Restaurant Profile: Pearl on the Rock

Location: White Rock, BC
Executive Chef: Jeremy Keighley
Restaurant Director: Heather Bramham
Wine Director: Jordan Carrier

Deftly positioned a stone’s throw away from White Rock’s iconic pier, Pearl on the Rock offers BC Lower Mainland restaurant goers excellent Seafood at a reasonable price, accompanied by a Wine Spectator recognized wine list.

The menu is tight, lean and focused, specializing in local land and sea dishes influenced by flavours from around the world. The room is modern, inviting and comfortable with an attentive and professional staff.

The 625+ label wine list offers wines from every major region in the world with special attention given to British Columbia and France. Thrice a winner of the prestigious Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” (2006, 2007 & 2009) wine director Jordan Carrier will find you the perfect bottle to accompany your meal.

Icon Wines recommends:

• The seasonal, five-course, tasting menu with paired wine for $105 (Cdn) per person.
• Parking a block off the beach (Marine Drive) and walking to the restaurant.
• Time your visit with the sunset (either pre or post-dinner) & leave time to enjoy a walk on the pier.

Go to http://www.pearlrestaurant.ca/ for more details or call direct @604-542-1064. Address: 14955 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC, V4B 1C3
- LC

WCOW: Chile Red Blend National Try-outs

Country: Chile
Manager: Liam Carrier

Chile produces many great red blends so this was a tough list to narrow down. I ended up with two blends which incorporate one of Chile's greatest exports: Carmenere. This lesser-known varietal of the classic six Bordeaux varietals (yes there are six) is what I consider the Grenache of South America: a superb blending grape. Add this puppy to your blend with skill and you will add a touch of heaven. Carmenere can also produce amazing solo efforts with the right winemaker. Look for those when we take on Chile Single Red Varietal wines next month.

Wine #1: Palo Alto 2008 Reserva
Price: $14.99
Region: Maule Valle
Country: Chile
Notes: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Carmenere and 15% Syrah. A complex wine at a bargain price.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 88 points

Wine #2: Montes 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere
Price: $19.90
Region: Colchagua Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carmenere. Balanced, ready-to-drink pleaser with great fruit concentration and tasty spice.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 89 points

Conclusion: The Montes wins this match-up with its incredible smooth and sexy texture. A solid wine to enjoy on its own or with food. Montes has a great line-up of wine with many different varietals and blends to choose from in multiple price points. I have yet to be unsatisfied with any of their many wines. Look for them at your local liquor store and fine wine shop. Enjoy. - LC

Blasted New Labels

Okanagan Valley winery Blasted Church Vineyards (Skaha Bench) have long been known for their excellent wines, gorgeous property and creative labels. New for their upcoming 2010 releases they have decided to take a gamble and update the look of their branding with new labels. The new branding keeps to the whimsical and tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek themes of the old look which should appease any of their skeptical fan base while introducing new patrons to an updated and cutting-edge design. An excellent execution in product updating.

(Old) 2008 Pinot Gris Label:

(New) 2009 Pinot Gris Label:

To view a sneakpeak of their new lables click here:
http://www.blastedchurch.com/pages/sneakpeek