Orofino Vineyards Riesling 2009

Cawston, Similkameen Valley, BC
$20-25  available at the winery or select private liquor stores

www.orofinovineyards.com

I am touring the Okanagan this week for fall Wine Fest, tasting and eating times epic proportions. Easily one of the standout wines so far this trip is the 2009 Riesling from Orofino. Striking aromas of lime, mineral and pear carry through to a round palate, along with bright citrus and ripe sweet apricot. Lovely filling mouthfeel and crisp acidity meet seamlessly, resulting in a balanced and lengthy wine. I kept my glass handy over the course of three hours – returning every so often to see where the intense flavours would lead next. An exciting (and delish) journey.

John and Virginia Weber’s Orofino boasts Canada’s only strawbale winery. The ecofriendly design is made up of two buildings adjoined by a breezeway. After much research and planning (and proof – strawbale construction has been around for over 200 years!), this unique design was chosen for its “earthy” 21 inch thick walls. The strawbale walls provide superior insulation qualities, ideal for achieving constant barrel room temperatures and for keeping cool in the desert heat.

Rating:  (click here to see what our wine ratings mean)