British Columbia Summer Sippers

Brickbats and kudos aside, today we address the question of scoring and availability because they deserve some explanation and because, as a result of much deliberation, we are changing our scoring system.

When we instituted the six-wine weekly tasting nearly three years ago, it was suggested we use a scoring system different from the 100-point scale used in most major New World wine publications.

At the time, we chose a modified "Davis" system, based on the original University of Davis at California 20-point scoring system that I was using with my own notes for nearly two decades.

It's a somewhat complicated system to explain, but in a nutshell, it assesses wine based on clarity/appearance, colour, total acidity, sweetness, body/texture, taste/flavour, bitterness, finish/astringency and general quality.

If that seems like a great deal to consider of any wine, it is, but there is more. How a wine rates against similar types from around the world also plays a key factor in its final appraisal and that's why the decision has been made to move to the 100-point scale at The Vancouver Sun.

Our reviews consider the quality of the wine as it compares against others in the tasting, be they local or global. By moving to the 100-point scale, it will be easier for wineries and consumers to compare our results with those of other respected publications. Consumers appear to better understand wine reviews based out of 100 points.

You should know that price is not a factor in our reviews, at least as it affects the score, although comments from this writer about whether the wine appears to deliver value are given where merited.

No system is perfect, but consistency counts for a lot in reporting and wine tasting. After 15 years at The Sun and 25 in all tasting wine, it's my aim to be as consistent as possible.

Now to availability. In B.C., your retail choices vary from government stores, regular and specialty, to free-standing wine stores, beer wine and liquor stores, agency stores, VQA wine shops and B.C. winery on-site stores.

Specialty stores, such as the flagship shop at 39th and Cambie and several other regional stores, have the widest wine selection. After that, there are neighbourhood stores, such as Westview in North Vancouver or Brighouse in Richmond, known for their diverse selection. Ask your local store manager which store in the area boasts the largest selection.

The mishmash of pseudo-private retailers is led by Liberty Wine Merchants and Marquis Wine Cellars, followed by hundreds of beer, wine and liquor stores who sadly pose little if any threat to government stores when it comes to price, selection or service.

VQA wine stores sell only locally produced wines that bear the VQA symbol. You can order direct from most B.C. wineries by phone, online or in person with myriad shipping possibilities.

Enough details. Today's picks are all designed for warm-weather sipping on the patio. With one exception, they hail from the very warm 2003 Okanagan vintage and all should be served well chilled to best express their fruit.

First up is a delicious Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Dry Classic 2003 with its attractive fresh, honey, clover and spicy, mineral nose. It is ripe, round and rich with floral, mineral, green peach flavours and just a touch of sweetness. A fine summer sipper and a great value.

The Sumac Ridge Gewurztraminer Private Reserve 2002 is the odd man out by vintage but not flavour. Look for similar fresh aromas spiked with floral, green apple and lychee fruit notes with a dash of citrus and spice. It's light, refreshing, off-dry and perfect for sipping now.

You'll love the easy-to-open Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2003, with its floral, mineral, clover aromas and spicy apple notes. It too is fresh and dry with green apple skin, nectarine, and spicy, mineral flavours. A crisp, lean style that will pair well with appetizers.

Similarly stylish is Naramata-based Lake Breeze Gewurztraminer 2003. The nose and flavours are a mix of peach, lychee fruit and green apples with a touch of spice and good crispness on the finish. A very fine effort. Sip or have it with Indian food.

Speaking of consistency, the Tinhorn Creek Gewurztraminer 2003 is another in a string of excellent gewurztraminers from this Oliver-based winery. Smoky mineral, floral, sweet lychee aromas mark the nose while red apple, spicy honey and lychee fruit make up the flavours. It's soft and rich like Alsace but with more elegance.

The finale is Mission Hill Pinot Grigio Five Vineyards 2003. The new moniker "Five Vineyards" speaks to the five Okanagan regions that contribute the fruit. It opens with a bright nose of mineral, spicy, citrus rind and juicy floral aromas. The entry is round and dry with mineral, lime rind and floral flavours. A well-made, fresh pinot gris made in the Italian "grigio" style.

Weekend Wine Tasting: Summer Sippers
   Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Wine   Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Dry Classic 2003, Oliver
Price   $11.99
UPC    623871010024
Score  87/100
Remarks       Refreshing floral, green peach flavours. Great value.

Wine   Sumac Ridge Gewürztraminer Private Reserve 2002
Price   $12.99
UPC    778876128936
Score  86/100
Remarks       Green apples, lychee fruit with dash of spice and citrus.

Wine   Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2003, Okanagan Falls
Price   $13.99 *
UPC    6269900031789
Score 87/100
Remarks       Green apple skin, nectarine, spicy, mineral flavours.

Wine   Lake Breeze Gewurztraminer 2003, Naramata
Price   $13.90 *
UPC    626990024828
Score  87/100
Remarks       Peachy/ green apple and spice. Think Indian food.

Wine   Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2003, Oliver
Price   $14.50 *
UPC    624802981031
Score 88/100
Remarks       Delicious red apple, honey, and lychee fruit.

Wine   Mission Hill Pinot Grigio Five Vineyards 2003
Price   $14.99
UPC    776545995322
Score  86/100
Remarks       Fresh, mineral, lime rind, floral flavours. Well made and fresh.

*        available in restaurants, VQA and selected private wine shops.