Category Archives: RED

Rosé, Cabernet Franc, Lock & Worth Winery, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2019, 12.7% abv. C$22

There’s no doubt about it – spring has sprung. While it’s still a challenge to socially distance wine with friends on the porch, here is a bottle that should be on everyone’s patio menu when life opens up post-Covid. From … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Cabernet Franc, RED, ROSE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tertre Rouge, Turtle Rock Farms, Synchromesh Wines, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2016, 13.9% abv, C$28++

Hot cars and fabulous wine are two things in our household that take up a lot of our energy and time.  Case in point, in 2014 the day following my final WSET Diploma wine exam, we flew to France to be at … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sabor a Mí, Major Ursa Estate Winery, Black Sage Bench, Oliver, BC, 2017, 14% abv. C$35

Who remembers Eydie Gormé and her love and husband of decades, Steve Lawrence?  I actually do. If you don’t know who she is, you must take a moment to listen to this 1964 recording of her singing Sabor a Mí … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ring in the New Decade with Canadian Bubbles from Unsworth Vineyards

Hindsight being 2020, you’re going to want to try these bubbles for ringing in the new decade.  To save you the trouble, and the hindsight, here’s the low down. Unsworth Vineyards is located on Canada’s West Coast just north of … Continue reading

Posted in amiel, auxerrois, BC, British Columbia, OTHER, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, sauvignette | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Amelia (Syrah – Viognier), Daydreamer Wines, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 13.5% abv., 2017, C$35

This plush 90% Syrah, 10% Viognier is a treat!  Master of Wine Marcus Ansems has produced a delicious Naramata Bench version of this northern Rhône classic. In the traditional homeland of Syrah, many winemakers co-ferment the grape with 5-10% Viognier … Continue reading

Posted in BC, British Columbia, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Viognier | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Avignonesi, Montepulciano DOCG, Italia, 13.5% abv, C$42

Avignonesi is Italy’s largest biodynamic winery, located in tiny Valiano, Tuscany between Cortona and Montepulciano. Its owner, Virginie Saverys, a former lawyer from Belgium,  purchased it in 2009 from the original owners, the Avignonesi family, and has spent the last … Continue reading

Posted in Italy, RED, Sangiovese | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Expression, Champagne Geoffroy, Brut, Premier Cru, Cumières, Champagne AC, France, 2011 + 2012, 12.5% abv, C$80

Something extremely exciting happened to us about a month ago when our family welcomed a brand new baby granddaughter to the clan. To welcome this adorable nymph to the world, we opened a bottle of Geoffroy ‘Expression’ champagne.  We selected … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, France, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Loïc Mahé, Gourmandise du Gue d’Orger, Savennières, Loire Valley AoC, France, 12.5% abv, 2015, US$20

Straight from Savennières in the Loire Valley comes this precise, biodynamic red wine made of Cabernet Franc by Loïc Mahé. On the eyes, it’s translucent ruby with a nose of light raspberry and strawberry, with green leaf, schist and earth. … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Franc, France, Loire, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Syrah, Ramey Wine Cellars, Sonoma Coast AVA, California, 2013, 14.5% abv (US$59)

Four years ago this month, I graduated with the WSET Diploma – a credential anyone who works in wine and spirits will know is that difficult.  Drinking lots of interesting things to support my wine studies and habit has never … Continue reading

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Barolo, Ferdinando Principiano, Serralunga, Ravera di Montfort, Barolo DOCG, Italy, 2011, 15% abv. C$45

We enjoyed this just inside the recommended drinking window – I’m not patient when it comes to holding wine. I was very nervous when I removed the capsule to find what looked to be a moldy cork.  It was dry … Continue reading

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