Monte Creek Among the World’s Best at Recent Judgment of BC Tasting

Top British Columbia wine judges, writers, and buyers gathered in Penticton recently for the fifth and final Judgment of BC, and Monte Creek Ranch Chardonnay Reserve 2016 was among the 24 chosen to represent the province.

The star guest of the event was Steven Spurrier, who organized the 1976 Judgment of Paris. That now-famous tasting set the wine world on fire when revered French wines were bested by California upstarts.

The BC Wine Institute selected from among the best Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah in the province, and matched them up with the best of these wines from around the world. 32 judges tasted the results blind – knowing only the grape but not the origin of each wine. British Columbia’s offerings fared admirably, coming up top in three out of four classes.

“This is an experiment to see how BC wines are assessed in a global context. The results make me personally very proud. I think the quality of wines is so high and that was a common theme as we went through flight by flight. Judges were astonished at how high the overall quality was. BC grape growers and winemakers have much to be proud of.” said DJ Kearney, wine educator, wine writer and judge.

Among the judges was renowned UK wine writer Jamie Goode, who gave Monte Creek Ranch’s Chardonnay 94 points and the following acclaim:

“Good balance to this wine. Lovely taut pear and citrus fruit with some nuts and spice in the background. Lovely acidity and the oak is really well integrated with the fruit. Has a classy character. Quite serious.”