2023 was a tough year for Okanagan wineries. Not because of forest fires, but because of the cold winter weather that killed between 34 – 56% of the vineyard vines. The growing season was quite warm and resulted in general with faster grape maturation and harvest. A quick harvest due to summer heat typically means that the grapes are not as ripe or balanced in acidity and sugar, but 2023 was an anomaly, with many winemakers saying that their grapes showed excellent quality.
I received and opened two bottles of Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and Pinot Blanc 2023 and I happily agree that the 2023 season produced quality grapes for quality wines. Let me tell you about these two wines.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars Pinot Blanc 2023 (BC $25.90)
Appearance: This wine has a bright, clear, medium-minus intensity lemon colour.
Nose: Medium intensity aromas of citrus, toast, grape stem, apple and pears. Same aromas, plus a touch of honey after decanting.
Palate: Dry with medium-plus body. A thicker, round, smooth mouthfeel. Acidity is the backbone of this wine. Citrus and stone fruit flavours, along with some pepperiness, stoniness and grape stem bitterness. No change to the flavour profile after decanting.
Finish: Medium-plus length with stone fruits and apple flavours plus a some pepperiness, grape stem bitterness, and honey at the very end. No change to the finish after decanting.
A serious Pinot Blanc wine. Great texture. No need to decant.
Rating: 
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This wine has a bright, clear, medium-minus intensity lemon colour. Medium intensity aromas of citrus, toast, grape stem, apple and pears. It is dry with a thicker, round, smooth mouthfeel. Medium-plus body. Citrus and stone fruit flavours primarily. Medium-plus length.
Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (BC $25.90)
Appearance: A bright, clear, medium-minus intensity lemon colour in the glass.
Nose: Light aromas, a mix of stone fruits, green fruits, and herbaceousness, with a touch of honey. No change to the aromas after decanting.
Palate: This wine is dry with medium-plus body, and a thicker, round, and smooth mouthfeel. The wine leaves a light acidic prickle on your tongue. Medium intensity flavours of stone fruit primarily, plus touches of honey, citrus rind, stoniness, pepperiness and grape stem bitterness. The wine has a lighter mouthfeel and more citrus flavour after decanting.
Finish: A medium-plus length finishing with ripe, sweet stone fruits, citrus rind and honey flavours. More citrus on the finish after decanting.
I prefer the undecanted wine a bit more as it is fuller bodied and the citrus flavour is not as strong.
Rating: A wine a medium-minus intensity lemon colour. It has light aromas, mixing stone fruits, green fruits and herbaceousness. It is dry, medium-minus body with a thicker mouthfeel. Medium intensity flavours, primarily of stone fruits, with touches of honey, citrus rind, stoniness, pepperiness and grape stem bitterness. Medium-plus length.
An interesting observation. Both these white wines came in heavier bottles, sealed with quality solid corks. My first thought was that these two varietal wines are more commonly closed with screw caps to be enjoyed relatively soon, less than a year. I assume that Blue Mountain wants to show that these two wines are meant for longer term ageing and to promote their quality. Alternatively it could be that there are bottle shortages, like everything in the supply chain, and the winery used what was available that fit into their quality category.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
Both wines are available for purchase online via the Blue Mountain website. These two wines are available at Everything Wine stores for $28.98 and at Marquis Wine Cellars downtown for $29.99.
