I wanted to get this out to you during this spell of unbelievably great weather. I hope that you are able to find a way to cool off. Fortunately, Ellen and I are at Thetis, and have the ocean right out front. So...if ever there was a time and a need for a refreshing wine to sip on the patio or deck, it is now. All the wines have been taste tested and represent some really good value. Enjoy.
THE WINERY OF GOOD HOPE CHENIN BLANC 2008, STELLENBOSCH, COASTAL REGION, SOUTH AFRICA
Price: $14
UPC: 00854954000216
Score: 88/100
Remarks: 'The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2008 made in Stellenbosch. It is old bush vines in the Helderberg area that are behind this delightfully fresh and juicy chenin grown on mineral based, decomposed-granite soils. There is no wood used here, but lees stirring keeps it all interesting. If pears, limes and bright acidity appeal to you for summer this is the wine to drink'. Fantastic wine, and the first Chenin Blanc that I have recommended, goes great as an aperitif and was delicious with BBQ'd chicken...
Chat-en-Oeuf Dry Rosé 2008, Cotes-du-Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Price: $14
UPC: 03430560001693
Score: 88/100
Remarks: 'Chat-en-Oeuf Dry Rosé 2008 is a blend of cinsault, grenache and syrah. From its appealing, super pale, eye-of-the-partridge colouring to its fabulously floral, fruity nose, this is as impressive as rosé gets for $14. Bracing citrus strawberry, red currant fruit flavours meld with a just a twist of lemon in the finish. Cool clean and food-friendly, this should work well with lobster but would really excel with local, fresh Dungeness crab. Drink all summer'. We had this with sushi, and it was perfect...
QUAILS' GATE ROSE 2008, OKANAGAN VALLEY
Price: $13
UPC: 778856108248
Score: 87/100
Remarks: 'A terrific pale pink colour with a bright fresh strawberry-rhubarb nose is the story of the Quails' Gate Rosé 2008, Okanagan Valley. The grape is gamay with a dash of pinot gris for extra fruit and lift. The palate is super-fresh and bone-dry. Crab, anyone? Well done'. We had this rosé one afternoon with friends, hanging out around the pool deck...It was surprisingly well received by all who tried it...unexpectedly dry, and went very well on its own.
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I also wanted to take the opportunity to give you all an update on our summer bikes trips...First off, thank you to all of you for your enthusiasm for this venture...it has been nothing short of humbling...
Although we have received a lot of interest in the trips, we have had very few bookings. In light of that, we have decided to consolidate our summer month trips to the one starting July 12th, and we will keep the September date open for the time being. The July trip will be a little different than originally planned...We will be doing the whole route, but with family and friends on a cost basis...If you would like to join us...give us a call.
Best Regards...
Keith
