Showing posts with label Wine Trade Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wine Trade Show. Show all posts
Hard Work!
Ok well not really, but yesterday was the big old IVSA tasting, and well its the biggest in the city with way to many wines to really taste, plus beer and hard liquor, which I try to avoid. Now with the IVSA I never take notes anymore because its so big and not worth it...Until well I wanted to tell someone about a wine I tried from Hawkes Bay, a Chardonnay well Since I did not write any notes down, I have no idea what the wine is.
So in a sense I did not to my job properly, but the real hard work came with the massive tasting, plus the fact that after that was the WSET class, and man trying to concentrate on those 6wines after your palate has been distroyed by wines, is really hard work.
So in Conclusion I need to drink more, er taste more.
Oh btw Had a 2007 Sancerre that smelled and tasted of Dill Pickle Chips a Fantastic Hungaria Sparkler for 12.99 Canadian [aprox 5$USD], some Over Oaked Chardonnays from Napa. Really lovely entry level Italian Stuff. A to finish the tasting off Forty Creek Canadian "Bourbon"/"Rye" more Bourbon-esque but really good
Have a good night~
Trade Tasting - Small Venue - PreOlympic
Asked one of the reps if this was a buy before the olympics, and if they plan on selling out of certain wines, we shall see its going to be one crazy gong show, but these wines were good
TRIALTO TRADE TASTING - Cibo Restaurant at the Moda Hotel [Vancouver, Canada] (1/6/2010)
Three Wine Agents Showing a Small Selection, getting ready for the Olympic Madness
Calibrium International
From the Portfolio of Calibrium International
- 2008 Sperling Vineyards Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
A: Peach, Floral, Giving off that Alsacian Richness
T: Med Acid, Round not what the nose was giving, it was Sur Leed so that would do that
Conc: The taste was a let down coming off the nose(87 pts.) - 2008 Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
A Typical NZ Sauv Blanc good, Greenness check, Zippyness check. All around what I would except from NZ and a good QPR(88 pts.) - 2008 Waterbrook Mélange Blanc - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
A: Floral, that Muscat Fruit is singing through
T: Off Dry, Good Floral Notes, Acid there my type of wine.
Conc: A Simple Summer Sipper tho I was enjoying it in the middle of Jan(88 pts.) - N.V. Pommery Champagne Brut Royal - France, Champagne
A: Mineral, Rich
T: Smoke Mineral, Fruit. Charcoal, oh yeah and great acidity
Conc: my type of Bubbly(92 pts.) - 2007 La Posta Malbec Angel Paulucci Vineyard - Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo
A: Light Meaty, Black Fruit, Rich
T: Coffee, Med Fruit Intensity, Good Acid(87 pts.) - 2008 Grant Burge Shiraz Barossa Vines - Australia, South Australia, Barossa
T: Intense Flavour Profile, A Typical Australian, Eucalyptus, Grape Candy(85 pts.) - 2008 Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico Superiore
A: Meaty, Sweet
T: Vanilla, Sour Cherry, Light Tannin
Conc: Easy Drinking can't go wrong with QPR(87 pts.) - 2007 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
Not sure if this was the 2007 or 2006
T: Sour Cherry, Good Tannins, Nice Acid(87 pts.) - 2004 Fontanafredda Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
A: Closed Aromatically
T: Cherry Cola, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Candy Cherry
Conc: Enjoyed this much drinking lovely now(88 pts.) - 2005 Brancaia Ilatraia Maremma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT
T: Silky Soft Tannins, Earthy, Good Black Currant
Conc: This was just rocking today, showing its best, I would drink it now(92 pts.) - 2005 Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata - Argentina, Mendoza
Big Fruit, Good Tasty, Delicious. Little Coffee on there
Conc: Good yes delicious yes, worth its price no...98pts RP well I do not agree(90 pts.)
Altovin International
From the Portfolio of Altovin International
- 2008 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard - New Zealand, North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough
A: Grassy Just a beautiful Nose really complex a nice ripe style of fruit I like 95pts
T: High Acid Med Intensiyt, the Flavour let me down on the palate compared to the nose good tho 90pts - 2007 Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley
FYI not a Chard fan.
A: Med intensity ( - ), Caramel decent not picking up tons of oak good job so far
T: Oak, Mineral,Ripe Fruit, Good acid
Conc: A typical for a warm climate Chardonnay that I have had over the pass and I don't like this style but people love it
If I scored this on my palate 85, but I think for most this is a 90pts easily - 2008 Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
My Wine of the Night
There is something that I love about Marlborough Fruit its awesome
A: Nice Cherry Fruit, Reminds me of other Tua Tua Bay 2008 same everything
T: Mineral, Spice, Fruit yummy
Conc: Could drink this all day(91 pts.) - 2007 Telmo Rodríguez Rioja LZ - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
A: Rubbery, Earth
T: Very Pleasurable on the Palate, just good gorgerous fruit
Conc: can't believe the price on this,(90 pts.) - 2006 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT - Italy, Veneto, Veronese IGT
Normall not a fan of the amarone Style Wines this wine is 30% dried out
A: Sweet Fruit [Amarone]
T: Good acid good ripe dark/red fruit really dry on the finish, fruit little earth
Conc: Solid wine I could drink this(91 pts.) - 2006 Marchesi Mazzei Chianti Classico Fonterutoli - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
T: Good tart fruit can taste that Sangiovese - 2007 Tenuta di Biserno Insoglio del Cinghiale Bibbona Maremma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT
T: Coffee, Soft Tannin, Dark/Red Fruit
Conc: I actually really enjoyed this especially the syrah it was really good(89 pts.) - 2006 Bodega Renacer Malbec Punto Final - Argentina, Mendoza
T: Good fruit, touch of rubber, brambly fruit, earth, sweet tannins(91 pts.) - 2006 Langmeil Three Gardens - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
A: Earth, Fruit
T: Aussie Style, Eculypse, Good fruit, Baking Spice, peppery?ginger?(87 pts.) - 2006 Greenstone Vineyard Shiraz - Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Heathcote
A: Minerally [My Grillbrick nose I get from Rhone all the time]
T: Med Body, Good acid, med tannins, lovely red fruit
Conc: Not what I was expecting from a Aussie Shiraz, this must be the stuff they keep in australia really good more Rhone then Aussie(91 pts.) - 2006 St. Francis Zinfandel Old Vines Sonoma County - USA, California, Sonoma County
A: Nice Nose, Big intensity, good big fruit but not a fruit bomb.
T: Good Candied Fruit [controlled], Spice, Licorice the really good expensive stuff, Sweet Blackstrap Molasses
Conc: This was good I mean this was a big wine I don't know if I could drink more then two glasses but it was pretty good(91 pts.) - 2006 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley
There was only one drop, literally in the decanter, I got to taste it and I could feel the tannins, decent fruit it seemed like a HUGE Wine
Liquid Art Find Wines
From the Portfolio of Liquid Art Find Wines
- N.V. Jean Milan Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut - France, Champagne, Oger, Champagne
A: yeasty, fruit
T: Good lemon peel, rich texture really feeling the Blanc de Blanc ripping acidity
Conc: Good way to start a meal(90 pts.) - N.V. H. Billiot Champagne Brut Reserve Grand Cru - France, Champagne, Ambonnay, Champagne
A: Closed Nose
T: Nice Red Fruit, Touch of Yesat(89 pts.) - 2008 Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Tribute Series - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
A: Richness, Oak is balanced!
T: Burnt Buttered Popcorn, Lemon Citrus
Conc: Not a Chard fan but I could drink this(90 pts.) - 2006 Domaine Latour-Giraud Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault 1er Cru
T: Nice Texture, Round, Med intensity, good acidity, lemon/apple(89 pts.) - 2007 Pyramid Valley Pinot Noir Eaton Family Vineyard - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough, Omaka Valley
Masculine Styled Wine
A: Has that Typical Marlborough fruit shinning through [91pts]
T: Rich, Creamy, Good Fruit
Conc: To me I think there was to much oak used and that is what is coming through(89 pts.) - 2007 J.L. Chave Sélection Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
This is why people love the 2007 vintage a great Cote-du-Rhone
A: Good Warm Fruit, Cherry Nibs
T: Cola, sasspraella[spice] soft tannins more cherry nibs
Conc: yeah this is good, its warm, grab that loved one and a fireplace and BOOM(90 pts.) - 2005 Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Cuvée Lopy - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras
Drinking Good now, No real notes(89 pts.) - 2006 Tua Rita Bolgheri Perlato del Bosco - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri
Sorry no notes, and Can't remember(90 pts.) - 2006 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
T: Touch of Ripe Green [the good kind], good fruit Black Currants, Big grippy tannins
Lovely WIne(91 pts.) - 2006 Feudo Maccari Maharis - Italy, Sicily
Earth, Chocolate, Red Fruit(90 pts.) - 2007 Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Malbec A Lisa - Argentina, Patagonia
Enjoyed this(90 pts.) - 2007 Tikal Patriota - Argentina, Mendoza
A: Low Intensity
T: Sweet Tannins, Ripe Cherry(89 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
Napa Tasting!
Went to a Napa Tasting Downtown, Very impressed, wish they had bread with the cheese pfft who doesn't serve bread with a cheese platter. Vinsanity...I know your reading and I know you work in Napa any of these wineries?
I must say after this event my Tongue was shot.... way to much Tannins but I did go to a tasting the next day [notes to come later]
TASTE NAPA VALLEY [VANCOUVER, CANADA] - Fairmont Hotel, Waterfront (10/29/2009)
Trade Tasting, Lots of Chardonnay were Over Oaked, but like one wine maker said thats what the American Palate likes and it sells. Not to me tho. Cabernet Sauvignon I found a lot better this year then last [maybe my palate] Felt like less Oak.
White Wines
- 2007 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chardonnay Karia - USA, California, Napa Valley
My style of Chard, Less Oak. More Leaner, Green apples, awesome Acidity. Get oak on the nose more then anything(90 pts.) - 2007 Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley
Oak on the Nose but on the Palate its Freshness, Clean Minerality Very Solid(90 pts.) - 2006 Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley
(84 pts.) - 2008 Miner Family Viognier Simpson Vineyard - USA, California, Central Valley, Madera
Really Liking this, Fresh Papaya Coming through, Nice Roundness big good for a nice heavy chicken dish(89 pts.) - 2007 Clos du Val Chardonnay Carneros - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
Oak Yes, In Control Yes.(88 pts.) - 2007 Pine Ridge Chardonnay Dijon Clones - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
Yes Lots of Oak. If you like this style then your type of wine(87 pts.)
Red Wines
- 2006 Blackbird Vineyards Contrarian - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll
This Compared to the Ullustration is Masculin, Dark, Earthy, Brooding, Spice Does have 30% Cab Franc and 30% Cab Sauv and rest Merlot(93 pts.) - 2006 Blackbird Vineyards Illustration - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll
Loved this wine, My Notes from the tasting were as followed "Beautiful" "Sexy" "Feminie" "Bright". Excellent Fruit, With Tobacco and Earth just Awesome(93 pts.) - 2006 Blackbird Vineyards Merlot Arise - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll
Pretty Nose, Soft Good Tannins, Approachable Soft Fruit.(90 pts.) - 2005 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
A Really Good Nose, good fruit Tobacco well made really nice. Tho I question the QPR.(92 pts.) - 2006 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
Sweet Tannins, Herbs Big Big Tannins(90 pts.) - 2006 Shafer Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley
(89 pts.) - 2006 Shafer Relentless - USA, California, Napa Valley
(90 pts.) - 2006 Truchard Pinot Noir - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
A: Raspberry, Pickles
T: Raspberry Coulis
Very Nice and for the Price Great(88 pts.) - 2005 Truchard Syrah - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
Smoke Meat, Good Nose, A Cool Climate Style I really enjoyed this wine. Was not over the top that some Warmer Syrahs can get(90 pts.) - 2005 Truchard Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
Good solid fruit, Finish is nice, Balance. Sweet Tannins(90 pts.) - 2006 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace - USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain
(90 pts.) - 2006 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow - USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain
Dark and Brooding(90 pts.) - 2006 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill - USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain
(91 pts.) - 2005 Miner Family The Oracle - USA, California, Napa Valley
A: Herbaceous, Minty
T: Good Sweet Tannins, Ripe Fruit [not over done] Good Acidity, BIg Wine(90 pts.) - 2006 Miner Family Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Big Wine Red Fruit [Need Tannins to Mellow a Bit](89 pts.) - 2006 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
A: Rich and Dark
T: Red Fruit Balanced, Really Nice, Big Masculine but also Feminine a really interesting balance. Big Chewy Tannins tho(92 pts.) - 2005 Barlow Vineyards Barrouge - USA, California, Napa Valley
Really Feeling this wine, Nice Feminie Touch my style of Wine and for the price! QPR is fantastic [Napa QPR hah](91 pts.) - 2005 Barlow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
(89 pts.) - 2006 Peju Province Winery Zinfandel - USA, California, Napa Valley
Big Red Candy but in Control not over over the top(90 pts.) - 2006 Peju Province Winery Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley
(90 pts.) - 2005 Peju Province Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
(90 pts.) - 2004 Bourassa Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot Harmony5 - USA, California, Napa Valley
Elegant, Feminine, Med Body(90 pts.) - 2005 Folie à Deux Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Napa Valley Estate Lewelling Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
Red Candy(86 pts.) - 2005 Rubicon Estate / Niebaum-Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon Cask - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
Sweet Tannins, Very Nice(91 pts.)
Overall Impressed, tho the Price means I can not afford any of the wines really
Posted from CellarTracker
THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)
Italian Wine Tasting 2009
Was held at the Terminal City Club, a Private Club you know for people with money to make connections mostly Professionals. I know the Vancouver Club is more Lawyer based or I think they are. Terminal City has a nice room very nice inside. Thumbs up
It was Italiano Day, Prosecco, Barolo, Sicilians, Amarones, Muscato D'Asti and everything else.
Lots of Good wines, lots of Ok wine not to many bad wines so thats good. Tho it is depressing when you ask how much the wines Cost in Euro's and find out a 3.50EURO wine is selling for $17 in your Liquor Store, I know paying for shipping is a part of the cost but ugh taxes
Continue....
Argentina & Chile
This should of been written and posted like 3 weeks ago. That being said now I have some time and motivation. Both were at the same place here in downtown vancouver at the Sutton Place Hotel, really a nice place in the heart of downtown there room for the event was bigger then what I expected they had in the building. Now to the events
Naramata Wine Ass. [Okanagan, East Lake, on Bench]
Naramata Wine Associations Presents there twice? Annual Event. These are Okanagan Wines trying to Distinguish themselves from the rest of BC, Which I find cool and I think they are doing it. You could call this the "Napa" of BC wines, but being a cooler climate... Really good wines coming out of the area
The quality on all these wines were pretty high. Definitely the best of the Area as a group.
The quality on all these wines were pretty high. Definitely the best of the Area as a group.
BC [Okanagan Namely] VQA Trade Tasting.
Twice a year the VQA [Vinters Quality Assurance] sponsors these events to try the new releases, Fall being more reds, spring being more whites. I must say that the quality of wine is really progressing a lot more being "drinkable" meaning I would pay money for them. Some that Jancis Robsinson Raved about I didn't find to be that "awesome" they were good But I found them to be too one dimensional.
Tasted A lot but these are the ones that stood out. Also helped out the old friends from the Restaurant.
Random Pictures, including after events har har.....to much to drink
Some Standout Wines and Wineries
8th Generation [German Wine Maker / Grower]
Pinot Gris 2008 [Really Nice Acidity Thumbs up for me]
Rose 2008 [Fantastic Sold Out and 2009 has a waiting list from my understanding]
Merlot [Don't know Vintage But really nice]
CedarCreek Winery
In Generally All Wines Doing pretty well
2007 Merlot [Big Wine, Big Tannins, Good purity of fruit]
Plantium Chard 2007 [Oaked for sure in French Oaked I generally Don't like Chard or Oaked Whites heh]
Chandra Estate Winery
Chardonnay "Yue" 2006 [A Chardonnay I liked, Hint of Oak very nice Good value too]
Clos Du Soleil Winery
Never heard of this Winery, Had a good looking blond pouring so OF Course I had to try the wine.
Red 2007 [Man what a fantastic wine it actually made me stop and think about it, did some research after the event seen its good some good reviews from local wine critics defintly a buy]
Garry Oaks
Really Impressed with there Wines
Pinot Noir [Red Fruit, Spice good purity of fruit tho Cranberry, Strawberry ,Rhubarb]
Pinot Gris [Love it good Acidity]
Mission Hill
Compendium 2006 [Drinking Nicely, smooth touch of fruit, dark chocolate]
Quatrain 2006 [A merlot Syrah blend, Syrah very syrupy coming through smooth creamy, fruit]
Oculus 2006 [BIG MASSIVE WINE, almost not drinkable, no point in opening this anytime soon the Tannins are just massive good fruit coming through tho]
Poplar Grove Winery
The 2005 Merlot and Legacy showing very nice currently [Just opened a 2004 Merlot which was Fantastic, you can ask Kim and Vibemore about it!]
Quails Gate Estate Winery
Heard Lots of good things about there Pinot Noir, they were pouring both of theres
Definitely a new World style play
Pinot Noir 2007 [Raspberry Coulis very nice]
Pinot Noir 2007 Reserve [Same profile as regular but a lot smoother]
Road 13
Viognier Rousanne Marsanne 2008 [Really Impressive]
Jackpot Syrah 2007 [Jancis Robinson Liked this wine, has those Rhone Qualities minerality fruit]
Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery
Both Bubblies I love Blanc de Blanc really good
Cipes Brut NV
Organic Cipes Gabriel Blanc de Blanc NV
Not to Shabby all in all
Tasted A lot but these are the ones that stood out. Also helped out the old friends from the Restaurant.
Random Pictures, including after events har har.....to much to drink
Some Standout Wines and Wineries
8th Generation [German Wine Maker / Grower]
Pinot Gris 2008 [Really Nice Acidity Thumbs up for me]
Rose 2008 [Fantastic Sold Out and 2009 has a waiting list from my understanding]
Merlot [Don't know Vintage But really nice]
CedarCreek Winery
In Generally All Wines Doing pretty well
2007 Merlot [Big Wine, Big Tannins, Good purity of fruit]
Plantium Chard 2007 [Oaked for sure in French Oaked I generally Don't like Chard or Oaked Whites heh]
Chandra Estate Winery
Chardonnay "Yue" 2006 [A Chardonnay I liked, Hint of Oak very nice Good value too]
Clos Du Soleil Winery
Never heard of this Winery, Had a good looking blond pouring so OF Course I had to try the wine.
Red 2007 [Man what a fantastic wine it actually made me stop and think about it, did some research after the event seen its good some good reviews from local wine critics defintly a buy]
Garry Oaks
Really Impressed with there Wines
Pinot Noir [Red Fruit, Spice good purity of fruit tho Cranberry, Strawberry ,Rhubarb]
Pinot Gris [Love it good Acidity]
Mission Hill
Compendium 2006 [Drinking Nicely, smooth touch of fruit, dark chocolate]
Quatrain 2006 [A merlot Syrah blend, Syrah very syrupy coming through smooth creamy, fruit]
Oculus 2006 [BIG MASSIVE WINE, almost not drinkable, no point in opening this anytime soon the Tannins are just massive good fruit coming through tho]
Poplar Grove Winery
The 2005 Merlot and Legacy showing very nice currently [Just opened a 2004 Merlot which was Fantastic, you can ask Kim and Vibemore about it!]
Quails Gate Estate Winery
Heard Lots of good things about there Pinot Noir, they were pouring both of theres
Definitely a new World style play
Pinot Noir 2007 [Raspberry Coulis very nice]
Pinot Noir 2007 Reserve [Same profile as regular but a lot smoother]
Road 13
Viognier Rousanne Marsanne 2008 [Really Impressive]
Jackpot Syrah 2007 [Jancis Robinson Liked this wine, has those Rhone Qualities minerality fruit]
Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery
Both Bubblies I love Blanc de Blanc really good
Cipes Brut NV
Organic Cipes Gabriel Blanc de Blanc NV
Not to Shabby all in all
New Zealand Wine Tasting Part 1 - White....err Sauv Blanc
Part 1 White Wine! Oh who am I kidding its like 99% Sauvignon Blanc and a bunch of them smell and taste like Green Peppers or for the New Zealanders, Capsicums. I think this picking of Sauv Blanc at low brix 21-22 is too much under ripe green pepperness coming through, I like grassiness! not Green pepper damnit
Sauvignon Blanc (The first Bunch were tasted a Room Temp)
Esk Black Label Hawke's bay 2008
I like the Grassy, round, imo could use a touch more acidity. Tho I think if slightly chilled it wouldn't matter
Alexia Wairarapa 08
Aroma of Good tropical Fruit, Taste good fruit apples
Pegasus Bay Sauvignon/Semillon Waipara 08
Aroma was a little dirty, not poppy just dirty
Mt. Difficulty Central Otago 08
Aroma of Green Peppers straight up, taste of Veggies sprinkled with Lemon Juice mmmm tasty =P
Stoneleigh Rapaura Series 08
Oily Nose, Light Taste
Wither Hill Rarangi Single Vineyard 08
A: Green fruit, hint of veggie not over powering in the GP aspect. Taste of Papaya greeness of veggies
Konrad 08
Boring~ yawn
O:TU Single Vineyard 08
A interesting wine, it had the smell of ripe veggies not green peppers something riper. and the taste was of a veggie Dip like veggies with ranch dip or something
Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Hawke's Bay 08
A: Good amount of Mango, Passionfruit, and Griddle Brick (I suppose some people call this minerality) T: Creamy, white peach
Matahiwi Estate Holly 07
all my notes say is "Nice" So I guess I liked it
Auntsfield Estate ( I think I liked everyone of their wines)
Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc 08 - A very good Sauv Blanc not offensive at all I like it
Orchard Hill Chardonnay 08 UnOaked - First of all I don't like Chardonnay Grapes, and not a fan of Oak in white wines. This Chard really good almost reminds me off a Chablis or some Burg wine really good
Kim Crawford SP Waipara Riesling 2005 - A: Petrol, good fruit T: Petrol (minimal) very nice served a little to chilled tho
Waitiri Creek [Central Otago]
Pinot Gris 08 - Fantastic Pinot Gris, and the vines are like 5 or 6 years old. I mean this wine was awesome. Okanagan grows alot of Pinot Gris and this beats all the ones I have had hands down. Tho the price is more then 50% more its worth it ($30Canadian/BCLD)
Sauvignon Blanc (The first Bunch were tasted a Room Temp)
Esk Black Label Hawke's bay 2008
I like the Grassy, round, imo could use a touch more acidity. Tho I think if slightly chilled it wouldn't matter
Alexia Wairarapa 08
Aroma of Good tropical Fruit, Taste good fruit apples
Pegasus Bay Sauvignon/Semillon Waipara 08
Aroma was a little dirty, not poppy just dirty
Mt. Difficulty Central Otago 08
Aroma of Green Peppers straight up, taste of Veggies sprinkled with Lemon Juice mmmm tasty =P
Stoneleigh Rapaura Series 08
Oily Nose, Light Taste
Wither Hill Rarangi Single Vineyard 08
A: Green fruit, hint of veggie not over powering in the GP aspect. Taste of Papaya greeness of veggies
Konrad 08
Boring~ yawn
O:TU Single Vineyard 08
A interesting wine, it had the smell of ripe veggies not green peppers something riper. and the taste was of a veggie Dip like veggies with ranch dip or something
Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Hawke's Bay 08
A: Good amount of Mango, Passionfruit, and Griddle Brick (I suppose some people call this minerality) T: Creamy, white peach
Matahiwi Estate Holly 07
all my notes say is "Nice" So I guess I liked it
Auntsfield Estate ( I think I liked everyone of their wines)
Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc 08 - A very good Sauv Blanc not offensive at all I like it
Orchard Hill Chardonnay 08 UnOaked - First of all I don't like Chardonnay Grapes, and not a fan of Oak in white wines. This Chard really good almost reminds me off a Chablis or some Burg wine really good
Kim Crawford SP Waipara Riesling 2005 - A: Petrol, good fruit T: Petrol (minimal) very nice served a little to chilled tho
Waitiri Creek [Central Otago]
Pinot Gris 08 - Fantastic Pinot Gris, and the vines are like 5 or 6 years old. I mean this wine was awesome. Okanagan grows alot of Pinot Gris and this beats all the ones I have had hands down. Tho the price is more then 50% more its worth it ($30Canadian/BCLD)
Bloom - Wine Event for BC VQA wines
Bloom is the spring event put on every year by the VQA [Vintners Quality Alliance is Canada's symbol of quality wine] people of British Columbia.
So here are my notes comments or just dropping of names of wines I like with over 40 tables and each table pouring 4 wines. Lets just say I didn't taste everything, and the fact that I didn't like some I am only going to put on the list what I liked or wierd comments
Meyer Family (Naramata) All 100% Chardonnay Wines. Let me firstly say I have been finding that I don't like Chardonnays Unless they are in champagne or for some reason some burgundy's I have had. Maybe its the fact that they get to big and...only way I can put it is "Raisony" over ripe, and the Oak probably doesn't help for me haha.
So the Meyer Wine I have no idea if they are good or not I just don't like Chardonnay, I tried them the lady pouring asked what I thought I said Im sorry I just don't think I like Chardonnays.
8th Generation Vineyard.
Pinot Meunier Rose 2008. Fantastic I think the best Rose here at the event Taste like Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with the right balance of acidity.
Burrowing Owl
2006 Cab. Franc excellent
2007 Pinot Noir. Ok, not overly complex tho
Calona Vineyards
Sovereign Opal, I grape variety Apprently one I have never heard of when I was smelling it as the person pouring was explaining I thought it smelled like a Muscat with its Floral/Sugariness. Tho the taste was Sweet and Watery...Winemaking? or thats what we have never heard of the grape har!
Desert Hills Estate Winery
Gamay Noir. There best wine and probably one of the best Gamays coming out of BC
Gewurztraminer. Taste of Burnt Orange Peel (Good thing)
Gray Monk Odyssey Merlot 2004 Taste of Red fruit lots of acidity, would like to have tried this decanted, might of appelled to me more.
Hester Creek Trebbiano had aromas of Cheese
Jackson Triggs Sunrock Shiraz 2006. This wine the vintage prior won a bunch of awards and I could not find it to try it, so at the tasting they had their next vintage and I was not impressed.
Mission Hill
Reserver Riesling 2007, Surprisingly Good
Mt. Boucherie Estate Gewurztraminer 2007 really good hint of sweetness
Poplar Grove Legacy 2005
I had this at the naramata bench Tasting, and this was showing way better here, mainly because it was decanted for 1.5hrs it was fuller not lean and acidity drnikable yes, and a big boy.
Sumac Ridge Sparkling Pinnacle 2002 [100% Pinot Noir] Earthy, little fruit, tasted like an old world pinot noir except in bubbly form
Tantalus, Now last year I tried to find the old vines 2006 for the wine restaurant winelist and it was sold out and that stuff was amazing.
The Riesling 2008 was good, lots of acidity just nice
Old Vines 2007 not as acidic, alot fuller wine, I perfer the 2008 to it, and the 06 Old vines.
That is all.
So here are my notes comments or just dropping of names of wines I like with over 40 tables and each table pouring 4 wines. Lets just say I didn't taste everything, and the fact that I didn't like some I am only going to put on the list what I liked or wierd comments
Meyer Family (Naramata) All 100% Chardonnay Wines. Let me firstly say I have been finding that I don't like Chardonnays Unless they are in champagne or for some reason some burgundy's I have had. Maybe its the fact that they get to big and...only way I can put it is "Raisony" over ripe, and the Oak probably doesn't help for me haha.
So the Meyer Wine I have no idea if they are good or not I just don't like Chardonnay, I tried them the lady pouring asked what I thought I said Im sorry I just don't think I like Chardonnays.
8th Generation Vineyard.
Pinot Meunier Rose 2008. Fantastic I think the best Rose here at the event Taste like Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with the right balance of acidity.
Burrowing Owl
2006 Cab. Franc excellent
2007 Pinot Noir. Ok, not overly complex tho
Calona Vineyards
Sovereign Opal, I grape variety Apprently one I have never heard of when I was smelling it as the person pouring was explaining I thought it smelled like a Muscat with its Floral/Sugariness. Tho the taste was Sweet and Watery...Winemaking? or thats what we have never heard of the grape har!
Desert Hills Estate Winery
Gamay Noir. There best wine and probably one of the best Gamays coming out of BC
Gewurztraminer. Taste of Burnt Orange Peel (Good thing)
Gray Monk Odyssey Merlot 2004 Taste of Red fruit lots of acidity, would like to have tried this decanted, might of appelled to me more.
Hester Creek Trebbiano had aromas of Cheese
Jackson Triggs Sunrock Shiraz 2006. This wine the vintage prior won a bunch of awards and I could not find it to try it, so at the tasting they had their next vintage and I was not impressed.
Mission Hill
Reserver Riesling 2007, Surprisingly Good
Mt. Boucherie Estate Gewurztraminer 2007 really good hint of sweetness
Poplar Grove Legacy 2005
I had this at the naramata bench Tasting, and this was showing way better here, mainly because it was decanted for 1.5hrs it was fuller not lean and acidity drnikable yes, and a big boy.
Sumac Ridge Sparkling Pinnacle 2002 [100% Pinot Noir] Earthy, little fruit, tasted like an old world pinot noir except in bubbly form
Tantalus, Now last year I tried to find the old vines 2006 for the wine restaurant winelist and it was sold out and that stuff was amazing.
The Riesling 2008 was good, lots of acidity just nice
Old Vines 2007 not as acidic, alot fuller wine, I perfer the 2008 to it, and the 06 Old vines.
That is all.
German Wine Tasting Event
Wines of Germany Tasting Event
Riesling Riesling Riesling
Ok So first thing first I came to this tasting not being a huge Riesling fan, don’t get me wrong I like the stuff heck I was at fuel restaurant in Vancouver had the 6 course tasting menu and had the sommelier / part owner (Who loves Riesling) pair the meal with 3 Riesling Awesome! Especially the 1993 (don’t know the name). But the sugar bothers me and even from the tasting it really coats your palette I could see drinking a glass but after that its way too much.
Lots of good balanced Auslese / Spätlese 2007/2008s Kabinett nice anything under Kabinett really not worth buying IMO.
Sylvaner grape compared to Riesling at the event seemed flat
___________________________________________________________
2007 Kabinett, Munstereer Kapellenberg
2007 Erben Auslese (Langguth wine and spirits)
2007 Spätlese and Auslese were especially good “Urzigner Wurzgarten” Good Fruit, Good Acid, Good Balance
2007 Auslese Moselland Insignum bergkastel-kueser Kardinalsberg
Weingut Max Ferd Richter
2007 Spätlese, A Delicate Spätlese very good but catches you off guard compared to all the “heavier” Spätlese’ really nice though
Auslese not Delicate thumbs up
Weingut St. Urbans-Hof
2007 Auslese Piesporter Goldtropfchen. Nice fruit Sugar Acid Good Balance
Weinguter Graf Von Schonburn
2007 Spätlese/Jubilaum Hattenheim Pfaffenberg
2007 Spätlese Erbach Maroobrunn
Weingut Johannishof/Eser: 2007 Kabinett Johannisberger “V” Aroma of being at the Hair Salon, that cut hair plus burnt hair really interesting, I smelt this and kinda of giggled and the guy kinda of gave me this look thinking I was some sort of Drunk hah!
Naramata Spring Release Tasting 2008 - Whites - Part 1
Naramata Bench Spring Tasting Part 1 – Whites
What type of Grapes make the Okanagan Standout from the world? What are their signature grape(s)? Some will say Chardonnay (everyone grows chardonnay so nah), some may say Riesling (and it might very well be). But I think the two biggest White Varietals that work in the Okanagan and Naramata Bench are the Pinot Gris / Gewurztraminer. Very Alsatian Grapes, cool climate, nice acidity, as long as they are not over oaked or made to have no acidity.
A couple of these wines were the 2008 and just bottled, so some might not be ready, tho some were reading to go after only a couple of weeks of bottling.
2007 Chard.
Only 15% New Oak Used the rest being Stainless Steel, very fresh, nice acidity, A Chardonnay I would drink, and Generally Speaking Im not a Chardonnay fan especially if it has a lot of Oak, or Malo Fermentation to take away the fresh acidity.
Gewurztraminer 2007
The Nose good , like your floral notes and everything promising but the taste doesn’t even come close to the nose not a good sign
Riesling 2007
A really nice Riesling tropical fruit but not over done, sweetness on this yes but has a nice balance of acidity to make this a very nice Riesling
Pinot Gris, to much oak in the sense it lost all its acidity didn’t like it
Rose 2008: Very Barnyardie, tho it has been in the bottle 3 weeks, not my type of Rose which is Loire Valley Stlye with the grapefruit Zest.
Pinot Gris 2008
Blind Trust 2008(White)
4 Grape Varieties, if I remember Pinot Gris 60%? Viognier 18%, then two others Pinot Blanc and… a non-aromatic Variety tho.
Nice big nose, has that buttery’ness of a Viognier, lots of acidity interesting to say the least.
Chardonnay 2008
40% New Oak, and not showing any of that oak which is great, lots of acidity, freshing, lots of fruit peach and apples really nice
Nichol Vineyard and Estate Winery
Pinot Gris 2008
Aroma of Fuzzy Peach Candy, with a bit more on the real peaches side, good nose
All their whites had a higher level of residual sugar on them, which for the average drinker would most likely like, I found them tasty but to sweet for my palate.
Chardonnay 2005
Was definitely a standout with being 18month barrel fermented, Aroma of Sweet Raison Molasses, heavy concentration on the grapes, the taste almost comparing to the nose, (close to the Poplar Grove Chard) these vines being low crop and 20 years old almost shows what a Chardonnay Terroir is going to be on the Naramata Bench.
Pinot Gris 2008 Un-oaked
Hillside makes two Pinot Gris one Oak (30%) and unoaked this one, we carry the oaked version on the restaurant wine menu was a bigger seller last summer. This unoaked version I think is far superior to the oaked tho this is a different vintage, but the acidity is just bringing some much more for this wine.
Pinot Gris 2008
Acidity is not as Zippy as the 2007 vintage a little bit more rounded I think it is 100% Stainless steel, I prefer the 07, to this.
Chardonnay 2007
Now this is the complete opposite for the 2006 Chardonnay. This I prefer more to the 06. 50% Old Oak Barrels. Nose has close to the 06 (which I will talk about in part 2 on poplar grove). Has that Raison Molasses like the kettle valley does but more on the subtle nature. These vines are old as well, and all of Poplar Groves vines are cropped 2 to 4 tons per acres if im not mistaken.
Rhone Gang Tasting Part 2 (Red)
Part 2
Went to a Rhone Gang tasting event put on by Free House Wine and Spirits here in Vancouver, and tried a lot of Rhone Wines, lots of Viognier, Grenache, Syrahs. The wine makers were here as well pouring and talking about their wine which is really cool, If you ever get a chance to get to a tasting or event and the wine maker is there definitely go its worth it and its super fun.
Rodolphe de Pins of Chateau de Montfaucon
Louis Barruol of Chateau de St Cosme
Frederic Chaudiere of Chateau Pesquie
Rhone Reds defintitly have a Distictive Rhone Character, how to explain that I have no idea I am not that experienced. Yet.
Lets Start with Chateau Montfaucon
2006 'Comtesse Madeleine' Cotes du Rhone Rouge: A Young wine needs more time in the bottle to just settle down a TON of acidity bouncing in there like an energetic child.
1998 Cotes du Rhone: This is like Smooth Strawberry Juice going down, with a touch of acidity not a lot left but just enough, this wine just shows that a bottom level wine can age and gets better everything just mellows and becomes Delicious
2005 'Baron Louis' Cotes du Rhone: Violet Colour Taste of red fruit with acidity on the palate still a baby not as Energtic as the Comtesse Madeleine
2000 'Baron Louis': Aroma of Nutty Sherry very pleasant, with Cherry Juice, very Smooth very nice Very Delicious
2007 Monsineur Le Baron: Before I get into the notes this wine is made "Old Skool" way of basically just taking all the grapes in the vineyard (whatever variety they maybe) Putting them in a fermenting vat, and letting to their thing together with natural yeast. This wine has 15 Varietals Rhone, Including Viognier, Oban, Tempranillo[30year old vines in Rhone Madness I know]. Violet in Colour not Super Dark remember there is white wine in here maybe 5-10%. On the nose you do pick up the Syrah, the Cinnamon Bun nose I like to call it has that sweetness, and on the mouth its gentle and nice I mean its a 2007 and drinking very nicely.
Chateau Pesquie
2006 'Les Terrasses' Rouge: 70% Grenache 30% Syrah Taste of Apples and Very Dry Its wierd its a red wine and tsate like apples but Hey I calls them how I tastes them
2005 'La Quintessesce' Rouge: 80% Syrah 20% Grenache Dryer then the Les Terrasses and Bigger fills the mouth very nicely you can almost feel the difference that the ration of More syrah does but its not Syrah as a typical Warm Rhone, these are grown in southern Rhone but on a Mountain I think he said Elevation was 500ft atleast.
2006 'Artemia' Rouge: 50% 80year old Grenache, 50% 50year old Syrah. Aroma of Petrol [Nail Polish Variety] very mild tho] and this was with it not be decanted when I had it decanted it was different but I was basically drinking this becuase I felt this was the best wine here and was drinking and not taking notes. Taste of Red Fruit, Cherry Acidtiy very High, thought this should go with food very well, went and grabbed some blue cheese, creamy brie like cheese and both went extremly well.
Chateau Saint Cosme:
2007 Cotes du Rhone Rouge: 100% Syrah Aroma of Game and Grill Brick [A grill brick is what you use to clean your flattop in a restaurant it has a distictive smell almsot like a smelly beach]
2007 Gigondas: Taste of red fruit sweet and ripe, good acidity
2006 Gigondas Valbelle: 90% Grenache (sorry no notes)
2007 Gigondas Les Claux: 100% Grenache Taste of Sweet Black Tea was pleasant for sure
2006 Saint Joseph: Aroma of grill brick[see above] and strawberry taste of Fruit, nice Tannin Structure but almost smooth
2005 Chateauneuf-de-Pape: 50% Mourvedre Dry Tannins not a lot of fruit on the palate IMO this is a baby and should decant for along time or come back in a couple of years defintily high quality wine tho
2007 Cote Rotie: Aroma of Coffee[hint] syrup, green olives! Taste of Red Currant, red berries very red in the flavour profile in a good way a niec tartness with low aciity
The Rhone Gang
2007 Hold Up: 70% Pinot Noir 30% Grenache Taste and Aroma of Cherry on top of Cherry very approahable for everyone smooth and a hint of creamyness from the oak
2005 Wanted: Aroma is Rhone Typical, Taste of Sweet Cherry
Rhone Gang Tasting Part 1 (Whites)
Went to a Rhone Gang tasting event put on by Free House Wine and Spirits here in Vancouver, and tried a lot of Rhone Wines, lots of Viognier, Grenache, Syrahs. The wine makers were here as well pouring and talking about their wine which is really cool, If you ever get a chance to get to a tasting or event and the wine maker is there definitely go its worth it and its super fun.
Rodolphe de Pins of Chateau de Montfaucon
Louis Barruol of Chateau de St Cosme
Frederic Chaudiere of Chateau Pesquie
Viognier one of my favourite wine variety if not my favourite, its so floral, and perfumie with hints of acidity and apples all the good stuff, has a slightly oily texture, the grape skins are very bitter and can make a Viognier bad if the juice isn't extracted from the grapes fast enough. Also the perfume aspect can be overwhelming for some people.
Chateau Montfaucon Viognier 2007, its funny I tried this when it was on ice and to be it was boring nothing there, then at the end of the show I was talking to the winemakers decided to have another go this time not as chilled warmed it up a bit and it really opened up, Floral, Perfume but Not over the top crazy a nice balance, and the taste like how a Viognier should be (sorry thats what my notes say hah).
His 2007 Marsanne now I haven't tried a lot of Marsanne so it is new to me, I can say this one had some of the chartaristics of a Viognier but toned down, if not even more balance very nice.
Chateau Pesquie 2007 Viognier Has a nose of Light Flowers and the taste of Light Apple Juice very refreshing was served I little to cold for my taste.
There other line they make is La Paradou 2008(There most southern Rhone Vineyard, border of Provence) and you can taste the warmth of Provence The temp range from day to night here is 10C where at their Pesquie vineyard it is 15C and you can taste the difference. I really enjoyed the La Paradou for 16$ Canadian its a steal really.
The Rose (Decided to add this to white section)
Chateau Pesquie "Les Terrasses" Rose Aroma of Game T: Mild light it is made up of 50% Cinsault 50% Syrah(aprox) I perfer my Rose to have more of that Grapefruit taste like Joie Farms.
Chateau Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2007 this wine was also on ice to long and at the end of the show there were to many people around the table to get another taste of this Blanc, only notes I have are aroma of Green Apple Juice.
Over I like Viognier and The Southern Rhone style is very nice some had so much of that perfume nose you could taste it at the back of your throat
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