British Columbia

By Rhys Pender

Weather wreaked havoc on British Columbia again this year, and if 2008 was a strange vintage, then 2009 was absolutely bizarre. Already hit by cold winter temperatures that reduced yields by 10 to 25 percent, an unusually cold spring had budbreak occurring two to three weeks late and vintners panicking that the grapes might never ripen.

Fast-forward to September and a textbook-perfect three months of weather had rumblings that 2009 might be the best vintage the Okanagan has ever seen. Harvest started two to three weeks earlier than average and grapes harvested in September were in perfect condition. But Mother Nature played her hand again over the Thanksgiving weekend, causing temperatures to plummet to lows of -8˚ C to -14˚ C for three straight days, killing leaves on the spot and ending any further ripening. Wineries rushed to harvest the grapes before they declined on the vine, but for some wineries it took more than two weeks.

As a result, 2009 will be a tale of two vintages in British Columbia — an ideal one for those that harvested before October 10, and a potentially negative one for those who were still picking late into the month. The lesson for consumers shopping for 2009 wines is to try before you buy.

Vintage Charts

Vintage Ratings (MAX 7*)Status
2009
5.5
(Tentative) Grapes harvested early were excellent — promising ripe, balanced wines without the high acid of 2008. Red wines harvested early should be excellent and rich, as long as tannins were ripe at harvest. Reds harvested after severe frost (October 10-12) will be lower quality. Whites will be more consistent — fruit-forward, ripe and best consumed young. Overall, 2009 will be a small quantity vintage from previous winter damage, with mixed quality based on harvest date.
Whites: Not yet released. Reds: Not yet released.
2008
4.5
A bizarre vintage of odd weather, with a damp, cool spring, more rain in August and low temperatures from early October. Better growers saw this coming and reduced yields to help speed up ripening and create quality grapes. The grapes typically have high sugars, but also very high acid. White wines will be better, overall.
Not Yet Released (May 2009)
2007
4.5
A difficult, damp vintage, again highlighting the importance of good vineyard management. Lots of rainfall in June and July, and then heat late in the season, which saved the vintage and allowed good quality among growers who weren't greedy with yields. Wines tend to be lighter and leaner in style. Aromatic whites excellent.
Whites - Cellar 5 Years or Less. Reds - Not Yet Released
2006
6
A great vintage for both quality and quantity. The warm weather from spring through to summer allowed more clusters to be kept and a large crop to be produced. Plenty of warmth in the fall allowed even the latest varieties to ripen well. Very good, overall, with red wines a standout, particularly pinot noir.        
Cellar 5 Years or More
2005
5.5
A damp spring led to poor flowering and lower yields in most areas, but a warm, dry summer and fall allowed most whites and the early red varieties to be harvested in perfect conditions. Those who managed yields and extra vigour early were rewarded with quality red grapes before the weather cooled dramatically in mid-October.
Cellar 5 Years or Less
2004
4.5
A vintage about quality vineyard management. A warm and wet spring followed by more unseasonal rain fom mid-August until September (August rainfall was 150 per cent above average). Problems with bunch rot for those who didn’t manage the vine canopy. Good quality from the better growers. White wines generally fared better.
Drink Now
2003
5.5
A very hot year. The excellent potential of this vintage was marred by smoke taint from the savage brush fires in the Okanagan that ruined many grapes. Vineyards that avoided smoke damage produced lush and ripe grapes. Some very big, full reds from the south Okanagan.
Drink Now or Cellar 5 Years or Less
2002
6
An excellent vintage with a warm spring and then moderate heat throughout the growing season, avoiding the heat spikes of 40˚C-plus that can shut down the grapes. A long, warm fall resulted in good quality all around.
Drink Now or Cellar 5 Years or Less
2001
6
The first of three excellent vintages. Warm weather at flowering resulted in a large crop and a long, warm summer and fall allowed optimum ripening time for virtually all varieties.
Drink Now or Cellar 5 Years or Less
2000
6
This vintage saw a promising early start, with warm spring weather before cooler weather hit in June. August heat and little rainfall saw the grapes catch up and, apart from a couple of cool and wet spells in September, a long Indian summer saw warm October weather and good ripening.
Drink Now
1998
5.5
The first hot vintage that established the quality potential for red wines from B.C. Unusual levels of heat saw rapidly escalating sugar levels and many red wines were excellent. The heat caught some off guard and some white grapes were harvested too late, lacking acid and making flabby wines without longevity. Structured red wines were better, overall.
Drink Now

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