Phantom Creek Estates Earns Standout Recognition in James Suckling's Okanagan Valley Report
British Columbia's Okanagan Valley is gaining serious international attention — and Phantom Creek Estates is proud to be part of the story.
In James Suckling's June 23, 2026 report, Suckling and Editor-at-Large Jim Gordon spent five days in the Okanagan Valley, visiting nine wineries and tasting slightly more than 200 wines. It was his first visit to the region in over 45 years of traveling to wine regions around the world. During that trip, he and Jim Gordon visited Phantom Creek Estates and tasted wine with Director of Winemaking Jean-Marc Enixon on site.
For Phantom Creek Estates, the results were exceptional. Eleven Phantom Creek wines scored 91 points or higher, led by the Small Lot Similkameen Valley Evernden Spring Vineyard Riesling 2022, which received 97 points.
These scores reflect what drives our work every day: organic farming, site-specific vineyard expression, precision winemaking, and a belief that the Okanagan can stand confidently among the world's great wine regions.
Why These Scores Matter
James Suckling is one of the world's most influential wine critics. His website draws over one million unique visitors per year and his platforms reach approximately four million followers globally. When he posted a 30-second clip arriving in Kelowna, it drew over 400,000 views and 1,300 comments within days.
For an Okanagan winery, strong scores from Suckling bring greater international visibility — particularly in markets where Canadian fine wine is still being discovered.
But the real story here is not one high score. It is the consistent quality across the portfolio, and the range of what Phantom Creek's vineyards can produce.
Phantom Creek's Highest James Suckling Scores
2022 Small Lot Similkameen Valley Riesling
The only 97-point wine and the highest-rated wine in the entire Okanagan report.
Intense aromas of crushed stones, metal, pear blossoms and smoke. Full-bodied and layered, with phenolic framing. Long, flavorful finish with hints of yogurt, brioche dough and umami in the aftertaste. 18 months on the lees. Drink now.
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2022 Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée
Black currant, fresh herb, violet and sandalwood aromas follow through to a medium body with wonderful polish and brightness. It caresses your palate and runs long. A cabernet sauvignon-dominant blend. Drink or hold.
Shop this wineAdditional Highly Rated Phantom Creek Wines
94 Points — 2022 Kobau Vineyard Cabernet Franc
94 Points — 2022 Kobau Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Lots of dark fruit flavors, generous oak spices and great concentration in this medium-bodied wine. Black cherry, black currant, cocoa and mineral flavors on elegant, fine-grained tannins. Fresh and well balanced, made from organically grown grapes. Drink now or hold.
94 Points — 2022 Becker Vineyard Carménère
94 Points — 2022 Becker Vineyard Carménère
A very subtle and elegant carménère with cherry, strawberry, rose and violet aromas. Medium-bodied with refined tannins and a vivid finish. Drink now or hold.
94 Points — 2022 Becker Vineyard Cuvée
94 Points — 2022 Becker Vineyard Cuvée
A full-bodied, deep and muscular wine whose strong tannins support quite ripe and delicious black fruit flavors. Black cherry, black currant, graphite, cocoa and iron flavors on an expansive mouthfeel. A blend of 46% cabernet sauvignon, 35% cabernet franc and 19% merlot. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
94 Points — 2022 Small Lot Similkameen Valley Pinot Gris
94 Points — 2022 Small Lot Similkameen Valley Pinot Gris
Beautiful floral aromas, nice gold color and generous fruit, mineral and a hint of honey flavors in this medium-bodied wine. Complex and a little meaty, layered and textured. Good depth. Full malolactic helps the buttery mouthfeel. Drink now.
93 Points — 2025 Estate Organic Rosé
93 Points — 2025 Estate Organic Rosé
A substantial pink wine, fresh and bright in raspberry and red cherry flavors. Tangy acidity for good balance. Made from cabernet franc, merlot and malbec grapes and aged on the lees. From organically grown grapes with organic winemaking. Drink now.
93 Points — 2022 Estate Petite Cuvée
93 Points — 2022 Estate Petite Cuvée
A charming, light Bordeaux red blend with fresh red fruit flavors, moderate tannins and good acidity. Red cherry, blueberry, cranberry, rose petal and mineral flavors. 50% cabernet franc, 38% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon, 4% malbec and 1% other grapes. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
93 Points — 2022 Phantom Creek Vineyard Syrah
93 Points — 2022 Phantom Creek Vineyard Syrah
A very direct syrah with transparency and brightness. Dark berries and hints of cedar and green tobacco. Drink now.
92 Points — 2025 Estate Pinot Gris
92 Points — 2025 Estate Pinot Gris
Aromas of dried pears, green apples and lychees. Medium-bodied with layered fruit flavors and a delicious finish. Dry and flavorful. Drink now.
91 Points — 2025 Estate Organic Phantom Blanc
91 Points — 2025 Estate Organic Phantom Blanc
Cabernet franc made into a delicious white wine with a medium body, nice pear and apple character and a dry finish. Serve with food. Drink and enjoy.
What These Scores Say About Phantom Creek
A single high score is worth celebrating. But the broader achievement here is the depth of recognition across the portfolio, reflecting consistency across vineyard sites, grape varieties and winemaking styles.
It also highlights the diversity of the Okanagan Valley. Few regions can support such a wide range of varieties at this level, from aromatic whites to structured reds and elegant rosé.
As Phantom Creek Estates Director of Winemaking Jean-Marc Enixon explains:
It is very amusing for a Frenchman to be making so many different wines in the same place. It's like making Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône and Alsace all in one place.
Which Phantom Creek Wine Should You Try First?
If you are exploring Phantom Creek's James Suckling-rated wines, here is a simple starting point:
- For the highest scoreSmall Lot Riesling Similkameen Valley 2022 — 97 points
- For collectorsPhantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée 2022 — 96 points
- For Cabernet Franc loversKobau Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022 — 94 points
- For fans of elegant redsBecker Vineyard Carménère 2022 — 94 points
- For richer white winesSmall Lot Pinot Gris Similkameen Valley 2022 — 94 points
- For Rosé drinkersEstate Organic Rosé 2025 — 93 points
- For Bordeaux-style blendsBecker Vineyard Cuvée 2022 or Petite Cuvée 2022
Scores are a helpful guide, but the best wine is the one that fits your palate, occasion and table.
