90-92  points – John Schreiner on Wine
April 28, 2010
With a release of 2,990 cases and 450 magnums, this is the winery’s flagship white. It is a blend of Gewürztraminer (60%), Pinot Gris (20%), Auxerrois (12%), and Riesling (3%). The template is a white Alsace blend known as Edelzwicker (which means noble blend). The aromatic aromas (pears, citrus, honey) lead to appealing flavours of ripe pears, peaches and grapefruit, with a refreshing, dry finish and a moderate 12.5% alcohol.

91 points - Daenna Van Mulligen – Wine Diva/WineScores.ca – April 26, 2010
A summer favorite, the 2009 JoieFarm - A Noble Blend (a play on words as Noble is also co-owner and winemaker Heidi Noble's last name) is comprised of Gewurztraminer with 20% Pinot Gris, 12% Pinot Auxerrois and 8% Riesling. It's a fragrant wine, laden with honeysuckle and rose oil, lychee and starfruit, citrus and honey with a core of exotic spices. The palate is juicy and bright with flavours of green apple and lime sprinkled with warm, sweet spice. Mouth-watering and delicious!!

90 points – IconWines.ca – March 20, 2010
The final blend is an homage to Alsace "Gentil" wines composed of Alsatian varietals Gewurztraminer (60%), Pinot Gris (20%), Pinot Auxerrois (12%) and Riesling (8%). The end result is a beautiful wine that sings a seductive, feminine song in the glass. Aromatic aromas of concentrated lychee fruit, Asian pear, crushed flowers and light spice with a subtle minerality. The medium-minus bodied palate offers a gentle mouth feel, a touch of residual sugar and flavours of tropical fruit essence and savoury spices with high-minus grapefruit acidity. A long, balanced finish with lingering spice completes the experience. Drink now through 2012

88 points – GismondiOnWine.com – June 6,  2010
Very spicy, ginger, perfumed, minty, mineral, canned grapefruit, grassy, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with strong grapefruit rind, grassy, peach pit, green apple, light lychee, spicy, mineral flavours. Very dry, rind-y finish to go with most Asian food and summer salads.

Highly Recommended – Northwest Palate – May/June 2010
Styled after an Alsace Edelzwicker or Gentil, this blend offers aromas of orchard and lychee fruit.  Savory fruit peel and coriander spice notes linger to the citrusy finish.  Delicious with pork-studded Shanghai noodles.

Shelley Boettcher – Calgary Herald – May 20, 2010
I'm a big fan of many Okanagan wineries, but Joie is definitely near the top of my list. The couple that owns this winery has a magical way with grapes; every wine they make is delicious and true to form. Like A Noble Blend, made from Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Auxerrois and Riesling grapes. Sniff, and you'll get clover, spices, pears and lychee. The taste? Citrus and spice and everything nice.

90 points - Daenna Van Mulligen – Wine Diva/WineScores.ca – April 27, 2010
A pristine version of Chardonnay, the JoieFarm smells of fresh cut apples and pear, delicate spring blossoms and mandarin peel. The palate presents plenty of sweet creamy citrus flavours, honeyed peach and pear followed by a bright, crisp finish.  Very fresh!

88-90  points – John Schreiner on Wine – April 28, 2010
The winery released 1,210 cases of this refreshingly fruity take on Chardonnay. It begins with clean aromas of fresh apples. On the palate, there are flavours of apples, nectarine and citrus. The winery’s tasting notes even speak of fresh cucumber rind which may suggest over-analysing this appealing wine. Let’s just agree it tastes like more.

89 points – IconWines.ca – April 18, 2010
Aromas of green apple skins, sweetened shredded coconut and canned pineapple. The palate offers orchard fruits, pineapple, lees and the minerality of polished riverbed stones. A quality and tasty, full-textured wine with good acidity, fruit concentration and just a touch of residual sugar. Definitely a Chardonnay for the A-B-C (Anything But Chardonnay) crowd.

89 points – Wine Access Buyer’s Guide – July 1, 2010
An expressive chardonnay that sings with precise varietal character and sleek style. Orchard fruit, floral lifts and citrus aromas pave the way for peach, green apple and lemon sorbet flavours that are nicely mineral-flecked and honey-kissed. Deftly balanced structure between acid and lush fruit, with a flavourful finish makes this chardonnay a natural for food.

Highly Recommended – Northwest Palate – May/June 2010
Very clean and fresh from its unoaked treatment.  The subtle, citrusy, wet stone nose leads to apple and honeydew flavors on the impeccably balanced palate.  The crisp, taut finish ensures food-friendliness.  Will gain aromatics and complexity with bottle age, so don’t rush to drink it now. 

“Chardonnay, No Oak” – Jurgen Gothe – Georgia Straight – April 29, 2010
The costliest wine was tasted last, and—who’s surprised, then?—was the hands-down favourite with all the tasters. JoieFarm Un-oaked Chardonnay is simply superb—rich but minerally, very French (think Macon, Chablis), and very good. It’s Michael Dinn and Heidi Noble’s second-biggest-volume varietal at 1,210 cases of production; only the Riesling tops it, and just by three cases. If supplies are still holding (and you’ll be wanting to contact the winery to find out) and if you have the budget and storage space for it, acquire a case or two and pour yourself a succession of sipping and dinnertime treats all spring and summer long. Just for fun, tuck a bottle or two away somewhere to see how it hits your taste buds in six months or a year. It’s not the sort of wine you want to lay down for future generations, but it’s always an interesting experiment for when wine-loving friends drop in.

Beppi Crosariol – Globe & Mail – April 9, 2010
If you prefer the naked flavour of stainless-steel-aged chardonnay and live in British Columbia  or Alberta, consider Joie Farm Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2009 from British Columbia's Okanagan Valley ($22 through the winery at www.joiefarm.com). Also available in a smattering of restaurants in Ontario, the medium-bodied white almost squeaks with cleanliness, showing ripe pear-like fruit on a slightly chalky texture.



90  points – John Schreiner on Wine – April 28, 2010
The winery produced 1,213 cases of a delicate, 11% alcohol Riesling. As that alcohol suggests, a fair amount of residual sugar remains in the wine (popping the flavours beautifully) but the lively acidity balances the wine so well that one would think this is a dry Riesling. It begins with herbal and citrus aromas. On the palate, there are flavours of herbs and lime and minerals. The wine is refreshing, with a lingering finish.

90 points - Daenna Van Mulligen – Wine Diva/WineScores.ca – April 28, 2010
On the nose you can expect lovely lemon, green apple and white blossoms with zesty citrus peel notes. It is off-dry, layered with sweet apricots, lemon drops and vauge peppery/spice hints but its the mouth-watering acidity which takes hold and cleans up the fruit sweetness, resulting in a crisp finish.  One glass will never be enough.

90 points – Wine Access Buyer’s Guide – July 1, 2010
While not VQA, the JoieFarm riesling is sourced from 4 Okanagan vineyards. Flowers, chalk, ripe apple, pear and light petrol notes make up the nose here. It's off-dry and extremely fresh, with a sour-lemon acidity balancing ripe red apple and nectarine flavours. The light sweetness lingers on the moderate finish. Drink within the next 18 months in order to enjoy the freshness.

89 points – IconWines.ca – April 18, 2010
The subtle nose displays aromas of lemon, gooseberry, smooth slate and kumquat with dried-ginger spice. The off-dry palate offers a full, oily texture with flavours of tangerine, lemon/lime, green apple and pineapple. Crisp acidity balances the concentrated sweet fruit flavours and helps create a bright, refreshing wine with a long, satisfying finish.

Highly Recommended – Northwest Palate – May/June 2010
Fresh, fragrant and beyond delightful.  Red-toned aromas and flavors, juicy watermelon and cherry, spicy cranberry and cinnamon.  The energetic mouthfeel vibrates, while the mineral finish lingers.  Incredibly versatile, so just untwist the cap and then decide what’ for lunch.

Tim Pawsey – North Shore News - April 11, 2010
Okanagan Riesling continues to evolve, as indicated by the latest from Joie Farm, arguably their best to date.  Joie Farm Riesling 2009 (fruit from Naramata Bench and Okanagan Falls) is bursting with honeyed lemon-lime flavours and juicy acidity that nicely balances its natural sweetness. We tried it with smoked ham, a classic match -- and you should too.

90-92  points – John Schreiner on Wine – April 28, 2010
In this vintage, the winery released 2,378 cases of rosé, a remarkably large production considering that rosé has only come back into fashion a few years ago. In 2004, the winery released just 140 cases of rosé. JoieFarm has been so successful with this wine that it is now its second largest label. This is a blend of Pinot Noir (42%), Gamay (33%), Pinot Meunier (15%) and Pinot Gris (10%). The wine begins with a vibrant rose hue (pomegranate, according to the winery) and an aroma of strawberries and raspberries. On the palate, there are more flavours of strawberries and raspberries, as well as a touch of grapefruit and nectarine. The finish is crisp and refreshing.

Jurgen Gothe – Georgia Straight – July 7, 2010
The multi-award-winning Naramata winery has a serious rosé commitment in its portfolio, and this has to be ranked as one of the best pinks in the world. Yes, world. Production’s not shy, what with 2,378 cases and 375 magnums. One of those biggies would be fun. Two would be even funner.

89 points - Daenna Van Mulligen – Wine Diva/WineScores.ca – April 19, 2010
A blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris, this year's version seems darker in colour. And, having just returned from the Southern Rhone and tasting the famous roses of Tavel I can honestly say, aromatically, it's a dead ringer. Expect a brilliant ruby colour with aromas of red cherry and chalky minerality, wild herbs and cigarbox with a hint of raspberry. The palate is dry and spicy with primary flavours of forest berry and strawberry. The acidity is bright, it a soild backbone too followed by fine tannins and spicebox flavours clinging to the finish.

88 points – GismondiOnWine.com – May 7, 2010
A very lively exuberant rosé that looks and plays the part. The blend is a 42/33/15/10/mix of pinot noir, gamay, pinot meunier and pinot gris. The style is mostly southern French. The palate dry and crisp with a zesty, vibrant, strawberry character and a spicy, soft-ish finish. Just about everything you want in a summer sipping pink. Sip this solo or with a variety of summer style dishes especially al fresco.

88 points – IconWines.ca – April 18, 2010
Made, primarily, of Pinot Noir and Gamay (42% and 33% respectively) with the balance being 15% Pinot Meunier and 10% Pinot Gris. This is another blending masterstroke by winemaker Heidi Noble with classic Pinot Noir aromas and Beaujolais spice and liveliness from the Gamay.  Solid fruit concentration on the palate with slightly effervescent citrus acidity makes for a bright, refreshing drinking experience. A touch of tannic astringency rounds out the texture and fills-out the body. This is refined sangria in a bottle, that will pair nicely with many foods.

Edible Vancouver – Spring 2010
Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Pinot Meunier, and a little Pinot Gris. Lots of strawberry and raspberry for the nose and the palate in this blushingly gorgeous wine that rolls with fresh liveliness over the tongue and finishes with just a wee chokecherry pucker. It is bursting at the seams with flavour—proof that there’s nothing wimpy about pink.



91 points - Daenna Van Mulligen – Wine Diva/WineScores.ca – March 19, 2010
The aromas are fantastic - grape-y and floral with notes of peach sours, tangerine marmalade and just a hint of anise. Expect bracing acidity on the palate (as sweet as it smells, it is dry) with flavours of peach stone and tart lemon peel. It has a nice weight on the tongue with a slick texture - the finish is pristine and mouth-watering.  Well done and only 10.5% alcohol!

89 points – Wine Access Buyer’s Guide – July 1, 2010
JoieFarm's strength is purity, freshness and subtlety, and they have nailed it again with the enchanting 2009 Muscat. An ancient grape family, the white and yellow muscats are considered tip-top and the yellow is featured here. A melange of grapes, roses and tangerine mark the scents and flavours, animated by cleansing acid and peachy sage notes. A smidge on the off-dry side and 10.5% alcohol keeps this beauty pristinely balanced

88  points – John Schreiner on Wine – April 28, 2010
Only 151 cases were produced and the wine is sold out at the winery. The grapes – Moscato Giallo – are from JoieFarm’s own young vineyard. It begins with quite dramatic aromas of spice and rose petals. On the palate, there are rich flavours of spiced fruit – white peach perhaps. The finish shows the classic bitter bite of the Muscat variety. The wine is bone dry.

88 points – IconWines.ca – April 18, 2010
Made from 100% estate grown Yellow Muscat, the wine has good fruit concentration of pear, tangerine and fresh, wet grape aromas with a touch of soap and floral notes. The palate offers ripe, juicy peaches and tangy, citrus fruit acidity which cuts the touch of residual sugar. This is a very refreshing wine - one that would pair very nicely with a picnic lunch of light salads on a hot, hot day.with high-minus grapefruit acidity. A long, balanced finish with lingering spice completes the experience. Drink now through 2012

“Drink  of the Week” – Jurgen Gothe – Georgia Straight – April 22, 2010
The littlest lot of all is the 2009 Muscat, which they subtitle “The Pure Grape”: only 151 cases, priced at $22.90 a bottle, so get on it if you want some supply. And if you like the dry Italian style of Muscat, this is your wine. For all its dryness, there’s plenty of florality—honeysuckle and freesias. As the winemakers say, it’s “perfumed like no other wine”. It may well be the most fascinating white wine currently available out of the Okanagan Valley.

93-94 Points – John Schreiner on Wine – October 20, 2009
Although the wine was just released in September, it was entered this spring in the Lieutenant Governor’s competition and won an award of excellence. If it was good in June, it has developed gloriously over summer. It begins with rich, honeyed aromas of tangerine. On the palate, there are flavours of honey, citrus fruits, a hint of butter, with a backbone of minerals and bright acidity. The finish of this elegant wine goes on and on.

92+ points – Icon Wines.ca – November 30, 2009
If you can't wait the recommended one year before opening the 2009 Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence winning Reserve Chardonnay, you will enjoy youthful aromas of butter, pear, apple with floral and mineral notes. On the palate you will taste flavours of lemon, pear, wet cement, green apple, melon and oak notes with high-minus acidity and a seemingly never ending finish.  I believe this wine will age beautifully and am laying down a couple bottles in my cellar. I'll get a glimpse of the aging potential when I open a bottle of the 2006 Vintage next year. Drink 2010-2013

91 points - Daenna Van Mulligen - WineScores.ca – October 16, 2009
Bursting with citric aromas - grapefruit and lime zest - apple and firm, snappy nectarine with a hint of peach. It's off-dry on the palate but the snappy acidity fools you into thinking its drier than it is. Flavours are of green pear, grapefruit peel, minerals, lime oil and stone fruit with a bit of spice. A lovely texture, taut and lip-smacking...



90 points - Daenna Van Mulligen - WineScores.ca – October 8, 2009
Loads of tart fruits like rhubarb and red cherry and cranberry, carrot tops, cedar and wild herbs with undertones of forest floor. The palate is bright, expect juicy red berries, white pepper and spicebox. The texture is soft and silky, it's light-medium bodied and is made for food!  Elegant and delicious.  Pair with turkey, cedar planked salmon or sauteed wild mushrooms.

90 points – Gordon Stimmell – Toronto Star  – October 24, 2009
I've been munching through amazing British Columbia wines in the past few weeks. Memorable wines include … the Joie Farm 2007 PTG (Passetoutgrain), a classic pinot noir/gamay combo rating 90.

Very Highly Recommended – Larry Arnold – EAT Magazine – Nov/Dec 2009
Go figure. These two could make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Passetoutegrain, a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, is not exactly the belle of the Beaune, but boy does this wine hit all the right buttons. PTG combines the best attributes of both partners. It is medium bodied with ripe cherry, spice and smoke flavours, a silky smooth texture and a long persistent finish.

Beppi Crosariol – Globe and Mail – September 25, 2009
…Joie Farm PTG 2007 , a thoroughly compelling and deliciously smooth spin on Burgundy's “passetoutgrain,” which is a marriage of gamay and pinot noir. Now, that's a vineyard wedding I don't mind.