Wines of the Year

1 Sandhill 2008 Osprey Ridge Vineyard Small Lots Viognier
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia  $25

I could hardly keep myself in my seat when tasting this brilliant, pristine and absolutely classic viognier. There was so much perfume with nectarine, star fruit, kiwi and pepper. It was massive on the palate, fleshy, waxy, yet braced by great acidity and alcohol warmth, with phenomenal length. Farmed by veteran growers Robert and Nathan Goltz, the 12-acre vineyard south of Oliver, B.C., is on gently rolling hills with loam and rock over a gravelly base. It is planted at high density for a naturally low yield, giving better flavour concentration. Mission accomplished.

2     Quails’ Gate Winery 2007 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay
Westbank South, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $30

3     Hidden Bench 2007 Rosomel Vineyard Roman’s Block Riesling
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $34

4     Stag’s Hollow 2008 Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $23

5     Thornhaven Estates 2008 Gewürztraminer
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $18

6     Road 13 2008 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $24

7     Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2008 Steel Post Vineyard Small Lot Riesling
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $30

8     Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2007 Small Lot Chardonnay
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $30

9     Thornhaven Estates 2008 Jackson Heights Pinot Gris
Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $18