CWA 2010: White Blends

(43 entries, 30 medals)

There was a big jump in white blend entries this year reflecting a trend that is sweeping the nation. Perhaps winemakers and drinkers are tiring of the same old flavours from the top white varieties and they are enjoying the fresh, more casual approach of the genre, captured in blend names like Twisted, Sibling Rivalry and Freudian Sip. The wines were judged in separate aromatic and dry white flights. Despite some grumbling about dilute wines, most judges raved over the aromatic complexity they were experiencing. “Gorgeous wines for the most part, with the best having vibrant perfume and impeccable balance,” said DJ Kearney. “The blend is here to stay.”

Gold

Lake Breeze 2009 Bench White, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $16

Wild Goose Vineyards 2009 Autumn Gold, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $19

Silver

Coyote’s Run 2009 Five Mile, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $14

See YA Later Ranch 2009 Jimmy My Pal, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $16

Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2008 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve White Meritage, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $25

Road 13 2009 Viognier Riesling Sauvignon Blanc, British Columbia     $23

Twisted Tree 2009 Marsanne Roussanne, Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $22

Twisted Tree 2009 Viognier Roussanne, Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $22

Sonoran Estate 2009 Jazz Series Riesling-Gewürztraminer, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $18

Blasted Church 2009 Hatfield’s Fuse, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $18

Birchwood 2008 Fresh Gewürztraminer Riesling, Ontario     $12

Henry of Pelham 2009 Sibling Rivalry White, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $14

Salt Spring Vineyards 2009 Aromata, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia     $20

Flat Rock Cellars 2009 Twisted, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $17

Bronze

Inniskillin Okanagan 2008 Discovery Series Marsanne Roussanne, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $25

Laughing Stock 2009 Blind Trust White, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia    $25

Tinhorn Creek 2009 Oldfield Series 2Bench White, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $23

Intrigue Wines 2009 9, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $15

Inniskillin 2008 Reserve Series Brae Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario    $15

JoieFarm 2009 A Noble Blend, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $24

Road 13 2009 Stemwinder, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $22

Reif Estate 2009 Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $12

Reif Estate 2009 Trend White, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $14

Hillebrand 2009 Trius White, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $20

Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Seriously Twisted, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $23

Black Widow 2009 Naramata Bench Vineyard Oasis, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $20

Sperling Vineyards 2009 The Market White, East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $16

Arrowleaf 2009 First Crush White, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $14

Therapy Vineyards 2009 Freudian Sip, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $17

See more results from the Wine Access 2010 Canadian Wine Awards