Britain's Decanter magazine released the results of its World Wine Awards and, of the 9,219 wines entered and judged, one Canadian white achieved a "trophy" award - the highest honour in its category.
Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery's Birch Canoe Pinot Blanc was the only Canadian non-icewine to take top honours in its category. The wine won a "Trophy" award for "White Single Varietals Under GBP10" (C$20)
Here is the list of judges, which included Canada's own Tony Aspler.
The only Canadian table wine (non-icewine) to win a gold medal was Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Proprietors' Grand Reserve 2005, although the website doesn't specify whether it was the meritage, shiraz or cabernet-shiraz.
Silvers for Pelee Island Winery, Magnotta Winery, Flat Rock Cellars and Hidden Bench represented Ontario's best. BC's Mission Hill garnered silvers for its Select Lot Collection 06 Chardonnay and 05 Merlot, and Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery also picked up a silver for its pinot grigio.
Of course not every Canadian winery entered (not even most), so the Decanter Awards are by no means exhaustive. But the judging standards are rigorous and Decanter is a trusted arbiter of taste with a worldwide following, so congratulations are due to the winners. And you can bet these are solid tips on good wines that are generally only available in Canada, so buy with confidence.
For a searchable database of winners, click here.
I reviewed Birch Canoe when it was released in May. While I'm sorry to see I didn't consider it a Top Value Pick or a 90-pointer, I did like it and consider it a good buy. Here's my note:
Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery Birch Canoe Pinot Blanc 2006. $17.95 ** GOOD VALUE**
VQA Okanagan Valley
Here's a great opportunity to try a grape BC's staking a claim on: pinot blanc, one of the Alsace grapes, has a growing following in the Okanagan. Very pleasant nose of muted white fruit with floral hints. Smooth and clean on the palate, with some floral and even light grapefruit notes. Nice finish. 88 points.
