Category Archives: RED

Syrah, Porter Creek, Timbervine Ranch, Russian River Valley, California, 2010, 14.5%, US$46

We walked into Yountville’s best wine store Groezinger’s and asked owner Rick, “If there was one wine in this store we should buy, what would it be?” What followed was the most hilarious rant I’ve ever experienced from a wine … Continue reading

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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Syrah 2009, BC VQA Okanagan Valley, 14.5% abv, C$29.90

Burrowing Owl’s tasting room was three folks deep with ‘splash and dashers’ last August when we dropped in for a peek. They wouldn’t give me an industry discount and weren’t terribly knowledgeable about wine in general to be honest. I … Continue reading

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Dominio de Tares, Cepas Viejas, Mencia, Bierzo DO, Bierzo Alto, Leon, Spain 2008, 14% C$30

Purchased at a local specialty wine store, this is a great wine made from the Mencia varietal, aka ‘Jaen’. Mencia is grown primarily in North Western Spain, and especially in Bierzo, an up-and-coming DO. Ironic to say that as of … Continue reading

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Black Hills Estate Winery, Nota Bene, Meritage, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada, 2010, 14% abv.

I bought this bottle at the winery in Oliver in August 2012 – and then brought it right back to the Okanagan to drink with Jennifer and Allan.  Fun! This is Black Hills’ renowned Meritage blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot … Continue reading

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Vinas Elias Mora, Toro DO, San Roman di Hornija, Valladolid, Spain, 2009 14.5% abv, C$19

Oh, Spanish wines – how we love and adore you.  Great deals, fabulous fruit, complexity… Let me count the ways. The Elias Mora is from the northwestern corner of Spain, directly west of Ribera del Duero.  Made from Tinta de … Continue reading

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Lambrusco di Sorbara, Emilia-Romagna, Tenuta Casolari, Vino Frizzante Secco, Italy, 11% abv, C$15

Kelowna is the centre of the BC wine universe, but I brought something just a little different to Allan’s this weekend. Lambrusco is both the name of the grape and the wine – and it comes from Italy’s north central Emilia-Romagna region. … Continue reading

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Matsu, El Recio, Tinta de Toro, Toro DO, Spain, 14.5% abv.

If my sources are correct and El Recio refers to a ‘tough guy’ – then the picture on this bottle says it all!  He definitely looks tough. The wine’s not though – and it’s one of my favourite types.  Spanish?  Check. … Continue reading

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Château d’Anglès, La Clape, Classique, Syrah – Grenache – Mourvèdre, Languedoc, France, 2008, 14% abv, C$19

What a deal – what a find! Old eagle eyes found this in the liquor store as I was looking for Ports and Sherries to purchase for tasting. In September, we bought a case of Château d’Anglès’ La Clape Grand … Continue reading

Posted in France, Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Klinker Brick, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California, 2009, 15.8% abv, C$30

When faced with a challenge, what does a Winellama do?  Why, rise of course! So, my friend’s request to taste this California Zinfandel prompted a late Sunday afternoon (in between football games) trip to the liquor store. Besides, who am … Continue reading

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Castillo de Monséran, Garnacha Old Vines, Cariñena DO, Spain, 2007, 13% abv, C$16

Thankfully, it’s Friday which means it’s time to sit on the couch and drink red wine. From some massive vineyards (21,500 ha) in the northeastern hills of Aragon, west of Catalunya, this Garnaxa based Spanish wine is made from 50 year … Continue reading

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