Category Archives: RED

Genium Cellers, Costers vi de Guarda, Poboleda, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2005, 14.5% abv

Posted on October 6, 2014 by winellama

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 →

Posted in Carignan, Grenache / Garnacha, Merlot, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pinot Noir, Proposal Bloc, J Wrigley Vineyards, McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2012, 14% abv

Posted on October 3, 2014 by winellama

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 →

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Salentein Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina, 2012, 14.5% abv

Posted on September 17, 2014 by winellama

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 →

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Villa Maria, Pinot Noir, Private Bin, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2011, C$22

Posted on September 17, 2014 by winellama

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 →

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Church & State, Merlot, Coyote Bowl Series, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, 2010, 14.5% abv, C$25

Posted on September 9, 2014 by winellama

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 →

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Pinot Noir, Ken Wright Cellars, Savoya Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton District AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2008, 13.5% abv, C$85.00

Posted on September 8, 2014 by winellama

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 →

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Cabernet Libre, Rose, Vista D’oro, Campbell Valley, British Columbia, Canada, 2013, 12% abv

Posted on September 4, 2014 by winellama

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 →

Posted in Cabernet Libre, OTHER, RED, ROSE | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Champagne Geoffroy, Volupte, Brut, Premier Cru, Ay, France, 12.5% abv

Posted on August 29, 2014 by winellama

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 →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Vouette et Sorbée, Cuvée Fidèle, Extra Brut, Champagne, France, NV, C$90.00

Posted on August 23, 2014 by winellama

I have slaved, seriously slaved for several years. So, after finding out I passed my final set of WSET Diploma exams, I wanted something worthy for the celebration. Into the fridge popped this bottle. Named after two vineyards, the Fidèle, Extra … Continue reading →

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Sommavite, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italia, 2008, 14% abv, US$19.99 @ Trader Joe’s

Posted on August 22, 2014 by winellama

I will admit to having experienced a small amount of panic when I opened this because of some extra alcoholic vapours and concerns about faults.  But those literally blew over and off and although the cork was grainy and falling … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, RED, Sangiovese | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment