Anthony Gismondi: These are B.C.'s Platinum Award-winning wines
The coveted Platinum Awards were announced this week at the 2025 National Wine Awards of Canada. In all, 31 medals were awarded, a relatively small number given the 1,700 entries from across the country.
The Platinums are the pinnacle of accomplishment at the Nationals, and every wine awarded one has scored a minimum of 93 points, never a small achievement when so many judges are involved.
A Platinum’s first achievement is to get out of the first round of judging, which generally means it has to be in the top 20-25 per cent of the wines tested in its category by a panel of three or four judges. From there, the competition intensifies, and the number of judges increases to five or six, and as many as 10-12, if the flight is shared between two panels.
In some ways, I liken the process to declaring a Vintage Year in Portugal. You must be certain, because several years down the road, you will be judged on whether you got it right or not. I have had many pleasant experiences tasting previous Platinum winners, suggesting that the judges generally get it right. But then, you can be the judge of that.
Over the past 25 years, we have met annually to take a snapshot of Canadian wines. Some of those wines have evolved from ordinary to extraordinary, making a compelling case for a Platinum category over the last few years. Wine critic David Lawrason, co-founder and co-chair of the National Wine Awards, along with me, neatly summed up the latest results, observing that the range of wines, in terms of style, origin and price, that rose to the top were much in line with Canada’s core “cooler climate” varieties.
The standouts come from the red blends category, sometimes referred to as the Bordeaux blends. There were six Cabernet Francs in the range, with no Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix this year. Next up were five Pinot Noirs and four Chardonnays, followed by five Rieslings, including two Icewines, and two Syrahs.
If there was a disappointment, it was the sparkling wine category, where several bottles came close to Platinum but none achieved a score above 92 points this year. I suspect it won’t be long before they break down the barrier.
Locally, several standouts grabbed Platinum. Here is the list:
• 1 Mill Road 2022 Pinot Noir Home Block and the 2023 Chardonnay
• Black Hills 2023 Bona Fide
• CedarCreek 2022 Aspect Collection Riesling
• Kismet 2022 Cabernet Franc Reserve
• Laughing Stock 2022 Syrah and the 2022 Blind Trust Red
• Lightning Rock Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard
• Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard and the 2022 Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard
• Mission Hill Family Estate 2022 Perpetua and the 2022 Terroir Cabernet Franc
• Moon Curser 2020 Malbec
• Quails’ Gate Winery 2022 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay
• Sandhill 2022 Syrah Terroir Driven Wine
• SpearHead 2022 Pinot Noir and the 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir
• Stag’s Hollow 2022 Syrah
• Tinhorn Creek 2022 Cabernet Franc
They won’t last long, so get shopping soon. They will likely be available directly from the winery if you want to taste any of them.
Weekend Wine Picks
Giusti Rosalia Brut N/V, Treviso, Verona, Veneto, Italy
$17.99 I 99/100
UPC:
8055960690183
The Rosalia Brut is new to the market. It is produced from glera grapes grown in the Marca Trevigiana area, specifically in the Pieve region. It is a very pleasing soft but persistent bubble that checks in at only 11 per cent alcohol. The attack is fresh with subtle floral notes and plenty of green apple and lemon flavours on a vibrant palate — a terrific party starter you can serve solo or alongside a wealth of finger food choices. Good value, too.
Road 13 Honest John’s Rosé 2024, Washington
$18.97 I 89/100
UPC:
776545502407
Expect a pale colour with some bright florals and candied strawberry on the nose. The palate is fresh, light, lacking all intensity, but otherwise delicate, showing red fruits, peaches, watermelon, and a touch of sherbet. Dry, ready to drink, and quite a bargain. The blend is 45 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 per cent Merlot, 19 per cent Cabernet Franc, 10 per cent Syrah and 4 per cent Grenache.
Kim Crawford Illuminate Éclairer Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand
$21.99 I 88/100
UPC:
9419227009160
Illuminate Éclairer uses the “Spinning Cone” technology to reduce the alcohol below 1 per cent on approximately 60 per cent of the final volume, with 40 per cent of the base blended back to achieve a final alcohol level of 7 per cent. The nose is one of the best we have ever encountered in the low alcohol field. Look for a mix of guava, lemons and passion fruit with heightened acidity. The mid-palette has enough weight to carry the acidity before the herby notes kick in across the fish. At 7 per cent alcohol and 90 calories per 6.6-ounce pour, Iluminate Éclairer is going to build a significant following. It is a genuine option for those seeking lower alcohol content, especially if you’re a fan of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Mayhem Pinot Gris Columbia River Plateau 2024, Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington
$21.83 I 89/100
UPC:
696852088756
This replacement Gris originates from the Ancient Lakes Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA of Washington State. The nose presents an appealing and flavourful leesy character, reminiscent more of French Chardonnay than Washington Pinot Gris. The initial taste is dry, featuring notes of citrus and peach. It continues with crisp, green apple flavours, complemented by additional notes of toast, lees, and citrus — pairs with grilled chicken, creamy pasta dishes or grilled peaches with burrata and a drizzle of honey. Good value.
Plume Rosé of Pinot Noir 2024, Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon
$29.99 I 90/100
UPC:
854987124460
The Quails’ Gate foray into replacement wines for the 2024 vintage has been successful by any measure. The Plume rosé is made with fruit that has come off Oregon hillside vineyards, where cool climates and well-draining soils contribute to its elegant styling. It begins with a pale Provençal pink colour that previews a floral nose of rosé petals and sweet watermelon. The palate is dry with bright acidity and perfect tension. It is very easy to sip, thanks to a rush of wild raspberry and fresh-cut peach.
Calendar items
• Provence Marinaside’s Tomato Festival runs all August and might extend into September, depending on the availability of heritage tomatoes. Owner and executive chef Jean-Francis Quaglia, together with the team, is offering a three-course, $79 Tomato Festival menu, using ingredients sourced from local suppliers and farmers. There’s an optional wine pairing for $48, featuring southern France labels, such as Picpoul de Pinet, Roussillon Blanc, Bandol Rosé and Languedoc Cinsault. Dishes include tomato and fennel salad with grilled sea bream and prawns, tomato pizzetta, tomato gnocchi, and seared duck breast in tomato and lavender jus. Provence is located at the south end of Yaletown near the False Creek seawall with patios overlooking the Quayside Marina. The restaurant is open daily until 11 p.m. Reservations can be made by phone at 604-681-4144 or online at
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• The Drinks Business reports, “The team at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub — The Farmer’s Dog in Burford, Oxfordshire — has pleaded with punters to stop stealing its branded pint glasses, as the theft is taking its toll on the business.” Last week alone, 104 pint glasses went missing, making it harder for the pub to turn a profit. Some of the Hawkstone-branded pint glasses have already appeared on eBay. Clarkson expanded his farm and brewing operation to open The Farmer’s Pub a year ago, just 16 kilometres away from the motoring journalist’s Diddly Squat Farm.
B.C. wine of the week
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2023, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley
$37.48 I 92/100
UPC:
00808755006267
It’s only 13.5 per cent alcohol, but the fruit is ripe and peppery, and it has staying power in the finish. Look for notes of Bing cherry, black raspberry and earthy beetroot, complemented by a generous dollop of oak. The warmth of the vintage and a short crop all conspire to give this a little extra oomph, not a typical Meyer trait, but we’ll take it this year. Duck, anyone?
Value wine of the week
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge 2020, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France
$19.99 I 90/100
UPC:
03391181381031
The Chapoutier team has one mentality: Every wine gets a chance to be its absolute best, no matter the price. Bila-Haut is a billboard for Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages. Fragrant, savoury, mouth-filling with juicy, plummy, wild, peppery fruit, this slides down effortlessly. It is a simply delicious, biodynamically farmed red that is currently on sale at a bargain price. Light up the barbecue and backup the truck.
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Source: vancouversun.com