July 1st marks Canada’s “birthday” which means many of us have the day off and an excuse to celebrate. Sadly, Canada Day doesn’t always equate to good weather, therefore, we at IconWines.ca have compiled a list of wines for you to enjoy no matter what Mother Nature sends your direction, whichever part of the country you find yourself in.
Sunny:
If it’s nice and hot where you are – and ideally that will be the case for most of us – then we have some heat-quenching wine suggestions for you to enjoy of a hot patio, deck or dock.
BC: CedarCreek 2009 Ehrenfelser - $18
Notes: A perfect complement to a hot day. Great acidity and tropical fruit. Sometimes this wine is hard to get so consider the Lake Breeze 2009 Pinot Blanc as a worthy alternative.
Ontario: Tawse 2009 Sketches of Niagara Riesling - $18
Notes: Happily available in both Ontario and BC. One of Niagara’s signature grapes. Ripe fruit and refreshing acidity.
USA: Pieropan 2009 Soave Classico - $12 (US)
Notes: This is a tasty Italian, light-to-medium bodied, food-friendly wine that displays citrus and mineral notes on the nose and palate. Full Review
Cloudy:
If it’s cloudy where you are, well, look on the bright side – at least it isn’t raining. Cloudy weather (assuming it’s also a bit cool) calls for something with a bit more presence as your senses aren’t being overloaded with sun and heat. A good Chardonnay in the cure.
BC: JoieFarm 2009 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - $24
Notes: As some of your fellow celebrators may be A-B-C folks, I suggest confusing them with this excellent un-oaked Chard from Naramata. Loaded with fruit and mineral flavours. Full Review
Ontario: Le Clos Jordanne 2007 Village Chardonnay - $25
Notes: This is the entry level Le Clos Jordanne which is a lovely blend of fruit from their various vineyards. Chardonnay is fast becoming a rival to the excellent Riesling found on the Niagara Peninsula.
USA: La Crema 2008 Sonoma Chardonnay - $15 (US)
Notes: For Canadians celebrating down in the US, do yourself a favor and pick this gem of a Chardonnay up at Costco immediately! It runs $40 CDN back home. Maybe the best $15(ish) you ever spend (on wine).
Rainy:
If it’s raining where you are – as it’s forecasted to do in Vancouver – then you may be spending a large portion of your Canada Day indoors. This calls for a soothing and cheerful red wine to lift your spirits.
BC: See-Ya-Later Ranch 2007 Rover - $25
Notes: Very well-priced Shiraz-Viognier blend. Full-bodied, warming spice and bright fruit wrapped within a bold, but structured frame of tannins. Full Review
Ontario: Inniskillin 2007 Reserve Cabernet Franc - $19
Notes: The Niagara Peninsula makes excellent Cabernet Francs, especially when the fruit ripens properly. 2007 was a good year for ripeness.
USA: Edge 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - $16 (US)
Notes: This big California Cabernet will warm your soul on a dreary day. Look for it at your local Costco and laugh at Canada’s ridiculous import mark-ups (The Edge sells for $33 CDN in BC). Full Review
Have a wonderful and safe Canada Day celebration – wherever you are!
- Liam Carrier
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Value Wines
Our Value Wines section is designed to be an on-going, ever-changing reference to the best valued wines available to purchasers in BC and Ontario. Many of the wines are available in the other Provinces and in the United States as well, but the "value" reflects the price one pays here. The wines are from all regions and countries and all styles and varietals.
As "value", like beauty, is very subjective, this is far from a definitive list - just our opinion. We hope to showcase a few wines you may not yet have tried that should fit into (nearly) everyone's budget. Next time you're in your local wine shop with the goal of only spending a little, keep our list of Value Wines handy.
If you have a suggestion for the list, please email us at iconwines@shaw.ca
As "value", like beauty, is very subjective, this is far from a definitive list - just our opinion. We hope to showcase a few wines you may not yet have tried that should fit into (nearly) everyone's budget. Next time you're in your local wine shop with the goal of only spending a little, keep our list of Value Wines handy.
If you have a suggestion for the list, please email us at iconwines@shaw.ca
WCOW: Portugal VS. Spain
To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.
Match 5 has Portugal taking on Spain in our only match-up of the round of 16. Both Portugal and Spain make amazing and varied Tempranillo-based wines that can range from cellar worthy to Tuesday night sippers. The styles may be different, but the passion displayed in the winemaking and on the pitch is equally strong. Both wines are under $25 and both are new to us at Icon Wines.
Portugal's Wine: Porca de Murca 2007 Tinto
Region: Douro DOC
Cost: $12.99
Alcohol: 13%
Notes: Dry, high-minus acidity with moderate tannins. Youthful aromas of red berries and vanilla, spice and stewed fruit. A savoury palate of tobacco, spice and red fruit. Nice long finish. (Available at Signature BCLDB stores across BC)
Spain's Wine: Bodegas Beronia 2005 Reserva
Region: Rioja DOC
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Notes: Touch of residual sugar on the palate. High-minus acidity, moderate tannins with flavours of dark berries and oak with earthy notes. Well balanced with a lovely, intense nose of candied fruit. (Available at Signature BCLDB stores across BC)
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Bodegas Beronia
Complexity (Palate): Porca de Murca
Food Friendly: Porca de Murca
Concentration: Bodegas Beronia
Expression of Terroir: Bodegas Beronia
Value: Porca de Murca
Winner: Bodegas Beronia
The Beronia Reserva which cost nearly twice as much as the affordable Porca de Murca just barely squeaks out the victory. Despite the impressive value of the Tinto, we had to go with the concentration and complexity offered by the oak-aged Rioja. Spain wins on the pitch today and in our Tempranillo showdown.
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: Germany VS. Argentina in the Round of 8.
Match 5 has Portugal taking on Spain in our only match-up of the round of 16. Both Portugal and Spain make amazing and varied Tempranillo-based wines that can range from cellar worthy to Tuesday night sippers. The styles may be different, but the passion displayed in the winemaking and on the pitch is equally strong. Both wines are under $25 and both are new to us at Icon Wines.
Portugal's Wine: Porca de Murca 2007 Tinto
Region: Douro DOC
Cost: $12.99
Alcohol: 13%
Notes: Dry, high-minus acidity with moderate tannins. Youthful aromas of red berries and vanilla, spice and stewed fruit. A savoury palate of tobacco, spice and red fruit. Nice long finish. (Available at Signature BCLDB stores across BC)
Spain's Wine: Bodegas Beronia 2005 Reserva
Region: Rioja DOC
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Notes: Touch of residual sugar on the palate. High-minus acidity, moderate tannins with flavours of dark berries and oak with earthy notes. Well balanced with a lovely, intense nose of candied fruit. (Available at Signature BCLDB stores across BC)
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Bodegas Beronia
Complexity (Palate): Porca de Murca
Food Friendly: Porca de Murca
Concentration: Bodegas Beronia
Expression of Terroir: Bodegas Beronia
Value: Porca de Murca
Winner: Bodegas Beronia
The Beronia Reserva which cost nearly twice as much as the affordable Porca de Murca just barely squeaks out the victory. Despite the impressive value of the Tinto, we had to go with the concentration and complexity offered by the oak-aged Rioja. Spain wins on the pitch today and in our Tempranillo showdown.
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: Germany VS. Argentina in the Round of 8.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
WCOW: Chile VS. Spain
To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.
Match 4 has Chile taking on Spain is a battle of Rosé. Both wines are made from their repestive country's signature grapes. Both are well priced at way below $20 and both countries play an up-tempo style of football (unrelated to wine, of course) - should be a great match.
Chile's Wine: Terra Andina 2008 Carmenère Rosé
Region: Multiple
Cost: $10-12
Alcohol: 12.5%
Notes: Slight residual sugar on the palate. made from 85% Carmenère grapes sourced from multiple Chilean regions. Extremely good value and very refreshing. Great food wine. (Available as a special order from Marc Anthony)
Spain's Wine: Marqués de Caceres 2009 Rosé
Region: Rioja DOC
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Notes: A bright pink, dry Rosé made of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. Delicious raspberry and strawberry flavours and aromas. Great food wine. (Widely available at BCLDB stores across BC)
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Marqués de Caceres
Complexity (Palate): Marqués de Caceres
Food Friendly: Toss-up
Concentration: Marqués de Caceres
Expression of Terroir: Marqués de Caceres
Value: Terra Andina
Winner: Marqués de Caceres
It was a great back-and-forth match with both sides showing flashes of brilliance. but in the end the Marqués de Caceres 2009 Rosé simply offered too much complexity of flavour and aromas to lose. However, I must say that for the price, the Terra Andina 2008 Carmenère Rosé really impresses - if I had created a category in the judging criteria for "refreshment" it would have won with its residual sugar on the palate and good acidity. Well balanced, but just couldn't keep-up with the Spanish attack.
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: TBD - We'll wait to see who faces who in the round of 16 and beyond.
Match 4 has Chile taking on Spain is a battle of Rosé. Both wines are made from their repestive country's signature grapes. Both are well priced at way below $20 and both countries play an up-tempo style of football (unrelated to wine, of course) - should be a great match.
Chile's Wine: Terra Andina 2008 Carmenère Rosé
Region: Multiple
Cost: $10-12
Alcohol: 12.5%
Notes: Slight residual sugar on the palate. made from 85% Carmenère grapes sourced from multiple Chilean regions. Extremely good value and very refreshing. Great food wine. (Available as a special order from Marc Anthony)
Spain's Wine: Marqués de Caceres 2009 Rosé
Region: Rioja DOC
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Notes: A bright pink, dry Rosé made of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. Delicious raspberry and strawberry flavours and aromas. Great food wine. (Widely available at BCLDB stores across BC)
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Marqués de Caceres
Complexity (Palate): Marqués de Caceres
Food Friendly: Toss-up
Concentration: Marqués de Caceres
Expression of Terroir: Marqués de Caceres
Value: Terra Andina
Winner: Marqués de Caceres
It was a great back-and-forth match with both sides showing flashes of brilliance. but in the end the Marqués de Caceres 2009 Rosé simply offered too much complexity of flavour and aromas to lose. However, I must say that for the price, the Terra Andina 2008 Carmenère Rosé really impresses - if I had created a category in the judging criteria for "refreshment" it would have won with its residual sugar on the palate and good acidity. Well balanced, but just couldn't keep-up with the Spanish attack.
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: TBD - We'll wait to see who faces who in the round of 16 and beyond.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
WCOW: France VS. South Africa
To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.
Match 3 has France taking on host nation South Africa in a Syrah/Shiraz showdown. Both are warm climate wines. One is from a single vineyard the other is a blend of multiple terroir.
France's Wine: Paul Mas Estate 2008 Syrah/Viognier
Region: Vin de Pays d'Oc
Alcohol: 13.8%
Cost: $16.99
Notes: Small amount of Viognier added for aromatics and colour. Dry, single vineyard, warm climate Syrah with good concentration.
South Africa's Wine: La Motte 2007 Shiraz
Region: Franschhoek Valley
Cost: $16-18
Alcohol: 13.9%
Notes: This wine is a good example of blending for flavour characteristics from unique terroirs.
Full Review
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): La Motte
Complexity (Palate): La Motte
Food Friendly: Paul Mas Estate
Concentration: La Motte
Expression of Terroir: Paul Mas Estate
Value: La Motte
Winner: La Motte
The La Motte Shiraz from South Africa takes the match just as the South Africans did in their final group A game. Sadly France heads home without a win in football or at the World Cup of Wine. The La Motte Shiraz over-delivers for the price and, ironically, at times reminds me of a Southern Rhone Syrah. Details on the full line-up of La Motte wines is available on their website: www.la-motte.com/
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: The final round-robin match-up, Chile VS Spain in a battle of Rose. Then... who will face-off in the round of 16?
Match 3 has France taking on host nation South Africa in a Syrah/Shiraz showdown. Both are warm climate wines. One is from a single vineyard the other is a blend of multiple terroir.
France's Wine: Paul Mas Estate 2008 Syrah/Viognier
Region: Vin de Pays d'Oc
Alcohol: 13.8%
Cost: $16.99
Notes: Small amount of Viognier added for aromatics and colour. Dry, single vineyard, warm climate Syrah with good concentration.
South Africa's Wine: La Motte 2007 Shiraz
Region: Franschhoek Valley
Cost: $16-18
Alcohol: 13.9%
Notes: This wine is a good example of blending for flavour characteristics from unique terroirs.
Full Review
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): La Motte
Complexity (Palate): La Motte
Food Friendly: Paul Mas Estate
Concentration: La Motte
Expression of Terroir: Paul Mas Estate
Value: La Motte
Winner: La Motte
The La Motte Shiraz from South Africa takes the match just as the South Africans did in their final group A game. Sadly France heads home without a win in football or at the World Cup of Wine. The La Motte Shiraz over-delivers for the price and, ironically, at times reminds me of a Southern Rhone Syrah. Details on the full line-up of La Motte wines is available on their website: www.la-motte.com/
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: The final round-robin match-up, Chile VS Spain in a battle of Rose. Then... who will face-off in the round of 16?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
WCOW: Italy VS. New Zealand
To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.
Match 2 has a battle of refreshing white wines from Italy and New Zealand square off. I can guarantee that NZ won't be satisfied with a draw in this match.
Italy's Wine: Pieropan 2009 Soave Classico
Region: Soave Classico
Alcohol: 14%
Cost: $24.99
Notes: Dry, high-minus acidity with good fruit concentration. Light, refreshing flavours of tangy lemon with floral and citrus aromas.
Full Review
New Zealand's Wine: Stone Paddock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Hawkes Bay
Cost: $19-21
Alcohol: 12.5%
Notes: Dry, high acidity, medium-plus bodied. Gooseberries and minerality galore. Stonefruit and juniper berry flavours with grapefruit and slate aromas.
Full Review
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Pieropan
Complexity (Palate): Stone Paddock
Food Friendly: Pieropan
Concentration: Stone Paddock
Expression of Terroir: Stone Paddock
Value: Stone Paddock
Winner: Stone Paddock
The New Zealand "All Whites", as the soccer commentators were calling them, takes this match, avoiding a draw with the Azzuri. The Pieropan has a lovely nose and offers a light-ish bodied, acidic, refreshing white wine but the Stone Paddock does all that and more. Offering more complexity and concentration of flavours while staying fairly light and refreshing.
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: Host nation South Africa takes on the struggling French in a battle of warm climate Syrah on Tuesday, June 22nd.
Match 2 has a battle of refreshing white wines from Italy and New Zealand square off. I can guarantee that NZ won't be satisfied with a draw in this match.
Italy's Wine: Pieropan 2009 Soave Classico
Region: Soave Classico
Alcohol: 14%
Cost: $24.99
Notes: Dry, high-minus acidity with good fruit concentration. Light, refreshing flavours of tangy lemon with floral and citrus aromas.
Full Review
New Zealand's Wine: Stone Paddock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Hawkes Bay
Cost: $19-21
Alcohol: 12.5%
Notes: Dry, high acidity, medium-plus bodied. Gooseberries and minerality galore. Stonefruit and juniper berry flavours with grapefruit and slate aromas.
Full Review
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Pieropan
Complexity (Palate): Stone Paddock
Food Friendly: Pieropan
Concentration: Stone Paddock
Expression of Terroir: Stone Paddock
Value: Stone Paddock
Winner: Stone Paddock
The New Zealand "All Whites", as the soccer commentators were calling them, takes this match, avoiding a draw with the Azzuri. The Pieropan has a lovely nose and offers a light-ish bodied, acidic, refreshing white wine but the Stone Paddock does all that and more. Offering more complexity and concentration of flavours while staying fairly light and refreshing.
- Liam Carrier
Next Match: Host nation South Africa takes on the struggling French in a battle of warm climate Syrah on Tuesday, June 22nd.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Winery Profile: Averill Creek Vineyard
Positioned on south-facing slopes at the base of Mt Prevost, the winery boasts 30+ acres of vines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, Marechal Foch, and an early ripening Foch-Cabernet hybrid.
Proprietor Andy Johnston, a former private-practice MD from Edmonton, is often on hand to conduct the pouring in their modern tasting room with stunning views to Saanich Inlet. Based on his sincerity, professionalism and friendly demeanor, he was likely an MD with a long waiting list. In meeting him and discussing his winery's past and future I was reminded of the Richard Attenborough character from Jurassic Park with his white hair and beard, who “spared no expense” to bring his dream to fruition. Of course, Andy is neither delusional, nor fictional but his dream of operating a world-class winery has benefited from a similar do-it-right attitude.
Averill Creek's current releases:
2009 Gewürztraminer - $18
Tasted at the 2010 VIWF. Classic floral and spicy Gewurz aromas and lychee and tropical fruit flavours. Sumptuous texture in the mouth with a moderate, crisp finish - very refreshing.
2009 Pinot Grigio - $18
Tasted at the 2010 VIWF. Fermented in stainless steel, this is a great patio sipper - fresh and crisp. Flavours and aromas of bright orchard fruit - apples, pears and peaches. 2008 vintage may still be available at some VQA stores.
2008 Somenos Rose - $17
Tasted in person in 2009. A blend of Marechal Foch, Pinot Noir and Merlot, cold fermented. This wine has a nice balance of acidity to fruit flavours that would make for a lovely summer patio sipper. I wish I had discovered this Rosé earlier in the year.
Full Review
2007 Pinot Gris - $23
Tasted in person in 2009.This is a barrel-fermented cousin of the Grigio (from the same grapes) that has gone through a full maloactic fermentation which infuses butter and cream fruit flavours. Despite this calming of the acid application, the wine possesses enough residual acidity to balance the oak and fruit flavours, resulting in a special wine. A future gold-medal winner.
Full Review
2007 Pinot Noir - $28
Tasted in person in 2009. Johnston next poured his 2007 Pinot Noir, taking out proper Burgundy glasses for the tasting. I could tell this varietal was a labour of love for him and the Averill Creek product does show great promise. The winery uses the Stelvin enclosures on all its wines which ensures freshness and limits post-production flaws. It also slows the aging of a wine to a crawl and you can taste that with this Pinot Noir - it is very young. Given time this Pinot will open up and deliver.
Full Review
2007 Prevost - $22
Tasted in person in 2009. This is Averill Creek’s sly take on a Bordeaux-style blend using Marechal Foch, Merlot and a Foch-Cabernet Sauvignon hybrid. The Prevost has many of the characteristics of a new-world Meritage blend: dark-ruby colour, big berry and oak flavours.
Full Review
2008 Cowichan Black - $18
Tasted in person in 2009. The tasting was capped with a quality fruit desert wine made of 100% Vancouver Island-grown blackberries. Semi-sweet with a slight acidic finish and only 16% alcohol makes this a great pairing for vanilla ice-cream or enjoy on its own.
Full Review
Averill Creek Vineyard is a winery to watch. They have all the right ingredients to produce quality wines: a modern gravity-flow winery, up to date techniques and a distinct terroir. They also have something less tangible – a desire to be a world-class outfit. That’s nice to see. Look for Averill Creek at your local VQA stores and restaurants in BC, you won’t be disappointed.
- Liam Carrier
Monday, June 14, 2010
Best of BC: Syrah / Shiraz
Quickly becoming BC's signature red with more and more top prizes going to producers creating delicious, cellar-worthy wines from this Rhone Valley varietal. Many new plantings have been made over the past few years and new Syrah/Shiraz offerings are coming onto the market this summer - 2011 could be the "Year of Syrah".
A variety of styles are produced in BC, the best, however, seem to involve a significant time in new French oak - a practice that many modern Rhone Valley producers are following as well.
$20 and below:
Cassini Cellars 2008 Tuxedo Shiraz - $15
This offering from Cassini is far from complex, but satisfies the palate admirably with classic Shiraz flavours. Good value. Where to buy: Direct from winery, private and VQA stores.
$30 and below:
See-Ya-Later-Ranch 2008 Rover - $25
A solid follow-up to the excellent 2007 vintage which may not be quite as impressive in its youth, but possesses the same fortitude to deliver, over time, similar concentrated and brooding dark cherry, spicy pepper, toasted oak and licorice characters as its predecessor. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Syrah - $28
A blend of co-fermented 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, produced from fruit from grown in Osoyoos and Penticton, resulting in a bold and adventurous Syrah that is approachable in its youth yet will hold nicely over the next 3-4 years with its integrated tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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La Frenz Winery 2008 Shiraz - $28
The concentrated fruit aromas and flavours give the impression of sweetness on the intense nose and dry palate, masking any hotness from the alcohol. Where to buy: Direct from winery and private wine shops.
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Poplar Grove Winery 2007 Syrah - $30
This is a serious Syrah, dark and brooding, with a good expression of terroir and spicy pepper notes. Oak treatment enhances the nose and palate without overshadowing the fruit characters. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Syrah - $30
Dark cherry is prominent on the nose and dry palate. Pepper spice is present but plays a supporting role in this Syrah, mostly showing in the long and balanced finish. Where to buy: Direct from winery and private wine shops.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2007 Oldfield Series Syrah - $30
The palate is dry with good tannins and natural acidity - just the right amount of bite. Juicy flavours of dark fruit, vanilla, leather and toasted oak with a chalky, smoky texture. The finish is moderate and balanced with lingering pepper spice. Where to buy: Direct from winery
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$40 and below:
Cassini Cellars 2008 Syrah - $34
With good continuity from the complex nose to the dry palate, the flavour profile oozes brooding, dark cherry and black berry fruits with savoury flavours of spice box, licorice, scorched earth and toasted oak. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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Sandhill 2007 Small Lots Syrah - $35
Winner of the 2009 "Red Wine of the Year" award from Wine Access Magazine. Produced from fruit grown in the Phantom Creek Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Jackson-Triggs 2006 Sunrock Vineyards Shiraz - $35
Lovely new world Shiraz with big fruit flavours but never over-done or jammy. 2007 vintage has already been released. Where to buy: Direct from winery, BCLDB and VQA stores.
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Painted Rock Estate Winery 2008 Syrah - $40
This is the second vintage of Syrah released from Skaha Bench producer Painted Rock Estate Winery and it takes a turn from the terroir-driven 2007 vintage towards a more oak-driven wine with the 2008 version. Where to buy: Direct from winery, private wine shops and VQA stores.
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Above $40:
Le Vieux Pin 2008 Syrah - $45
This Syrah, from 3-4 year old vines, has 4% Viognier added during fermentation, in the form of pressed grape skins, to lift the aromatic qualities of the nose. Dark cherry, black pepper oil, oak and a touch of cola represent decent complexity in this inaugural vintage. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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Le Vieux Pin 2008 Équinoxe Syrah - $70
The new "Équinoxe" line of wines replaces the "Reserve" level as the top-tier wines for Le Vieux Pin. The winery selected 3 barrels as the best of the best for their 2008 Syrah and deemed it worthy of the Équinoxe name. Only 70 cases have been produced and no release date is yet listed but expect a fall 2011 launch. Where to buy: Direct from winery
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A variety of styles are produced in BC, the best, however, seem to involve a significant time in new French oak - a practice that many modern Rhone Valley producers are following as well.
$20 and below:
Cassini Cellars 2008 Tuxedo Shiraz - $15
This offering from Cassini is far from complex, but satisfies the palate admirably with classic Shiraz flavours. Good value. Where to buy: Direct from winery, private and VQA stores.
$30 and below:
See-Ya-Later-Ranch 2008 Rover - $25
A solid follow-up to the excellent 2007 vintage which may not be quite as impressive in its youth, but possesses the same fortitude to deliver, over time, similar concentrated and brooding dark cherry, spicy pepper, toasted oak and licorice characters as its predecessor. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Syrah - $28
A blend of co-fermented 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, produced from fruit from grown in Osoyoos and Penticton, resulting in a bold and adventurous Syrah that is approachable in its youth yet will hold nicely over the next 3-4 years with its integrated tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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La Frenz Winery 2008 Shiraz - $28
The concentrated fruit aromas and flavours give the impression of sweetness on the intense nose and dry palate, masking any hotness from the alcohol. Where to buy: Direct from winery and private wine shops.
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Poplar Grove Winery 2007 Syrah - $30
This is a serious Syrah, dark and brooding, with a good expression of terroir and spicy pepper notes. Oak treatment enhances the nose and palate without overshadowing the fruit characters. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery 2008 Syrah - $30
Dark cherry is prominent on the nose and dry palate. Pepper spice is present but plays a supporting role in this Syrah, mostly showing in the long and balanced finish. Where to buy: Direct from winery and private wine shops.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2007 Oldfield Series Syrah - $30
The palate is dry with good tannins and natural acidity - just the right amount of bite. Juicy flavours of dark fruit, vanilla, leather and toasted oak with a chalky, smoky texture. The finish is moderate and balanced with lingering pepper spice. Where to buy: Direct from winery
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$40 and below:
Cassini Cellars 2008 Syrah - $34
With good continuity from the complex nose to the dry palate, the flavour profile oozes brooding, dark cherry and black berry fruits with savoury flavours of spice box, licorice, scorched earth and toasted oak. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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Sandhill 2007 Small Lots Syrah - $35
Winner of the 2009 "Red Wine of the Year" award from Wine Access Magazine. Produced from fruit grown in the Phantom Creek Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Jackson-Triggs 2006 Sunrock Vineyards Shiraz - $35
Lovely new world Shiraz with big fruit flavours but never over-done or jammy. 2007 vintage has already been released. Where to buy: Direct from winery, BCLDB and VQA stores.
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Painted Rock Estate Winery 2008 Syrah - $40
This is the second vintage of Syrah released from Skaha Bench producer Painted Rock Estate Winery and it takes a turn from the terroir-driven 2007 vintage towards a more oak-driven wine with the 2008 version. Where to buy: Direct from winery, private wine shops and VQA stores.
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Above $40:
Le Vieux Pin 2008 Syrah - $45
This Syrah, from 3-4 year old vines, has 4% Viognier added during fermentation, in the form of pressed grape skins, to lift the aromatic qualities of the nose. Dark cherry, black pepper oil, oak and a touch of cola represent decent complexity in this inaugural vintage. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Icon Score
Le Vieux Pin 2008 Équinoxe Syrah - $70
The new "Équinoxe" line of wines replaces the "Reserve" level as the top-tier wines for Le Vieux Pin. The winery selected 3 barrels as the best of the best for their 2008 Syrah and deemed it worthy of the Équinoxe name. Only 70 cases have been produced and no release date is yet listed but expect a fall 2011 launch. Where to buy: Direct from winery
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Sunday, June 13, 2010
WCOW: Germany VS. Australia
To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.
Match 1 has Germany taking on Australia in a battle of cool climate Rieslings. We chose two highly regarded wines that we had never previously tasted and sent them into a head-to-head, winner-takes-all, taste-off.
Germany's Wine: Loosen Bros. 2008 Riesling "Dr L"
Region: Mosel.
Alcohol: 8.5%
Price: $18.99 (BCLDB stores)
Notes: An off-dry, food-friendly, crowd pleasing Riesling from Mosel. Floral and stone fruit notes on the nose with a good balance of sweet fruit to acid on the palate with a long finish.
Full Review
Australia's Wine: Jacob's Creek 2007 Steingarten Riesling
Region: Barossa
Alcohol: 12.5%
Cost:: $24.50 (BCLDB stores)
Notes: A dry, slightly effervescent Riesling with excellent concentration of mineral and fruit flavours on the palate. A complex nose of lemon grass, butter, rubber, citrus and petrol notes.
Full Review
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Jacob's Creek
Complexity (Palate): Jacob's Creek
Food Friendly: Loosen Bros.
Concentration: Jacob's Creek
Expression of Terroir: Jacob's Creek
Value: Loosen Bros.
Winner: Jacob's Creek
For this match-up, the Aussie wine gets the win, somewhat redeeming the nation after its terrible showing on the pitch today (Germany won 4-0). That is not to say that Australia makes better Riesling than Germany on a whole, it doesn't, but it did win this battle, handedly. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi, Oi, Oi!
- Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter
Next Match: June 20th, Italy VS. New Zealand in a battle of refreshing white wines.
Match 1 has Germany taking on Australia in a battle of cool climate Rieslings. We chose two highly regarded wines that we had never previously tasted and sent them into a head-to-head, winner-takes-all, taste-off.
Germany's Wine: Loosen Bros. 2008 Riesling "Dr L"
Region: Mosel.
Alcohol: 8.5%
Price: $18.99 (BCLDB stores)
Notes: An off-dry, food-friendly, crowd pleasing Riesling from Mosel. Floral and stone fruit notes on the nose with a good balance of sweet fruit to acid on the palate with a long finish.
Full Review
Australia's Wine: Jacob's Creek 2007 Steingarten Riesling
Region: Barossa
Alcohol: 12.5%
Cost:: $24.50 (BCLDB stores)
Notes: A dry, slightly effervescent Riesling with excellent concentration of mineral and fruit flavours on the palate. A complex nose of lemon grass, butter, rubber, citrus and petrol notes.
Full Review
The Conclusion:
Complexity (Nose): Jacob's Creek
Complexity (Palate): Jacob's Creek
Food Friendly: Loosen Bros.
Concentration: Jacob's Creek
Expression of Terroir: Jacob's Creek
Value: Loosen Bros.
Winner: Jacob's Creek
For this match-up, the Aussie wine gets the win, somewhat redeeming the nation after its terrible showing on the pitch today (Germany won 4-0). That is not to say that Australia makes better Riesling than Germany on a whole, it doesn't, but it did win this battle, handedly. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi, Oi, Oi!
- Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter
Next Match: June 20th, Italy VS. New Zealand in a battle of refreshing white wines.
2010 World Cup Of Wine
To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own, of the wine variety, of course. There are a number of the world's major wine producing nations competing in "The Finals" and each time they meet we will have their wines compete head-to-head. Themes have been chosen for each match-up to create a judgeable context.
Wines will be judged on:
Complexity (Nose)
Complexity (Palate)
Food Friendly
Concentration of Flavours
Expression of Terroir
Value - Wines must be under $25
The Schedule
Round Robin stage:
Match 1: Sunday, June 13th
Countries: Germany VS. Australia
Theme: Riesling
Results
Match 2: Sunday, June 20th
Countries: Italy VS. New Zealand
Theme: Refreshinging Whites
Results
Match 3: Tuesday, June 22nd
Countries: France VS. South Africa
Theme: Syrah
Results
Match 4: Friday, June 25th
Countries: Chile VS. Spain
Theme: Rosé
Results
Round of 16 stage:
Match 5: Tuesday, June 29th
Countries: Spain VS. Portugal
Theme: Tempranillo
Results
Quarterfinals:
Match 6: Saturday, July 3rd
Countries: Germany VS. Argentina
Theme: Aromatic Whites
Results
Semifinals:
Match 7: Wednesday, July 7th
Countries: Spain VS. Germany
Theme: Budget Whites ($10)
Results
The Final
Match 8: Sunday, July 11th
Countries: Holland VS. Spain
Theme: Beer
Results
Wines will be judged on:
Complexity (Nose)
Complexity (Palate)
Food Friendly
Concentration of Flavours
Expression of Terroir
Value - Wines must be under $25
The Schedule
Round Robin stage:
Match 1: Sunday, June 13th
Countries: Germany VS. Australia
Theme: Riesling
Results
Match 2: Sunday, June 20th
Countries: Italy VS. New Zealand
Theme: Refreshinging Whites
Results
Match 3: Tuesday, June 22nd
Countries: France VS. South Africa
Theme: Syrah
Results
Match 4: Friday, June 25th
Countries: Chile VS. Spain
Theme: Rosé
Results
Round of 16 stage:
Match 5: Tuesday, June 29th
Countries: Spain VS. Portugal
Theme: Tempranillo
Results
Quarterfinals:
Match 6: Saturday, July 3rd
Countries: Germany VS. Argentina
Theme: Aromatic Whites
Results
Semifinals:
Match 7: Wednesday, July 7th
Countries: Spain VS. Germany
Theme: Budget Whites ($10)
Results
The Final
Match 8: Sunday, July 11th
Countries: Holland VS. Spain
Theme: Beer
Results
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tinhorn Creek 2010 Spring Release
The 2009 growing season in the Okanagan Valley (see the 2009 Vintage Report) was a phenomenal one, especially for the white varietals. A warm September and October gave the wineries and growers the ability to allow the fruit to ripen to their specifications rather than the weather dictating the harvest. A great position to be in. The result is a fantastic line-up of 2009 white wines from BC wineries that are slowly being released this Spring.
Tinhorn Creek's 2009 vintage whites are available now, but you may have to go direct to the winery to get them. Perusing the shelves at your local BC Liquor Store you may find mostly 2008 vintage whites taking up valuable shelf real estate. Could be the BCLDB is waiting for the 2008's to sell out before stalking their shelves with the new releases. If so, consider this a preview of what you have to look forward to or get a jump on the liquor store and order direct from the winery (either in person or online).
The Tinhorn Creek 2009 line-up is full of fruit-forward, food-friendly, professionally finished, nicely acidic, quality wines that are very well-priced. We were pleasantly impressed.
The Tinhorn Creek 2009 line-up is full of fruit-forward, food-friendly, professionally finished, nicely acidic, quality wines that are very well-priced. We were pleasantly impressed.
Aromas of sweet citrus, lychee, honey, pears, rose blossoms and the spice of crushed cardamom shells on the nose. The oily textured, full-bodied palate offers youthful flavours of tropical acidity, lychee, stone fruit, spice and minerality with excellent balance and a long finish. 87pts
Full Review
2009 Pinot Gris - $16.99
A quality wine with excellent concentration and a balanced, moderate-plus finish offering good value for the price. 88pts
Full Review
2009 Chardonnay - $16.99
Classic aromas of luscious melons, buttery ice cream and orchard fruit with quiet herbaceous notes. Flavours of pears, apples, sweet pineapple and light toasted oak spice and with piquant, lemony acidity; very refreshing. 87pts
Full Review
2009 Oldfield Series 2Bench Wine - $22.99
Overall this wine is complex and refreshing with fantastic minerality as one might expect from an estate grown Chardonnay driven blend. There is a lot going on in this wine. 89pts
Full Review
To learn more about Tinhorn Creek wines and winery events, including their fun concert series, visit their website: http://www.tinhorn.com/
- Liam Carrier
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
BC Wine Deal: June 2nd, 2010
New BC VQA Wine price reductions for June including two stand-outs: Desert Hill's Mirage and Hester Creek's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. New vintages on the way?
Available at VQA stores like Langley's The Wine Emporium.
Andrew Peller Chardonnay Private Reserve was $17.99 IS NOW $15.99
Andrew Peller Pinot Gris Private Reserve was $16.99 IS NOW $14.99
Arrowleaf Snow Tropics Vidal 2007 was $15.99 IS NOW $13.99
Desert Hills Mirage was $34.90 IS NOW $29.90
Gehringer Desert Sun 2008 was $12.99 IS NOW $11.99
Gehringer Riesling was $13.99 IS NOW $12.99
Gehringer Dry Rock Merlot 2008 was $14.99 IS NOW $13.99
Gray Monk Latitude Fifty White 2008 was $13.99 IS NOW $12.99
Hester Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 was $34.99 IS NOW $25.99
River's Bend Black Horse Red 2006 was $23.90 IS NOW $21.90
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2009 was $20.02 IS NOW $18.99
Summerhill Ehrenfelser 2008 was $19.95 IS NOW $17.95
Available at VQA stores like Langley's The Wine Emporium.
Andrew Peller Chardonnay Private Reserve was $17.99 IS NOW $15.99
Andrew Peller Pinot Gris Private Reserve was $16.99 IS NOW $14.99
Arrowleaf Snow Tropics Vidal 2007 was $15.99 IS NOW $13.99
Desert Hills Mirage was $34.90 IS NOW $29.90
Gehringer Desert Sun 2008 was $12.99 IS NOW $11.99
Gehringer Riesling was $13.99 IS NOW $12.99
Gehringer Dry Rock Merlot 2008 was $14.99 IS NOW $13.99
Gray Monk Latitude Fifty White 2008 was $13.99 IS NOW $12.99
Hester Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 was $34.99 IS NOW $25.99
River's Bend Black Horse Red 2006 was $23.90 IS NOW $21.90
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2009 was $20.02 IS NOW $18.99
Summerhill Ehrenfelser 2008 was $19.95 IS NOW $17.95
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