Category Archives: RED

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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Caymus, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, 2011, 15.2% abv, C$46.00

Posted on August 14, 2014 by winellama

Owned for 40 years in Rutherford, California by the Wagner family, the Caymus wines are some of the most dependable and tasty produced in Napa Valley. Over the course of time, they’ve diversified with several product lines and quality levels. … Continue reading →

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Chateau Pradeaux, Bandol AOP, Provence, France 2007, 14.5% abv, US$45.95

Posted on August 14, 2014 by winellama

Mention Provence and most people conjure up images of the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean, olive trees and pink wines.  In this case, the pictures are accurate – except for the wine.  This nectar is the famous red Provencal wine from the … Continue reading →

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