Results of the 2017 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (The Nationals)
Intro by David Lawrason
Despite the huge presence of this cool climate grape in global markets, it remains a down-the-ladder varietal in Canada. One reason is its lack of winter hardiness. But if that can be insured (somehow) Canada can do this, we need to persevere. I often find B.C. versions too ripe and blowsy, but in Ontario where the slimmer, mineral, Loire Valley model can be rendered, it can get exciting. The Peller/Trius winemakers have really found the handle based on vineyards in the Niagara-on-the-Lake appellation. And ageing in oak to make Bordelais-inspired versions is a definite possibility. Don’t give up!
Blasted Church 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Inniskillin Niagara 2015 Discovery Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Kismet 2016 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Peller Estates Niagara 2015 Andrew Peller Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Trius 2015 Showcase Clean Slate Sauvignon Blanc Wild Ferment, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Bench 1775 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Burrowing Owl 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Clos du Soleil 2015 Estate Reserve White, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Hidden Bench 2015 Fumé Blanc Rosomel Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Lake Breeze 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Lunessence 2016 Winemaker’s CUT Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Maverick 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Mission Hill 2016 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Screaming Frenzy 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Stag’s Hollow 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Stag’s Hollow Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
TIME Estate Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Two Sisters 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario