Foxtrot Chardonnay 2009 ($45) is the second vintage of Chardonnay from this Naramata Bench production that already has an iconic reputation with its Pinot Noir. Winemaker Gustav Allander made 340 cases. His fruit came from two vineyards: six-year-old vines (three clones) at the Coolshanagh Vineyard north of Naramata; and 36-year-old organic vines at the Pisicoli Vineyard at Westbank. Both vineyards have rocky, gravelly soils.

There are two words for this wine: elegance and power! It begins with citrus aromas and a hint of spice. The winery suggests hazelnut toast and I won’t argue with that. I expect that reflects the fine French oak – Tronçais and Alliers, 75% new – in the wine was fermented. The oak flavours add subtle complexity to the buttery citrus flavours and minerality of the wine. There is a lovely taste of cloves on the lingering finish. As delicious as this wine is already, it really should be laid down for a couple of years, as one would with a good Burgundy. It will develop even more richness and complexity. 92 Points –  John Schreiner

On Friday, September 24 at 7pm, Hastings House on Salt Spring Island is proud to present two of the top BC winemakers at a special Autumn dinner celebrating some of the best wines in Canada. Naramata Bench winemakers Gustav Allander from Foxtrot Vineyards and Ian Sutherland from Poplar Grove Winery will be in attendance to present their award winning wines. Both the 2007 Foxtrot Pinot Noir and the 2007 Poplar Grove Syrah were awarded Leiutenant Govenor’s Awards of Excellence this summer. The 2008 Pinot Gris and 2007 Syrah have been recognized on the world stage, awarded Bronze medals in the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards as well as the Cab Franc and Syrah winning gold in the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championship.The line up for the dinner includes from Poplar Grove, the 2008 Pinot Gris, 2007 Syrah and 2006 Cabernet Franc. From Foxtrot Vineyards, the outstanding 2009 Chardonnay and the flagship 2007 Pinot Noir. A five course meal featuring seasonal local produce, Salt Spring Lamb, Poplar Grove, Moonstruck and Saltspring Cheeses with wine pairings, gratuities and taxes included for an advance ticket price of $150.00 per person. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the winemakers and share in savouring their success, paired with Chef Marcel Kauer’s regionally inspired cuisine. Tickets available online at info@hastingshouse.com by phone 250-537-2362.

We are pleased to announce that Foxtrot Vineyard’s 2007 Pinot Noir has been awarded the 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence .  Only 11 awards were handed out this year, with a total of 281 wines from 71 wineries across the province being entered.  We are honoured to have received the award and look forward to the Honourable Steven L. Point’s visit to the winery at the end of the month.

Noted Canadian wine writer John Schreiner, author of the Okanagan Wine Tour Guide and Wineries of British Columbia, recently reviewed our 2007 Pinot Noir and gave it 93 points. 

Go to Plan it BC to read his full review.

Wine Diva Daenna Van Mulligen recently reviewed our 2007 Pinot Noir and gave it 93 points. 

Go to winescores.ca or winediva.ca to read her full review.

Master of wine James Cluer just reviewed the 2007 Foxtrot Pinot Noir 92-93 points and 2008 Chardonnay 90-92 points.  The 2007 Pinot Noir will be released to the public through our website May 1st.  Unfortunately the 2008 Chardonnay is sold out but we will be bottling 350 cases of 2009 Chardonnay at the end of May for release at the end of August.  Sign up to our mailing list to recieve notification and order information on our new releases.  New releases are available to our mailing list four weeks prior to general release.

James Cluer Review

The Tasting Room radio hosted by Canadian actor and televison personality Terry David Mulligan stopped by Foxtrot Vineyards and interviewed Torsten, Gustav & Nadine Allander.  To listen to the interview scroll to the very bottom of the page in the new window and click on the January 9, 2010 Full Show Play Now link.  The interview is at the beginning of the show.  Click tastingroomradio.com

Foxtrot’s 2006 Pinot Noir was featured twice in last week’s Vancouver Sun.

Break open the best B.C. to toast the Olympics

Red and white: A patriotic choice of vintage

We are pleased to announce that the Foxtrot Winemaker’s dinner being held at Fraiche is now sold out. Thank you for your continued support.