2024 BC Top 50 Wines and New Releases from Mayhem Wines
THE SHOW
WE HAVE THE WINNERS
The Okanagan Wine Festival has returned with three weeks in Okanagan wine country. There’s simply no better time to visit than June, just before the Summer season kicks into high gear. You can easily find all the details and planning support at www.thewinefestivals.com
The official launch of the 2024 Spring Wine Festival takes place TONIGHT June 7 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre when the
BC Top 50 Wines and the Wine of the Year were announced. Wine fans will then get a chance to taste those winning wines.
We have two of the judges joining us on this weeks Tasting Room Radio.
Two great friends and mentors. I thank them both.
We are posting this feature story exactly as the awards are being announced.
DJ Kearney
In almost two decades in the wine business, DJ has trained over a thousand sommeliers throughout North America, judged and presented around the world, and tasted thousands of wines in pursuit of quality and value.
She has been the Drink Editor for Vancouver Magazine, the Chief Judge for several wine competitions, initiated a Judge Mentorship program in Canada, and contributes to WineAlign.ca. DJ has a special devotion to wines of her home province, and frequently speaks, writes and teaches about the winelands of British Columbia.
DJ is the Wine Director for The Railway Club in Vancouver and a Global wine authority. @djwines
Rhys Pender MW
Rhys Pender MW is a wine educator, freelance wine writer, wine judge, and consultant to the industry. Working in the wine trade since age 14, Rhys’ career has included experience in the vineyard, cellar, wine retail, education and hospitality – providing knowledge in all facets of the business.
In 2010, Rhys became Canada’s youngest Master of Wine (MW) and was awarded the Taransaud Award for best Production of Wine paper. In his downtime, Rhys enjoys dirtying his boots at his vineyard and winery. Little Farm in Cawston. Rhys is also the owner and lead at Wine Plus. @rhyspendermw – littlefarmwinery.ca
Rhys Pender
We had MUCH to talk about. What the Top 50 showed us about the state of BC Wines. Trends. What varietals lead the way and which ones simply didn’t show up.
Also regions that had a good competition. A surprising competition.
Here’s the now released Top 50 list and the Wine of the Year. (NOTE – Meg/Corey -it’s attached but should be here in body)
Terry Meyer Stone – President of Mayhem Wines
Terry Meyer Stone is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. Her brother JAK owns Meyer Family Vineyards
Terry is well immersed in the Okanagan wine industry. She and her husband Andrew Stone, along with four dogs and one cat, have a 4 acre vineyard on Anarchist Mountain where she works as a farmer growing Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
Just when she thought she was going to “semi-retire” from her five year stint as DTC/Wine Club Manager at Tinhorn Creek, her younger brother JAK (Meyer Family Vineyards) convinced her to sell him her Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and start up a new wine label with him.
Mayhem is the name – Mayhem is the game. When she isn’t busy in every facet of the wine industry, she is at home with Andrew and the dogs, as well as entertaining their children and grandchildren.
Mayhem team
Terry takes us through their Spring releases. Once again, outstanding pricing.
And congratulations to winemaker Ajay Chavan and his team.
2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata) 4 months in 8% seasoned Barriques and 92% stainless steel. Clean. Bright. Acidity. Lemon-Lime notes – ripe fruit – lots of ripe fruit. $20.99 at winery
2023 Rose ( Pheasant Run Kaleden) What a blend., Zweigelt, Merlot, Pinotage, Malbec. Beautiful mid-colour Notes of fresh strawberry. Crafted balance with minerality. Nicely bright on the palate. $21.83 at winery
OF NOTE: They made very special Rose Magnums. There are around 15 left. $5 from each mag goes to Breast Cancer Canada
2023 Sparkling Rose in can – perfect for Summer picnics, boating, camping, hiking etc. same clean, crisp rose – merlot driven, Nice small bubbles.
12 pack – $88.32 250 ml can
2023 Pinot Gris (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) Harvested from 21 year old vines. Pineapple – kiwi – Granny Smith apples.
Again, bright and clean with a surprising creamy finish. Bone Dry!
Summer in a glass. Winery price $19.22
2023 Anarchy Pinot Gris (Belich Vineyard Kaleden) It’s the very first vintage of this fabulous wine. whole bunch pressed. 7 months in ceramic balls, 42% stainless steel, 17% neutral Puncheons.
14% ABV. Citrus, tropical fruit, spice, very balanced and complex with a surprising texture. $26.18 at winery.
STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:
Noble Ridge
Hester Creek
Haywire/Garnet Valley/Free Form/Narrative
The Hatch
Clos du Soleil
Bella Wines
