Recent tastings...just in time for Christmas (Dec 12th, 2008)

Christmas Greetings Everyone...

A number of selections here for you to have a look at. All of them will serve you well over the Christmas season. I have added some additional wine suggestions in the remarks section under each wine. I have not tried all of those...but have them there on good authority.

Be sure to shop early as I find the selection gets a little thin as we get closer to Christmas week...

I have posted my most recent wine picks on my facebook page and have started a blog site, which you can find it at www.winerush.blogspot.com

Now on to the wines...

WINGNUT ZINFANDEL 2006, CALIFORNIA

Price: $19 Available at Everything Wine...

UPC: 894509005105

Score: 88/100 (for the '05 vintage)

Remarks: Good solid fruity earthy Zin for the money and well-balanced. We had this the other weekend with friends from the Difference Engine. As a pre-dinner aperitif with with crackers and strong cheese...it was delicious.

A couple of other zinfandel suggestions: Painter Bridge (about $14); Shenandoah an organic wine (about $20); Cline (about $20); 7 Deadly Zins (about $27), all from California, and all readily available in BC.

Some other red varietals that may interest you: Santa Rita Reserva Pinot Noir, from Chile ($15); perfect for your Christmas Turkey, Finca Los Primos Malbec from Argentina ($10); LoTengo Malbec from Argentina ($14); Jean Bousquet Malbec (organic grapes) from Argentina ($17); Espelt Saulo Garnacha from Spain ($15).

BLUE NUN RIESLING 2007, RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY

Price: $11

UPC: 4022025390030

Score: 87/100 and 89/100 from Wine Access

Remarks: Perfect for take-out Thai or Chinese. This is a category champion from the recent Wine Access Magazine's International Value Wine Awards. 'This wine has terrific varietal character and the Germanic hallmark of precisely balanced fruity ac

idity. Expressive lemon-lime and peach fruit punctuated by jazzy acid for a cleansing finish, this Riesling punches well above its weight'. A delicious pre-dinner wine.

Some other suggestions in this type of wine: Cono Sur Gewürztraminer from Chile ($11); Villa Maria Riesling from New Zealand($16); Cedar Creek Gewürztraminer from BC, ($18). Some other cool aromatic whites that may interest you; Castillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc (Castle of the Devil), from Chile ($13); Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva from Chile ($12); Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc Five Vineyards from BC, ($16).

ANAKENA VIOGNIER 2007, CHILE
Price: $15.95

UPC: 07809539100006
Score: 88/100 (for the '06 vintage)
'This is quintessential cool-climate New World Viognier from Chile’s Rapel Valley. Love the ginger melon mineral nose, the dry palate with mineral honey pink grapefruit notes and the general vibrancy of this wine'. We had this the other night with friends...it paired deliciously with BBQ pork. We also had this last year with our Christmas turkey and it was fabulous. A couple of other Viognier's for you to look for: Yalumba Y Series from Australia ($18), Clay Station from California ($20), Cono Sur Limited Reserve from Chile ($11).

J. LOHR SEVEN OAKS CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2006

Price: $23.00 over my limit...but what the heck

UPC: 089121288122

Score: 88/100 (for the '05 vintage) 88/100 for the '06 vintage from wine access

Remarks: This one is for Randy...who has been known to ask why I never review cabs. This is also a category champion from the wine access awards. 'With beautifully designed fruity aromas on the nose, devoid of either over-maturity or herbaceous notes on the palette, this generous and fleshy wine offers plenty of red fruits wrapped with an elegant touch of oak. Harmonious yet well structured, you can drink it now or easily hold 3 to 4 years'. We had this the other night with one of my brothers and family with beef bourguignon...delicious.

Some other cabs you may want to check out this holiday season are: Galil Mountain from Israel ($18); Finca Los Primos from Argentina ($10); Columbia Crest from Washington State ($16) and Jean Bousquet from Argentina ($16).

WENTE MORNING FOG CHARDONNAY 2005, CALIFORNIA

Price: $18

UPC: 00089636190002

Score: 88/100

Remarks: 'Morning Fog is a good example of the new California chardonnay. It has all the ripeness, honey and spicy tropical fruit notes but with much better acidity and verve. The flavours are fresh and clean with a nutty citrus green apple finish. An affordable fun white wine that will have broad appeal'. We have enjoyed this Chardonnay often, most recently at one of our nieces 21st birthday party.

A few others to complete your list: Castillero del Diablo (Castle of the Devil), which an in house favourite, from Chile ($13); Cono Sur also from Chile ($14.50); and east across the Andes is Alamos Chardonnay from Argentina ($15).

Merry Christmas to all of you and Best Wishes for the New Year...

Keith