Greetings everyone,
I really hope this note finds you well and looking forward to the long weekend. As usual, I have a number of great selections for you to try...a few of them are from the co-hosts of the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival, Argentina and New Zealand. At the bottom, I have explained my rationale for the wines I select for you to try. A reminder to my BC readers, that most of my suggestions are available in Government Liquor Stores. If a selection is only available at a private wine shop, I include the name and location.
Trivento Amado Sur Malbec Bonarda Syrah2007, Argentina
Dona Paula Estate Malbec 2008, Mendoza, ArgentinaPrice: $22
UPC: 00836950000056
Score: 90/100
Remarks: 'The palate is round and fresh with a mix of chocolate, vanilla, dried herbs, black cherry, plum and flecks of orange flavours with a pinch of poultry spice'. We had this on my birthday dinner with Tim and Pat, along with BBQ steak, roast vegetables, rice, and a salad...delicious. Readily available.
Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2008, New Zealand
Price: $25
UPC:9419663017996
Score: 89/100
Remarks: 'The palate is dry round and elegant with supple tannins. The flavours are a mix of tobacco leaf, caraway, cherry, orange peel and strawberry flavours, with a touch of tea leaf. Fine finesse in a Pinot Noir'. We had this the other night with Kelsey and Monica who made a delicious prawn pizza, with all sorts of trimmings for a combined birthday, Mothers Day dinner. Fantastic Pinot, even if it is over my threshold price...highly recommended, and appears to available in the larger LCB stores...
No. 8 Wire Sauvignon Blanc 2009, New ZealandPrice: $17
UPC: 00621926300014
Score: 88/100
Remarks: 'Ripe passion fruit, melon, gooseberry and kiwi aromas. The finish is juicy with smoky citrus highlights. As for the No. 8 wire...it is a reference to the gauge of the wire used to tie the vines to the trellis in the vineyard'. Delicious with sushi, chicken or all on its own as an aperitif.
Lulu B Chardonnay 2007, France
Price: $13
UPC:604174001704
Score: 86/100
Remarks: 'Good value and sealed under a screw cap'. Just passed the test of my local Chardonnay critic. It is a fresh, clean Chardonnay, that is stainless steel fermented resulting in peachy scents with honey and citrus butter streak its creamy finish.
Odds' n' Ends
Wine Recommendation Rationale:
- I need to have tasted the wine personally, and even better if I have been able to share it with family or friends at dinner or a gathering, to get further input to the taste and value.
- I rely heavily on Anthony Gismondi's tasting notes and his picks of the week in the Vancouver Sun each Saturday.
- For the most part the wine needs to have scored 87 points out of a hundred or more (by AG). If it is the Wine Guys (from the Vancouver Province)doing the review, I aim for a B+ or an A- as a minimum. When I say the most part...I have suggested wines that scores 85 points if it is in the $10 to $13 range.
- Price is also a factor...I am looking for a good score and interesting flavours at a reasonable price...a $10 wine that scores 85 may be a better buy than one that scores 86 and is $17. I usually recommend wines that are under under $20...Having said that, if there is one that is 90+ points that is over the $20 range, I may give it a try and pass it on...but don't tell the better half.
- I often look for recommended wines in LCB locations other than Vancouver to get a sense of its availability...this of course is not fool-proof.
- I like to send a picture of the label with the UPC code to help facilitate easy finding.
- And of course, I do have some favourite grapes and blends...Zin, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay for Ellen, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer etc...
Keith Rush
http://winerush.blogspot.com/
