Congratulations are again due to Eau Vivre Winery for its second win of a Lieutenant Governor’s ‘Award of Excellence in BC Wine’. Their 2010 Pinot Noir follows in the tracks of previous medal winner 2009 Pinot Noir, firmly establishing this varietal as their flagship wine. It’s elegant yet luscious, showing a pale ruby color, some spice along with plum and cherry flavours, finishing with nicely softening tannins. A spectacular value at $19.00!
Winemaker Anthony Buchanan trained in oenology and viticulture at universities in Washington and Oregon, followed by several years of experience in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. He’s a big fan of Burgundian-styled wine and sees this as the predominant focus of the winery. Increasing tonnage of Pinot Noir will enable the winery to up its production to about 2500 cases for the 2013 vintage while scaling back somewhat on its Bordeaux-style portfolio of wines. When I visited in July the vintage was looking like it should be an exceptional one, which would make a lot of BC winemakers happy, given the last two difficult vintages.
Several restaurants in Vancouver are firmly on board in supporting the winery’s niche in Pinot Noir. They’ve bought kegs of the 2012, allowing them to market the wine to their customers at very affordable price points.
Another big red for fall drinking is the 2011 Cabernet Franc ($22.00). Deeply colored, plum flavoured with a hint of tobacco, it is powerful and well structured – great with red meats.
Also popular is the 2012 Riesling which shows balanced citrus and apple notes with a crisp acidity ($20.00). New this year is their 2012 Cinq Blanc blend of five varietals ($18.00). There should still be some patio weather this fall to enjoy this luscious summer sipper – but get to Cawston ASAP, since its only available at the winery!
~ Allison Fader