Author Archives: winellama
Signorello Estate, Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, 2009, 13.9% abv, C$60
On our way to see Francine one afternoon to boost her spirits, we slipped by the BC liquor store and happened upon a fabulous Manager’s Sale (thanks, Raquel!). Three bottles later, we were on our way to Francine’s – one … Continue reading
Joseph Drouhin, Pinot Noir, Beaune Premier Cru, France, 2008, 13% abv, C$50
Here is an idea for a Pinot Noir to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner and fixings. The wine has a medium, ruby red core moving to a thin pink rim with medium legs. Its nose has medium intensity and is developing with … Continue reading
The Doctors’, Riesling, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2010, 8.5% abv, C$19
This winery was featured at a tasting sponsored by the New Zealand Consulate in Vancouver, 2012 and bought a bottle the next day at the local liquor store. Clear with a pale lemon-green core moving to a thin water white rim … Continue reading
The Crusher, Grower’s Selection, Petite Sirah, Clarksburg, California, 13.9% abv, 2010
I admit I didn’t know much about Petite Sirah – I thought the name simply signaled a twist on my favourite, Syrah. In fact, it’s a French varietal that is virtually extinct there (since 2002) but that was historically grown in … Continue reading
Château d’Anglès, La Clape, Grand Vin, Famille E. Fabre, 2007, 13.55% abv, $25 via Alberta Liquor Board
I read the Globe and Mail every day and love the wine reviews. The only problem is that Beppi often reviews wines we just can’t get a hold of here in BC. But thanks to my intrepid spouse and a … Continue reading
Alvear Solera 1927, Montilla-Moriles, Pedro Ximénez, Spain, NV, 16% abv. C$30
Recently at Vancouver’s Salt (you know, as I type that I hear the SNL character Stefan in my head…), we enjoyed my favourite kind of dinner – wine and charcuterie. A white Rioja, an old vines Garnacha from Navarra and a really … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Optimum, Gehringer Brothers, Okanagan Valley, BC, 12.5% abv, 2011
2011 wasn’t exactly a banner vintage in the Okanagan Valley and to be honest, this wine is indicative of that. Clear with a medium minus ruby core moving to a thin pink rim this Pinot Noir has light legs. On … Continue reading
Merlot, Hester Creek, Reserve Block 2, Okanagan Valley, BC, 14.4% abv, 2009
During a trip to Oliver, BC, deep in the southern Okanagan Valley, we visited Hester Creek Winery where we purchased this Merlot. It has a clear, deep ruby-purple core moving to a thick light ruby rim with noticeably viscous legs. On … Continue reading
“Liquid Art” Tasting – Trialto
My friend Terrence is a fabulous guy. Why is that, you ask? Well, amongst other attributes, he invited me (and some others in our wine class) to a tasting at his company’s Yaletown offices (Trialto). We tried almost 30 recent … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, Family Reserve, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2006, 13.5% abv, C$30 at winery
Friday night and the time is right for….Pinot! We visited the Mt. Boucherie winery near Kelowna in BC’s Okanagan Valley and enjoyed the tasting room and knowledgeable family members talking about their extensive range of wines. Mt. Boucherie produces three levels … Continue reading
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