An Eclectic Bunch of Wines to try...Feb 9th, 2009

Good Evening Folks...

I hope you have all had a great weekend...

Some of today's picks are a little different. The Cab from Israel and the white from Portugal come to mind, so have fun.

On another note, I read with interest the Gismondi on Wine article in Saturday morning's paper. Research released by the French wine fair VinExpo, and its UK research partner the IWSR indicates the Canadian wine market is growing three times faster than the world market, in terms of retail sales. The report entitled Current Trends in the International Wine and Spirits Market and Outlook to 2012 was released last week by VinExpo officials. I am not going to let on that it is this wine email that has made the difference...At last count the over 265 subscribers are enjoying high quality wine at very reasonable prices...and it is showing in Canadian wine sales...

Please see additional comments in the Remarks section under each label...

Gail Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Upper Galilee, Galilee, Israel

Price: $18

UPC 00736040014270

Score: 87/100

Remarks: 'Round, supple, forward style with cassis, plums and olive flavours'. We had this at a friends dinner party just before Christmas. Roast chicken was the main course and it went well with that and was enjoyed by all who had a chance to taste it. This would be a real head turner at your next dinner invitation.

Quintay Cava Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile

Price: $15

UPC 07804613410019

Score: 88/100

Remarks: 'Grapefruit rind, mineral, passion fruit aromas with a touch of lemon'. A delicious Sauvignon Blanc. Great for fish dishes, chicken, grilled vegetable salads, or just on its own. Under screw-cap it stays fresh all year long and offers terrific value.

Jean Bousquet Malbec (Organic Grapes) 2007, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina

Price: $17

UPC 0879716000013

Score: 88/100

Remarks: 'Black cherry, savoury, liquorice, mineral, mocha flavours. Fine value.' An organically grown Malbec. We had friends over for dinner prior to Christmas, and they had this and another bottle hidden inside paper bags...I had to guess what the wines were. I got as far as a Malbec...but that was it. The other was homemade...Anyway I digress, the wine was fabulous...

Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc Five Vineyards 2007, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Price: $14

UPC 00776545988935

Score: 88/100

Remarks: 'Fresh and clean and zippy with bits of kiwi fruit, pear and gooseberry.' A fantastic local Sauvignon Blanc, with good acidity. Acidity is what makes your mouth water, and gives the wine the fresh, clean zesty taste. Excellent as a pre-dinner drink, but also think, white meats, white sauces and white fish. At $14 this is a steal...

Gatao Vinho Verde N/V, Northern Portugal

Price $11.00

UPC 05601129032115

Score 86/100

Remarks: 'Delicate, easy-sipping, apéritif white. Good value'. Ellen and I really enjoyed this light, slightly fizzy, low alcohol (9%) before dinner wine. We had it with crackers and cheese, but it is delicious on its own. It has super green apple and citrus flavours. We served at a party at the girls house in Nanaimo last week and it was a big hit with all who tried it...

Remember, if you have folks that you would like me to add to the list, just send me their name and email address.

Conversely, if you would like to be taken off the list just send me a note back.

Fond Regards, and Enjoy...

Keith