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 Riesling has really come into its own in BC and we are finding ourselves almost spoiled for choice. Made from 25 year old vines (pretty old by BC’s standards), Quails’ Gate’s Riesling bursts with peach blossom, green apple, citrus and lemon balm. We hesitate revealing that there is a touch of residual sugar because it’s hardly noticeable and beautifully balances the ultra-crisp acidity. The class favourite at our first ever BC Dine & Vine event. A great price for this local gem and a perfect partner for Spot Prawn season. - MM
$16.96 (SKU# 308312) Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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 A blend of 40% Vermentino, 30% Ansonica and 30% Malvasia. We tell you about the grapes because we know you are curious but really; don’t worry about it. It’s all about the sense of place the wine delivers. Made by the highly regarded Alberto Antonini, Poggiotondo Bianco has vibrant grapefruit, lime and mineral notes. Grapes are grown on calcareous soil with marine origin which contributes to the elegance of this wine. There is no better wine to quench your thirst during those stunning sunny days; especially when enjoyed with local seafood. We’ll keep on enjoying as we get excited about the public tasting we are doing with Alberto in Vancouver on June 3rd. Cheers to Summer! - MB
$14.99 (SKU# 137570). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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 Beautiful sunshine is forecasted for the days ahead but those balmy summer evenings are still a few weeks away. You can curb that cool nip in the air with a full-bodied red. Spain offers ample hunting ground and will reward the adventurous. The remote Toro region gives new meaning to the expression ‘strong like bull’ with a particularly powerful expression of the Tempranillo grape. Elías Mora’s is smokey with licorice and roasted coffee aromas and plenty of black raspberry, plum and spice flavours on the palate. Enjoy with grilled meat if you are brave enough to bust out the BBQ. For more from this dynamic country, sign up for our Spain 101 tasting. - MM
$19.99 (SKU# 119677). Available at BC Liquor Store. | | |
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| | | 2012 Matua, Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand | | |
We sip on this refreshing white as we get in the groove for the New Zealand Wine Fair. Mouthwatering with lots of citrus notes, Matua also exudes the classic tropical guava notes you find in Sauvignon Blanc from the warmer region of Hawke’s Bay. It sure brings fond memories of our trip to beautiful New Zealand. Delicious as an apéro and even better with a salad and seafood platter. Cheers!
$15.49 (SKU #309575). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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| | | 2010 Mitchell, Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia | | |
Beyond full-throttled Shiraz, Australia has a lot of other tricks up her sleeve. One of her most unexpected and distinct treasures are the dry Rieslings from Clare Valley. Focused and mouthwatering, Mitchell epitomizes the style. Intense aromas of lime blossom and minerals stimulate the senses and urge you to take a sip. Light and lithesome but long on flavours of juicy green apple, wet stone as well as lemon and lime sherbet. Get some first of the season fresh halibut and serve it up in a thai-style ceviche.
$31* Available at private wine stores only such as Legacy Liquor Store, Liberty Granville Island, Libations King Edward & West Van, Sheraton Wall Centre and Hastings Liquor Store.
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The overtly pungent, grassy and gooseberry aromas associated with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc originally won the hearts of wine consumers. Nothing wrong with that! They can be lip-smacking and refreshing. But there is something to be said for the new style of Sauvignon Blanc many producers are going for. A combination of lower yields and less residual sugar leads to a more restrained style of Sauvignon Blanc. This is a great example. Just think of it as a ripe Sancerre. Concentrated flavours of guava and lime with lingering mineral notes. Nothing better to celebrate spring. Cheers!
$27.99 (SKU #38952). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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For some reason, the heady fragrance of cherry blossoms is stirring up serious Gamay cravings. Perhaps it’s reminiscent of the beautiful floral notes that the best Beaujolais can offer. Or maybe it’s the promise of fresh juicy red summer berries that also leap out of the glass of the finest Crus. Whatever the connection, the smell of Spring drove us to crack a bottle of the Domaine des Nugues from the evocatively named Cru Beaujolais of Fleurie. Bright and crunchy with a subtle suggestion of firm tannin, this is a Beaujolais to take ‘seriously’. Drink it for lunch with whatever Easter leftovers make it into your sandwich this week.
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Originally from France but fully immersed in Chile, Carmenère has found a happy home in the South American sunshine. Often criticized to be too earthy with pronounced green and tar notes, Carmenère needs to be handled properly to show its friendly side. This is a great example. Expect a bold and robust wine with concentrated flavours of blackberries, leather and chocolate. Outstanding value and a great match with red meat of all kind.
$21.99 (SKU #43916). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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| | | 2010 Monte del Frà, ‘Ca del Magro’ Custoza Superiore Bianco DOC, Italy | | |
The daffodils are blooming, the days are getting longer and we’ve even had a bit of sunshine. Is Spring really on the way? We’re not quite ready to shed our warm clothes but we are drinking more whites. Especially richer ones like this that don’t need to be served quite as chilled. Hailing from the Veneto region, Ca del Magro boasts a healthy dose of Garganega (the main grape in Soave) with Chardonnay and a host of other indigenous Italian grapes. Exquisite scents of honeysuckle and cantaloupe waft from the glass with ripe pear and a creamy texture on the palate. Definitely full-bodied enough to standup to a herb crusted pork roast.
$19.99 (SKU #216077). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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| | | 2009 Evans & Tate, ‘Metricup Road’ Shiraz, Margaret River, Australia | | |
The craft wines produced in cool coastal region of Margaret River are known for their restraint and elegance, in comparison to those coming from warmer regions. ‘Metricup Road’ is great example at a very affordable price. Refreshing and balanced with flavours of plum, violet and white pepper, it’s a pleasure to drink on its own or with a rack of lamb. Perfect combo to keep you warm and happy for the 7 days of rain ahead!
$17.99 (SKU #58746). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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| | | 2009 Seghesio, Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California | | |
This week's pick was one of the standouts from the 2013 Vancouver International Wine Festival. Old vine Zinfandel is one of California’s treasures and with an average vine of 90 years, Seghesio can truly claim these as old. Offering brambly black raspberry, blue plum and vanilla with a refreshing lift of mint and licorice as well as luxurious layered tannin, it is simply impossible not to like. The fruit is dense, fleshy and ripe but never tiring. Will keep 5-7 years but Peter Seghesio says: ‘why wait?’ It is ready to take on some spicy BBQ ribs.
$49.99 (SKU #524264). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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| | | 2011 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin, Petit Chablis, Burgundy, France | | |
Are you one of those people who think that Chardonnay is a synonym for rich oaky whites with overwhelming notes of wood and butter? Perhaps you need to explore a few more wines…. In conjunction with the Vancouver International Wine Festival where Chardonnay will be à l’honneur, we’re anxious to dispel the myth of one of our favourite grapes. Chardonnay depends very much on the climate where it is grown and the hand of the winemaker. In Chablis, you can always count on leaner versions with pronounced mineral earthy notes and refreshing crisp acidity. The wines typically have no wood or very little. It is all about letting the grape express the terroir of the cooler region of Chablis. This is a great example at a fantastic price. A wonderful match with oysters, crab or seafood salad.
$28.99 (SKU #809301). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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Money woes? Winter blues? Snuggle up with an affordable soothing red for temporary relief. This great value gem is made from Spain’s flagship Tempranillo grape and aged 7 years before being released. Expect mature and mellow characteristics of earth, tobacco and leather as well as sweet vanilla and raspberry notes. It’s like sinking into your favourite comfy chair. Enjoy with a lamb casserole and don’t be surprised if those sudden feelings of well-being linger long after the bottle is polished off.
$12.99 (SKU #425926). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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| | | 2011 Gatto Pierfrancesco, ‘Caresana’ Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG, Italy | | |
A Valentine’s bouquet is a classic offering but a wine that is as fragrant as fresh cut flowers will gain you serious points for originality. Northern Italy’s obscure Ruchè grape smells like romance. Think roses, violets and peach blossoms. Then a snap of cracked black pepper makes it even more captivating. A sip of this lighter bodied red reveals flavours of plums, peaches and raspberries along with all those perfumed floral notes. Pretty yet intense. Sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day date. And isn’t Italian one of the languages of love? Dim the lights and serve with mushroom paté and a selection of earthy alpine cheeses.
$29.99 (SKU #266668). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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| | | 2012 Cono Sur, Sauvignon Blanc, Valle de San Antonio, Chile | | |
You can always count on this Chilean producer when seeking good value. This wine is made from grapes coming from the cool coastal region of San Antonio Valley which explains the incredible freshness. Thirst quenching with concentrated juicy flavours of guava, green apple and sweet peas. Vibrant and citrusy. Easy to sip on its own and a natural with spinach salad, goat cheese and seafood dishes. Sunshine in a bottle for these rainy days. Cheers!
$14.49 (SKU #81357). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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| | | 2011 Little Yering, Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Australia | | |
While there were many stand outs at our Aussie Rules! tasting last week, this ‘little’ Pinot charmed our palate and our pocketbook. Yes, the land of big Cabs and bold Shiraz is lightening up with the notorious heartbreak grape in the cooler reaches of the Yarra Valley. Wild strawberries and cherries with a touch of vanilla, the Little Yering is easygoing, friendly and affordable. Just the wine to go with your midweek chicken roast or if you are simply seeking a bit of lightness on a dark rainy evening.
$14.99 (SKU# 616110) Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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| | | Oban 14 Year Old, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | | |
Robbie Burns deserves to be celebrated with style. And what better way than with one of our favourite Scotches. Located in the Western Highland, Oban is one of Scotland oldest distilleries and one of the few remaining in the area. The fine complex flavours combine with the saline quality you find from the Scotch on the islands and the fruity aspect of those from the Highlands. Whether you are sipping by the fire or to the sound of bagpipes, Oban requires your full attention. We highly recommend small sips, allowing you to really appreciate the delicate lingering flavours. Sláinte!
$124.99 (SKU #243824). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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| | | 2008 Altos las Hormigas, Malbec Reserva, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina | | |
While we shiver, Argentina sizzles. Instead of making the long trek there, we’ll happily settle for a glass of warming Malbec. The high altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley are producing some of Argentina’s most exciting wines. Cool nights counter the hot days imparting beautiful floral notes, bright acidity and elegance to this full-bodied red. Speaking of sizzling, how about a juicy steak? Instead of dashing outside to the BBQ, sear it stovetop and serve with sautéed mushrooms. Then pop the cork and feel the winter blues melt away. (This falls under the ‘spoil yourself’ New Year’s resolution.)
$33.99 (SKU #522870). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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| | 2011 Francois Lurton ‘Les Fumés Blanches’ Sauvignon Blanc,
Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan, France | | |
Strapped for cash but still thirsty? Have no fear. There are plenty of well-priced bottles on the shelves to sustain your wine intake. An all-time favourite is this fresh crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the South of France. A great aperitif when you want to decompress after a long day at work but also works like a charm with seafood and salad. Isn’t it the perfect combo if you are on a post-holiday diet? For more great values check out Vancouver Magazine 2013 Wine Awards.
$13.99 (SKU #472555). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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 Easing out of holiday mode can be a shock to the system. Rather than giving up wine altogether, we opt for simply spending less. The search for great value often leads us to lesser-known grape varieties and regions. If you resolved to be more adventurous in 2013, try this blend from the region of Tejo. Who cares if you haven’t heard of the grapes Castelão, Trincadeira and Aragonez. It’s really taste and price that count. Cavalo Bravo delivers on both fronts. Friendly and soft with lush red fruit, milk chocolate and vanilla. Ripe tannin gives just enough structure making it appropriate for whatever inexpensive cut of red meat you are braising.
$12.98 (SKU #175133). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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| | | 2002 Pierre Paillard, Grand Cru Brut Champagne AC, France | | |
 For something special this New Year’s Eve pop, (or sabre if you’re daring) a bottle of Grower’s Champagne from a stellar vintage. Grower’s Champagne is a fashionable category just starting to take off in BC. Rather than selling to larger houses, these domaines are making small quantities from their own grapes and the results can be far superior in quality. Pierre Paillard is one of the finest examples. Here richness meets raciness. Think freshly baked croissant and red currants with a creamy, nutty finish. Deserves to be served with salmon gravlax. For more holiday wine reviews click here.
$79 (SKU #163071). Available at BC Liquor Stores. | | |
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| | | 2009 Jorge Ordóñez, ‘Botani’ Moscatel Seco, Sierras de Málaga DO, Spain | | |
Wondering what to pair with turkey dinner and its dizzying array of side dishes? For whites, go for un-oaked, aromatic and fruity wines. Our pick is the characterful dry wine from the Muscat d’Alexandria; a grape that is typically reserved for sweet wine production. With concentrated notes of honey, orange blossoms and fresh sweet grapes it is a showstopper. Introduce your guests to this unique wine with turkey dinner or crack open a bottle the next time you order-in Chinese food. For more festive suggestions for click here.
$24.99 (SKU #839589). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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With the holidays just around the corner and the numerous Christmas parties that are happening, we are feeling very festive. And what better than a glass of sparkling rosé to toast the celebrations with? A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Gamay, this delicious sparkler from Burgundy has pleasing orange, strawberry and red currant notes. Elegant and light on its feet, it will revive and give you energy to keep on going during this busy time of the year. And if you need a break from it all just pop the cork while you are wrapping your gifts and savour with salmon gravlax. Cheers!
$23.95 (SKU #494856). Available at BC Liquor Stores.
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