BC wines impress top judges

B.C. wine is standing upon the world stage with their own character, flavours, and personality against some of the best wines in the world.

This according to the top judges from all over the world who came together on Wednesday at the Hotel Eldorado to judge B.C. wines in a blind test.

“It has been the most fascinating tasting,” said International judge Christine Austin.

“We had no help with this, they are just blind wines, you taste through them, you evaluate the flavours and textures and see what you come up with.”

Twenty-four wines were carefully selected for the judges to sip and judge, twelve of which were from B.C.

“It has been a big day, a lot of energy, a lot of thinking, a lot of tasting, a lot of evaluating B.C. in the context of very challenging global counterparts,” said DJ Kearney, wine educator, and global wine expert.

The event was inspired by the legendary Judgment of Paris in 1976, which was later turned into a Hollywood hit "Bottle Shock.” This year was the fourth year they have put on the judgment.

Austin said the wines in B.C. stood out and impressed the judges.

“Clearly I have a French bias, but in amongst those there are some of the B.C. wines pushing at the gates of the really good French wines,” she said.

Poplar Grove Winery Legacy 2014 took first place from the judges in the red blends with Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio 2015 in second.

“This is the first time I have really gotten to grips with B.C. wine and I’ve been so impressed with the quality and dedication of the winemakers,” said Austin. “Their determination not just to make wine, but make great wines.”

In fourth place for the sparkling wine, was Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars Blanc de Blancs.

“We are at a pivotal point in our growth as a wine industry, we need to be confident and we need to focus,” said Kearney.

Kearney added they love when winemakers take note of the results from the judgment, but also things the public should try their own judgment.

“These wines are all available… have your own judgment!,” she said.

Judges spent four days in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys attending educational masterclasses, regional tastings, panel discussions and interactive wine and food pairing experiences where they had the opportunity to learn, taste and celebrate the Wines of British Columbia.

For more details visit this website.