Category Archives: RED

Baco Noir, Reserve, Henry of Pelham Family Estate, VQA Ontario, 2012, 14% abv, C$24

It was a hot and sweaty day. Today my son moved into residence at university.  So, following the ritual unpacking, meeting of floormates and first cafeteria visit, I left him to his own devices (including a concert) and quickly plugged … 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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Beaux Frères, Pinot Noir, Newberg, Willamette Valley, Oregon, US, 2007, 13.8% abv.

In March 2013, we visited this winery but managed to hold onto the bottle until a special birthday happened in 2015.  Read here for details and pictures from the morning spent tasting Beaux Frères wines in Newberg with wine guide, Anna … Continue reading →

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Francis Ford Coppola, Director’s Cut, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Coast, California, 2010, 13.5% abv.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Director’s Cut line is said to be made in the image that most closely resembles the Director’s vision of a film.  The label itself is a reminder of that, made in the style of a zoetrope strip, an animation device … Continue reading →

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La Cave d’Augustin Florent, Tannat, Madiran AOC, Southwest France, 2012, 13.5% abv.

This wine surprised me.  Being from Madiran AOC (which is located in South West France in the Pyrénées Mountains on the border with Spain) I anticipated it would be very concentrated and tannic.  Wines from Madiran AOC may only be red (there’s … Continue reading →

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Domaine de Ferrand, Philippe Bravay Vignobles, Châteauneuf du Pape, Orange, France, 2012, 15% abv, bottle #03458, US$54

Here’s a GSM from 5 ha of vines located in the region of La Gardiole and Cabrières near Orange, in the northern part of Châteauneuf du Pape.  The recipe on this wine is 95% Grenache with 2% Syrah, 2% Mourvèdre and a … 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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Church & State, Cabernet Franc, Coyote Bowl, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2010, 14.7% abv.

I had to double check the label!  On the first glass, I thought I was drinking a svelte Syrah from BC’s Okanagan Valley.  Nope – Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet in colour, this wine offers classic Cab Franc aromas of pine … Continue reading →

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Church & State, Coyote Bowl Series, Malbec, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2011, 14.5% abv.

Purchased in September 2014 at the winery, we opened this on Saltspring Island with charcuterie and BBQ’d sausages in summer 2015. Opaque purple and very young with intense aromas of ripe, purple plum, black cherry, burnished leather and fresh pine, … Continue reading →

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