One of the World's Most Respected Wine Competitions Recognizes an Okanagan Standout
We are proud to announce that our 2022 Becker Carménère has been awarded a Gold Medal and an outstanding 95-point score at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), one of the most respected and influential wine competitions in the world.
This recognition is particularly meaningful because the 2022 Becker Carménère was:
- The only red wine in Western Canada to receive a Gold Medal at the 2026 IWSC
- The only Gold Medal-winning wine from the Okanagan Valley in this year’s competition
- Awarded an exceptional score of 95 points by an international panel of experts
For a winery dedicated to showcasing the unique character of the South Okanagan, this achievement reinforces our commitment to producing wines of world-class quality.
What is the IWSC?
The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) is one of the world’s oldest and most respected competitions. Since 1969, it has set the global benchmark for quality across wine, spirits, and other beverage categories.
Each year, a panel of leading sommeliers, Masters of Wine, head buyers, and industry experts gathers in London, England to evaluate more than 12,000 entries from over 90 countries. Wines are assessed through a rigorous judging process designed to identify the very best examples from around the globe.
To earn a Gold Medal at the IWSC is an achievement recognized and respected throughout the international wine industry.
Judge's Tasting Note
The IWSC judges described the 2022 Becker Carménère as:
“Vibrant bouquet of purple fruit and black pepper. Rich layered palate with brambly freshness, menthol, green peppercorn, and smoky cigar notes. The well-balanced acidity and gentle tannins support a cool, fresh finish with notes of mint and thyme. Stunning.”
The tasting note beautifully captures the complexity, freshness, and distinctive personality that define this wine.
A Benchmark Expression of Carménère
The Becker Vineyard is one of the most distinctive sites on the Black Sage Bench. The vineyard’s warm climate, unique soils, and careful farming practices allow us to produce a Carménère that balances richness and concentration with freshness and elegance.
The 2022 vintage exemplifies these qualities, offering remarkable depth, structure, and age-worthiness while remaining approachable today.
Experience the Gold Medal Winner
International recognition is gratifying, but the greatest reward is sharing this wine with our guests and wine club members.
Whether you are discovering Carménère for the first time or adding a standout bottle to your cellar, the 2022 Becker Carménère represents a rare opportunity to experience one of Canada’s most celebrated wines of the year.
The wine is available now through our online store and at Phantom Creek Estates.
Shop the 2022 Becker Carménère and discover why IWSC judges awarded it Gold and 95 points.
