WINEcouver

Taste these! Wine picks for the 2012 Playhouse Wine Festival – Day 2

WCVR — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:49:39 +0000

Source: http://playhousewinefest.com/

On Day 2 of the 2012 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, we focused our sights on the Regional Theme of this year’s event: Chile. This is region that we don’t spend a lot of money on normally due to the tendency for most wines to bear that “Chilean funk” on the nose: a mix of green pepper, plaster, and rubber. However, what we found was that there were some definite categories of wine that we’d long overlooked.

The first example of this are the wines from the Limari Valley. This is one of the northernmost regions of Chile, and is influenced by the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean. Rainfall is very low here, and the chalky soils contribute a massive minerality to the wines. We definitely tasted it, and these are some wines we recommend you try:

Tamaya

Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, $19 - lime/citrus fruit, very clean with strong minerality throughout.

Viña Tabali

Pinot Noir Reserva Especial, $25 (BCLDB) – excellent acidity and minerality give this wine very focused fruit; only complaint is a slightly short finish, but very enjoyable for this price point.

Reserva Syrah, $22 (BCLDB) – again, the acidity brings a focus to this fruit, and along with the tannin provide an excellent strucuture, leading to a peppery finish; an absolute bargain for $22.

Beyond these excellent wines from the Limari Valley, we’re going to make an extra effort to drink a lot more Chilean whites when the sun finally returns to Vancouver. With most at the $15 price point, we were extremely pleased with the great fruit, acidity and balance shown by the following wines:

Arboleda

Chardonnay, $18 (BCLDB) – oak is present but well-balanced, as well as green apple fruit, and refreshing acidity.

Junta

Reserve Viognier-Sauvignon Blanc-Chardonnay (blend), $15 (BCLDB) – very fruity, summer sipper, peachy, with balanced acidity.

Viña Leyda

Garuma Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, $19 (BCLDB) – was surprised that this wasn’t from the Limari Valley as it reminded me a lot of the Tamaya; almost the exact same tasting note as above.

Miguel Torres

Hemisferio Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, $13 (BCLDB) – tropical fruit salad in a glass, but so well-balanced with vibrant acidity; think peach meets lemon; what a steal at this price too.

Viña Morandé

Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, $16 (BCLDB) – grassy with stonefruit, nicely balanced, excellent acidity and a nice long finish.

We didn’t find a lot of red wines of note, mainly due to time, and minutely due to the funky Chilean nose that we struggle to get past. Regardless, here are some that we enjoyed:

Viña Maipo

Limited Edition Syrah, $30 (BCLDB) – great tannic structure, black pepper on the palate with a hint of green pepper, nicely balanced with black fruit; a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend really gives it some structural punch.

Viña Tarapaca

Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, $18 (BCLDB) – holy hell, I’m not sure how this is only priced at $18 because it is a BARGAIN; strong nose of black fruit and menthol, followed by good structure on the palate. Perfect mid-week red.

Zavala, $39 (BCLDB) – this is a red blend that changes yearly, but this vintage was Cabernet Franc dominant, with Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon in supporting roles; intense nose of sweet chocolate and pencil lead; slightly vegetal on the palate, but driven by mouth-filling tannins; needs a few years to settle down but still enjoyable now.

Taste these! Wine picks for the 2012 Playhouse Wine Festival – Day 1

WCVR — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:54:41 +0000

Source: http://playhousewinefest.com/

A tasting session at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival can be disorienting with all the countries and producers offering their latest wares. We know the feeling. For the 2012 edition, we’ve tried to focus on specific regions and wine styles each session we’ve attended, rather than let Bacchus wildly lead the way.

For our first event, we attended an evening called California Cruisin’ at the Canvas Lounge in Gastown. It was an interesting venue, and although a little difficult to taste in, the party atmosphere kept us going strong.

Here were our favorite wines from California Cruisin’. Look for them on the Tasting Room floor during the remainder of the Wine Festival sessions.

Folie à Deux

Zinfandel, $29 (BCLDB) – big, brambly berry-fruit, balanced by oak and structure. Perfect for a steak.

Paul Hobbs

Chardonnay, $57 (BCLDB) – a tad pricey, but showing a lot of promise; tropical fruit balanced by great acidity, with a long, spicy finish.

Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon, $50 (BCLDB) – one of the biggest reds we tasted on the night, with mouth-filling tannins, excellent structure, and all the checkmarks of fruit, balance and complexity. Can age for a decade still, but would be fun to drink now.

Trefethen

Chardonnay, $35 (BCLDB) – from a classic California producer, this wine has plenty of body, well-integrated oak, and beautiful fruit.

Cabernet Sauvignon, $50 (BCLDB) – amazing elegance, minerality, depth and balance from this bottle. The palate is soft and lush, but still shows excellent acidity. Nice long finish. Loved this wine.

Zaca Mesa

Syrah, $35 (Coming soon) - a well-regarded value buy south of the border, and this bottle will soon be available in BC. Varietally bang-on, with loads of spicy pepper on the finish, and great structure. Nose is showing some oaky youth, but will be great in a year.

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