WINEcouver

Had a Glass: 2010 Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc

WCVR — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:01:51 +0000

Vintage: 2010
Producer: Le Vieux Pin
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Designation: N/A
Region: Canada
Sub-region: British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
ABV: 13.9%
Price: $35 (winery)

He says: When we heard the news that Le Vieux Pin was rethinking their Pinot Noir program, and changing winemakers, we greeted it with open arms. Especially after the last bottle we reviewed. This bottle is a step in the right direction: varietally correct grassy notes hiding behind tons of fruit with a tropical bent. I found the alcohol a touch hot, both on the mouthfeel, and also on the exhale. Stylish, and would be wonderful with food. We’re actually looking forward to the rest of the new portfolio from this winery.

She says: The Okanagan Valley is far from my usual go to place for Sauvignon Blanc however this is a quality bottle of wine. Lovely, rich fruit and strong grassy notes, all rounded beautifully by a hint of oak. My only complaint is the alcohol level and the $35 price tag which is reaching into Sancerre territory… a bit rich if you ask me.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, pale lemon green
Smells like: Clean, med+ intensity, developing, pineapple, lemon rind, orange, grassy
Tastes like: Dry, med+ acidity, med+ body, med+ intensity, med tannin, pineapple, citrus, orange, lemon, apple, med+ alcohol, med+ finish
Summary: Good, Ready to drink but can keep

2010 Foxtrot Vineyards Chardonnay

WCVR — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:41:27 +0000

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Vintage: 2010
Producer: Foxtrot Vineyards
Variety: Chardonnay
Designation: N/A
Region: Canada
Sub-region: British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
ABV: 13.4%
Price: $55 (EWine)

He says: We lucked out and got a last-minute visit to the elusive Foxtrot Vineyards this past year. That visit and subsequent tastings of their wines has resulted in a major revelation about the quality BC is capable of. Tasting this blind, we were utterly shocked to find out this was from BC. Everyone around the table was guessing a fine White Burgundy. This wine has an excellent mouthfeel, balance, restrained oak influence, elegance, and a subtle richness (yoghurt on the palate, which usually signals Burgundy). Well done, Foxtrot Vineyards. Massively impressed.

She says: The best BC Chardonnay I have tasted to date. This is one winery that lives up to its hype. It is rare that you are not at least a little disappointed when you have such high expectations of a wine. It fooled us all in the blind tasting; we all had it pegged as Old World. This wine would rival Chardonnay’s from around the globe.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med- gold
Smells like: Clean, med intensity, developing, mineral, citrus, floral, honey, lees (toast)
Tastes like: Dry, med+ acidity, med+ body, med+ intensity, citrus, mandarin, apple, pear, sour butter/yoghurt, med alcohol, med+ finish
Summary: Excellent, Ready to drink but can develop further

Had a Glass: 1975 Graham Porto Vintage

WCVR — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:48:02 +0000

Vintage: 1975
Producer: Graham
Variety: Port Blend
Designation: Vintage
Region: Portugal
Sub-region: Douro, Porto
ABV: 19.0-21.0%
Price: $100++

He says: The crumbling cork alone was a breathtaking sight (check out the pictures below)! Neverending complexity on the palate. So many flavours from butterscotch to fruit. This is a wine to be savoured slowly, but it tastes so good that you’ll have a hard time keeping your glass full. Of course, at 21% abv, you’d best pace yourself and try to keep it intellectual. Special thanks to @BeauCharles for bringing this bottle around to share!

She says: What a treat! I won’t bother pretending that we usually drink this well on any old Sunday night. It had layer upon layer of flavour, a depth rarely seen by us mere mortals. This is not regarded as a great vintage either so I can only imagine that I’ll be left speechless when we are lucky enough to indulge in some better regarded vintages.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med brick
Smells like: Clean, pronounced intensity, fully developed, butterscotch, caramel, apple, pear, cinnamon, sandlewood, clove, white pepper
Tastes like: Med sweet, med acidity, med+ body, high intensity, low tannin, caramel, butterscotch, apple pear, cinnamon, menthol, pine oil, marmalade, fortified, long finish
Summary: Outstanding, Ready to drink

Had a Glass: 2010 Argiolas Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino

WCVR — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:43:09 +0000

Vintage: 2010
Producer: Argiolas
Variety: Vermentino
Designation: Costamolino
Region: Italy
Sub-region: Sardinia, Vermentino di Sardegna
ABV: 13.5%
Price: $22 (BC LDB)

He says: We first had this at Nicli’s Pizza, based on the recommendation of the sommelier, and we were very impressed, especially not having (memorably) tasted Vermentino before. Since then, we’ve had quite a few bottles at home, and have been enjoying it as a versatile accompaniment to many dishes. On the nose, there is a strong floral aroma, mixed with candied tropical fruits, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, this wine is bursting with flavour, intensity, and fruit, with well-balanced acidity and a better than average finish. I love the oily mouthfeel, and lush texture. My only complaint is that the alcohol comes off as a bit hot, but other than that I’ll continue buying this as an affordable, everyday white wine.

She says: Every time I have this wine I enjoy it. The texture of this wine is the thing that stands out the most for me. It’s oily mouthfeel is nicely balanced with its acidity and fruit. The fact that this is quite a rich wine, means that I find it enjoyable all year round. Unlike some white wines, it is not just a summer sipper.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med+ lemon
Smells like: Clean, med+ intensity, developing, floral, honey, pear, ripe pineapple, candied/sweet
Tastes like: Dry, med acidity, med+ body, med+ intensity, med tannin, floral, pineapple, mango, citrus, pear, med+ alcohol, med+ finish
Summary: Good, Ready to drink but can keep

2008 Louis Jadot Pinot Noir Bourgogne Couvent des Jacobins

WCVR — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:11:55 +0000

Rating: 0.5 out of 5 stars

Vintage: 2008
Producer: Louis Jadot
Variety: Pinot Noir
Designation: Couvent de Jacobins
Region: France
Sub-region: Burgundy
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $27 (BC LDB), $27 (EWine)

He says: Oh dear, oh dear. I distinctly remember thinking that these bottles must be something “fancy” as a first-time wine drinker. Walking down the French aisle of the wine store, these labels have a distinct, authentically French aesthetic that is sure to grab the attention of the newbie. Years later, I’ve had my first bottle, and I have to say this is one of the worst wines I’ve had in a long time. At $27 a bottle, it’s an absolute rip-off. The nose is decent and has some intensity, but on the palate it is as boring as a diet of white rice, 365 days a year. Simple, boring, and a short finish. Damn, this sucked.

She says: A most uninspiring wine not worthy of its $27 price tag. This wine taints Pinot Noir and Burgundy which can be nothing short of amazing although usually at a much higher price tag. That said it is very difficult to find a good value red Burgundy especially in BC. My recommendation would be to drink NZ pinot noir instead unless you are willing to trade up in price.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med- ruby with pale, watery rim
Smells like: Clean, med+ intensity, developing, sweet red fruit, hint of spice
Tastes like: Dry, med acidity, med body, med intensity, med- fine tannin, red fruit, slightly herbal finish, med alcohol, med- finish
Summary: Poor, Ready to drink

2008 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages

WCVR — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:21:08 +0000

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Vintage: 2008
Producer: Louis Jadot
Variety: Gamay Noir
Designation: N/A
Region: France
Sub-region: Burgundy, Beaujolais-Villages
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $20 (BC LDB)

He says: I’ll be slightly more generous with this wine than I was with its sibling. Firstly, it’s $7 cheaper, and secondly, there’s some regional character coming through, specifically highlighting the winemaking method: carbonic maceration. This method of fermentation is done with grapes intact (not crushed) and tends to produce flavour hints of banana, bubble gum & candy. While those flavours weren’t as pure in this wine as other higher quality Beaujolais’, there was a definite confectionary character. Lastly, this wine had a much better structure, both acidic and tannic than the Pinot Noir from the same producer. Still, colour me fairly unimpressed.

She says: This easy drinking wine at least had some character to it. That said, for around the same price you can buy a bottle from one of the 10 Beaujolais Cru’s (villages) that are generally far more interesting and better value. Life is too short to drink boring wine when there are so many interesting wines out there to explore!

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med ruby, with pale, watery rim
Smells like: Clean, med intensity, developing, red fruit, confectionary (bubble gum), dark herbal note
Tastes like: Dry, med+ acidity, med body, med intensity, med fine tannin, red fruit, confectionary, tart, med alcohol, med finish
Summary: Average, Ready to drink, will not improve

Had a Glass: 2010 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé

WCVR — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:58:32 +0000

Vintage: 2010
Producer: Domaine Tempier
Variety: Mourvedre Blend
Designation: Rosé
Region: France
Sub-region: Provence, Bandol
ABV: 13.0%
Price: $39 (Marquis)

He says: There’s a bit of romance associated with this bottle for me, as we first had this on our honeymoon while in Hanalei, Kaua’i, of all places. It was perfect with our seafood-heavy menu and cheese course. Super versatile, and well-balanced. Last year, this was impossible to find locally, but Marquis seems to have some stock of this year’s release. Buy now. Enjoy tomorrow.

She says: What makes this Rosé special (other than its honeymoon status) is that it has a savoury quality that balances its fruit and floral elements. Whilst I love to just sit and sip Rosé, you can also sit, sip and ponder over this wine as it evolves in your glass. It definitely has more depth than the average bottle.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med- salmon
Smells like: Clean, med+ intensity, youthful, red fruit, strawberry, raspberry, citrus
Tastes like: Dry, med acidity, med body, med intensity, low tannin, red fruit, citrus, spice, lemon, cream soda, med alcohol, med+ finish
Summary: Very good, Ready to drink but can keep

Had a Glass: 2006 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Les Chaillets

WCVR — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:57:43 +0000

Vintage: 2006
Producer: Domaine Yves Cuilleron
Variety: Viognier
Designation: Les Chaillets
Region: France
Sub-region: Northern Rhône, Condrieu
ABV: 14.5%
Price: $90 (Marquis)

He says: Viognier is one of those varieties that I’ve never really loved. In tastings, it can feel like wandering around the potpourri section of a department store: overpowering, overly floral, and imbalanced. Leave it to this bottle, classed as one of the best examples of Viognier in the world, to change my mind. This is an intense wine, showing depth and balance beyond any Viognier I’ve ever had. Definitely a 5-star wine, and something that any curious wine lover needs to experience.

She says: This is one of the those wines that I will be talking about for years to come. Unlike any Viognier I’ve had before it had a depth of flavour that was perfectly balanced. The fruit, floral & spice worked together in perfect harmony. Rich yet delicate at the same time, this is a wine to be savoured.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med- gold
Smells like: Clean, med+ intensity, developing, honeydew, stonefruit, spicy, tropical, floral
Tastes like: Dry, med acidity, med+ body, high intensity, mango, pineapple, guava, floral, caramel, med alcohol, long finish
Summary: Excellent, Drink now/ready to drink

2009 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Meunier Rosé

WCVR — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:27:43 +0000

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Vintage: 2009
Producer: 8th Generation Vineyard
Variety: Pinot Meunier
Designation: Rosé
Region: Canada
Sub-region: British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
ABV: 12.7%
Price: $18 (direct – sold out)

He says: This is last year’s vintage, but we’re putting a review up to highlight just how good this was and what I’m personally looking for in a Rosé from BC. Fresh and fruity on the nose, with a beautiful combination of citrus and light red fruit aromas. On the palate, the key for me is the red fruit doesn’t come out swinging, and there’s a beautiful balance of citrus notes without being tart. Balanced throughout, this stuff is really good. Now, hopefully they’ll leave that 2010 aberration behind and make more of this style in 2011.

She says: This Rosé was subtle and elegant with its perfumed floral & strawberry aromas. The palate had a good backbone of citrus to balance out the red fruit flavours. An easy drinking, summer sipper, although it may be a little too simple for some.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med- salmon
Smells like: Clean, med- intensity, youthful, citrus, strawberry, floral
Tastes like: Dry, med acidity, med body, med+ intensity, strawberry, raspberry, citrus, med alcohol, med+ finish
Summary: Good, Ready to drink

2009 JoieFarm Rosé

WCVR — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:25:48 +0000

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Vintage: 2009
Producer: JoieFarm
Variety: Rosé Blend
Designation: Rosé
Region: Canada
Sub-region: British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $21 (direct – sold out), $25 (EWine), $27 (Marquis), $21 (Swirl)

She says: Being a big fan of Rosé, it hurts that this was one of my least favourite wines so far this year. I have never been so turned off by a Rosé as with this. I found the strong medicinal cherry and herbal flavours overpowering. So much so that it felt like I was swirling cherry-flavoured cough syrup around my mouth instead of wine! For those of you that loved cherry-flavoured cough syrup growing up, this is the wine for you. It’s definitely not for me.

He says: With the tagline “Re-Think Pink!”, it’s obvious that Joie is trying to push a different style of Rosé into the market. For some it may be shocking, and for some it may be an interpretation that strikes their fancy. I definitely fall into the former group and didn’t really take to it. This would be better served marketed as a Beaujolais/Pinot Noir blend to be drunk at room temperature rather than chilled. It would be a great pairing for salads/fish with it’s med+ body and slight tannins, once the party is ready to move on from the white wine. I can understand the Mrs’ dislike for it, and I’m not far off her opinion.

Tasting note

Looks like: Clear, med ruby
Smells like: Clean, med+ intensity, developing, ripe bing cherry, sweet spice (cinnamon), medicinal
Tastes like: Dry, med+ acidity, med+ body, med intensity, low tannin, cherry, herbal, medicinal, med alcohol, med citrus dry finish
Summary: Average, Ready to drink but can keep