Category Archives: RED

Nota Bene, Black Hills Estate Winery, Oliver, British Columbia, 2007, 14.6% abv

  When at Black Hills in 2012, I opted for the vertical Nota Bene tasting of the 2007 – 2010 Meritage blends. These wines and the winery have quite a history. Originally owned by two couples, one couple left after … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Meritage, Merlot, RED, Winery Review | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gran Sangre de Toro, Torres, Reserva, Catalunya DO, Spain, 2007, 14% abv, C$16

This wine from Catalunya in northeastern Spain is comprised of 60% Garnacha, 25% Mazuelo and 15% Syrah and yes, it’s a Miguel Torres wine – the famed Torres whose wineries are renowned in Spain, Chile and California. Boasting a deep garnet … Continue reading

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

Stickleback Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto, Lagreine, Langhorne Creek and Limestone Coast, Southern Australia, 2009, C$17

Available in BC at your local government liquor store, here’s an interesting blended table wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz offer structure, the Dolcetto brightness and acidity and the Lagreine spice and tannin.  This wine is made from grapes that … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Dolcetto, Lagreine, RED, Red, red wine, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Viña Tondonia, López de Heredia, Rosada, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2000, 12% abv.

I’ve been waiting to open this bottle for a while. After reading about it in the New York Times, I bought two of the three bottles available locally and opened one when family came to visit from England. Come to think of … Continue reading

Posted in Grenache / Garnacha, Macabeu/Viura, ROSE, Spain, Tempranillo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blue Mountain, Brut, Methode Traditionnelle, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, NV, C$24

What better way to toast three sisters being back together after two years apart than to start with some Canadian sparkling wine. From the Okanagan Falls area located south of Penticton and north of Oliver in the Okanagan Valley, this sparkler … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shiraz, Katnook, Founder’s Block, Coonawarra, Australia, 2008, 13.5% abv

  ‘I’m behind in my posts,’ I lament to my other half who replies with ‘Who’s watching and waiting?’ A good question. This wine is deep ruby with a nose of deep red fruit – especially raspberry – cinnamon spice … Continue reading

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Vindication Cellars, Rosé, Oliver, British Columbia, 2011, 13.5%

Summer is finally here and I’m relaxing on the balcony while five tired teenaged rugby playing girls and one happy 14 year old boy are in the living room. The timing is perfect to enjoy winemaker Jeff del Nin’s Vindication Cellars … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Cabernet Franc, ROSE | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicello Classico 2007 Veneto, Italy

With its opaque ruby colour and violet rim, this Amarone was a pleasure to drink with Rosa at Cioppino’s in Yaletown, Vancouver. Dry, it offers a ripe, red fruit profile with vanilla, clove, medium dusty tannins and medium plus acidity.  After … Continue reading

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Luigi Bosca, Single Vineyard Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo DOC, Argentina 2009 14.1%, $34 @ Legacy

First, a lament.  I’ve been told I’m not allowed to purchase any more bottles until I drink most of what I have. Better get moving… There are 51 in the pantry. Have I mentioned how desperate I am for a … Continue reading

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The Cover Drive by Jim Barry, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawara, Southern Australia 2009, 14% abv

The South Australian wine region of Coonawarra is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon and home to many famous names including Wynn’s, Majella, Katnook and Yalumba.  It’s located about 60 km west of the ocean which gives it a climate similar to that … Continue reading

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