Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc 2009

I enjoyed the 2008. This one is similar in colour, medium gold with a bit of a greenish tint (or maybe it’s the trees outside my window). Mellow citrus-steel nose with that OK dry hills quality. Strong acidity, very dry, green apple and lime. Perhaps a bit lighter than the ’08, but quite consistent with it. Lengthy finish. Very nice; definitely recommended. 13% alcohol; $21.90 at Marquis Wine Cellars. See Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars.

Oak Bay Gewürztraminer 2008

When I think Oak Bay I think of the neighbourhood in Victoria. There must be another Oak Bay in the Okanagan, as this is from Kelowna. This Gewürz is a pale silver, with a strong, straightforward grapefruit nose—maybe a bit of that BC Interior sage. A nice light but acidic drink, with spice, citrus, and peach notes, and the hint of bubbles typical of the varietal. Quite good. 12.6% alcohol. $16.90 at Marquis Wine Cellars. See St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery.

Gray Monk 2008 Riesling

Medium gold appearance; light apple-citrus nose with a touch of mineral and honey. Medium body slightly off-dry with well-balanced stone fruit and citrus flavours, and good acidity. Straightforward but quite nice. 13.8% alcohol, quite high for a Riesling it seems to me. About $20 at Granville Liquor Store, 2658 Granville. See Gray Monk Estate Winery.

My father (born Blackall, Queensland; currently residing Vancouver, BC) bought me this bottle. Thanks, dad.

Martin’s Lane Riesling 2009

Medium pale silver-lemon appearance. A typical Okanagan nose: pineapple and a hint of sage brush, with subtle earth and mineral aromas. Muted acidity and well balanced; ever so slightly off-dry, with, again, a mixture of regional fruits: peach, apple, along with a bit of citrus, particularly lime; and mineral. Very enjoyable, and quite distinct; one of the better recent British Columbia Rieslings I’ve tasted. 13.0% alcohol. $27.90 at Marquis Wine Cellars. This wine is by Mission Hill but I couldn’t easily find mention of it on their site.