Category Archives: OTHER

Posip, Stina, Dalmatia, Croatia, 2013, 13.5% abv., C$40++

Straight from a land where they’ve been making wine for over 2,500 years comes this Croatian treat to Canada’s west coast.  Its been a challenge for them, but all British Columbians owe a debt of thanks to North Vancouver’s independent … Continue reading

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Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Au Bon Climat, Santa Maria Valley, California, 2014, 13.5% abv, US$25

So, there I was, standing in the American wine aisle at Tamura’s in Lahaina, Maui.    I know what you’re thinking – “Who goes to Maui to buy wine!?”  I hadn’t really intended to, but there I was, trying to … Continue reading

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Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC, Superiore, Stefano Mancinelli, Morro d’Alba, Italy, 2013, 13% abv. C$35

To say this wine is intriguing would be an understatement. Producer, Stefano Mancinelli is widely acknowledged as one of the best producers of Lacrima di Morro d’Alba wines.  Made from the Lacrima grape, I had to search hard for information … Continue reading

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Ferghettina, Franciacorta DOCG, Milledi, Brut, Lombardy, Italy, 2009, 12.5% abv, C$50++

Both sets of ‘rents were over to celebrate our moving back to the hometown.  So, out came this sparkling wine from north central Italy for a toast. Made from 100% Chardonnay in the traditional method and aged for 36 months … Continue reading

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Rosé, Clos du Soleil, Similkameen Valley VQA, Okanagan, BC, 2013, 13.1% abv.

Many people think you can’t or shouldn’t drink rosé during winter.  Says who?  Does it make you smile? Does it make you happy? A perennial favourite of mine, the Similkameen Valley’s Clos du Soleil winery makes many of my go to BC … Continue reading

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Socrè, Barbaresco, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Cuneo, Italia, 2010, 12.5% abv.

This wine comes straight from Piemonte in the northwestern corner of Italy from a vineyard tended to by former architect Marco Piacentino and his family.  The vineyard lies directly across the road from Angelo Gaja’s famous Sori Tilden vines. Piacentino’s side of the … Continue reading

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Semillon, The Last Block, Tyrrell’s, Hunter Valley, Australia, 2014, 11.5% abv. C$15++

The story with this entry level Semillon is that in 1993, the winemaker actually forgot about a block of it.  When they realized they’d missed picking it, they eventually harvested the block and then made a much more accessible, ‘do … Continue reading

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Albariño, Burgáns, Rias Baixas DO, Spain, 2010, 13% abv, C$21++

Here is another Spanish white for your drinking pleasure – I seem to have been enjoying a lot of them these days.  They’re a good deal, are generally well made and balanced with good flavour and appropriate alcohol. This Albariño is … Continue reading

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Olivar, Cesconi, Bianco, Vignetti delle Dolomiti IGT, Italy, 2010, 13.5% abv, C$32

Nestled up in Italy’s northwest corner, north of Trento in tiny Pressano lie the Cesconi brothers’ vineyards.  Most of the fruit for this wine – a blend of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay – is from the Olivar, a single … Continue reading

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Grüner Veltliner, Singing, Laurenz Five und Sophie, Austria, 2013, 12% abv, C$19++

Grüner Veltliner (aka Gru-vee) is indeed a groovy, Austrian grape that makes great wine.  Generally, Gru-vee is food friendly with a solid floral and fruit profile, elegant minerality and a peppery hit. This one is no exception. Made from Grüner grapes harvested … Continue reading

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