Category Archives: RED
Dominio IV, The Tango, Tempranillo, Columbia Gorge AVA, Three Sleeps Vineyard, Oregon, US, 2006, 13.8% abv, US$45
I’m so confused. Most who know me would say that’s a permanent state (insert raised eyebrow here). That aside, herein lies the source of my befuddlement. This wine is made from Tempranillo, but the winery is based in Oregon’s McMinnville … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Seven Terraces, Rossendale Winery, Canterbury, New Zealand, 2012, 13% abv, C$27
Wine is about people and community – it’s usually best enjoyed with others and it always has a story. This Pinot Noir is no exception to that general rule. From New Zealand’s South Island just 13 km south of Christchurch, it’s made … Continue reading
Genium Cellers, Costers vi de Guarda, Poboleda, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2005, 14.5% abv
One thing I have learned about winemakers and winery owners is that showing even a little interest in their work usually yields immensely positive results for anyone wanting to learn more. Most are keen to share and you realize very quickly … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Proposal Bloc, J Wrigley Vineyards, McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2012, 14% abv
Little brother Allan purchased this across the border in Bellingham, WA where the owner of the winery and winemaker, John Wrigley, was doing a tasting. I have a soft spot for McMinnville having visited several wineries there in August, 2013. There … Continue reading
Salentein Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina, 2012, 14.5% abv
Argentina’s vineyards are some of the highest in the world – most start at about 600m and can go as high as 1,600m. Almost all of them are on the country’s western strip bordering the Andes mountains toward Chile and … Continue reading
Villa Maria, Pinot Noir, Private Bin, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2011, C$22
This is wine. It’s correct and it’s doing its thing, but there isn’t anything about it that makes you sit up and take notice, write poetry or break into song. In fact, the most exciting thing about this wine is … Continue reading
Church & State, Merlot, Coyote Bowl Series, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, 2010, 14.5% abv, C$25
Church & State is a long time favourite. We visited the Coyote Bowl premises in 2012 and purchased this bottle (plus several others) at that time. I always know that I’m going to get something enjoyable and worthwhile when I purchase … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Ken Wright Cellars, Savoya Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton District AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2008, 13.5% abv, C$85.00
Forgive me, as I must begin this with a small rant. My first thought regarding this bottle was ‘Oh, this is going to be good.’ And I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed. But my second thought followed quickly on … Continue reading
Cabernet Libre, Rose, Vista D’oro, Campbell Valley, British Columbia, Canada, 2013, 12% abv
Here’s a grape I virtually guarantee you’ve not tried before – Cabernet Libre. It’s an uncommon hybrid developed by Valentin Blattner in Switzerland that has found a home on Canada’s cool, wet coasts. There’s a Blattner white and a red – … Continue reading
Champagne Geoffroy, Volupte, Brut, Premier Cru, Ay, France, 12.5% abv
We enjoyed an informative and gracious visit to Champagne Geoffroy in June 2014 and while there purchased this bottle to use in a toast to honour of my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary in August. Many of grower-producer Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy’s champagnes … Continue reading
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