Have You Tried a Top Drop?

Top Drop Vancouver is a collaboration between Vancouver’s wine industry, that focus on smaller boutique and terroir-focused wineries from BC and around the world, and offers these wines to taste at a public event, this year held at the Roundhouse in Yaletown on September 8.  I was fortunate to be able to attend this walk-about event, with a glass in one hand, and my ever sharp pencil and notepad taking copious notes for you.  Below are a few of my favourite wines from the event.  I started with white wines and finished with reds, so you will see more white wines in my list.  It was a fantastic event, and you were able to experience small, artisan wines from near and far.  For the BC wineries, some wines may be available in the public or private shops in Vancouver, but otherwise, you can go to the winery website directly and order online from them.  Enjoy!

My Favourite Top Drop Wine Picks

Averill Creek Vineyard Charme de L’ile NV, BC – a 50/50 blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.  This sparkler is made using the Charmat method, which is the same method used for Prosecco.  A quite delicious wine with bright apple and pears, along with a mintiness on the nose.  More apples on the palate along with a floral component.  Light bubble, with tart green apple finish. Rating:

Bella Wines Sparkling Chardonnay Keremeos, BC, 2015 – Very light apple and stone fruit aromas.  Dry with high acidity and medium mouth feel.  Green citrus with apples following.  The wine is very nice but needs food to balance out the acidity.  Rating:

Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2013 –  Lots of gooseberry aroma.  Dry with higher acidity but not over the top.  Jalapeno pepper, gooseberry and guava on the palate.  A very tasty wine. Rating:

Daydreamer Wines Pinot Gris, BC, 2015 – Nice, medium intensity stone fruit nose.  Medium acidity with a slight sweet entry.  Stone fruit and some citrus on the palate.  A tasty, elegant, not overstated Pinot Gris.  Rating:

Delas Freres Viognier, France, 2014 – A very tasty wine that costs $12.32+ tax!  Oranges and lime on the nose.  Lighter bodied with lower acidity.  Stone fruit followed by sweet spices and oranges.  Waves of flavor from this wine.  Finishes with some bitter rind.  Rating:

Domaine Le Soula VPD Cotes Catalanes “Trigone” L13 white, France, NV – Light toast, mint and peach aromas in the glass.  Medium minus body, soft and round with a mineral streak.  Apples and mint on the palate.  Elegant.  Rating:

Laughing Stock Vineyards Amphora, BC, 2015 – A Marsanne/Roussanne blend that is made using “natural” methods in a clay amphora.  This wine has a medium intensity, sweet orange and stone fruit nose.  Lighter bodied, dry, with dried oranges and other fruits on the palate.  Ripe and round.  Some sweet spices as well.  A delicious wine. Rating:

Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery Sonoma County Chardonnay, California, 2013 – This wine is made from whole cluster fermentation of the Chardonnay grape.  It has a light vanilla and pear aroma in the glass.  Medium bodied, with pears, apples, and tropical fruit flavours.  Medium acidity.  Ripe and round mouthfeel.  Sweet spices and butterscotch on the finish.  A quality wine. Rating:

Schug Carneros Estate Winery Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2015 – This wine does have a hint of Muscadet together with the Sauvignon Blanc.  Aged in neutral oak and on its lees for mouth feel and added complexity.  A mix of stone fruit and citrus on the nose.  It is dry, lighter bodied, and lighter acidity, with flavours of jalapeno and flowers.  Elegant. Rating:

Schug Carneros Estate Winery Carneros Chardonnay, California, 2014 – All French oak barrels, and again with lees aging.  Lots of tropical fruit on the nose. Dry, with medium minus mouthfeel.  Light toast, sweet spices, vanilla and tropical fruit.  An all-round, balanced wine. Rating:

Stonestreet Winery Rockfall Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2010 – Nearly opaque ruby colour in the glass.  Lighter intensity nose, with ripe cherries, capsicum, and cocoa on the nose.  Dry and round.  Medium bodied with some minerality.  A mix of red tart fruit and dark ripe fruit, along with vanilla and sweet spices.  A complex wine. Rating:

TintoNegro Finca La Escuela Malbec, Argentina, 2012 – Light intensity, dark fruit and meaty nose.  Medium plus body, silky and round in the mouth.  Red currants, cassis and some sweet spices on the palate.  Medium tannins with medium plus length.  The flavours of this wine dance on your tongue.  Rating: