PRESS
Noble Ridge wines: dress to impress
John Schreiner
The spring sample pack from Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery was a bit like opening a clothes closet to find a tuxedo, a Harry Rosen suit – and something casual from Lululemon.
The tuxedo is the winery’s Champagne-style sparkling wine, The One. Leslie and Jim D’Andrea, who opened this Okanagan Falls winery in 2005, have released several vintages of this wine. The quality has always competed well against Champagne but the price makes it more affordable.
The Harry Rosen suit is the fine King’s Ransom Meritage 2017. Noble Ridge made its first King’s Ransom Meritage in the 2006 vintage. The tradition is to release a King’s Ransom wine only when the vintage is exceptional. If my records are accurate, this is the fourth King’s Ransom Meritage. There have also been two Pinot Noirs and one Chardonnay under this designation. In my experience, the Meritage has always been a superb wine to lay down for some time. In my book, Icon – Flagship Wines from British Columbia’s Best Wineries, it was suggested that the 2006 should be consumed by 2020. Since just 100 cases were made, good luck finding one today.
The Fizzy One is the Lululemon wine in this collection. It is an easy drinking frizzante at a modest price. It can take its place in the same wardrobe as the other two wones because it over-delivers for the price. Here are notes on the wines.
6 Proper Drops to Amuse (Even) Queen Victoria
-Tim Pawsey
Growing up in the United Kingdom (are we still allowed to call it that?) I never really understood why ‘stat’ holidays were called ‘Bank’ holidays. Other than the banks (with their already ludicrous ‘bankers’ hours’) were closed all day. Not to say that Victoria Day makes any more sense than ‘the May bank holiday’. But it is—just a tad—more evocative.
Noble Ridge King’s Ransom Meritage 2017
Mainly Merlot (57%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (43%). This wine reflects a vintage with some of the hottest midsummer temperatures on record. The vines include some of the oldest Merlot and Cab Sauv plantings in the valley, from 1986. Bold aromas of intense red berries and tobacco. Followed by cassis, mulberry and cocoa on a plush palate, with mineral and savoury notes. $64.99 92 pts. Most certainly an imposing regal drop!
Not to be overlooked, the equally Noble ‘The One’ Sparkling traditional method 2016. Persistent, fine bubbles, appealing brioche notes, creamy and textured, orchard fruits with citrus and apple before a zesty end. A regal toast indeed. $39.99 93 pts.
In this 3-minute video, ABLE BC's Executive Director Jeff Guignard shares the COVID-19 protocols our industry has in place and what patrons should 'know before they go' out.
It is safe to dine out and drink out in BC! Here's how we're keeping customers and staff safe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Klbst2JSCAQ
CHARDONNAY FROM BC ARE RAPIDLY IMPROVING – NOBLE RIDGE IS UNDER THE RADAR!
Sid Cross
The International Wine & Food Society
March 15th, 2021
Across Canada chardonnay is indeed on a steep incline of improvement. Many value choices in BC led by somewhat under the radar Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Okanagan Falls of Jim & Leslie D’Andrea. Your scribe has been following them since their initial land purchase in 2001 plus another 10 acres addition in 2006 resulting in a total of 34 acres (24 for vines & winery) all overlooking Vaseaux Lake.
I had the opportunity to taste all the barrels (including chardonnay 2017) with lots of interesting dialogue between us on our mutual impressions of styles. Most impressed by their quality and the many differences shown. This year I have opened their three 2017 chards to study again now in bottle paired with steelhead salmon dishes:
Okanagan Specials: Wines for when we can say hello again in person
Shelley Boettcher - Calgary Herald
Publishing date:Mar 10, 2021
This year marks the family’s 20th year in the wine business. While for some, that would warrant a celebration, the D’Andreas have decided to wait a couple of years, to mark the 20th anniversary of their first vintage. Instead, they plan to expand the winery, as well as the popular outdoor picnic and tasting areas. “Then we will celebrate in 2023.”
Master of Champagne awards 2016 'The One'
99 Points!
Appearance:
Clear and bright. Medium straw colour with gold flecks. Fine pin-point bubbles protruding up from bottom of glass forming a thin edge of mousse foam around the rim.
Nose:
Like in true French champagne fashion, intense mineral aromas are the first to enter my olfactory receptors. Fresh baked bread, yeast autolysis and cultured cream follow. Scents of citrus brioche, yellow apple and vanilla cream come through in the end.
Palate:
Tiny fine pin-point bubbles are persistent with limestone minerals, puffed pastry and layers of buttered pie crust being the first to entice my taste buds. Honey suckle and vanilla cream flavours are beautifully balanced with a lively citrus acidity. Notes of yellow apple, toasted almond and lemon zest excite the mid palate. Creamy caramel and pear brioche intertwine with the fine textured mousse all the way through the finish leaving a lasting impression on my back palate. Long lingering length persists for minutes.
Summary:
This sparkling wine is exceptional. It is hitting all the quality markers as I look beyond the persistence of the fine pin-point bubbles there is depth of flavour across my palate, racy texture, breadth and richness and it continues to refresh and perfume my back palate with a long lingering finish. The aromas and flavours are extraordinarily balanced with lively focused acidity and the fine textured mousse offers the finesse that reflects the highest quality chardonnay and pinot noir wines used in the “vin de clair” base wine. The winemaker Benoit Gauthier has reached the pinnacle of perfection with this outstanding traditional method sparkling wine. It is flawless!
Score: 99 Points!
CKUA RADIO NETWORK: In Okanagan Falls with Noble Ridge & Meyer/Mayhem
Terry David Mulligan - Mulligan Stew
Oct 24, 2020
Our guest is co-founder Leslie D’Andrea. The driving force behind the team at Noble Ridge. As an interviewer I can tell you she’s the best kind of guest. She lives for these wines. They reward the seeker. Leslie is the poster child for passionate wines.
The character of the person making the wine shows up in the character of the bottle. It just does. Some people have that gift. Some people don't. These people have that gift.
PENTICTON NOW: Downtrodden downtown in spotlight, Okanagan Falls ready for comeback
Gord Goble - PentictonNow
Oct 20, 2020
Our first stop was spectacular Noble Ridge Winery, where the view from the patio over the vineyards and on to Vaseux Lake in the distance is flat-out jaw-dropping.
Hopping from our car, we instantly ran into co-owner Jim D'Andrea, who, with wife Leslie, bought the hillside parcel in 2001. The couple developed it, added 20 additional acres of vines to the original 3.5, and these days live on it too.
JOHN SCHREINER: Noble Ridge champions Chardonnay
John Schreiner
August 10, 2020
Among Okanagan wineries, one of the most accomplished champions of Chardonnay is Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery.
Noble Ridge Reserve Chardonnay 2017: The oak and the fruit on the palate give the wine a creamy note. The finish is long and complex. 92 Points
Noble Ridge Powers Vintage Chardonnay 2017: This is an elegant barrel-fermented wine that blends apple and marmalade aromas and flavours with butter on the rich palate. 92 Points
Noble Ridge King’s Ransom Chardonnay 2017: The wine has richly concentrated aromas and flavours – citrus, stone fruit and butterscotch mingle with toasty oak. This bold wine has a long, long finish. 94 Points
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OSOYOOS TIMES: South Okanagan wineries go virtual with socially distant tastings
Sophie Gray - Osoyoos Times
April 17, 2020
"Noble Ridge isn’t the only winery to go virtual." Radford said they got the idea to start hosting virtual tasting after other wineries around the province started the trend. Radford said it’s a way for them to keep that face to face connection that they are lacking without open tasting rooms. And the response has been overwhelming. Their first two broadcasts saw between 500 and 600 people tune in from all over the world, according to Radford.
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GODERICH SIGNAL-STAR: B.C. wineries weather COVID-19 uncertainties as typically busy season approaches
Darren Oleksyn - Calgary Herald
April 16, 2020
WINE PRESS NORTHWEST: 20th Platinum proved more delicious than ever
Eric Degerman, Ellen Landis & Ken Robertson
December 23, 2019
Northwest Wine 20th Platinum Judging Results are in... 2015 King's Ransom Cabernet Sauvignon wins PLATINUM!
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2015 King's Ransom Cabernet Sauvignon
The effects of climate change on British Columbia’s wine industry continue to be revealed at international wine competitions, and Benoit Gaulthier capitalized in stunning fashion with this Cab. Scents of fresh-turned earth and ripe fruits will have you lingering over the glass. Black raspberries, cassis, fresh tobacco leaf, black cherry and cocoa powder weave a fine tapestry of flavors. Complex with finely structured tannins and extended length; cellar worthy. (175 cases, 15% alc.)
Double Gold - 2016 Reserve Meritage
Gold - 2016 Reserve Chardonnay
WINE ALIGN: 2019 National Wine Awards of Canada
Co-Head Judge David Lawrason
We are very proud of our wine making team for producing these award winning wines.
2016 Reserve Meritage wins PLATINUM.
2015 Kings Ransom Cabernet Sauvignon GOLD, 2015 "The One" SILVER.
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HIRED BELLY: BC Sweeps All Canadian Wine Championships. Again.
Tim Pawsey - Hired Belly
June 11, 2019
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JOHN SCHREINER: All Canadian Wine Championships 2019: BC dominates
John Schreiner
June 11, 2019
2016 Reserve Chardonnay wins Gold
THE VANCOUVER SUN: Salut!: Best of the Vancouver International Wine Festival
Anthony Gismondi - The Vancouver Sun
February 22, 2019
"Today most of the innovation in the tasting room is local, so make sure you check out some of these picks you are likely won’t see in local liquor stores."
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THE GLOBE AND MAIL: Wine Review Noble Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Beppi Crosariol - The Globe and Mail
January 31, 2019
"This is a luscious cabernet in the generous and smooth style most typical of California . . . 92 Points"
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THE GLOBE AND MAIL: Seven bold bottles for toasting the end of Dry January
Beppi Crosariol - The Globe and Mail
January 31, 2019
"Exacting owners Jim and Leslie D'Andrea have turned out a sparkling gem"
JOHN SCHREINER: Noble Ridge's King's Ransom Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunner
John Schreiner
December 2018
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery has two remarkable vineyards in Okanagan Falls. The one at the winery’s tasting room is a rounded peak, with grape vines on all four exposures.
The result: fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon on one slope, fabulous Pinot Noir on another, and terrific fruit for sparkling wine on a third
CASTANET: Wine Reviews of Noble Ridge, OK Falls, Food & Drink
June 2017
ALL CANADIAN WINE CHAMPIONSHIP: ACWC 2017 Results are in
June 2017
Trophy, Best Wine of the Year goes to Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, BC 2012 “The One” Sparkling $34.70
Trophy, Best Chardonnay, Double Gold goes to Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, BC 2014 Chardonnay Reserve $29.90
Trophy, Best Sparkling Wine goes to Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, BC 2012 “The One” Sparkling $34.70
MY VAN CITY: Noble Ridge’s “The One” Sparkling Awarded Sparkling Wine of the Year!
The entire team at Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Okanagan Falls, BC is thrilled to accept this award at the 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships.
“We are so excited to receive this recognition! Creating a beautiful, full-bodied Sparkling wine has been our plan from the first day we saw our property, Jan 1, 2001. “The One” is, in fact, a nod to that first day!” Leslie D’Andrea, Co-Owner & CEO, Noble Ridge.
CULINAIRE MAGAZINE: Hot Okanagan: The Classics Edition
Jeanette Montgomery, Culinaire Magazine
Their goal was to make the best wines possible from the highest quality grapes they could grow; working sustainably made the most sense. Vines are trained on a Geneva Double Curtain system, increasing airflow and reducing a need for sprays.
“We need to be fair to the land,” says Leslie. “It’s good for everybody.”
CITY STYLE & LIVING MAGAZINE: Sipping (and eating) The Okanagan: Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osyooos and The Similkameen Valley
Dr. Rookmin Maharaj
January 30, 2017
It was our pleasure to host this lovely group at our annual Harvest Work Day Event
CALGARY HERALD: Albertans living their dream in Okanagan wine country
Jeff Harder - Calgary Herald
August 01, 2014
In 2001, they fell in love with a stretch of 3.5 acres of vines and two years later they had their first vintage: 40 cases of Pinot Noir and 500 cases of Meritage. Today Noble Ridge has 22-acres of planted vines.
With both north and south facing slopes, the vineyard produces grapes for both Bordeaux and Burgundy reds as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Gewurztraminer, which have been winning a “bunch of awards.”
USA TODAY: Best Wine Region to Visit
Kerry Woolard & Frank Pulice - USA Today
Okanagan Valley voted 2nd best wine region in the world.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: B.C. Wine Country is best enjoyed in smaller regional sips
Anthony Gismondi - PostMedia News
July 27, 2015
B.C. wine country is best enjoyed in smaller regional sips.
BC Wine Country noted collectable wines include Noble Ridge Chardonnay, of Okanagan Falls, according to Anthony Gismondi.
OLIVE OIL & LEMONS BLOG: City Slickers in the Vineyard - Harvesting at Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery
Dina - Olive Oil & Lemons
Oct 22, 2013
This season we attended a harvest work day and lunch at Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery with a group of other city slickers like ourselves and spent a memorable day in their picturesque vineyard and winery. I love a good story and Noble Ridge has one.
We gathered around in the yard as Leslie D’Andrea greeted us and explained about the winery and what we may expect for the day. Leslie is beautiful, personable, friendly and approachable and it was fun to hear her tell their story and how the winery came to be.
THE VANCOUVER SUN: Festival Frolics
Top 10 events at Okanagan fall fest combine wine, food and glorious settings
Harvest Work Day and Lunch at Noble Ridge (Oct. 8 -9) Noble Ridge Winery, Okanagan Falls On either Oct. 8 or 9, you can start your day with a tour of the crush pad, assessing grape readiness, sampling freshly pressed juice and hand picking grapes, weather permitting.
WINERIES REFINED: Fill your case full of summer fun
Summer 2012
There are numerous wineries that invite you to pack a picnic, enjoy their wines, and absorb the relaxed, friendly, and picturesque setting of their vineyard and property.
CALGARY HERALD: Okanagan Dreaming
Valerie Berenyi, Calgary Herald
April 4, 2012
The Okanagan Wine Festivals run four times a year and international foodies make pilgrimages to the valley’s restaurants. Darin Paterson, the chef owner of Bogner’s of Penticton, formed a good relationship with Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, and does the winery’s annual harvest dinner during the fall wine festival.
SAVOUR: Sip the Summer
Summer 2011
Noble Ridge has been producing good Pinot Noir for years and the 2008 is no exception. The nose combines cherry, strawberry and rhubarb fruit with complex clove, earth, orange zest and some brooding violet and lilac notes making for a fantastic nose.
CITY PALATE: Look for the tasty wines of Noble Ridge
Spring 2011
2008 Pinot Grigio, 2008 Chardonnay, 2007 Pinot Noir, 2006 Meritage and, in the future, a sparkling wine and the super-premium meritage, King’s Ransom.
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OKANAGAN LIFE: Okanagan Falls Corkscrew Drive
April 4, 2011
Winding roads, superlative views and a truly eclectic wine tasting experience…At the south end of Skaha Lake, Okanagan Falls boasts a varied brood of wineries. From Penticton, take the east side of Skaha Lake along the twisting route known as Corkscrew Drive.