Top Canadian Sauvignon Blancs

(40 entries, 29 medals)

There was a significant 25-percent increase in the number of entries this year, with an impressive medal ratio — but no golds this time. The increase in entries likely comes from Ontario, where this cool-climate-friendly variety is taking off, but both B.C. and Ontario took home medals — consistent with 2010, which may indicate a new national varietal is emerging. But the judges were not that impressed; four gave lukewarm comments like “serviceable, with Bordeaux styles (oaked) standing out” from Toronto's Tony Aspler. And “a little homogenous, would like more personality” from Nova Scotia’s Mark DeWolf. And, finally, “so dull!” from Montreal’s Bill Zacharkiw.

Sauvignon Blanc CWA Silver Medal Results

Peller Estates Niagara-on-the-Lake 2010 Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $30

Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2009 Gold Series Fumé Blanc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $24

Sauvignon Blanc CWA Bronze Medal Results

Pentâge 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $20

Creekside 2009 Reserve Creekside Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $27

The Organized Crime 2009 Fumé Blanc, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $28

La Frenz 2010 Rattlesnake Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $22

Henry Of Pelham 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $15

Vineland 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $17

Peller Estates Niagara-on-the-Lake 2010 Family Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $11

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 2009 Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $19

Cassini 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $19

Hillebrand 2010 Trius Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $14

Mission Hill 2010 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $19

Sandhill 2010 Sandhill Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $19

Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2010 Black Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $14

Mike Weir 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $15 

Neck Of The Woods 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $18

Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2010 Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $18

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 2010 Black Series Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $14

Tawse 2010 Lincoln Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $25

Clos du Soleil 2009 Capella, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia $27

Stag's Hollow 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $20

Mission Hill 2010 Five Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $14

Lake Breeze 2010 Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada $22

Colaneri 2010 Fumoso Bianco Appassimento-Style Sauvignon Blanc, St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $25

Stonechurch 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $13

De Sousa 2010 Seasons Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $14

Stoney Ridge 2009 Excellence Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $30

Tawse 2010 Members Select Sauvignon Blanc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $25