CWA 2010: Red Wines of the Year

Howling Bluff 2008 Pinot Noir, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $29

The first pinot noir to capture Canada’s Red Wine of the Year will not be a surprise to loyal fans, as its predecessor captured the B.C. Lieutenant Governor’s Award in 2009. From vines planted in 2004 and 2008 at a small, family-owned, Naramata Bench winery, this vintage wowed and beguiled the judges with its classic pinot cherry fruit and perfectly pitched oak aromatics. It has power, juiciness and finesse all at the same time — a joy in the glass.

2.  See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Rover, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $25

3.  Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 2007 SunRock Vineyard Shiraz, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia    $35

4.  Peller Estates Niagara-on-the-Lake 2007 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario    $38

5.  Sandhill 2007 Sandhill Estate Vineyard Small Lots Single Block C8 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $35

6.  Wayne Gretzky 2007 Estate Series Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario    $22

7.  Nk’Mip Cellars 2008 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia    $30

8.  CedarCreek 2007 Platinum Reserve Merlot, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $30

9.  Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2007 Small Lot Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario    $40

10.  Desert Hills 2006 Select Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia    $35

See more results from the Wine Access 2010 Canadian Wine Awards