VA2007 - Best of BCs Bottles

To those seeking out a bottle of B.C.'s best, the following is a selection of sure-shot champions: local winners from Vancouver Magazine's 3rd Annual Wine Awards. Unless noted, all are available at government liquor stores throughout the Lower Mainland (product codes listed beside bottles). Of special note, even though the pinot noir from Nk'Mip — an aboriginal-owned and operated winery in the Okanagan — won Best In Show, it isn't on this list because it proves difficult to find. If you stumble across one — or can get yourself to the winery direct — grab it.

SPARKLING WINE

Sumac Ridge Steller's Jay Brut 2002
B.C.'s classic bubbly. $25.00, +264879

LIGHT WHITE

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Ehrenfelser 2005
Charming, delicate "walk in the woods" floral fragrance; organic.
$19.95, +440016

Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc Limited Release 2006
Crisp, fresh and lively with peach, grapefruit and mineral complexity.
$19.90, at Marquis Wine Cellar, 1034 Davie St., 604-684-0445.

MEDIUM WHITE

Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Black Sage 2005
A buttery, toasty take on Okanagan sauvignon. Full of flavour.
$19.99, +273458

Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Grigio Reserve 2005
Pure Okanagan fruit — like a crisp, juicy apple.
$15.99, +80044

Nk'Mip Pinot Blanc 2005
Exciting anytime, anywhere B.C. white.
$16.99, +626432

Sandhill Pinot Blanc 2005
As Okanagan as they come — honey, peach and sage.
$16.99, +541185

Sumac Ridge Black Sage Pinot Blanc 2005
Impressive toasty, oaky, vanilla and spice flavours.
$15.99, +393728

RICH WHITE

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Chardonnay Grand Reserve 2005
Another blockbuster from J-T. Tons of flavour.
$19.99, +572065

ROSÉ

BEST OF CATEGORY
Joie Rosé 2006
This is a snappy blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, crafted in a slightly off-dry style, but the focussed flavours and lively acid provide the structure for serious food.
$26.90, available at Marquis Wine Cellar, 1034 Davie St., 604- 684-0445.

LIGHT RED

Peller Estates Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2005
Peller kicks it up a notch — this is fresh, juicy, gulpable pinot.
$16.99, +618314

RICH RED

BEST OF CATEGORY
Sandhill Small Lots Three 2003
Audacious blend of Italian and French grapes from one of B.C.'s top vineyards.
$29.99, +55574

DESSERT

Peller Estates Private Reserve Trinity Icewine 2005
Refreshingly balanced and stylish ice wine from the Okanagan, with classic B.C. apricot, apple and honey flavours.
$49.99, +199752