Value-able Wines

The search for the best wines sold in Canada under $25 involved just under 1000 listings, tasted blind, by over two dozen wine experts from across the country.

In the interest of full disclosure, you should know I am the editor-in-chief at Wine Access and I'm responsible for heading up the IVWA panel of judges. That said, I know a lot about who entered the competition, how it is run and the final results and frankly it is among the most valuable information available to wine drinkers anywhere in the country. Full results from the more than 1,000 wines from 16 different countries will be published in the October/November issue of Wine Access magazine, on newsstands at the end of September.

Today I wanted to depart slightly from our weekly reviews and mention some of the more interesting winners you can find in British Columbia. Keep in mind the complete results will include 24 varietal categories, with 26 category champions, and 11 categories by country, as well as a list of the best red and white wines in Canada available for less than $15.

While every wine entered in the IVWA must sell in at least one Canadian locale for less than $25 it goes without saying that here in B.C., where we pay the most for wine in the country, not all the winners can be bought for less than $25, but what else is new in B.C.

Many B.C. drinkers will know the J. Lohr 2006 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. The hearty red stood tall amongst almost 100 entries. Rich and glossy with a touch of spice, it has been and still is a very reliable cabernet.

Blended red wines were divided into two camps New World and Old World that sensibly divided the drier, Euro style from the riper, richer New World editions. The leading Old World label is the familiar Torres 2003 Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva from Cataluña, Spain. The New World category spawned a tie between the Graham Beck 2006 Shiraz Viognier from Robertson and the Tin Roof Cellars 2005 Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon from California.

Riesling fans should be delighted with a top score going to the Blue Nun 2007 Riesling, Rheinhessen, Germany. Don't confuse this with the old Liebfraumilch, this Rheinhessen blend simply over delivers for $10 and in this market, chalked full of spicy Asian dishes, it could be a take-out king.

B.C. wine hit several high notes led by Therapy Vineyards 2007 Pinot Gris, Inniskillin Okanagan 2005 Merlot Reserve and Sumac Ridge 2005 Private Reserve Merlot, all from the Okanagan Valley.

One of my favourite chardonnay regions, Sonoma, hit the winner circle with Rodney Strong 2006 Chardonnay. The Strong magic is delivering value and flavour for a reasonable amount of money.

Spaniard Miguel Torres scored again with a delightful little white wine Torres 2006 Viña Sol that illustrates how not every white wine has to be made with chardonnay to be fun to sip.

And speaking of fun and juicy, be sure to check out the Casas del Bosque 2006 Pinot Noir Reserve from Valle de Casablanca in Chile. A large contingent of Chileans producers will be in Vancouver later this month and pinot noir is variety you should be investigating, given the skyrocketing price of pinot in North America and France.

Finally if dessert is on the menu or just a fine piece of cheese, Taylor Fladgate 2002 Late Bottled Vintage Port, from the Douro Valley is the port to look for. Its fragrant nose is highlighted by chocolate and layers of pepper and dried fruit. Its middle-dry finish and smoky, raising notes are perfect for revitalizing the palate after a rich meal.

SUMAC RIDGE MERLOT PRIVATE RESERVE 2003, OKANAGAN VALLEY

Price: $16

UPC: 778876013973

Score: 86/100

Remarks: Supple fruity earthy versatile red.

INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN MERLOT RESERVE 2005, OKANAGAN VALLEY

Price: $17

UPC: 00620654011087

Score: 87/100

Remarks: Licorice, black fruit with fine acidity, best with lamb.

THERAPY VINEYARDS PINOT GRIS 2006, NARAMATA BENCH, OKANAGAN VALLEY

Price: $22

UPC: 854505001211

Score: 87/100

Remarks: Light, fun, tasty fresh white.

RODNEY STRONG CHARDONNAY CHALK HILL 2006, SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Price: $23

UPC: 087512923256

Score: 91/100

Remarks: Consistent and good value.

VINA CASAS DEL BOSQUE PINOT NOIR RESERVE 2006, VALLE DE CASABLANCA, CHILE

Price: $22

UPC: 697412000362

Score: 86/100

Remarks: Celery salt, gamey, compost, strawberry, carrot, cedar flavours.

TAYLOR FLADGATE LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE PORT 2002, DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL

Price: $25.76

UPC: 05013626111277

Score: 88/100

Remarks: A perfumed, elegant style port with attractive fiery flavours.