada) had also had a good strike rate with eight entries and eight medals, including one platinum, two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Top picks of winemaker Andrew Windsor are 2019 Bush Vine Syrah, 2020 Amber Pinot Gris and the 2019 Rubeus Red Blends.
■ Spearhead Winery (No. 9 B.C.; No. 13 Canada) took home four gold, five silver and four bronze medals. Winemaker Grant Stanley is settled into the East Kelowna winery making refined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, including 2018 Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2019 Riesling, 2019 Saddle Block Pinot Noir and 2019 Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir.
■ Painted Rock (No. 10 B.C.; No. 14 Canada) makes two Skaha Bench wineries in the top 10 with four gold, four silver and five bronze medals. The top four picks are 2019 Cabernet Franc, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 Merlot and 2019 Skaha Bench Chardonnay.
You can read the full results at winealign.com/awards.