Written by Gurvinder Bhatia | 11 August 2009

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It’s been a rough year for Canada’s NHL teams. Earlier this spring, I was watching game two of the Canucks-Blackhawks series (the Canucks lost the game). The Oilers, Leafs, and Senators didn’t even make the playoffs, while the Canadiens and Flames made early exits. And don’t even get me started on the fan-less, bankruptcy-protected Phoenix Coyotes (yes, I know they moved from Winnipeg over a decade ago, but it’s still one of the worst occurrences in Canadian hockey history).

Hockey has always been part of Canada’s identity. It is not only integral to our cultural fibre, it is a significant part of how we are recognized by the rest of the world.

Over the past several years, Canada has made tremendous progress in another industry: The domestic wine industry has not only gained greater acceptance within our own country, we have gained international recognition for more than just our Icewines.

It’s been a great year for Canadian wine. Growing recognition and successes at international shows such as VinItaly; greater respect domestically; the longevity of leading wineries such as Quail’s Gate, Cedar Creek, and Cave Spring; and the emergence of producers such as Road 13, Joie, Lailey, and Tawse that aren’t afraid to express in their wines the character of their origins rather than trying to mimic the trendy international flavours of the day. Normal 0 0 1 414 2360 19 4 2898 11.1282 0 0 0

Both hockey and wine are significant to our country’s economy, social networking, and culture. In the past, I’ve paired wine with moods, junk food, and music, so why not combine an old national pastime with a new one? Danananadana ... CHARGE!

Goaltender

Lailey Vineyard Syrah 2006, Niagara ($32)

Goalies are a little odd; loaners who tend to do their own thing. They don’t follow the rest of the pack and set their own rules. But when they’re good, they can win a game on their own. The Lailey Syrah doesn’t follow a generic formula. It’s funky, cool, different, and a little odd, but in a good wine-geeky sort of way. It’s spicy, meaty with blackcurrant, black berry flavours, a touch of dill, chocolate, and a light toastiness. A definite show stopper à la Ken Dryden.

Defensive Defenseman

Cave Spring Riesling 2007, Niagara ($21.99)

Steady, stable, consistent, and can always be counted on. Cave Spring is one of the country’s top Riesling producers and year in, year out makes consistently good wine. Their entry level Riesling won’t blow you away or cause people to stand up and cheer, but its bright grapefruit and apple flavours, and hint of residual sugar will elicit applause for its steady, unwavering quality.

Offensive Defenseman

Road 13 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Okanagan ($38)

Takes some chances, a little risky, but when it pays off, it’s a game-winning goal. Cabernet in the Okanagan has always been a bit of a risk. Often it doesn’t ripen and when it does, too many wineries are producing Californian or Australian knock-offs. Road 13 took a chance and made a cool climate Cabernet that actually tastes like it’s from the Okanagan. An absolutely wonderful wine that sets the benchmark for Okanagan Cabernet. This end-to-end rush would make Bobby Orr proud.

Right Wing

CedarCreek Estate Select Pinot Noir 2006, Okanagan ($32)

Speed, finesse and elegance, but still possesses power and strength. Intense, racy aromas of black cherry, strawberries, and spice. Penetrating flavours of cherry and plum with silky tannins and a long, smooth finish. The Guy Lafleur of wine.

Left Wing

Stratus Red 2005, Niagara ($48)

Can run you over, but also has a tremendous amount of depth, character, and skill. Complex and powerful with black cherry, red currant, and blackberry with spice, great structure and elegance, firm tannins and a lasting finish. I keep thinking Bobby Hull playing with Hedberg and Nilsson — one of the best lines in hockey history.

Centre

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2005, Okanagan ($58)

Takes control, sets the tone, and leads the way. A joint venture between Group Taillan of Bordeaux and Canadian giant Vincor (now a part of global giant Constellation) that showed the world that you could make a world class Bordeaux-blend in the Okanagan. Lead the way and opened the door for a number of other wineries to make big reds well.