Okanagan Wine Trip '07 - Final thoughts

Overall, I was very happy with this trip. The Okanagan is really starting to come into it's own. They are still at a point where the bigwig critics of the world feel that they must judge Okanagan wines on a more forgiving scale, and that is something that really needs to change.

My opinion on one issue hasn't changed, and was in fact reinforced this year. More emphasis needs to be placed on the micro-climates within the Okanagan, and what grapes grow well where. Consistently when I taste red wines where the grapes were grown in the Kelowna area, they just seem a bit green, and somewhat harsh. I get the impression that the grapes just don't get enough hang-time to acheive full phenolic ripeness. The whites from central Okanagan are outstanding - especially a lot of the Germanics and aromatics.

The southern Okanagan is starting to live up to its potential. The wines made from bordeaux grapes from the Black Sage Bench are getting better and better. They are getting to the point where they may start rivalling California in quality. Interestingly enough, my favorite Pinot Noirs seem to be those grown on the opposite side of the valley, on the east-facing slopes by the 'Golden Mile'. Maybe its just a bit less sun exposure, giving those little pinot berries the extra cooling they need at night.

If the Okanagan is going to become a true world-class wine region, each winery and winegrower needs to really take a good look at what grows best in their vineyards, and re-plant as necessary. Personally, I am not a fan of the more obscure varietals being grown here either - the Foch and the Zweigelt just don't seem to do it for me.

So, without further adieu - my favorite wines of the trip!
(This is based on wines I actually tasted while at the wineries. Wines based on spec are not included.)

Best Rose - Arrowleaf Red Feather 2006
Best White (Aromatic) - Arrowleaf White Feather 2005
Best White (Barrel aged) - Mission Hill S.L.C. Chardonnay
Best Pinot Noir - Quail's Gate Pinot Noir 2005
Best Meritage Blend - TIE:
**Burrowing Owl Meritage 2004 (This was a great straight-ahead bordeaux blend)
**Desert Hills Mirage 2004 (A nice smooth bordeaux blend, with the most amazing burst of vanilla on the finish)

Cheers!