CedarCreek Platinum Releases

Posted on September 12, 2019 by FirstPressings

CedarCreek Platinum 2018 Block 9 Ehrenfelser

The 2018 Block 9 Ehrenfelser is quite a divergence from previous incarnations of this variety. Now sourced exclusively from their own 3 acre Home Block vineyard, the production level has decreased considerably. Only 537 six pack cases were produced, and this is were it gets interesting; the aroma and flavours are a major leap forward. Intense, citrusy, floral with some residual sugar but balanced by vibrant acidity. Not at all like past vintages where it was a literal ‘fruit-salad’ wine. This vintage ups the ante. Cellar this for a year then enjoy over the following 2-3 years. $30 at the winery.CedarCreek Platinum 2018 Border Vista Sauvignon BlancThis is a new wine for CedarCreek. Sourced from the Border Vista Vineyard in Osoyoos, it was picked in early September from two low-cropped blocks within the vineyard. A large canopy was left throughout the summer to retain some characteristic greenness in the finished wine and it shows. I was expecting a ‘new world’ version of Sauv Blanc but this is definitely a Sancerre-like wine. A bouquet of lemon zest, pineapple, grapefruit and stone-fruit aromas, medium-bodied and round on the palate, this is an elegant, slightly creamy, well-balanced SB with good structure as well as tart gooseberry on the finish. $30 at the winery. 429 cases produced.CedarCreek Platinum 2017 Block 5 ChardonnaySourced from the Block 5 of the Home Block Vineyard, this was the first year the vineyard was farmed organic. What was a vigorous, heavy canopy quickly showed the changes in farming practices and as a result, the fruit developed riper flavours, but less sugar than it had in past years. Fermented wild in puncheons and French oak barrels for structure, the wine-making team encouraged a malolactic component to add softness. Overflowing with aromas of crisp, sweet apple, ripe pear, nectarine, papaya, banana/tropical fruit, hints of tangerine, lemon and vanilla are highlighted by nuances of clove and nutmeg.  On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has fresh tropical and orchard fruit character complemented by pear and a creamy texture. The wine is rich and luscious with crisp acidity and a long soft finish. An excellent value in an AOC-Burgundy style. Only 412 cases produced. Order on-line here.CedarCreek Platinum 2018 Block 1 Pinot Noir RoséWe quite liked the 2018 Estate Rose and the Platinum is no slouch. Specifically grown to produce their rose, it is picked in early September, earlier than the regular Pinot Noir. After picking, the grapes are pressed and left in contact with the skin for only one hour to extract just the hint of colour. Offering plenty of watermelon, grapefruit, raspberry, strawberry and rose petal nuances in a medium bodied, refreshing style. There is a hint of sweetness but the wine is balanced by the crisp acidity. $30 at the winery. 759 cases produced.cedarcreek-platinum-2016-block-4-pinot-noir.jpgSourced from 21 year old vines within their Home Vineyard, this is a powerfully structured wine. Pure decadent pleasure with its ruby-purple colour, a spicy nose of black cherries, warm raspberries,blackberries, forest floor and spicy oak with notes of cinnamon, clove and dried tea leaves. The texture is pure Burgundian, soft, velvety and rich with a stunningly long, long finish. Superb with rich meat/game dishes with mushroom-based sauces. $55 at the winery. 940 six pack cases produced.cedarcreek-platinum-2014-block-2-pinot-noir.jpgThe 2014 Block 2 Pinot Noir is produced from the oldest block in CedarCreek’s Home Vineyard. At 22 years of age, the roots are just now beginning to draw the strength and power from the soil. This is a classically styled Pinot Noir, reminiscent of a typical ‘Appellation’ Burgundy from France. Loaded with rich aromas and flavours of black cherry/raspberry strawberry jam, licorice, toast and smoke with hints of saddle leather, vanilla and tea leaf.  A full, concentrated palate with crisp acidity and firm tannins.

 

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Costco Wines

Posted on August 19, 2019 by FirstPressings

Alberta is the only province in Canada were wines, spirits and ales are sold at Costco. When two of our adult children moved to Alberta awhile back, while visiting them I would make a wine run and thought I had gone to heaven because of the prices. In BC where we previously lived, all the wines in both private and gov’t stores were priced through the roof due to a prohibitive 116% markup, which constituted the ‘wholesale’ price structure. Add to that whatever is needed to make a profit and finally, the 10% liquor PST and 5% GST.

So, since moving to Alberta last year due to retirement and to be close to said children and their children (our grandchildren), I have been able to ‘shop around’, so to speak and see what the Alberta liquor landscape is like. A word though. Alberta does not have a liquor tax nor a provincial sales tax. And Costco, as far as I know, only marks their products up 8%. Just an FYI for you.

To make a long story short, my go-to stores are the Real Canadian Superstore for some of my beer (Red Racer, Railyard, Collective Arts et al), Costco for our wine, and if I want something really special, I head over to Co-op Liquor or Sobeys/Safeway, which both have a great selection of craft beer. I should mention that this is only in our little community of Leduc (pop, 34,000+ approx). There is a fantastic little shop in Edmonton (20 minutes away) called Keg and Cork, which has a great selection of craft and import beers and is the go-to place for whiskey (whisky).

Our local Costco is the largest location in the Edmonton region, which now has seven Costco Warehouses and is also the largest in western Canada at 154,000 square feet. All of that being said, the wines that we have available at our Costco are fabulous. So without further adieu, here are some of these tasty wines we have tried.

One of the first we tried even before moving here was their Kirkland brand Prosecco. HOLY CRAP.  We like this even more than Champagne. The Kirkland Prosecco Asolo DOCG is produced in a bone dry style, which is probably why we like it. In the words of wine guru Robert Parker, there are ‘cascading gobs’ of tropical/orchard fruit with vibrant crisp acidity balancing the palate. At a ridiculous price of $10.99, this is one (of many) of our house wines. It could be said that a Kirkland Prosecco is opened every night at Casa Martini.Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco

While I cannot drink Prosecco all the time, I need some vibrant reds and whites. One of the first Costco wines we latched onto is their 2016 Kirkland Sonoma Vineyard Zinfandel ($17.99). Sourced from 40+ year old vines, this is the perfect foil for bbq’d ribs. Loads of clove, white pepper, blueberry and blackberry jam aromas that lead into a mouthful of fruity blackberry, licorice, cedar and sweet spice. With the addition of little Petite Syrah,which gives it the characteristic supple tannins and concentrated fruit flavours, the wine displays more heft while maintaining an appealing, easy-drinking quality.  A better than average, easy-sipping barbecue red at a fair price.

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This is my go-to red when I want something cheap and cheerful. On the back of the label of 2017 Kirkland Malbec ($11.99), the winemaker is listed as Sergio Case, whom Google will tell you is the head winemaker at Trapiche, so it’s pretty clear where this wine comes from. Absolutely incredible, intense with aromas of smoked meat (think pastrami), loads of juicy, spicy blackberry, cassis, dried black olives, anise and leather. The palate is soft and velvety with black raspberries, black currant, crushed berries, cocoa and grilled meat, with medium to full-bodied with silky smooth acidity and medium tannin. 

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I love Sauvignon Blanc but a lot of New Zealand Sauv Blanc is quite mediocre. However, the 2018 Oyster Bay ($12) is stunning. Loaded with fresh aromas of kiwi, gooseberry, grapefruit, pineapple and green apple with hints of peaches, lime and melon. The crisp, racy acidity on the delicious, mouth-watering, finish makes this the perfect match with oysters, steamed mussels, shrimps, prawns, crab or lobster, most fish courses and salads.

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The 2016 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel ($23) scored 93/100 points by the Wine Spectator and they said…”Plump and loaded with rich, jammy fruit, this Zinfandel is a pleasure to drink. Bold accents of wild berry, spicy cinnamon and licorice glide dynamically toward plush tannins. Drink now through 2025.”2016-seghesio-sonoma-zinfandel.png

I find aromas of clove, white pepper, blueberry and blackberry jam that leads into a mouthful of fruity blackberry, licorice, cedar and sweet spice. With the addition of little Petite Syrah, which gives it the characteristic supple tannins and concentrated fruit flavours, the wine displays more heft while maintaining an balanced firm mid-palate and a long finish. A better than average, barbecue red at a fair price.

I wish I had bought more of this. I love Rhone wines and feel that they offer some of the best value from the ‘Old World’ and the 2017 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages ($12) is a great example of this. Showcasing a deep ruby/purple colour, the intense black raspberry, cherry, cassis and kirsch liqueur-like fruit is followed by gorgeous aromas of licorice, smoke, incense, leather and a hint of new oak. The texture on the palate is pure hedonism with its full-bodied character of black and red fruit, herbs, incense, and spice. This wine literally tastes more like a Cru Rhone ($30+ per bottle) than a Cotes du Rhone. The finish is full-bodied, and opulent with soft, velvety acidity and very firm tannins, which is in keeping with this top-notch vintage. Cellar and drink this marvellous wine over the next decade.kirkland-signature-cotes-du-rhone-villages-e1572727264134.pngThere will be more Costco reviews as we consume the ones we have. There are just the two of us so it may take some time.

In Vino Veritas

 

 

 

 

 

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San Felice Chianti Classico 2016

Posted on July 4, 2019 by FirstPressings

We had bought this wine at our local Costco Liquor based on my previous experience with the amazing wines from San Felice. And when I saw the price ($11.99 here in Alberta) being offered, I was blown away.

Anyway, as with all Chianti Classico wines, this is a DOCG wine and as such, must show unique characteristics. Simply said, it is not enough to be produced within the Chianti region to be called a “Classico”. In fact, Classico wine has to follow specific rules, which state that the production must be a minimum of 80% Sangiovese, the typical red variety of the region. Along with the Sangiovese, other red grapes of the area can be used in a maximum percentage of 20%. These grapes include natives like Canaiolo, Colorino or Pugnitello as well as “international” varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all recommended and/or authorized for the production zone.san-felice-chianti-classico

The 2016 San Felice Chianti Classico is produced from 80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino and 10% Pugnitello. The grapes were fermented on the skins (to extract colour) for 8-10 days, followed by malolactic fermentation, which softens the acids. Aging in large Slavonian oak casks for 10-12 months adds the extra complexity, followed by 2 months in bottle to allow the wine to settle.

Incredible ruby red colour on this wine, aromas of raspberry, cherry, lightly toasted oak, cappuccino, leather, graphite and vanilla, this is a rich wine. Full-bodied, with silky acidity and young, aggressive tannins and a long, long finish, this is a real beauty. Those aggressive tannins will soften but it is going to take some time. Fantastic to enjoy now but I would decant this and let it breathe for 2-3 hours. Cellar for a couple of years and enjoy over the next 10+ years. $12 at the Costco Wine Shop in Leduc.

I should mention that this wine wine has been rated 91-94/100 points by various publications. It was also rated #19 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2018

 

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New CedarCreek Releases

Posted on July 3, 2019 by FirstPressings

One of the oldest wineries in BC, CedarCreek was founded in 1986 when former Senator Ross Fitzpatrick bought the old Uniacke winery, which was one of the ‘original eight’ estate wineries of BC.  Now owned by von Mandl Estates, CedarCreek is able to draw from over 1100 acres of vines from different areas of the Okanagan Valley. The very special vineyard site is however the 50 acres around the winery in East Kelowna, where some of the vines are maturing into 20, 25, even 30 years old. Vines planted here are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling, all cool weather vines.

After numerous years of traditional farming, the new approach is 100% organic.  The transition to organic started in 2016 and takes a few years of hard work as no pesticides are allowed during transition so only natural methods are used. One of those methods was the introduction of honey bee hives to the Home Block Vineyard. While grape vines are self-pollinating, the bees help with the promotion of wild flowers, beneficial plants (such as crimson clover and mustard), and insects. An added feature was the salvation of the 2018 Pinot Noir.

As the harvest dates for the Pinot Noir approached, they were hit with a lot of rain. This can be devastating for Pinot Noir as the skins is extremely delicate and can split, resulting in infection and reduced quality. And this did happen with the Pinot Noir. However, something miraculous happened that they had never seen before. The fruit was covered in honey bees, thousands of them, and they were methodically cleaning the fruit which had been split, gorging on the sweet grape juice from the skins. It was a quick sugar fix for the bees but it greatly reduced the chance of infection and rot. As vineyard manager Kurt Simcic said to winemaker Taylor Whelan, “Bees, mate… they’re good like that.”

This is just one example of  putting your trust in Mother Nature. With the completion of transition to organic at the end of the 2019 harvest, all 1100 acres will be on-line as 100% organic. No easy task but the rewards can be tremendous.CedarCreek 2018 RieslingA fantastic patio wine, the 2018 Estate Riesling is a classic Kabinett style; low alcohol, fresh fruit driven. Fermented in french oak (only 8%), small stainless steel barrels, and stainless steel tanks. A spectacular wine, the 20.6 g/l of sugar is balanced by 10.7 g/l of clean, refreshing acidity. Crisp and clean with fresh aromas and flavours of apple, peach, poached pear, lemon-lime and honey with a hint of a slate minerality.  A perfect wine to pair with light seafood, chicken, veal or spicy dishes. $19 at the winery. 1615 cases produced in total.CedarCreek 2018 Estate RoséA new wine for CedarCreek, the 2018 Estate Rose is 100% stainless steel fermented to allow for a fresh, crisp finished wine. Specifically grown to produce their rose, it is picked earlier than the regular Pinot Noir. This earlier picking results in more finesse, elegance and lower alcohol in the wine. A beautiful salmon colour, loads of  rich maraschino cherry, strawberry, raspberry aromas with subtle hints of pineapple, pink grapefruit and spicy ginger, the palate is crisp with just a suggestion of sweetness to it.  Very clean and crisp on the finish, this is best served well chilled  with simple appetizers and maybe a BBQ’d ham. $19 at the winery. 870 cases produced. Awarded ‘Best of Rose’, 2019 Spring Okanagan Wine Festival.CedarCreek 2018 GewurztraminerAnother great patio wine, the 2018 Estate Gewürztraminer is thoroughly delicious. Look for hints of rose petal, lychee, peach and nectarine, honeysuckle with orange peel, green apple and citrus rind. The texture is full, rich and juicy due to extended lees contact. The orchard fruit flavour, honey, lychee and nutmeg spice finished elegant with a hint of sweetness and soft acidity. This has danger written all over it. Try with Indian curry, Thai or Sushi.  $19 at the winery. 1276 cases produced.CedarCreek 2018 Pinot GrisI have found that in the past, BC Pinot Gris tend to be rather bland or taste all the same. Few gravitate towards the Alsatian style. Well, look no further than the 2018 Pinot Gris. While a small percentage is fermented in French Oak barrels with the balance in stainless steel, you can hardly detect the oak component. Full and rich on the palate from a brief contact with the lees, look for rich intoxicating aromas of crisp green apple, pear, white peach, kiwi and citrus with a soft, velvety slight viscous texture. The palate is full of rich, juicy tropical and citrus fruit flavours with spicy white pepper and a crisp, citrus finish. A wine for any occasion that calls for white wine, although my favourite pairing is grilled salmon. $19 at the winery. 7496 cases produced.CedarCreek 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

BC seems to shine when Sauvignon Blanc is produced and the 2018 CedarCreek is a great example of this. 90% fermented in stainless steel with 10% in concrete tanks then aging for 3 months on the lees in stainless steel, this is a bone dry wine with refreshing acidity. This wine has the quintessential nose of passion fruit, grapefruit, gooseberry and pineapple with hints of kiwi, guava and melon. The razor sharp acidity on the palate compliments the rich juicy fruit flavours, excellent structure and balance right through to the clean, mouth-watering finish. A perfect match for goat cheese or a shellfish medley of oysters, clams, scallops, mussels, crab, shrimp.

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It is hard for us to like Chardonnay because alot seem to be unbalanced. Not this one. Reveals luscious hints of citrusy lime, pineapple, mango and papaya, the palate is rich and full with gobs of luscious tropical and orchard fruit, honeysuckle, creamery butter and crisp spicy acidity. The slight hint of nutmeg on the lush finish adds that little extra layer of complexity.  Wickedly good tasting Chard. $19 at the winery. 1391 cases produced.

 

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Summer Wines

Posted on May 29, 2019 by FirstPressings

Some new releases from Spearhead have crossed our desk and are showing up on store shelves, and considering the quality of the vintage they may not last long. So, make these your go-to wines this spring/summer.

First up is the Spearhead 2017 Gentleman Farmer Vineyard (GFV) Saddle Block Pinot Noir.  Produced from Pinot Noir clones 115, 777 and 828, the same ones that make up the Club Consensus Pinot, the wine is aged for 13 months in French oak (25% new) barrels.  A classic Pinot with its soft plum, cherry and strawberry aromas.  The palate is soft and juicy with a creamy mouthfeel and flavours of red fruits, leather and spice. We pairing this with grilled ribs and chicken and it was delicious. $33 at the winery and only 300 cases produced.

2017 SpearHead SaddleBlock Pinot Noir

The 2018 Pinot Noir Rose from Spearhead is also sourced from the Gentleman Farmer Vineyard (GFV). Skin contact lasts for 48 hours to extract colour and phenolics (flavour compounds) then fermented dry (5g/l). Deep salmon colour, aromas and flavours of bing cherry, strawberry and rhubarb, crisp, clean and refreshing. This has patio wine writing all over it. Superb with pasta salad, bbq’d salmon, rotisserie chicken or a charcuterie board. $22 at the winery. 500 cases produced. P. S., it is even better next day

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A stunning Pinot Gris, the 2018 Spearhead is sourced from the Golden Retreat Vineyard in Summerland. 10% of the pressed juice is fermented in 2 year old French oak with the balance in stainless steel tanks. There is some sur lie aging, which adds weight and fullness to the wine. One of the best we have tried from BC in quite awhile, there is an abundance of orchard and tropical fruit, slight hints of vanilla-oakiness but it was the fullness and richness that won us over. Quite dry with crisp acid, try with BBQ’d salmon, roast chicken, pastas with cream sauces, sauteed prawns. Outstanding price of $20 at the winery. 1500 cases produced.

2018 SpearHead Pinot Gris

I must confess I do not understand a white Pinot Noir. However, the 2018 Spearhead White Pinot Noir is quite tasty. Pressed instead of crushed to minimize skin contact, the juice is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. A bone dry wine (2g/l), the aroma and flavour are much like a Pinot Gris/Chardonnay. Loads of spiced apple, pear, honeydew melon, zesty notes of honey, orange and ginger, and super crisp acidity, try this with bbq’d salmon, pasta with sauteed mushrooms, a crab and avocado salad with lemon dressing. $25 at the winery. 500 cases produced.

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We are very fussy about our Chardonnay here having experienced way too many mediocre examples. but the 2018 Spearhead Clone 95 is delicious. This Chardonnay clone is from the renowned Cote d’Or region of Burgundy and produces superb, low-yielding fruit. Fermented bone dry and aged in French oak barrels (40% new) with partial M/L, it shows a stunning complexity of rich, full aromas of pineapple, Fuji apple, and buttery lees with a soft, hedonistic texture of rich tropical fruit, creamy, buttered apple, vanilla and a hint of toast. This is a classic Burgundian Chardonnay that calls out for lobster. Get some before it’s all gone!! Great cellaring potential; 5+ years. $30 at the winery. 550 cases produced and only 50 magnums available.

2017 SpearHead Chardonnay

That is all for now. Still have the Spearhead 2018 Riesling to try (maybe tomorrow with our bbq’d ribs) and the 2018 B.A. Late Harvest Riesling. I hate to try a B.A. Riesling so young as they can age for quite a while but duty calls. BTW, if you do not know what B.A. Riesling is, look it up or wait for the next post.

Also waiting in the wings are tasting notes on the newly released CedarCreek aromatic whites and a selection of wines purchased for our local Costco here in Alberta.

In Vino Veritas

 

 

 

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Spearhead Winery

Posted on April 1, 2019 by FirstPressings

I had recently received a package of new releases from Kelowna’s Spearhead Winery and have been neglectful in posting some tasting notes. So…without further ado, here are my humble impressions.2017 SpearHead Consensus

The 2017 Club Consensus Pinot Noir is a blend of three Dijon clones of Pinot Noir, 115, 777, and the 828, believed to be the famous DRC clone responsible for one of the most iconic Pinot Noir winery’s in the world. Technical notes are:

  • hand-harvested, de-stemmed and cold-soaked for 5-7 days before fermentation (total time on skins is 16-21 days)
  • 100% malo-lactic fermented and aged for 13 months in French oak barrels (25% new)

This is a bone-dry wine (2 g/l) with a heady alcohol content of 14%. Beautiful ruby red colour, robust aromas of dark plum, roasted tomato, raspberry, smoked cherry fruit with hints of tea, star anise, cranberry and black licorice. Smooth acidity and firm tannins, this is a wine that would benefit from pairing with food; rich meat/game dishes with mushroom-based sauces. I am leaning towards Beef Wellington. Cellar for a couple of years and decant for an hour. $25 + tax from the winery. Only 100 cases produced. Note: this is only available to Spearhead’s wine club members. Sign-up here.2017 SpearHead Golden Retreat

The 2017 Golden Retreat Vineyard Pinot Noir is sourced from the 115 and 667 Dijon clones. While the same technical notes apply here as with the Consensus, the 667 clone contributes another level of complexity. We opened and decanted this 2 hours ahead and it really benefited. Look for a deep ruby red colour, fragrant aroma of black cherry, raspberry, plum, and spicy, toasted oak. Firm tannins and a long crisp finish, cellar for about 5 years and enjoy over the next 5 years. $33 at the winery. 300 cases produced.

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The 2017 Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir is sourced from the 115 clone and produced the same way as the previous two. Softer acidity than the others, look for a velvety, silky-smooth texture, ripe raspberry, cherry and strawberry aromas with hints of sweet licorice, vanilla and new leather, flavours of red and black fruit, roses, violets, hints of vanilla balance a lush and rich texture. Firm tannins on the finish, cellar this for awhile; enjoy 2021-2025+. $33 at the winery. 200 cases produced.

I have another 3 wines to review from Spearhead. The 2017 Pinot Noir Cuvee, 2017 GFV Saddle Block and 2017 Clone 95 Chardonnay. Those will be posted in the coming weeks, hopefully.

 

 

 

 

 

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Vancouver Wine Festival Events

Posted on January 20, 2016 by FirstPressings

The 38th Annual Vancouver Wine festival starts next month on February 20th and this year the the spotlight is on Italy. Throughout the week, there will be events happeninVancouver Wine Festival logog all over Vancouver, from wine tastings, seminars, luncheons and gourmet dinners. This year will be my 30th year attending the festival in one capacity or another. Over the past 8 years, I have had the ability to attend as a media representative through my wine ramblings on a local news website, the AM 1150 radio station where I co-host a weekly wine/food show and through this blog. And as such, I am able to attend seminars, tasting and dinners that I would not normal go to. This year, I am hoping to attend one or two key events.

One of the key events I’m hoping to attend is the Tuscan Trailblazers tasting. Hosted by Tony Gismondi, columnist for The Vancouver Sun, WineAlign, and gismondionwine.com, Tignanello bottlesthis spectacular tasting will be showcasing the Super-Tuscan wines of the AGuado Al tasso bottlentinori family, Tignanello from 6 different vintages along with their Guado al Tasso from 2003-2006 . The legendary Antinori family have been making wine since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori enrolled in the Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri, the Wine Guild of the city of Florence. These wines are some of the most sought-after in the world.  

AnotheFrancesco Ricasolir seminar is 1000 Years in Tuscany. Billed as “A landmark tasting featuring the 2nd oldest winery in the world, Barone Ricasoli”, this exceptional tasting will be led by the current Barone, Francesco Ricasoli, 32nd Baron of Brolio. Considered by the Italian Wine Industry to be the inventors of the original Chianti wine, the Ricasoli’s are the largest landowners in Tuscany. This tasting will showcase the very best that Tuscany has to offer with a few single-vineyard Chianti Classico’s dating back to 1997, one of the best Chianti vintages in over 40 years. 

Ticket sales are, as usual, very brisk so if you are considering attend the festival, it is probably best if you do not delay in purchasing your tickets. Info on ticket sales can be found here.

 

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Vancouver International Wine Festival

Posted on January 14, 2016 by FirstPressings

The 38th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival pours into Vancouver on February 20th and runs until February 28th, 2016. This is North America’s foremost wine event Vancouver Wine Festival logofeaturing 156 wineries from 14 countries pouring almost 1500 wines. Chose from 55 events at 28 different venues throughout Vancouver. In total, the projected audience is 25,000. As with every year, there is a regional theme and this year the spotlight is on Italy.

Original conceived as a fund raising venture for the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company in 1979, the first year featured only one winery and winemaker, Robert Mondavi and saw approximately 1,000 people attend a two day event at Hycroft House, a Shaughnessy mansion owned by Vancouver’s University Women’s Club.

In the second year, it was again a one-winery festival but by the fourth year, the festival had grown to 45 wineries, all from California and by the ninth year had enlarged to include wineries from six other countries.

Since its inception, the festival had raised over $8.5 million for the performing arts, which made it possible for the Playhouse to produce their theatrical productions and to create educational and community outreach programs. In 2011, the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction raised over $250,000 alone.

However, in 2012 the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company announced that the Company would come to an end after 49 years. In September, The Bard on the Beach Theatre Society was announced as the charity. Since 2013, the festival has raised more than $400,000 for The Bard on the Beach Theatre Society.

Today the festival draws some of the biggest names in the international wine industry from around the world and is recognized as North America’s, if not the world’s premier wine event.

Throughout the week, there will be events happening all over Vancouver, from wine tastings, gourmet dinners, luncheons, the Gala Dinner and Auction, educational seminars and culinary competitions to the crown jewel of the Playhouse Festival, the International Festival Tasting room.

Definitely the highlight of the festival for the novice or serious wine taster, the International Wine Festival Tasting room (February 25th, 26th and 27th) at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre is a massive tasting event where over 700 wines will be poured and one will have the rare opportunity to meet the owners, winemakers, and senior representatives from wineries from around the world. You never know if you will run into members of the Rothschild family and it is a chance to taste some of rarest and greatest wines on the planet. If you attend only one event at the festival, make it this one.

As with any wine tasting of this magnitude, a little planning can go a long way in enhancing your Festival experience. Here are a few key things to remember while attended the festival.

  • Have dinner before attending. There is the usual supply of bread, cheese, and maybe some sausage but this will not counter the effects of any alcohol consumption.
  • It is a wise suggestion to spit the wine after tasting it. You may be tempted to consume your money’s worth but this is not recommended. Start practicing now with water and by the time the festival rolls around people will think you are a pro. Plus, you will be able to taste more and stay on your feet longer.
  • It is a good idea to wear darker coloured clothes. Wine and especially red wine, seems to be attracted to light coloured clothes and with all the jostling and spitting going on, you might find yourself taking home wine you do not want.
  • Do not wear aftershave, perfume, or any scented body lotions as this interferes with other taster’s sensory abilities.
  • Have a game plan before you attend. The tasting room can be quite overwhelming so it is best to prepare ahead of time what you want to taste, whether it is all Chardonnay or Riesling or Cabernet. Try tasting whites before reds, lighter wines before heavier ones and save the ports and dessert wines for the end.

Veterans of the Festival know that the highly coveted events may sell out quickly. Ticket sales will be very robust so it’s best to purchase early. A PDF of the festival brochure can be downloaded here and brochures are also available at signature BC Liquor Stores and selected private stores. Tickets can also be purchased on-line here or by phone at 1-604-873-3311. For more info, go to vanwinefest.ca.

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Wines of the Southern Rhone

Posted on January 23, 2013 by FirstPressings

Of all the wine regions of the world, none has benefited from such a string of successful vintages as the Southern Rhone valley.  With the exception of the disastrous 2002 and the mediocre 2008 vintage, this marvellous viticultural area has enjoyed a stretch of outstanding to extraordinary vintages from 1998 to 2009 with 2010 looking to be one of the top vintages in over 30 years.

This vast ancient region, which stretches from the town of Montélimar south to Avignon, Southern Rhone mapproduces some of the most spectacular wines in the world some meant for immediate enjoyment, others for long term cellaring.  It is one of the largest AOC appellations in France, in terms of surface area and production levels, second only to Bordeaux.

Viticulture started in the Rhone around 125 BC with the arrival of the Romans.  To supplement the soldier’s wages, they were partially paid with wine and when they retired, they were given land for agriculture.  Grape growing and the production of wine was a natural consequence of Roman conquests.

The region has enjoyed a resurgence in quality and reputation over the 15 years mainly because of vastly improved viticultural and vinification techniques.  The wines are usually blended, with each grape variety contributing its own individual characteristics.  Compared to the other great wine producing areas of France such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, the wines produced are relatively inexpensive.

Grenache is the main grape of the area for red wines comprising at least 40% of the mix and forms the basis of the wines, giving fruitiness, warmth and body.  Syrah and Mourvèdre add spice, colour and strength to the wine, allowing it to age well.

Some are ready to drink soon after bottling, displaying a shiny ruby red/purple colour with aromas of warm blackberry and cherry fruits, scents of dried herbs such as lavender, juniper, bay leaf, fennel, rosemary, sage and thyme that are often used in the cooking.  The palate is in most cases ripe with an almost sweet black fruit character with dried herbs and a not unattractive earthiness.  The better examples often offer a supple, velvety texture on the palate along with a spicy, peppery kick on the finish.

White wines also tend to be the result of blending several grapes, such as Bourboulenc, Grenache white, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette and sometimes Viognier.  These varieties make aromatic, full-bodied wines, some of which can age very well.

This week we take a look at a few wines from different areas within thImageis vast region.

The best-known appellation in the southern Rhone Valley is the massive Côtes du Rhône, which covers 171 communes (villages).  This huge area (almost 104,000 acres) makes up 90% of the entire production of the region with 95% of that being red wine.   The wines made in the communes offer a great variety of styles and are of an extremely high quality.

The 2009 Laudun-Chusclan Les Costes Cotes du Rhone ($17) has lots of rich juicy cassis, blackberry, plum and cherry flavours with black olive, licorice, vanilla, caramel, hints of dried herbs and earth that blend in nicely with the kirsch-influenced Grenache notes.  The finish is lush with soft acidity and very firm although not aggressive tannins.  Excellent to enjoy now, this wine will benefit with another 6-12 months of aging and can be cellared for 5 years.

HOLY SMOKES.  Rarely do I see such concentration in a wine at this price.  The 2010 Domaine de la Bastide Cotes du Rhone “Les Figues” ($23) has an intensity that is usually reserved for wines in the $30+ range.  A deep, blood-red/purple colour endorses aromas of grilled sausage, lavender, sage, roasted fennel, blackberry, red currant, cherry, figs and plum with hints of milk chocolate, saddle leather, dried mushrooms and baked earth.  A thoroughly complex wine, the palate is super silky-smooth with lots of aromatic flavour, luxuriously soft acidity and medium-full tannin that is not aggressive but well integrated. Here’s a wine that could grace the dinner table tonight with a succulent roast lamb or reward with the patience only by aging in the cellar for another 4-6 years.

I would certainly be remiss if I did not mention Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  The area around Orange and Avignon is home to this spectacular wine, by far the most well-known of all the southern Rhone wines.  The area takes its name from the small village, which was the summer home of the Avignon Popes during the 14thC.  One of the secrets of this outstanding area is the amazingly stony ground, the large round stones, called “les Galets” which act as heat storage, soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine during the day and releasing the heat at night.

An excellent example of the wines from this prestigious region, the 2007 Saint Prefert Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($66) is a blend of is a blend of 80% Grenache and 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre.  Loaded with fragrant aromas of sweet raspberry, kirsch, strawberries, spice box, leather and smoke, the palate is well structured with its rich flavours of black and red fruits, spice, garrigue, soft acidity and firm tannins.  Fantastic to enjoy now for the sheer power of it but will reward with 10-12 years of further cellaring.

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35th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival

Posted on January 9, 2013 by FirstPressings

The 35th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival pours into Vancouver onVancouver Wine Festival logo February 25th and runs until March 3th, 2013.  This is North America’s premier wine event featuring 176 wineries from 15 countries pouring 1,850 wines at 55 events to a projected audience of 25,000.  As with every year, there is a regional theme and this year the spotlight is on California with a global varietal focus on Chardonnay.

Original conceived as a fund raising venture for the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company in 1979, the first year featured only one winery and winemaker, Robert Mondavi and saw approximately 1,000 people attend a two day event at Hycroft House, a Shaughnessy mansion owned by Vancouver’s University Women’s Club.

In the second year, it was again a one-winery festival but by the fourth year, the festival had grown to 45 wineries, all from California and by the ninth year had enlarged to include wineries from six other countries.

Since its inception, the festival had raised over $7 million for the Playhouse, which made it possible for the Playhouse to produce their theatrical productions and to create educational and community outreach programs.  Last year, the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction raised over $250,000 alone.

However, last year the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company announced that the Company would come to an end after 49 years.  In September, The Bard on the Beach Theatre Society was announced as the charity.

Today the festival draws some of the biggest names in the international wine industry from around the world and is recognized as North America’s, if not the world’s premier wine event.

Throughout the week, there will be events happening all over Vancouver, from wine tastings, gourmet dinners, luncheons, the Gala Dinner and Auction, educational seminars and culinary competitions to the crown jewel of the Playhouse Festival, the International Festival Tasting room.

Definitely the highlight of the festival for the novice or serious wine taster, the International Wine Festival Tasting room (February 28, March 1 and 2) at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre is a massive tasting event where almost 800 wines will be poured and one will have the rare opportunity to meet the owners, winemakers, and senior representatives from wineries from around the world.  You never know if you will run into the Baroness Rothschild or one of the members of the Gallo family and it is a chance to taste some of rarest and greatest wines on the planet.  If you attend only one event at the festival, make it this one.

As with any wine tasting of this magnitude, a little planning can go a long way in enhancing your Festival experience.  Here are a few key things to remember while attended the festival.

  • Have dinner before attending.  There is the usual supply of bread, cheese, and maybe some sausage but this will not counter the effects of any alcohol consumption.
  • It is a wise suggestion to spit the wine after tasting it.  You may be tempted to consume your money’s worth but this is not recommended.  Start practicing now with water and by the time the festival rolls around people will think you are a pro.  Plus, you will be able to taste more and stay on your feet longer.
  • It is a good idea to wear darker coloured clothes.  Wine and especially red wine, seems to be attracted to light coloured clothes and with all the jostling and spitting going on, you might find yourself taking home wine you do not want.
    Do not wear aftershave, perfume, or any scented body lotions as this interferes with other taster’s sensory abilities.
  • Have a game plan before you attend.  The tasting room can be quite overwhelming so it is best to prepare ahead of time what you want to taste, whether it is all Chardonnay or Riesling or Cabernet.  Try tasting whites before reds, lighter wines before heavier ones and save the ports and dessert wines for the end.

Veterans of the Festival know that the highly coveted events may sell out quickly.  Ticket sales will be very robust so it’s best to purchase early.  A PDF of the festival brochure can be downloaded here and brochures are also available at signature BC Liquor Stores and selected private stores. Tickets can also be purchased on-line here or by phone at 1-877-321-3121 or 604-873-3311.

Weekend Wine Picks:

Always a BC favourite, the 2011 Quails Gate Gewurztraminer does not disappoint.  This is one of the best from Quails’ Gate that I have tasted in years.  With heady aromas of grapefruit, pineapple, lychee nut and rose petal on the nose, the texture on the palate is almost liqueur-like because of the viscosity.  The flavours are loaded with vibrant tropical and orchard fruit, hints of lychee, orange blossom and a great whack of spicy acidity on the finish.  Very little is available for retail stores so grab some before it is all gone.  This vintage can actually age for another 3-4 years.  Try it – you’ll like it.

The 2009 Kettle Valley ‘Old Main Red’ is a classic left bank, Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with a small amount of Petit Verdot and Malbec. A stunning display of rich, juicy blackberry, plum, and cassis fruit followed by spicy licorice, vanilla, and toast, the palate is superb with its black fruit character, spicy French oak (20 months), soft acidity, and a good grip of tannin. This wine is still in its infancy and will age for another decade at least. Buy it now and leave it alone for 6-12 months.

The 2011 Desert Hills Gamay is not your average Gamay.  The gang at Desert Hills on the Black Sage Road have taken this grape to the next level, producing a lush, concentrated wine, with intense aromas of ripe black cherry, black raspberry, cassis, vanilla, cedar, sweet licorice with clove and black pepper spice.  The texture on the palate is soft, round and supple with spicy clove, roasted meat, black cherry with coffee and chocolate flavours.  One of the best Gamay’s in the valley.

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