Author Archives: winellama
Howling Bluff, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, VQA Okanagan Valley, 13.4% abv, 2012 (C$19.90)
I want this woman’s life. It’s true. If my father owned an award winning Naramata Bench winery in BC’s Okanagan Valley, well …let’s just say it’s a rather safe bet I’d more-than-likely be off living the life I dream of, … Continue reading
Pinot Blanc, Clos du Soleil, Grower’s Series Chegwin & Baessler, Similkameen Valley VQA, BC, 2012, 12.1% abv, C$20++
Only 185 cases produced of this refreshing gem and we recently opened a bottle on a warm summer Vancouver evening to enjoy with friends. Clos du Soleil is one of my new favourite BC wineries – I have developed a … Continue reading
Table 1006 – The Last Supper
Look in the dictionary for ‘grace under pressure’ and you’ll find a picture of Chef Francine Parker right there. In December 2012, I was fortunate to be the first invited back to Chef Parker’s Table 1006 following extensive renovations. How … Continue reading
Champagne Brut Rose, Kirkland Signature MA, Janisson et Fils, Verzenay, France, 12% abv, NV, US$25
Take a wild guess. Go ahead. How much wine do you think Costco sells at their 433 stores in the US and Puerto Rico each year, in addition to 165 more locations around the world? Costco sells some interesting stuff … Continue reading
Whitehall Lane Winery, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, 14.2% abv
I had the opportunity to visit Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyards in March when we were in Napa. Located in St. Helena, they produce about 45,000 cases per year made by their winemaker ‘Dean’ who has actually spent wine time … Continue reading
Saint Chinian AC, Hecht Bannier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2010, 14% abv, $35 (down to $20)
It’s a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, a beautiful day for a neighbour…Raquel from the BCLB is my neighbour. Let me just say how thankful I am that Raquel is my neighbour. She had the presence of mind (mostly because … Continue reading
Capella, Clos du Soleil, White Wine/Vin Blanc, Keremeos, BC, Canada, 2010, 12.6% abv
Clos du Soleil is a Similkameen Valley winery nestled into the base of the sun warmed cliffs in Keremeos, BC. A biodynamic winery, they’re owned by several friends and investors who work together to bring their wines to BC. When … Continue reading
Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, California, 2010, 13.5% abv
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted white varietals in the world, second only to Airen (Spain). This is a particularly elegant and crisp version from Jordan’s Russian River Valley vineyard. The Russian River Valley, located in Sonoma County, … Continue reading
Wine Bloggers of North America Conference, Penticton, BC 2013
Yesterday I was a speed tasting virgin. Now that I actually understand this speed tasting thing, I’m slightly better prepared. For starters, I intend to spit! Somehow this isn’t coming out the exact way I’d meant it to. Perhaps I … Continue reading
Jolie Saison Gamay, 2012, 12.5% abv
Available by September 17 only at Seasons 52 restaurants in the US, but here for an in-advance-tasting opportunity at the Wine Bloggers’ Conference 2013 in Penticton, BC, this wine is clear and bright, purple and has legs noted. On the … Continue reading
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