Author Archives: winellama

Unknown's avatar

About winellama

I love wine...and finally decided to do something about it.

Malivoire, Gamay, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, 2013, 12.5% abv, C$17.95

Prohibition. Prohibiting something rarely, if ever, accomplishes the original goal.  Whether it involves anti-drug campaigns, teenage abstinence programs or international trade embargoes, relying on fear, shaming and isolation tactics rarely produce the hoped for results. This extends to alcohol; the … Continue reading

Posted in Gamay, Ontario, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Winery, Napa Valley, 2011, 14% abv

While at Trader Joe’s last summer on a cross-border run, I did a scan for the most expensive red wine I could buy and this was the one- a whopping $20.  “Go big or go home”, I thought. I went … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tantalus, Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley VQA, Kelowna, BC, 2010, 13.4% abv

Christmas is fast approaching and I always love to have a Pinot alongside the turkey and cranberry sauce.  Gamay wines, Pinot Noirs and even Cab Francs go swell with holiday bird.  They’re light enough and the tannins are subtle to … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Pinot Noir, RED, Red | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Domaine Huet, Le Mont, Sec, Vouvray AC, Loire, France, 2010, 13.5% abv.

I just can’t get enough. Chenin Blanc wines rank up there amongst my favourites; they’re so versatile. All styles are possible – from sweet, botrytis affected dessert wines to slightly off dry versions, to dry, linear, deeply mineral bottles and … Continue reading

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Semillon, Santa Monica, DO Rancagua, Rapel Valley, Chile, 1993, 12.5% abv

My friend Sean N. is one of those intrepid folks who always manages to find a bottle that is unusual and unique – and then has the class to share it.  Come to think of it, I have met many … Continue reading

Posted in Chile, OTHER, Semillon, WHITE | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mastroberardino, Aglianico, Campania IGT, Italy, 2007, 13% abv

Here is a fly-under-the-radar, smokin’ hot deal of a wine.  From southern Italy’s Campania region, it is an unoaked example of pristine fruit and complexity. With a medium ruby hue and deep legs, this wine has medium plus aromas of boysenberry, plum and … Continue reading

Posted in Aglianico, Italy, OTHER, RED, Red | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

AE Dor, XO Cognac, AOC Fine Champagne, France, 40% abv, 95 GBP (C$170)

This arrived safely nestled in a suitcase following a trip to England.  None is imported into Canada although some finds its way to the US via various importers, and it is available in some of the finest European and Japanese restaurants. The … Continue reading

Posted in Cognac, Colombard, Folle Blanche, France, OTHER, Ugni Blanc, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Langmeil, SMG, Three Gardens, Barossa, Australia, 2011, 14.5% abv, C$30

Any excuse – yes, give me one and I’ll open up a GSM.  In this case, I can blame having to open that lovely blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre on my 17 year old’s birthday dinner. I noticed on … Continue reading

Posted in Australia, Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Viognier, Paul Mas, Pays D’Oc, IGP, Languedoc, France, 2013, 13.5% abv, C$14

Looking for a wine that is easy to find, not terribly pricey, tasty and isn’t Sauvignon Blanc?  I thought so. This Viognier could be the one.  It has a clear, medium lemon colour with light legs and aromas of minerals, apricots … Continue reading

Posted in France, OTHER, Viognier, WHITE | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Pacific Breeze Urban Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, New Westminster, BC, 2009, 14.9% abv

Ask most Canadian winemakers about CIC wines and they become rather tetchy; after all, it’s not as if there isn’t already a lot of product floating about here on the local market.  What, we have to import more?! Ask most … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, RED | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment