Category Archives: OTHER

La Porta di Vertine, Riserva, Chianti Classico DOCG, Toscana, Italia, 14.2% abv, 2009

Located on amphitheater-shaped vineyards in tiny Vertine located in Gaiole (one of the five Chianti Classico regions) and north of Siena, this producer harvests organically grown grapes, uses indigenous yeast and employs minimal intervention in the cellar. The wine is comprised mostly of … Continue reading

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Sauvignon Blanc, Le Tronsec, Joseph Mellot, Pouilly-Fumé, Loire, France, 2013, 12.5% abv. C$35

We stopped into the Joseph Mellot storefront in the centre of Sancerre when visiting the Loire in September 2014.  So, when looking for a Sauvignon Blanc recently, purchasing this white wine classic was an easy decision. The grapes for this … Continue reading

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Marsanne, Tahbilk, 1927 Vines, Victoria, Australia, 2005, 10.5% abv, C$40

If we had opened this for a blind tasting, I would have failed miserably. Tasted double blind, we agreed we would have nailed this as Riesling with its intense lemon and petrol.  Or possibly as an evolving Hunter Valley Sémillon with … Continue reading

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Chateau Thieuley, Reserve Francis Courselle, Bordeaux Supérieur AC, Bordeaux, France, 2002, 13% abv, US$19

This Bordeaux Supérieur is a deep garnet with some bricking near the rim and aromas of blueberry and ripe plum with vanilla and baking spice.   The palate is dry with well-integrated alcohol and the tannins are strained and become … Continue reading

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Takar, Kangun, Dry White Wine, Republic of Armenia, 2012, 12.5% abv.

Okay, show of hands – who knows anything about the Armenian Genocide? I admit that prior to my recent trip to this gem of a country, I was woefully ignorant for the most part.  I had heard about it, but had … Continue reading

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Takar, Areni Noir, Republic of Armenia, 2012, 13% abv, 4,800 Armenian Drams (C$14)

At my hotel (Republica – it comes highly recommended) in Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, the helpful and knowledgable Maria was especially pleased I was interested in trying several of the local wines.  Their extensive winelist has Armenian, New and Old World … Continue reading

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Tantalus, Rosé, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, Canada, 2014, 13.1% abv, C$19

Well, I have finally found a truly tasty one.  It has taken some time, but patience has proved to be a virtue.  The Tantalus 2014 Rosé is delicious.  Made using the direct press method from Pinot Meunier and blended with Pinot … Continue reading

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Amphora Viognier-Rousanne, Laughing Stock Vineyards, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2014, 14.2% abv. C$24, 500 ml.

When my certified expert in Italian wine friend called me to share a bottle of a made-in-BC wine using amphorae from Chianti, there was no hesitation on my part. Medium gold with a fleshy peach overtone and deep legs, the grapes … Continue reading

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Ca’ Di Pian, Barbera d’Asti, La Spinetta, Catagnole Lanze DOCG, Italia, 2010, 14% abv.

Made from the Barbera grape in Piedmonte, northwestern Italy, this is a wine showing deep garnet with a nose of purple Italian plum, black fruit, herb and star anise. The palate is dry with softly ripe, velvety tannins, slightly high … Continue reading

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The Hatch, Brut Rosé, Okanagan, BC, 12.6% abv, NV, C$28

I’m always on the search for a tasty Rosé. Here is one from a new winery with a plethora of options made from grapes sources from all parts of the Okanagan and a tasting room located in West Kelowna.  We … Continue reading

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