Wine Tasting - Red wine & Chill

August was HOT, so in the middle of the 2nd heat wave I had a tasting for red wines you can chill. It turned out to be a busy weekend for the wine club so we had a bit of a smaller flight. It was a fun tasting and a great learning moment for some seeing how the wines change as they warm up. So change it up once in awhile and try a red slightly chilled on the patio or with a nice BBQ. Everyone except me picked the Italian Barbera as their top pick; I had to go with the delicious Sancerre.

BOUCHARD AINE & FILS- BEAUJOLAIS 2016 - France - $13.49 - BC liquor

Beaujolais is always made from Gamay Noir and are fresh fruity and easy drinking, one of my go to's for beach and patio. To me it always tastes a better chilled and is really refreshing. This one was light with strawberries & cream, some fresh cherries and a hint of minerality. Light in body, low tannin, med acidity easy drinker.

MAISON DES BULLIATS - REGNIE CRU BEAUJOLAIS 2015 - France - $19.99 - BC Liquor

There are 13 Cru's in Beaugolais that have been identified as the best sites. This entry level Regine see's some oak and is a bigger richer wine than it's simple younger brother above. The Cru Beaujolais make great dinner companions served chilled or a regualr temperature. This one showed blackcurrent, blackberry, and some earthy vanilla . Med + body, med acidity, black fruits, and some subtle oak notes on the palate.

CARMEN WAVE SERIES - PINOT NOIR LEYDA VALLEY 2014- Chile - $11.49 - BC Liquor

There is really no such thing as value Pinot Noir, but this offering from Chile comes close. With ripe red fruits, prune, and some vanilla earthiness. Red fruits, hint of vanilla, a bit of smokiness on the palate.

GITTON LES ROMAINS - SANCERRE ROUGE - 2013 - France - $32.99

Most Sancerre is white made from Sauvigon Blanc, and the little red made is rare, light and made from Pinot Noir. It can't compete with Burgundy but when you can find them are more budget friendly. This one had subtle cinnamon spice, cherry, wild strawberries, minerality with a bit of earthiness, red fruits and wet rocks on the palate. 

FONTANAFREDDA BRICCOTONDO - BARBERA PIEMONTE 2015 - Italy - $16.99 BC Liquor 

Barbera is one of my go to value Italian wines. It originates from the Piemonte region in the North East corner of the country and is the third most planted red variety. The value ones are light and fruity, and the best ones see oak and can age. This one had dusty sour cherries, cedar, spicy earthiness, and a bit of tomato leaf.

SAUMUR LES EPINATS - CAVE DE SAUMUR 2015 - France - $19.99

Samur is a region in the Loire Valley of France where the whites are made from Chenin Blanc and the reds are made with Cab Franc. They really good value for French Cab Franc, it is light, fresh and delicious chilled. This entry level version had light hints of plum, green pepper, black currant, and a nice underlying balsamic note

Happy Sipping and comment below if you've tried any of these wines.

Devon Villard on Vivino

Wine Century Club - Intro tasting

There are over 10,000 grape varieties being made into wine around the world right now; some of them 1000's of years old, and some quite new. I have always been interested in finding new varieties and wanted a way to track them. That's when I stumbled across The Wine Century Club. A free "club" you can join if you have tasted over 100 different varieties. You download the PDF, fill it out, email it in, and in 1-2 months you get a certificate :) I am currently at 160 varieties tasted and was able to tick off a few new ones after this tasting.

To introduce people to the Century Club I based my tasting on introducing new grapes with a fun flight of 10 wines from 6 different countries.





1. JIDVEI SEC - FETEASCA ALBA - Romania - 2015 - $12.49 - BCL

This was a nice refreshing palate cleansing Romanian wine from their popular Feteasca Alba grape. There was some citrus, lime leafs, and fresh cut hay. Dry with crisp fresh acidity, a great palate cleanser and sunny patio sipper.

2. BOUTARI - MOSCHOFILERO - Greece - 2016 - $16.99 - BCL

Greece hides some amazing and unique wines and Moschofilero is one of the two main white grapes. (The other being Assyrtiko) It makes wines high in acid and perfumed like a Gwertz  in varying degrees of sweetness. This one is dry with typical notes of grapefruit, lime and some nice orange blossom notes on the nose and palate. 

3. UMANI RONCHI - CASAL DI SERRA - VERDICCHIO CLASSICO SUPERIORE- Italy - 2015 - $17.99 - BCL

There are over 1000 different varieties currently used for wine production in Italy and would take a couple lifetimes to learn them all. Verdicchio is the dominate grape variety in the central Italy region of Marche. This one had notes of green apple, unripe melon, tangerine and sliced almonds with a hint of minerality. Dry, med body with good concentration and balance. A good change up from the old Pinot Grigio. 

4. UTIEL REQUENA - PASION DE BOBAL - Spain - 2016 - $16.99 - BCL

As a transition into the reds this Rose made from the local Valencia grape Bobal, was a great cross-over and versatile wine. Bobal has traditionally been used for bulk red wines but is now making some nice juicy roses. This one had notes of strawberries with cream, cherries, and a bit of floral on the nose. Dry, med body, well balanced with good fresh acidity.

5. BOUTARI - NAOUSSA - Greece - 2014 - $16.99 - BCL

This Greek wine hails from the region of Naoussa and the wines are made exclusively from Xinomavro. It is similar to Nebbiolo and some Pinot Noirs. This one had red fruits, plum, sun-dried tomato and some dried roses. It was dry, light to medium body with soft but present tannin's and decent length. Definitely worth exploring. 

6. DEL ABAD GOTIM DEL RISC - BIERZO MENCIA -  2012 - $17.99 - BCL

Mencia is a grape found mostly in northwestern Spain. It used to only make light bulk wines, but recently has been having a comeback with more concentrated versions. These are usually fruity approachable wines. This one doesn't disappoint with bumble berry pie, balsamic, some spiciness, and oak notes. Dry, full bodied with high acidity and a textured chewy tannin mouth-feel.

7. LAZIO CESANESE - CASALE DEL GIGLIO - Italy - 2014 - $23.99 - BCL

Cesanese is a native Italian grape from the Lazio region south of Rome. It has been grown there for over 2000 years, but only recently making a comeback. This was my first time trying this grape and it was a nice surprise. It had notes of ripe blackberry, prune, white & black pepper, with rich bold flavours, high acidity and decent finish. Could age a few more years. 

8. EDOARDO MIROGLIO - MAVRUD - Bulgaria - 2012 - $21.49 - BCL

Mavrud is a grape from Bulgaria, very much made in an old world classic style. Oaked aged rich wine. Can age for years and is typically low yielding. This one was a little smokey from the oak, had a little cigar ash, some bramble-berry, and a hint of dirty wild earthy strawberries. Full body, good acidity, nice complex backbone and interesting decent finish.

9. HESKETH SMALL PARCELS - Bonvedro - Australia - 2015 - $34.99 - Everything Wine

Hesketh Small Parcel wines from Australia  are going away from the norm and finding a few varieties that are showing quite well from Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Bonvedro was another first for me and has many names including False Carignan. This one was well balanced with notes of cherry, strawberry, some herbal , black pepper and some campfire smokiness from the oak. Grippy tannins and high acidity with nice long finish.

10. HESKETH SMALL PARCELS - Touriga - Australia - 2014 - $34.99 - Everything Wine

This small parcel wine is made from Touriga Nacional which is one of the main grapes used in the production of Port. It also makes great full bodied table wines, but is hard to find as a single variety. This was the favourite of the night with 9 of 11 making it their top pick. This one had rich smokey black currant, mulberry,  leather, and some stewed tomato. It was really well balanced and just floats down your throat. There's a hint of residual sugar to balance out the juicy tannin and high acidity. A wonderful surprise from the Barrosa Valley in Australia.

SPECIAL TREAT

ROYAL TOKAJI - TOKAJI ASZU 5 PUTTONYOS - 2009 - $23.99 BCL (250ml)

As a special treat and to toast my wife leaving for China I bought a sweet Hungarian Tokaji. Tokaji is one of the world's great sweet wines and the best are expensive and highly sought after. Puttonyos refer to how much sugar was added. It ranges from 3-6 Puttonyo; this 5 Puttonyo wine means it would have 120g/L of sugar. This wine was made from Furmint, Hárslevelű and Muscat de Lunel, with Furmint being the grape that usually dominates Tokaji blends.

This one had notes of honeyed apricot and orange marmalade with super high acidity that really helps cut through the sugar to help balance the wine out.

Devon Villard on Vivino

June Tasting - Argentina, Malbec and more...

June's Tasting was supposed to be Malbec, but slowly evolved to show an element of elevation and book-ended by a couple of Argentina's other most popular grapes. Malbec originally fails from Bordeaux of France being one of the 6 red grapes allowed within the blend. It also dominates in the Cahors region just east of Bordeaux; these wines are worth exploring for any Malbec fan. It was originally introduced to Argentina in the mid 19th century and has since become the countries signature grape. With some of the best examples are coming from some of the highest vineyards in the world. 



1. TILIMUQUI  - Single Vineyard Torrontes - 2016 - Argentina $15.99 - Everything Wine

This is a great single vineyard Torronte's from Argentina's largest producer of Torronte's. This is Argentina's signature white variety and are usually crisp floral and fruity. This is a good example that is also Fair Trade and organic. It has notes of melon, peaches and a bit of citrus with the signature floral note. Dry with high acidity and med body.





2. TRAPICHE - Pure Malbec - 2016 - Uco Valley, Argentina $13.99 - Everything Wine

This is a nice entry level Malbec from Mendoza's high elevation area Uco Valley. This wine sees no oak therefore making it a little lighter and just gives pure fruit expression. It is dry with some plum, blackberry notes with just a nice touch of spice.







3. BLEASDALE - Second Innings Malbec - 2015 - Langhorn Creek, Australia $14.99 - BCL

I originally built this tasting for more people but a few couldn't make it, so this Aussie Malbec was going to be paired with a nice BC one. I was going to show how Malbec can be expressed in other terroir's. This wine had red berries, chocolate mocha, a hint of spice and the typical violet notes from Malbec. I nice wine on it's own or with food and a rare one for Australia.




4. LAS MORAS PAZ Malbec Pedernal Valley - 2016 - San Juan $15.99 - BCL

This Malbec hails from the south San Juan sub-region of Perdernal Valley about 100km north of Mendoza. San Juan is traditonally too hot and desert like for grape growing, but the Perdernal Valley gets the vineyards up to between 1100m-1300m. This wine had ripe plum, with hints of vanilla violets and a bit of smoke.







5. AMALAYA SALTA VALLE CALCHAQUI Malbec (blend) - 2015 - Salta $21.99 - BCL

This Malbec has 10% Tannat and 5% Syrah and comes from the lower vineyards of the Salta region. The vineyards start at around 1,750m and go up to the world's highest at Bodega Colomé with 3,111m. This wine was well balanced with notes of strawberries, and wild raspberries accompanied by spicy vanilla and soft velvety tannin's on the palate.







6. CATENA - High Mountain Vines Malbec - 2014 - Mendoza $21.99 - BCL

This lovely wine is a good benchmark into $20+ Malbec's. Catena Is one of the larger producers in Argentina having first planted there in 1902. This wine comes from a blend of 4 select vineyards ranging in elevation form 920m-1450m. This wine had blackberry and cherry fruits intermingling with some mocha, earthy and mint notes. Dry, med+ body, and well balanced with a nice lingering finish that never disappoints.




7. CATENA ZAPATA - Catena Alta Malbec - 2013 - Uco Valley $52.99 - Everything Wine

This wine comes from Catena's mid range label, Alta. These are small lot single variety wines sourced from some of the best rows within their vineyards. This was hands down the favourite wine on the night and allowed people to see what paying a little more can add to the depth of flavour and enjoyment. This wine was complex with a long lasting full finish. On the nose it had red and black berries, with a nice floral note rounded by some leather, spice and licorice. This is an unfiltered wine made with wild yeasts helping add to its density and complexity.



8. VALLE LAS ACEQUIAS - Bonarda - 2011 - Mendoza $22.49 - Everything Wine


To round out the flight I threw in a wine made from Bonarda, the 2nd most planted grape in Argentina that originally hails from Italy. It has slightly lower tannin and a bit higher acidity compared to Malbec. This wine had notes of wild strawberries, plum, with some earthy dried figs, and hints of black pepper hidden in the long complex finish.







FINCA FLICHMAN ROBLE - 2016 - Malbec Argentina $10.99 - BCL

This wine was not part of the flight but was opened near the end of the night. It is entry level Malbec that is light and fruity, unoffensive and easy drinking. Subtle notes of red fruit with a bit of spice and leather.






Happy sipping, and let me know if you get to try any of these.

Hillside Syrah - 6 year Vertical

A few years in the making, and with some help from the winery, I was finally able to hold my 6 year vertical of Hillside Winery's Syrah from BC's Okanagan Valley. A vertical tasting is when you try the same wine from the same winery but of different vintages. A horizontal tasting is when you try the same vintage, region, and grape but from different wineries.

This journey started when I opened their 2008 Syrah for Christmas 2013. The bottle was bought during my first wine tasting trip to the Okanagan and was the first bottle I had personally "aged" so it held some sentimental value.  The wine had aged beautifully and at the time was one of the best BC wines I had ever tasted. It was one of those ah-ha moments in wine for me; I had faint memories of tasting it at the winery and thinking it was young. I looked and called around but I could not find another bottle anywhere.

So it began, I collected the 2009, 2011, 2012, & 2013, from Vancouver VQA shops. Wanting to make room in my wine fridge, I contacted the winery last fall about tracking down the missing 2010 and on a whim asked about the delicious 2008. I was in luck as the 2008 was stocked as part of their library collection and I was graciously allowed to purchase one of the last of the 2010's!

Quick camping trip to the Okanagan = 6 year vertical complete.

My wife and I got together with two other wine savvy couples to celebrate the holidays and a new baby among the group. It was an informal tasting where we tasted the wines in pairs, in descending order and I shared a few notes on the different weather of each vintage.

The 2013 and 2012 were both drinking a little young but had great flavour profiles that will still open up and develop further. They both drink well today, but came off as lighter for Syrah with the 2012 being slightly better balanced. They both displayed black fruits with a nice spiciness, smooth tannin's and good acidity.

The 2011 seemed to be the forgotten bottle as the night progressed and was the last one to be finished. It's not that it was bad, it's a nice wine it just was no ones favorite. The 2010 is drinking fantastic and became most of the groups "benchmark" wines for the night. In comparisons it was always 'this' vs. the 2010. It was not young nor old just sitting in this nice picturesque drinking window. This wine comes in with black raspberries, currants, and the spice has nuances of clove and cardamom with a hint of espresso. It really opened up as the night went on and a shame there aren't many more around.

The 2009 and 2008 were very different wines from the rest of the group, and I can't see the 2010 showing the age of the 2009 in a years time. 2008 & 2009 were both very hot vintages and it really comes across in these wines. These drank as mature wines with lot's of nice tertiary flavours starting to develop.  As you can see from the empty bottle to the right there was a lot of sediment left behind in the 08 & 09. The 09 had a really interesting spicy salami note to it to go along with the other earthy and savoury aromas. Both had riper almost stewed blackberry cherry fruits with raisins, leather and cigar ash notes. A rich textured mouth-feel and a long developed finish of ripe dark fruits with a peppery gaminess.

I have been a little slow getting this blog out as I couldn't find my original tasting notes. The bonus to this is I recently tasted the 2014 and its flavour profile and structure is similar to the 08 & 09 but drinking young for it's potential. Pick one up to drink it in 5-7 years and you will be pleasantly surprised. I know I will be and maybe using it to start another vertical as 2015 was all around a great vintage too!

More info about winery and their wines:       http://hillsidewinery.ca/

(All bottles were stored long term in my wine fridge, and were purchased at retail prices)

Okanagan Wine Weekend

On the first weekend of June my wife and I had a beautiful trip to Vaseux Lake in the Okanagan to celebrate a friends anniversary. We would be staying at the same chalet they got married at which is owned by their friends family, and is usually booked all summer long with rentals. Even with the flood warnings and my back seizing on me Friday morning it was an opportunity you don't let pass. 

DAY 1 - Osoyoos to Oliver

First stop for our small convoy was MOON CURSOR which is on the eastern outskirts of Osoyoos and is worth the extra little drive. I have always loved their wines and I like going there first to calibrate my palate. We walked out with their Dolcetto to have with diner that night; the Malbec and the delicious age-able 2013 Tannat to lay down beside the 2102 already at home.

Next up was the ladies choice of FAUSTINO ESTATE CIDERY just north of Osoyoos. They have a great selection of ciders from their estate grown fruit including a range of sweetness's and some great blends like; Apple/Peach, Apple/Pear, Apple/Quince, plus others like the oaked Apple/Blueberry.

A bit further down the road we found ourselves at ROAD 13. They have a great range of wines in different price ranges. I've always enjoyed their old vine Chenin Blanc, Rose, and their Marsanne. We left with 2 bottles of Marsanne, and a bottle of THE SIMILKAMEEN COLLECTIVE - Roussanne; which has the same owners as Road 13.

A few minutes down the road we hit up HESTER CREEK which was busy and bumping with live music on the patio. The tasting bar was packed and after a few minute wait the Manager ushered the five of us, plus baby and dog to the patio for a private tasting. It was a wonderful experience with a fun energetic host. We walked away with their delicious Italian white Trebbiano and the Cab Franc which is a great varietal expression and one of my favorites.

Just down the hill from there we went to INTERSECTION which turned out to be the big surprise of the day. I have had their wines at tastings but this was the first time for all of us to the winery. It was a wonderful flight of thought provoking wines with a foot in the old world. Knowledgeable engaging staff with all wines reasonably priced for the overall quality. We walked out with the mineral rich Riesling, the barrel fermented Sauv Blanc, and their 2 single vineyard unfiltered Merlot's. The Merlot's are grown right next to each other but one has Alluvial soils (Alluvia) and the other has silicate sand (Silica). Both are mouth watering with long finish's and a great example of how terroir can affect the wine.

Last up for the day was TINHORN CREEK with their super friendly staff and another great lineup. At the door we were served their Pinot Gris and got into a great 10min conversation about the winery, flooding, and local geology. We left with their Oldfield Cab Franc, and a bottle from the last case of their 2011 Pinot Noir.




DAY 2 - Naramata Bench

Day 2 was a little more low key but with some great finds. The first stop was HILLSIDE as I had there wines recently at a trade event and was in need of the 2014 Syrah. In the winter I had done a 6 year vertical of their Syrahs ending with the 2013. The 2014 seems closer in style to the 08 & 09 vintages with many good years ahead of it. We bought the Syrah and my other favorite from there, the Old Vine Gamay Noir.

Next up was TERRAVISTA producers of small-lot specialty white wines. The previous owners of Black Hills have planted two Spanish whites on their estate vineyard, Albarino & Verdejo.  We purchased the crisp and refreshing Albarino in it's 3rd vintage, and their world first blend of Albarino and Verdejo, the Fandango. Also part of their lineup is an old world style Rhone blend, Figaro made with Roussanne, Viognier, and Marsanne that is delicious and age worthy.

LAKE BREEZE was next on the list. I hadn't been in awhile and was disappointed that the no longer had their Pinotage available. We did have a great flight and I was happy to learn they now have a Roussanne, so I had to pick one up to taste it against the one from Similkameen valley. We also grabbed their perfect patio sipper the Sauv Blanc.

A couple of minutes down the road we went to DEEP ROOTS. A family that has been growing in the Okanagan for generations and recently switched to vines. We left with a couple bottles of their Gamay Noir, and if we had hit them earlier in the trip I probably would of bought the Cab Franc and the Malbec as well.

Last stop for our trip was BENCH 1775 we were hoping to try their full range of Malbecs but found out most are only available to their wine club members. Including the intriguing Malbec Nouveau made in the same style as Beaujolais Nouveau with Carbonic Maceration. We bought the White Merlot; which is Merlot grapes made as a white wine, and their newly released Brut Rose bubbly that I highly recommend.  

All and all another great trip to the Okanagan and each time the wines seem to get better and better. I also seem to buy more and more each time I go. If you haven't been yet, book a trip and go explore the different terroirs of this great BC wine region.

For more info on Golden Mile Chalet, or for rental bookings, please see link below:

https://www.vrbo.com/313091

Wine of the Week - Natale Verga - Grillo-Catarratto 2015

Natale Verga - Organic Grillo-Catarratto - Sicily, Italy - 2015

BC Liquor Store - $14.99 (On Sale $13.99 for May)


I haven't done a Wine of the Week in awhile and felt it was time for a revival. As spring tries to grace us with it's presence new wines are also starting to pop up. I'm always looking for new grapes to try and this organic white blend had two new grapes native to the island of Sicily Grillo and Catarratto.

When it comes to Italian whites a lot of people don't get beyond Pinot Grigio but there are many others out there worth exploring. Soave, Vermentino, Verdicchio, Trebbiano... I enjoyed this little gem from the south as it is good value with a nice freshness to it.

On the nose there's fresh citrus with some nice herbal notes. On the palate it had fresh citrus fruits, medium+ body, balanced medium acidity with a bit of an oily character to it; a bit like the mouth-feel of a Gewurztraminer. Would pair well with appetizers, vegetarian dishes and light fish.


Happy sipping, let me know if you get to try this.

Wine Tasting - Cool vs. Warm climate

For my recent tasting I tried to show some of the differences between cool climate and warm climate wines. In general warmer climate wines are fuller body, with more tannin, more alcohol, but with less acidity than their cooler counterparts. Even the flavour profile can change depending on the climate. For example cool climate whites usually have citrus and green fruit profiles; as you get warmer you get into stone fruits, and eventually tropical fruits with some hotter climates. There are a few factors that may bend these rules like altitude, bodies of water, and some wine making techniques.

I paired the same grape from different climates and we mostly tasted in pairs except for the triplet of Pinots.


1. PORCUPINE RIDGE WESTERN CAPE - SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015- South Africa - $14.99 BCL

South Africa makes a range of nice wines and with Africa in the name you think hot, but the Benguela current coming up from Antarctica and the southerly wind known as the Cape Doctor give this region a varied range of climate.

This western cape wine has ripe nectarine, papaya, and pineapple on the nose with a little subtle tropical fruit on the palate finishing with a hint of minerality. Dry with medium body and acidity but a little hot in alcohol,

2. MARISCO THE NED MARLBOROUGH - SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - New Zealand - $15.49 BCL

New Zealand is the new world bench mark for Sauvignon Blanc. They are pronounced fruity wines with high crisp acidity. Most never see oak and is always a reliable go to refreshing sipper.

The Ned has pronounced notes of grapefruit, lime, and green apple with a little bit of greenness in there as well. Very crisp mouthwatering acidity well balanced and a great example of a New Zealand Sauv Blanc at a decent price.

3. MUD HOUSE CENTRAL OTAGO - PINOT NOIR 2015 - New Zealand - $19.49 BCL

France is king in cool climate Pinot, but not with my budget. New Zealand is known for some great new world Pinot Noir's. This one is from the south island's famous Central Otago region which also happens to be the worlds most southerly wine region.

This one showed light fresh cherry, cranberry, dried herbs and well integrated oak notes. Dry, high acidity with light body and a nice smooth mouth feel

4. PARKER STATION CENTRAL COAST - PINOT NOIR 2015 - California - $21.99 BC

The Central Coast runs south from San Jose down the coast to Santa Barbara, and is where the film Sideways was based around. California Pinot can be all over the map but shows well when from cooler sites and usually oaked with riper fruits.

On the nose this one had ripe raspberry, cherry, a hint of clove and a good dose of vanilla from the oak. The palate lingers with raspberry cherry jam and toasted coconut husks. Fuller bodied with less acidity than the New Zealand one and was the least favorite of the 3 Pinot's in the line up.

5. TABALI GRAN RESERVA PEDREGOSO LIMARI - PINOT NOIR 2015 - Chile - $19.99 BCL

Limari Valley is around 300KM's north of Santiago and benefits from the cool breezes coming in off the ocean. It is a source of some great cool climate Chardonnay, Syrah, and more recently Pinot Noir's. If you look there is definitely some good value Pinot in Chile.

This one was a bit earthy with some pomegranate, wild raspberry, cherries and a touch of vanilla. Well balanced with soft tannin's and mouth watering acidity. This one was voted the favorite of the three Pinot's 

6. STAG'S HOLLOW - TEMPRANILLO 2013 - British Columbia - $25.99 BCL

Tempranillo grows all over Spain and Portugal, but is rarely found beyond those borders. A few in BC have embraced it and are making some great cool climate examples. The two that I tend to go to are this Stags Hollow and the one from Moon Cursor in Osoyoos.

This delicious wine has ripe plum, cherry, raspberry, and a whiff of a tobacco pipe stored in a cedar box. Like a lot of the Spanish wines this one saw 15 months in American oak. It was dry with high acidity, medium body, notes of red fruits and a hint of savoriness.  

7. CAMPO VIEJO  RIOJA RESERVA 2011 - TEMPRANILLO - Spain - $17.49 BCL

Rioja is the true heartland of Tempranillo and it makes everything from rose to light fruity reds, and aged wines that will last decades. Reserva means it has been aged a minimum of 3 years with at least one of those in oak. Gran Reserva is aged 5 years with 2 of those in oak.

This entry level Reserva had juicy cherry, plum, black pepper spice, with some vanilla and toasted coconut noted from the oak.  Nice balance with smooth tannin's and decent depth on the palate. 

8, CHAPOUTIER MEYSONNIERS CROZES HERMITAGE 2014 - SYRAH - France - $26.49 BCL

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest region in the Northern Rhone in France, and is considered value compared to the smaller highly revered Hermitage. But for this price point we will only read of such wines. The only red grape permitted in these regions is Syrah.

This entry level Crozes-Hermitage has notes of sour cherry, dark fruits, some earthiness, tobacco, and black pepper. Rich concentrated wine with nice nuanced complexities; a mere glimpse into what's possible with the superior wines of this appellation.  

9. CHRIS RINGLAND CR BAROSSA 2012 - SHIRAZ - Australia - $23.49 BCL

Australia makes some of the best warm-hot climate Shiraz/Syrah, and one of the best is the Barossa Valley. It is also home to some of the oldest vines still in production at over 170 years old.

This wine had riper fruits of blackberry, cherry, fuller body and nice milk chocolate vanilla mocha and some jammy fruits on the palate. It was a easy pick for most that this was the warm climate one due to the riper fruits.

The wines all showed as I hoped and everyone learned a bit about how climate can affect wine. Thanks for reading and comment below if you get to try any of these wines.

Happy Sipping

BC Albarino Tasting

Albarino one of Spain's gifts to the white wine world and one of my favorite white grapes. Albarino is not very common outside of Spain and Portugal, but is now starting to pop up in the USA, Uruguay, and now BC. I was happy to see a couple of wineries experimenting with this refreshing and delicious grape.

Albarino is a fresh neutral grape that pairs well with seafood and vegetarian dishes. Originally from the northwest corner of Spain and made famous by the Rías Baixas region. These wines can be expensive in Canada and there are few around. (Spain everywhere $5.00!) Discovering two Albarino's in BC after indulging in Spain was a sign I couldn't ignore so I convinced myself into a fall trip to the Okanagan. I have always enjoyed the wines from Stag's Hollow, and was excited to try Terra Vista's full flight of white wines. I blind tasted the the two BC Albarino's up against one from Spain to see how they would compare.



Terra Vista Vineyards- Albarino - BC - 2015 - $24.90

This wine is their second vintage and has so much potential, as does their blend of Albarino and Verdejo called "Fandango". The fruit comes from the Naramata Bench and the wine won gold at the 2016 National Wine Awards.

The nose had notes of citrus, white peach, some melon with a hint of floral and wet rocks. Dry with the high crisp mouth watering acidity bringing citrus, fall flowers and a textured minerality on the palate. It had the highest acidity and alcohol but was really well balanced and was the favorite at dinner later that evening.




Stag's Hollow - Albarino 2015 - $20.25

Stag's Hallow has 30% aged in 2nd fill French oak barrels adding some depth to the flavours; with the majority aged in stainless steel. The fruit came from Okanagan Falls and this was their first release of Albarino.

This wine had lemon, green apples, apricot, a slight floral note with a little toasted coconut. On the palate it is dry, med body, with high acidity, but a little hot, with nice flavours of lemon, minerality, and a few toasted vanilla oak notes.





Abellio - Rias Baixas - Albarino - 2015 - $21.00

Rias Baixas wines range greatly in quality and this comes in as a entry level for the few available to us here in Canada. This would pair well with lighter seafood or a fresh salad lunch. It is dry with crisp acidity, with a deeper colour than the two BC wines, and just a touch of salinity to it.

This wine had notes of lemon, pear, some green herbaceousness and a subtle floral note. On the palate there was some refreshing lemon rind with peach and a nice minerality.




After the tasting my preferred wine was the one from Terra Vista as it was showing the freshest with the most complexity. I have one more bottle left of the Terra Vista that I want to taste with a premium Rias Baixas and perhaps one from Uruguay. As for the Stag's Hollow, I've cracked my second bottle and when tasted by itself it is a very lovely wine. But beside the other two the slight oak tended to mask the soft nuances of the variety. That being said, it paired well with our smoked cheese risotto and salmon last week and I would buy again. I recommend seeking both these BC wines out as they are a nice treat away from your everyday whites.


Thank for reading, and happy sipping!