Just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to catch a panel of British Columbian winemakers giving the trade and media a full report on vintage 2015, timed to coincide with a blitz of new-release white wines hitting store shelves and restaurant wine lists.

In short, it was an excellent vintage. It started early, with a warm and dry spring, followed by a long, hot summer. There were indeed many fires throughout the Okanagan, but they were kept in check by many well-respected teams of professionals and volunteers; there wasn’t any discernible smoke damage in the region’s vineyards.

Just as Vancouver enjoyed a lengthy sunny season (a few smoky days and water restrictions aside), British Columbian wine grapes had plenty of time to ripen and fully develop both flavours and phenolics. This week’s column is packed with as many 2015 releases as space allows, the vast majority available winery-direct at the prices listed or on local store shelves for a couple bucks more.

Sumac Ridge 2015 Gewürztraminer

($14.99, website)

A well-built, midweight Gewürztraminer with litchi and a touch of earthy sage on the nose, and with passion fruit, fruit cocktail, and a wee kiss of honey.

Monte Creek Ranch 2015 Riesling

($16.99, website)

Aromatics include river rock and muddled lemon, with a fuller mouth feel than some may expect from Riesling, kept intact with well-integrated acidity, lemonade essences, and a zip of orange zest right at the end. 

Quails’ Gate 2015 Chenin Blanc

($19.18, website)

Love it! I wish we had more Chenin Blanc planted in the Valley. Prickly pear, star fruit, sage, and brioche elements come swirling out of the glass, with Ambrosia apple and mineral notes carrying them all through a lengthy finish.

Hillside 2015 UnOaked Pinot Gris

($16.29, website)

An abundance of peaches, nectarines, and apricots is punctuated by distinctive marmalade notes and grapefruit pith, bringing extra components of both flavour and texture. 

Stag’s Hollow 2015 Albariño

($21.99, website)

Albariño? Like the Albariño variety made famous in northern Spain and Portugal? Yup, that Albariño. The variety doesn’t seem to be too homesick, either, as it appears to be quite comfortable in its Okanagan surroundings, enjoying the region’s flair for natural acidity and mineral-driven wines. Loads of lime and grapefruit are accented by white floral notes, while a little time in barrel gives it a nice bit of weight.

See Ya Later Ranch 2015 Chardonnay

($14.99, website)

The bulk of these Chardonnay grapes came from vineyards in Okanagan Falls, a subregion that the variety seems to adore. With healthy lashings of oak, there are some decadent cinnamon-toast characteristics going on, with a little lemon curd and pineapple topping things off. Fairly rich, but well balanced all the way through.

Sea Star 2015 Salish Sea

($22, website)

The vintage quality was pretty much the same over on Pender Island, where this blend of Ortega and Siegerrebe, two aromatic, cool-climate varieties, makes for a light and breezy charmer. Crisp, clean, and citrusy, with notes of litchi, salty sea air, and hints of oyster shell; pairing it with seafood is a given. 

JoieFarm 2015 UnOaked Chardonnay

($23, website)

Bright and sunny, with juicy acidity, tropical fruit, lime leaf, nectarine, and plenty of elegance; there are echoes of Chablis in winemaker Heidi Noble’s take on the grape.

50th Parallel Estate 2015 Pinot Gris

($19, website)

Quite juicy and quaffable; I love the concentration of grilled-peach flavours, with lemon zest and zippy minerality throughout.

Daydreamer 2015 Riesling

($20, website)

Dry, dry, dry, dry, dry. Buckets of minerals and oyster shells drenched in fresh-squeezed lime and pomelo, with searing acidity from start to finish. Damn honest. Damn delicious.

Culmina Family Estate Winery 2015 Unicus

($27, website)

Just recently, I was singing the praises of the first couple vintages of this wine, the Okanagan Valley’s first Grüner Veltliner, and I’m gonna sing a little louder about the newest vintage. A spot-on take on the Austrian variety exudes plenty of citrus and stony aromatics, with a handful of green almonds and white floral notes. I’d love to see how it ages, but I don’t think my willpower will allow long-term storage.

Clos du Soleil 2015 Rosé

($19.90, website)

One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and it tastes like it! Currants, red-apple skin, eucalyptus, and even notes of fresh-carved roast beef make for a steak-friendly pink wine from a Similkameen winery that always delivers. 

Niche Wine Co. 2015 Pinot Noir Blanc

($21, website)

A red grape that’s vinified white. So is it a white wine or rosé? It doesn’t matter! What does matter is this wine totally blows me away. Orange blossom, pound cake, and a touch of mulled wine on the nose lead to plums, nutmeg, and blood orange on the palate. Reminiscent of Champagne without the bubbles, which, since many Champagnes are made with Pinot Noir, makes a good deal of sense. I’m thinking this wine will become a cult favourite and sommelier darling. It certainly deserves to.