Tag Archives: 2013

Syrah, CC Jentsch Cellars, Oliver, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2013, 13.8% abv, C$30 (2013 vintage tasted October, 2015, 2015 vintage tasted May, 2021)

This BC wine was the winner in the Judgement of BC blind tasting held in August, 2015 in Vancouver. Now, this was no small feat – 12 BC wines (Chardonnay and Syrah) were cast against 12 benchmark Chardonnay and Syrah … Continue reading

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Circle Riesling, Red Newt Cellars, Finger Lakes AVA, New York, 2013, 10.2% abv.

When New Year’s eve rolled around, and there was a chance to put 2020 in its place and move forward with some delicious wine and food, who was I to say no to enjoying this bottle of Riesling from New … Continue reading

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Chardonnay, Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard, Sta Rita Hills, California, 14.5% abv, 2013, C$100

Ever since the first time I watched the movie Sideways, I have wanted to try a bottle of Sea Smoke.  Their Botella Pinot Noir (vintage unknown) was featured at the seriously over served double date dinner for Myles, Jack, Stephanie … Continue reading

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Syrah, Alban Vineyards, Patrina, Edna Valley, California, 2013, 15.5% abv, US$50

People often ask me, “What is your favourite red wine?” Syrah, hands down. But, not just any old Syrah.  It has to be well made – and this one is. You. Must. Drink. This. Alban Vineyards is located in Edna … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Scott Paul, Azana, Chehalem Mountains AVA, Oregon, 2013, 12.9% abv., US$60

We visited the tasting room for this graceful Pinot Noir in tiny Carlton, Oregon in August 2016. The Chehalem Mountains AVA where the grapes for this wine are grown is located entirely within the larger Willamette Valley AVA, just south … Continue reading

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Cabernet Franc, Les Muriers, Anjou Villages AC, Loïc Mahé, Loire Valley, France, 12.5% abv. 2013, US$20

These are a few of my favourite things.  From a site located in the western part of Savennières and north of the Loire River, Brittany native Loïc Mahé grows bio/organic grapes on shale soils and makes unfiltered wines fermented with natural … Continue reading

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Cabernet Sauvignon, J.Lohr, Seven Oaks, Paso Robles, California, 2013, 13.5% abv, C$23

Although Jerry Lohr may have started out small in the 1970s, you could hardly say he stayed that way. Today, his Californian wine empire encompasses vineyards in three regions (Monterey, Paso Robles and Napa) growing grapes on 3,633 acres and … Continue reading

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Albarino, Vina Vedra, Val do Salnes, Rias Baixas DO, Spain, 2013, 12.5% abv, C$17++

Here’s another Spanish white for your sipping pleasure. On the eyes, medium lemon with aromas of nose-tingling rocks and salinity with lemon zest. On the palate, dry with medium plus juicy acidity and flavours of citrus – lemon, pomelo, pink … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Ayoub Estate Vineyard, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon, US, 2013, 12.8% abv.

Talk about tiny – there is no tasting room at the Ayoub Estate Vineyard located just outside of McMinnville in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, but they’re more than happy to make you an appointment to come to the kitchen to taste. … Continue reading

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Riesling, Upper Bench Winery, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA, 12.5% abv, 2013, $C19

Looking for something that tastes good and won’t kill your wallet after you pay for the Thai food delivery and your tom yum goong? A trustworthy effort from the Upper Bench Winery from just outside of Penticton, this Riesling is … Continue reading

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