Sparkling Wines WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 5

Mmmm I do enjoy my Bubbly, its what makes me fancy!  That being said I find too much yeasty/autolytic flavours just too bleh, The Pol Roger is that style I do not like too over powering not Delicate and balanced.  I enjoy Blanc de Blanc champagnes really.  Good Crements of Alsace, Burgundy and Loire Valley, and of course BC Sparkling from Blue Mountain


WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 7 SPARKLING WINE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (8/17/2010)
All Were Blind

• 2005 Monmousseau Touraine Brut - France, Loire Valley, Touraine
  Clear, Pale+ Lemon Green Bubbles Check
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Just starting to show Development signs but still very youthful with lots of bright fruit
  Apple, Pear, Mineral, Dash Citrus [Candied Citrus]
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, No Tannin,Med Alc, Med- body, Creamy Bubbles, Med Intensity, Med Finish
  Apple, Pear, Rubbery, little Cheese[Umami]
  
  Conc: Good, Ready to Drink (85 pts.)
• N.V. Domaine Chandon Brut Classic - USA, California
  Clear, Med- Lemon some brass/onion skins showing, Small Bubbles
  A: Clean, Low Intensity, Developing
  Mineral[Oyster Shells], Pear, Radish
  *Not very aromatic
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, No tannin, Med Body, Delicate Bubbles, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Apple, Citrus, Mineral, Apple Skin, some mushroom
  
  Conc:Very good, good balance of fruit/acid/body (87 pts.)
• N.V. Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene - Italy, Veneto, Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
  Clear, Pale Lemon Green, big Bubbles
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Youthful
  Seven-Up, Vitamin Citrus
  
  T: Dry, med+ acid, med- alc, no tannin, creamy bubbles, med intensity, short finish
  Creamy, Cinnamon Spice, "Apple Water",
  
  Conc: Acceptable, Simple Easy to drink (82 pts.)
• N.V. Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva - Spain, Catalunya, Cava
  Clear, Pale Lemon green, Big Bubbles
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Chemical, Citrus, Herbaceous, Lanolin
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, No Tannin, Med- Body, Creamy Bubbles, Med Intensity, med finish
  Pear, Green Notes, Earthy
  
  Conc: Off Balance a touch to simple (83 pts.)
• 1999 Pol Roger Champagne Brut - France, Champagne
  Clear, Med- Gold, Not a whole lot of bubbles
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developed
  Autolytic+, Dried Porcini Powder, Earth
  
  T: Dry, High Acid, No Tannin, Med Body, Delicate bubbles, med intensity, med+ finish
  Baked Apples, Autolytic, Mineral Chalky, Green Apples, Sour Cream Onions
  
  Conc: Good to Very Good, Ready to Drink, did like the delicate bubbles but found it way to yeasty and out of balance in that sense (88 pts.)
• N.V. Banrock Station Shiraz Sparkling - Australia, South Eastern
  Clear, Med+ Ruby, Small bubbles
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity
  A "Bubble Gum" but Good Quality style, A Sweetness? Caramel
  
  T: Off Dry/Dry, Med+ Acid, Med- Tannin, Med+ Body, med+ alc, creamy bubbles, med intensity, med+ finish
  Raspberry, Cherry, Wood, Mineral, Spice/Pepper, Meaty/Game
  
  Conc: Very Good, Didnt know what to expect going in from the colour but I did enjoy this (87 pts.)

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)

Canada WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 5

Well I am not too Far behind as I thought for posting.So that good.  The bad news tho is we did Canada blind and the wines were not that exciting.  But! But! In the Okanagan I know what producers I like and are good and thats what I drink and what I'll bring to an event here are a list of wineries I like out of Canada

Ontario
Le Clos Jordanne [For Pinot and Chardonnay]

Thirty Bench Winery [Riesling]

Okanangan
Blue Mountain Winery [Pinot Noir, Sparkling]
JoieFarm Wines [Rose, Recent Vintage of Riesling]
Laughing Stock Vineyards [Syrah, Portfolio Blend]
Poplar Grove [Cab Franc, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, The Legacy]
Painted Rock Winery [Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay]

Also Okanagan does make good Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer on the West Bank.



WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 6 CANADA - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (8/10/2010)
All Wines were poured blind

• 2008 St. Hubertus Estate Winery Pinot Blanc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Pale almost Water White, "Lemon Green"
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Floral, Green Apple, Big Dose of Citrus and Peach
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Alc, Med body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Ripe Apple, Citrus, Pears, Peach, Little Melon, big ole fruit bowl
  
  Conc: A solid Pinot Blanc, Drink now, simple approachable non offensive (86 pts.)
• N.V. Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Selection - Mixed, Canada/Imported
  FYI this is not Made from Okanagan/Canadian Grapes
  
  Clear, Med- Lemon Green
  Showing Significant Legs
  
  A: Clean, Low Intensity
  Kiwi[Green Tropical] maybe little herbaceous?
  
  T: Dry, med- acid, med- body, med+ alc, med- intensity, med- finish and finish is hot
  Tropical, creamed mango
  
  Conc: Lacking a lot of stuff really I mean its no really Varietal Correct lol
  
  Side Note: Teacher Pours this wine every 3 months, never the same this surprised him as this was the best he's had so far (75 pts.)
• 2006 Mike Weir Estate Winery Vidal Icewine - Canada, Ontario, Niagara Peninsula, Niagara Peninsula VQA
  Clear, Med+ Gold, Lots of Legs
  
  A: Clear, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Earth[Mushroom], drying out Papaya, I like the nose
  
  T: Luscious, Med+Acid, Full Body, Med Alc, med+ Intensity
  Raisin, Mineral, Finish, little Caramel, dried fruit, toasted nuts
  
  Conc: Not worth the price IMO 44.99 for a 375ml much better Icewines out there for the price (87 pts.)

• 2007 CedarCreek Estate Winery Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Med Ruby, showing legs
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful
  Fat, Red fruit, some spice/pepper, mineral
  
  T: Dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med+alc, med+ intensity, med+ finish
  Minty, Red fruit, plums[not ripe]
  
  Conc: Good, needs to breath a bit felt little disjointed in the beginning (85 pts.)
• 2008 Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Deep Core Purple, moving to a med+ruby rim
  A: Clear, Med+ Intensity, youthful
  Grape Candy fruit, Some Meat, Mineral, Pepper, and 'chemical'
  
  T: dry, med- acid , med tannin, med+ alc, med body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Oak, dark fruit/purple fruit, bitter chocolate, a "burnt meat"
  
  Conc: Not my type of Wine, Felt Flat, Acid was way to low no balance (81 pts.)
• 2007 Summerhill Pyramid Winery Baco Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Deep Ruby
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Cedar, Woody, Red fruit, cranberry Juice, Peanut Butter[Yup]
  
  T: Dry, med acid, low+ tannin, med body, med intensity, med+finish
  Red Fruit, Some Wood
  
  Conc: Average, drinkable for me others didn't find it as much (84 pts.)
• 2006 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Deep Ruby [ I want to say Garnet but its ruby, but has the look of a good Bordeaux wine]
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  dried red fruit, strawberry/cranberry little floral, cedar, 'cola', sweet tomato leaf, really enjoyed this nose 92pts!
  
  T: Dry, High Tannin, Med+ Acid, Med+ Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med finish
  Little Green, Red fruit, mild creamy
  
  Conc: good, dont think age will change the palate too much I think there is Potential, just need more age on the vines we shall see. Also seems a little closed on the palate would of liked to decant this wine too (86 pts.)

Dont know if these are the wines I would normally pick to show to people from outside the province.
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)

USA & South America WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 5

Since in WSET class we usually pour Blind and I like to mark down on the side note to guess variety, good for practice ya know, so there is always one wine that throws ya for a loop, last week during the NZ/AUS/RSA it was the darn Yellow Tail Merlot, which I thought was a Syrah first of all.  This week it was a Russian River Zinfandel, and those subtle hints of Mint, which you know you could associate with Cab Sauv, and the ripe fruit with Cali.  So 5 for 6 ain't all bad.

Must say the Torrontes from Michel Torino was pretty darn tasting good body and "muscat" characters and for what 13.99? its fantastic QPR.

The Caramenere Blend, which is more Cab Sauv then Caramenere, but I can pick up that Caramenere like bam unless its just Chilean Terrior for Bordeaux reds, but its good Brambly and Leafy can't go wrong

Now Pinot Noir from Oregon, visited some Oregon wine peeps [@benkearney @hogan777 @pfortier2  ] and they were talking about 2007 being a good vintage that would be hard to make a bad wine.  This wine is pretty darn tasty. I dont think you could go wrong, I do have a 07 Riesling from Willamette I'm going to open monday so we shall see~


WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 5 USA & SOUTH AMERICA - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (8/3/2010)

• 2009 Viña Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva - Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley
  Clear, Pale Lemon Green Going to a Water Rim
  A: Clean, Pronounced Nose, Youthful
  Herbaceous/Green Pepper/Aspargus/Peas, Citrus
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med- Body, no tannin, Med Alc, Pronounced Intensity, Med+ Finish
  
  Conc: Inexpensive, Good Quality, Drink Now! NZ Styled lots of green (86 pts.)
• 2009 Michel Torino Torrontés Cuma - Argentina, Salta, Cafayate
  Clear, Med Yellow, Showing Significant Legs
  A: Clean, Pronounced Intensity, Youthful
  Floral, A Honey/Syrup floralness, Popuri, Very Muscat Like, Tropical hints of Banana, Mango
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Body, No Tannin, Med+ Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Muscat like FloralGrapey, Peach, Tropical Fruit
  
  Conc: Very Good, Inexpensive, Showing well balance between acid/fruit/body excellent (88 pts.)

• 2007 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza
  Clear, Opaque Core moving to a med ruby Rim, showing legs legs legs~
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, I say Showing Signs of Developing Teacher says Youthful nose
  Lil Meat, Lil Clean, Lil Savoury, Toast[Like it], Red Fruit, mineral, Stewed fruit
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med+ Body to Full, Med+ Alc, Med+ Intensity, Long Finish
  Dark fruit Juicy, Cherry Skin, Raisony
  
  Conc: Mid Price, Good, Very fruit forward but A better showing of Malbec for me [not usually a fan] (87 pts.)
• 2008 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley
  Clear, Deep Ruby, Showing Sig Legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity,
  Herbaceous[Tomato Stalk] Earth Soil, some fruit
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med Body, Med Intensity, Long Finish, Med+ Alc
  Ripe Juicy Cherry/Black, Herbaceous/more tom stalk, spice[Black Pepper]
  
  Conc: Very good, balance of body and acid, could use I think some more bottle age (89 pts.)
• 2007 Andrew Rich Pinot Noir Cuvée B - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
  Clear, Med- Ruby just starting to show signs of Garnet
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, developing
  Cherry, Sassparella, Some stems, dried strawberries, cigar smoke, 'haunting'
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Low Tannin, Med+ Body, Med+ Alc, Med Intensity, Med to med+ finish
  Chalky Mineral, Beautiful Cherry/Dried Strawberry, Sassparella Spice, Something else...Elegant
  
  Conc: Outstanding, Premium, Ready to drink but can develop a little more
  So Delicious I had to pretend to spit in WSET Class (92 pts.)
• 2006 Ravenswood Zinfandel Belloni - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Clear, Deep Ruby going to a med ruby wide rim
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Savoury, Cassis, REd Fruit ,Black Raspberry
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Body, high alc, med+ Intensity, Long Finish
  Ripe Herbs/ Minty, Cassis, Woodsy, Black Raspberry
  
  Conc: Very Good, I tihnk it could use some time to develop but very 'delicious' opens nicely with a little air (89 pts.)

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)

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 4

Now this was a interesting class, not because of the wine [ don't get me wrong there was some tasty ones] but because of what Australia has brought to the world of wine, I know what UC Davies has done. Good or Bad take it for what it is [Judgment of Paris 1976 book is a good read to see subtleties]. Being a head of their game in the Science Department, coming together as a region to export, I mean they have what 20million people and they make a whole lot of wine that needs to go somewhere. And for that I do applaud, now they may not be myself, but I have been known to enjoy some Australian wines, fantastic chardonnays, the Riesling Below is pretty darn tasting even if it is a bit young.

Now for South Africa [RSA], I really don't know what to say, I mean there is defintly a distinct style to RSA, its like Burnt Tire, Leather, weirdness that some claim to be Brett, or dirty wine making or whatever it is but I mean in a blind tasting and I get the RSA style I can almost nail it pretty easily. Tho I mean there are exceptions take the Pinotage I tried it was good, and I have had some Leathery++++ Pinotages, that was even more leathery with Steak lol.

Last but not Least New Zealand, I really enjoy NZ across the board from Hwakes Bay Chardonnays to Central Ortago Pinot Noir, to just tasty pinot Gris, oh yeah I did leave out of Sauv Blanc well I don't like Green Pepper Juice soo we will skip that

Anyways here are some notes of wines


WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 4 AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/27/2010)
All Wines were Blind, Guess 5 out of the 6 Right, Yellowtail Fooled Me!!

• 2008 The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
  Clear, Med- Lemon
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Youthful
  Apple[Juice], Almonds tossed in Confectioners Sugar, Mineral, Citrus
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Body, Med Intensity, med+ Length, Med+Alc
  Apple Juice, Mineral
  
  Conclusion: QPR can't complain, Alc makes it a touch out of balance (84 pts.)
• 2006 Grosset Riesling Polish Hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley
  Clear, Med- Lemon Green, showing Significante Legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Inensity, Developing
  Mineral/Savoury, Petrol/Rubber, Lanolin, LIME, Floral - Very Pretty
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, med- body, med+ intensity, long finish, med+ alc
  Lime, Plasticine/Mineral [A Talc/Beeswax Feeling]
  
  Conclusion: My type of Dry Riesling, Really needs time to Develop should put away for a couple of years (89 pts.)

• 2005 Scali Pinotage Voor Paardeberg - South Africa, Coastal Region, Paarl
  Clear, Med+ Ruby
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Stewed Fruit/Dark, Savory, Mineral, Animal, Dill
  T: Dry, med Acid, Med+ Body, Med tannin, med+ intensity, med+ finish, high alc
  Raspberry, Cocoa, Animal/Leather -Seamless Integration
  
  Conclusion: Exceptional Pinotage, amazing balance, Would drink now dont see it aging to much more (90 pts.)
• 2009 Yellow Tail Merlot - Australia, South Eastern
  Clear, Deep Purple, Showing Significant Legs [Alc and RS]
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity
  Spice, Pepper, Ink Blue Fruit,Vanilla Marshmallow, Lipstick, Milk Chocolate, Rubber Balloon
  T: "Dry" not really, Med- Tannin, Full Body, High Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Sweet Concentrated Dark Fruit/Blackberry/Cherry, Minimal Spice/Woody
  
  Conc: This was served blind, guess Shiraz a "Mollydooker" Style, If you like that style this is a screaming buy. Very Fruit Forward has that "Delicious Factor" (84 pts.)
• 2008 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Crimson - New Zealand, North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough
  Clear[Not Crystal tho], Med Ruby
  A: Clean, med+ acid, developing
  Cherry/Rhubarb Stewed, Spice, Newspaper Ink, Orange Peel Spice [Grand Mariner] -Def has NZ Fruit profile IMO
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Low+ Tannin, Med Body, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish, Med+ Alc
  Cherry, Earth, "Green" Veg like Cabbage
  
  Conc: Good, taste like a NZ Pinot, can't go wrong tho might be a little on the high price (87 pts.)
• 2007 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra
  Clear, Opague Ruby, Almonst no change at rim
  A: Clean, Pronounced Nose, Developing
  Roasted Red Peppers/Hummus, Green Peppercorn, Dark Cassis, Lil Brambly Fruit, Mineral, Complex, Herbs, Bark
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, High Alc, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Dark Ripe Fruit Good Quality Grapiness, Red Fruit, Roasted Red Peppers,
  
  Conc: Very Good Ready to Drink can develop further, Great Freshness to this wine (90 pts.)

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)

Portugal & Eastern Europe, WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 3

Poor Austria, getting lumped in with Eastern Europe I bet they wouldn't like that too much lol. That being said the wines this week, well Tokaji Amazing, Acid! Yes More Please. But Oh Grüner Veltliner, when compared to Riesling; Was at a Loimer Tasting with Rieslings and Gruner, the Riesling wins better balance, more acid. Gruner is interesting but I think the lack of acid for me personally just doesnt win me over all the way, the wines are good that for sure.

Here are this Weeks Notes

WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 3 PORTUGAL + EASTERN EUROPE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/20/2010)

• N.V. Borges Vinho Verde Gatão - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
  Clear, Pale- Lemon Green, some Petillance
  
  A: Clean, Med- Intensity, Youthful
  Mineral, Green Apple, Citrus
  
  T: Dry, High+ Acid, low alc, med- body, med- finish, med intensity
  Frizzante, green apple, grapey
  
  Conc: Simple, Inexpensive, does its job (83 pts.)
• 2007 Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vines - Portugal, Douro
  Clear, Med+ Purple, showing prominent legs
  
  A: Clean, Pronounced Nose, Developing
  Oak[Vanilla/Coffee Grounds], Dark fruit, Meaty/Spice, Chcolate, Lots of Mineral
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Full Body, Med+ Intensity, Long Finish, Med+ Alc
  Oak, Coffee, Dark Fruit [Cherry] Dark Chocolate
  
  Conc: Very Good, Needs time to develop, even just tasting it about 1.5hr later in Class it started to open and soften (89 pts.)
• 2008 Erich Salomon/Undhof Grüner Veltliner - Austria, Niederösterreich, Kremstal
  Clear, Pale Lemon green, going to water rim, mod legs
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Mineral, Spicey Raddish, Citrus, Pear, Lime Zest, Savoury
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, med+ alc, med+ body, med intensity, med finish
  'oily', lime, lots of pear juice like fruit cocktail
  
  Conc: the nose was better then the taste. Good Drink Now (86 pts.)
• 2003 Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos - Hungary, Hegyalja, Tokaji
  Clean, Med Lemon
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity
  Marmalade, Botrytis notes of Spice, Lanolin, Dried Papaya, Dried Mango
  
  T: Sweet, High Acid, med- alc, full body, med+ intensity, long finish
  Marmalade, Luscious, Tropical, Citrusy Lemon Candy, Orange Crush
  
  Conc: Exceptional, crazy high acid (91 pts.)
• 2007 Boutari Naoussa - Greece, Macedonia, Naoussa
  Clear, Med+ Garnet
  
  A: Med Intensity
  Savoury, Clean mineral, Cedar/Graphite, Sweet Spice
  
  T: Dry, med+ acid, high tannin, med body, med+ intensity, med finish
  Dark Chocolate (80% Cocoa), Cherry/Cranberry/Strawberry Mix
  
  Conc: Not to shabby (84 pts.)
• N.V. Tsantali Retsína - Greece, Attica
  First time having Retsina was scared of all the horror stories
  
  Med Lemon Pee Yellow
  A: Pronounced nose
  Lemon, Pine Neddles, Pine-sol
  T: Dry, Low- Acid, Med- body, Med- Alc, Short Finish[A Good Thing], Med- Intensity
  Lemon, Rosemarry
  
  Conc: Overall not as bad as I was expecting on the palate the pine is not crazy overpowering but it is there (82 pts.)

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)

Spain, WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 2

Off to Spain, and Yes I want to go there for Vacation, one because of the awesome canaadian dollar, and spain has been hurt a bit in the whole euro mess, with bad employment numbers so that should make it cheaper, but the most important reason is the wine! maybe the sun? Music? Gaudy artwork? ahh soo many reasons.

Well here are some from around the country, the Priorat was a disappointment I have had better even from the same vintage. The Jumilla is well I dont want to say this but Oaky Deliciousness, it is plain and simple not a food wine really a party wine yeah I mean it is 15% Alc.  but the R. Lopez de Heredia is amazing, Just so Elegant and Development just beautiful, to think that "modern" winemaking IE Oaky Fruit bombs took over the region such a shame.

WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 2 SPAIN - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/13/2010)
Spain this week, no Bubbles, that will have its own week, same with Sherry

• 2008 Martín Códax Albariño Rías Baixas Burgáns - Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas
  Clear, Pale+ Lemon moving to a watery Rim, with moderate legs
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Youthful
  Green Fruit[Apple], Opening to Peach, Floral, Citrus, Savoury/Mineral
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Body, med Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Lemon, Apple, 'Creamy Peaches', Floral, Kiwi
  
  Conclusion: Very good wine, mid priced, ready to drink can keep for a couple years (89 pts.)
• 2008 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Blanco - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
  Clear, Med Lemon, Going out to a pale watery rim, showing significant legs
  A: Clean, Med to Med+ Intensity, develping
  Mineral[very clean], savoury, light apple, little animal/lanolin, "floral" more dried tho
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med+ Body, Med+ Alc, Med Intensity, Long Finish
  Apple/Pear, Citrus/lime, Mineral
  
  Conc: I enjoyed this a lot, teacher not as much drinking well now (88 pts.)

• 2007 Miguel Torres Priorat Salmos - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat
  Clear, Med+ Ruby, Showing Signicant Legs [15% Alc]
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, develping
  Savoury/Mineral. Cherry[Dark], Spice [Sarsaparilla], Tar
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med to Full Body, Med Intensity, Med Finish, HIgh Alc
  Creamy Oak, Cherry[Dark], Spice
  
  Conc: Awkward finish, might do better with age potential is there but for tonight there were better that's for sure (86 pts.)
• 2007 Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell Jumilla (Silver Label) - Spain, Murcia, Jumilla
  Clear, Deep Ruby, Going to a Med Ruby Rim, showing med+ legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Starting to develop
  Mineral, Oak/Sweet Vanilla, Blackberry, Cherry, Cinnamon Spice, Coffee/Mocha
  
  T: Dry, Med- Acid, Med Tannin, Full Body, High Alc, Med Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Cherry, Blackberry, Cola, COLA!, Spice[Sweetness], Woody/Tobacco, Plum
  
  Conc: This is the "the bottle of the night party wine" so big and massive and ripe and so darn delicious that it will win you over. (88 pts.)
• 2006 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Ribera del Duero Tinto Pesquera Crianza - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero
  Clear, Deep Purple going to a med Ruby Rim, showing legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity starting to develop
  Cedar, Twigs, BLackberry, Mineral, Grain/cereal, opening up in the glass with Cucumbers/watermelon
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Body, Med+ Alc, Med Intensity, Med Finish
  Red fruit, Tart, Sour Cherry/Dusty Tannin, Cukes/Watermelon
  
  Conc: good wine, simple on the palate, nose shows promise (88 pts.)
• 2001 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
  Clear, Med Garnet moving to a wide rim
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developed
  Spice Box, Warm/Candy, Dried Sour Cherry, Savoury, Tar, Whole Wheat grain/toast, Licorice
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Tannin, Med Body, med Alc, Med+ Intensity, Long Finish
  Sour Cherry, Savoury/mineral, Licorice, Dried Flowers
  
  Conc: Absolutely Gorgeous, this is where its at
  
  Side Note: Teacher picked up a lot of oak notes not me tho (93 pts.)

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)

Germany, WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 1

Oh Germany, Oh Rieslings, the one wine I was about to say I do not have in my cellar, then realized I bought a bottle from Trisaetum Vineyard in Oregon last week, but other then that nope none. I enjoy riesling but for me its a momemt thing, I like Auslese ripness myself as long as it has good acidity.

Tasting wines from Germany is what makes me go and this is why I like, and why I do not like them, on one side we have what gave it a bad name in the first place, uninteresting wines, high yield etc etc.  Then comes the Riesling and sometimes almost to much Residual Sugar, then the Dry Riesling which I think works better in Alsace or Austria then in Germany.

WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 1 GERMANY - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/6/2010)

• 2009 St. Ursula Niersteiner Gutes Domtal Kabinett 'Golden Oktober' - Germany, Rheinhessen
  Clear, Pale Lemon/Bronze
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Youthful
  Green Fruit/Apples, Mineral/Savoury, Hazelnut Shells/Skin
  
  T: med dry sweet, low+ acid, low alc, med body, med intensity, med finish. Apples [Juice/Red/Ripe/Mushy], Hazelnut Skins again
  
  Conc: Acceptable, Drink Now, Mushy No Balance (79 pts.)
• 2007 Selbach-Oster Weissburgunder - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
  Clear, Pale Gold, going to a watery rim
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful
  Mineral, Citrus, Tropical/Mango
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med+ alc, med- body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Chinese Dessert Style Creamy Mango Puddy [milk]
  
  Conc: Good, Enjoyable drink now, (83 pts.)
• 2007 Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Ayler Kupp Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
  Clear, Med- Lemon/Green, mod legs evident
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Develping
  Petrol, Citrus/Lime, Green Apples
  
  T: Med Sweet, Med+ acid, low+ alc, med- body, med intensity, long finish. Tropical/Mango, Green Apple/Lime that old juice drink, peach/petrol/papaya
  
  Conc: Very Good, Ready to drink but can develop further with age 2-5 easily (90 pts.)
• 2007 Domdechant Werner Hochheimer Domdechaney Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Rheingau
  Clear, Med Lemon, going to a watery rim
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful
  A Sprite play, syrupy lemon/lime, mineral
  
  T: med- sweet, high acid, med alc, med+ body, med intensity, med+ length. Lime, Ripe Green Apples, Richness/Peach
  
  Conc: Very good, ready to drink can develop further, good balance of fruit/acid/sweetness (89 pts.)
• 2008 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling trocken - Germany, Rheingau
  Clear, Pale Lemon showing significante legs
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Citrus[almost powdery vitamin/redbull], mineral, lanolin qual.
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Alc, Med Alc, Med- body, med intensity, med+ finish. Citrus, Lemon Juice Fresh Squeezed, not as harsh tho. Green Apple Finish/Chalky
  
  Conc: Acceptable, I did not enjoy this others did in the class, found it a touch out of balance. Drink now IMO (81 pts.)
• 2008 Black Tower Dornfelder Pinot Noir - Germany, Pfalz
  Clear, Med- Ruby, to a med pale ruby rim
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Developing
  Vanilla/oak, stewed cherry, mineral, meaty, spice
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Low Tannin, Med Alc, Med Intensity, Med- Body, Cherry/Rhubarb stewed
  
  Conc: on the nose reminds me of a Valpolicella. Good Drink Now for sure (85 pts.)

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)

WSET Level 3 Week 8 Rest of France

Maybe Im to young to know when Alsace made bad wine, but it kind of suck that its lumped with everything else in France, I do enjoy my White grape varieties, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and even Rieslings. Its those darn Flowers. Its amazing all the different soil types in Alsace, I would love to do a tasting of just different soils for Riesling for example would be so fascinating.

South of France is great for inexpensive/rustic wines. Here are my notes

WSET LEVEL 3 WEEK 8 REST OF FRANCE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (5/25/2010)

Last Section of France, three Regions, Alsace, South France, and South West France

Alsace

• 2005 Pfaffenheim Pinot Gris Steinert - France, Alsace, Westhalten, Alsace Grand Cru AOC
  Clear, Med Lemon Gold Core, Slight hint of Brassiness, showing significant legs.
  
  On the Nose, Clean, Med+ Intensity, Showing Developing Chartaristics, Honey, Pear, Spice, Mineral, White Mushroom [Campbells Mushroom Soup], Touch Floral
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Maybe a touch of Residual Sugar, Low+ Acid, Med+ Alc, Full Body, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish. Apple, Pear, Spice, Honey
  
  Good Quality, showing developed characters reading to drink, opens up nicely do not serve to cold, Acidity is low and maybe hurting this now. Also could be a touch more "complex" (88 pts.)
• 2005 Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbés - France, Alsace, Alsace AOC
  Clean, Med(-) Lemon, Tinge Green Colour,
  
  On the Nose, Clean, Med+ Intesnity, Developing, Petrol, Earth[stem/sap], Lime Zest
  
  On the Palate Dry, Med+ Acid, Med(-) Alc, Med (-) Body, Med Intesnity, Med+ Finish. Lime Candy, Petrol
  
  Conclusion, A good Riesling, Ready to drink can develop further, really enjoyed this went back for another glass at the end of class (89 pts.)

South France, Basically Languedoc Area

• 2008 Les Domaines Paul Mas Cabernet-Merlot Arrogant Frog Ribet Rouge - France, Languedoc Roussillon
  Clear, Deep Ruby, Tinges of Purple, Showing Legs
  
  On the Nose, Med+ Intensity, Major Blackpepper, Coffee, Dark Fruit, Earth, Mineral, Vegetal
  
  On the Palate, Dry Med Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med Alc, med Body, Med+ Intensity, Med Finish. Spice, Chocolate, Dark Fruit[Cherry], Vegetal
  
  Conclusion, Rustic Tannin, Very DRY, Now bad of a wine really the nose was exciting but the palate was lacking just a touch but showing good Cab Sauv Characters for a warm climate (86 pts.)
• 2008 Domaine de l'Auster Faugères - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Faugères
  Clean Deep Ruby Tinge of Purple
  
  On the Nose, Clean, Med+ Intensity, Youhtful. Mineral[Motor Oil], Funk, Dark Red Fruit/Dark Raspberry Jam, Plum, Sweet Cinnamon
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Med Acid, Med Tannin, High Alc, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Med Finish. Dark Chocolate, Dark Ripe Fruit/Blackberry Jam/"Glycerol"
  
  Conclusion, Drink now, this wine is hot, my note has "Fire Water" good ripe qualities tho if alc doesn't bother you (85 pts.)

South West France

• 2007 Croix du Mayne (François Pélissié) Cahors - France, Southwest France, Cahors
  Since all the wine were blind, I had this Pegged as a Malbec Question Mark, something about it was malbec but not argentina for sure, we knew that the region was going to be South West France, South France, Alsace soo
  
  Clear, Deep Purple
  
  On the Nose, Med Intensity, Developing, Mineral [Inside Rubber Ballon], Dark Red Fruit, Umami Savoury Qualities
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Med Acid, Med+ Tannin, med Alc, Med Body, Med Intensity, Med Finish, Red Fruit, Herbs
  
  Conclusion, wasn't totally feeling this wine justseemed missing something, reading to drink dont think it will gain much with age (85 pts.)
• 2005 Château d'Aydie Madiran - France, Southwest France, Madiran
  Deep Ruby, showing Indication of bricking.
  
  On the Nose, Med+ Intensity, Developing, Red Fruit, Mineral [Inside a Rubber Balloon], Very "Clean", Chlorine Swiming Pool
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Med Acid, High Tannin, Med Alc, med Body, Med Intensity, Med+ Finish. Spice, Red Fruit, Chewy Tannins
  
  Conclusion, Wondering if this 05 vintage is a good vintage like 05 bordeaux, semi close, the tannins wer high but not "OMG TANNAT IS CRAZY TANNINS" high but not very complex (86 pts.)

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)

WSET Level 3 Week 7 Rhone Valley

Better get this one up before Week 8 Starts tomorrow!

What to say about Rhone, There is North and then there is the South, so close and yet so far, its amazing how a little distance plus a valley, can change the wine profile, especially Syrah, since that's really the only commonality between the two.  I enjoy Crozes Hermitage, especially when it gets those Leafy Undertones!  And at the same time a good blend of the south can be just as tasty.  2007 South Rhone, was a pretty good vintage from what has been said especially on the Chateaunuef-du-Pape front.  But for me the most enjoyment from the 07 have been the Entry Level Cotes Du Rhones, inexpensive and properly balanced.

On Chateaunuef-Du-Pape, to me its one of those regions where you have a wine and love it try and different producer and hate it, funny how that works, Domaine de Pague was a fantastic wine! But the one tasted in Class was super nice too and 1/4 of the price.

On Roses, I like em, I'm not afraid to drink pink wine. /end

WSET LEVEL 3 WEEK 7 RHONE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (5/18/2010)
Rhone Wines this Week, a pleasant inexpensive white, some reds and a rose

• 2008 La Vieille Ferme (Perrin & Fils) Côtes du Luberon Blanc - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Luberon
  Pale Lemon Green, Med+ Intensity, Youthful, Floral! Orange Blossom, Greenfruit/apple, Citrus/Lemon/Lime Ripe.
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Med- Acid, Alc Med, Body Med, Med Intesnity, Apple, Citrus/Lemon, White Peeach, Pear, Stoney/Mineral, Med- Finish
  
  Conclusion, This wine is simple and yet pretty and floral I love it!, Ready to drink now/dont wait (85 pts.)
• 2008 Domaine Lafond Tavel Roc-Epine - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Tavel
  Clear, Med Orange. Med Intensity, Developing, Caramalized Red fruit/strawberry, spice, game, watermelon rind
  
  on the Palate, dry, med acid, low tannin, alc med+, med body, med intensity, strawberry, spice med finish
  
  Conclusion, Its a good Rose, ready to drink now. (86 pts.)

• 2006 Cave de Tain St. Joseph Cuvée Prestige - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph
  Clean, Med+Intensity, Developing, Dark Fruit+Red Fruit/Raspberry, Spice, game, cola, coffee
  
  on the palate, dry, med+ acid, med+ tannin, alc med, body med, med intensity, dark fruit, dark chocolate, spice, vegetal/cabbage, med+ finish
  
  conclusion, this needs time, atleast a decant for sure, opens up nicely (89 pts.)
• 2006 Mommessin Côtes du Rhône Villages terroirs de galets - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages
  Med+ Ruby, Med intensity, umami, warm red fruit/cherry/twizzler, clean, mineral, toast. youthful
  
  on the palate, dry med acid, med tannin, alc med+, med body, med intensity, red fruit/cranberry, short finish
  
  conclusion, good wine simple/inexpesnvie (86 pts.)
• 2006 Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau
  deep ruby, no change at rim, med+ intensity, dark fruit, flint, clean, mineral, developing
  
  on the palate, med acid, med tannin, med+ alc, med+ body, med intensity, spice, stewed red fruit, med+ finish
  
  conclusion, very good, needs a little time to develop maybe a year? (87 pts.)
• 2007 Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  Deep Purple, No Change at Rim, Pronounced Intensity, developing, spice/warm/baking spice, vanilla, dark fruit, warm baked orange loaf.
  
  on the palate, dry med acid, med+ tannin, high alc, med+ body, med+ intensity, dark fruit, stewed, plums, chocolate, spice, mineral, Long finish
  
  conclusion, nice chewiness, but good acidity to keep it fresh, ready to drink can develop further (90 pts.)

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)

WSET Level 3 Week 6 Loire Valley

Ah Loire Valley, I am fascinated with this area, maybe its because of  bloggers like Living the Life in Saint-Aignan and Jim's Loire and can not forget The Winedoctor. Or maybe its the incredible deals you find on wines here, from Muscadet, Which By the way I would drink over Chablis, and to think its 1/3 the price easily.

Did this class after doing a Chilean tasting went and tasted everything about 70-90 wines, yeah Sauvignon Blanc totally destroyed my tongue and whatever was left over was done in by the reds hah.

WSET WEEK 6 LOIRE VALLEY - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (5/11/2010)
Loire Valley Week from Muscadet to Pouilly Fume, with a Rose thrown in!

• 2007 Gaec Jeannot Père et Fils Pouilly-Fumé Les Riaux - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé
  Pale Lemon Green, Clean Med+ Intensity, green tropical notes Kiwi, Mineral, Herbascious. On the Palate High Acid, Med Alc, Med body, med+ intensity, long finish, lemon, stone, gooseberry. Conclusion Very Good Balance expresses tipicity, 2-3years aging potential (87 pts.)
• 2007 Huët Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
  Med- Lemon w/Green. med+ intensity developing on the nose with Mineral, Apple, Lemon Zest, Melon, Honey, Dried Fruit, Lanolin.
  
  On the Palate High Acid, Alc Med, Med+ body, med+intensity, med finish, Rich/oily, Lemon 'Spritz', Green Apple
  
  Conclusion Very Good quality, initial hit of Residual Sugar [8g/l] but the acid makes it finish bone dry (90 pts.)
• 2008 Domaine Michaud Touraine - France, Loire Valley, Touraine
  Pale to Med- Salmon, Low+ Intensity on the Nose Youthful, Strawberry, mineral, earth/funk/stemy
  
  On the palate Dry Med+ Acid, Med- Alc, Med-- Tannin, Med Body, Med Intensity, Med Length. Strawberry Cream, Steely, Spice
  
  Conclusion, Very Good, Shows what a Loire Rose is all about. Expressive (91 pts.)
• 2007 Domaine Guion Bourgueil Cuvée Prestige - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Bourgueil
  Med+ Purple, No Change at Rim. Nose Med+ Intensity, Woody/Pencil Shaving, Raspberry/Cherry, Minty, Dry Flowers/Roses/Violets
  
  On the Palate, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med Alc, Med Body, Med Intesnity, Spicy, Woody, Ripe Red fruit, cherry sour, Med+ Finish
  
  Conclusion, Grippy Tannins, Solid Good (88 pts.)
• 2007 Domaine Pierre Chauvin Coteaux du Layon - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Coteaux du Layon
  Med+ Gold, Med+ Intensity of Mushroom, Earthy Botrytis, Developing, Honey , Dried Fruit
  
  On the Palate, Sweet, high acid, Alc med, med- body, med+ finish, Tropical, Mango, Banana[dried]
  
  Conclusion: Good, but not super complex or anything to blow me over (87 pts.)
• 2007 Domaine Pierre de la Grange (Luneau-Papin) Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie - France, Loire Valley, Pays Nantais, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine
  Watery to Pale Lemon, Med+ Intensity, Confectioners Sugar, Green Frut, Clean/Fresh, Ctirus/Yellow Grapefruit, Mineral, Lanolin
  
  on the palate, dry, med+ acid, med body, med intensity, med length, red apple, round, textured
  
  Very Good, Simple but so Satisfying (90 pts.)

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)

A Fantastic Tasting, A nice size room, not too many wines, and some really great wines to boot.  Must say my favourite new winery goes to Painted Rock, one the Wines Rock and two the own whom I have met twice now is such a great and down to earth guy.  He has a fantastic Site, see my other post on his wines I talked about last week here.

Le Vieux Pin and LaStella both owned by the same company, were interesting the top tier Merlot from Vieux Pin was really nice would like to see where it goes in a the future, the whites defintly were not whimpy, but not goopy either, very nice stuff

8th Generation and Tantalus Quality White/Roses Wine being made at both, would buy and defintly would not turn down a glass if offered.

Crowsnest Merlot for 20$ in the BC Market Unbelievable high altitude Merlot Vines apparently

I am excited about the future of the industry, and to think that our top tier wines are under 100$, Red Icon of Painted Rock 55$, LaStella Top Merlot [did not try, but if its anything to the reserve le vieux pin then yeah should be good and its yields are 1ton/acre] Is I think 85$

BC WINES, BLOOM - (5/20/2010)
Bloom Tasting event put on By BC Wines, Every year BC wine just keep getting better good stuff!

• 2009 LaStella Chardonnay Leggiero - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Clear, Watery to Pale, Lemon/Green
  
  A: Clean Med Intesnity, Youthful, Citrus, Melon
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, no tannin, med body, med intensity, med alc, med finish. Canadied Lemon/Grapefruit, Clean,
  
  Conclusion, Very refreshing Chardonnay, a great summer chardonnay (89 pts.)
• 2009 Le Vieux Pin Pinot Noir Rosé Vaïla - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Pale Pink
  
  A: med intensity, youthful, rasphberry, cherry
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, No Tannin, Med(-) Body, Med Alc, med finish. Strawberry, Clean
  
  Conclusion ,decent rose (87 pts.)
• 2009 LaStella Merlot LaStellina - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Med Pink, Slight Salmon Tint
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful, Red Summer fruit, strawberry/raspberry
  
  T: dry, med acid, med+ body, low(-) tannin, long finish. Licourice, Big Nice Texture, good candy cherry/watermelon fruit (90 pts.)
• 2009 LaStella Pinot Grigio Vivace - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Clean, Med(-), Pale Gold
  
  A: Clean, Med(-) Intensity, youthful
  
  T: Dry, Med to Med+ Acid, Med Body, Med Intesnity , Med+ Finish. Okanagan Peach, Stone fruit, ripe citrus, mineral, ruby grapefruit
  
  Conclusion, Nice Body/Texture Weight on this wine enjoyed this (89 pts.)
• 2007 Le Vieux Pin Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Med ruby
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Dried Flowers, Red Fruit, Developing, Mineral, Zest
  
  T: Dry, med+ Acid, med tannin, med+ body, med+ finish. Seems tight at the moment picking up Atypical Pinot Fruit
• 2007 Le Vieux Pin Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Clear, Med+ Ruby
  
  A: Med Intesnity
  
  T: Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med body, med+ finish med alc. red fruit (87 pts.)
• 2007 Le Vieux Pin Merlot Reserve - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Rating 89-91
  
  C: Med++ Ruby, tint of Purple
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Cherry, Chocolate, Coffee, Mineral[Lipstick]
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Finish Med+. Tight on the palate
  
  Conclusion, Potential is there, needs time to open up hence the 89 - 91 rating (89 pts.)
• 2009 Road 13 Honest John's - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Pale Lemon
  
  A: Med+ Intensity, Youthful, Peachy, Floral
  
  T: Dry, med+ Acid, med body, med finish. Floral, Apple/Green (88 pts.)
• 2008 Road 13 Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, British Columbia VQA
  Delicious Cherry Skin. Its Delicious, but it doesn't add any thing else to that one tasty note
• 2009 St. Hubertus Estate Winery Riesling Dry - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  ABSOLUTY A BUY especially at the price!
  
  Ripe Citrus, Peach, High Acid, Med Body
  
  This wine is crazy good, hence basically no notes hah a Must buy at 14.99! (90 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Syrah - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Med+ Ruby
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Slowly Starting to Develop. showing mod legs. Cabbage, Ripe Red Fruit[Cherry Twizzlers!!! YUM]
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med body, long finish. Chocolate, Cherry, Silky Smooth tannins, Charcoal, Lil Meat.
  
  Conclusion, Great Finish tasted better this week then last [tasted this in the middle of the event so compared to everything else this blows em all away] (89 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Med+ Ruby, Med+ legs
  A: Med+ Intensity, Dark Red Cherry, Great Concentration
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med body, meD+ intensity. red fruit/cherry, delicious
  
  Conclusion, Freshness is there! very delicious (89 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Med+ Ruby
  
  A: Med+ Intesnity, Mineral, Cherry, dried roses/potpourri, tar
  
  T: Med+ acid, med+ tannin, med+ body, long finish. A Ripe Vegetal note, Chocolate, Cherry, raspberry'
  
  Conclusion: Opened up so much since my last tasting a week ago amazing (90 pts.)
• 2007 Clos du Soleil - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
  C: Pale, Lemon
  
  A: Clean, Med++ Intensity, Citrus
  
  T: dry, med+ acid, med body, med+ finish. Candied Citrus Zest (87 pts.)
• 2007 Clos du Soleil - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
  C: med to med+ ruby
  
  A: med+ intensity, woody, cherry
  
  T: med+ acid, med tannin, med+ body, jolly rancher red, woody, needs some time
• 2009 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Meunier Rosé - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Pinot Muenier 24hr Skin Contact
  
  C: Pale Pink
  
  A: Earthy, Cherry, Strawberry
  
  T: med- Acid, med body, Cherry rhubarb
  
  Conclusion, this is a very nice Rose, I enjoyed this, this year and last year, and its already or almost sold out (88 pts.)
• 2009 8th Generation Vineyard Dry Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Also Called the "Classic"
  
  C: Watery in Colour
  
  A: Med Intensity, Marzipan yummay~
  
  T: High Acid, Med Body, Ripe Citrus, Marzipan
  
  tasty
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  C: Watery to Pale Lemon slight tint of green
  
  A: Petrol, Umami
  
  T: Off-Dry Med+ Acid, Med- Body, Appley Goodness, Tropical Fruit (89 pts.)
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  Umami on the Nose, Round Texture Stone Fruit on the Palate
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: CHerry, Rhubarb
  
  T: Cherry, Mineral/Rocks, Rhubarb, Creamy (89 pts.)
• 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Vegetal Notes on this [all I had written down for notes]
• 2009 Tantalus Vineyards Dry - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Med(-) Pink
  
  A: Med Intensity, Earth, Game, Mineral
  
  T: dry, Med+ Acid, low Tannin, Med body, cranberry
  
  Conclusion Very Tight, needs a little decant, was pop'n'pour funk blew off after 30secs but still needs a mini decant (88 pts.)
• 2008 Tantalus Vineyards Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  50% German Clones, Rest Dijon I think
  
  A: Vanilla, Cherry, Rhubarb [Oak notes present]
  
  T: Med acid, med+ tannin, med body, med+ finish a Big wine needs time to settle so young and tight
• 2009 Tantalus Vineyards Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Med+ Intensity, Ruby/Pink Grapefruit
  T: Med+ acid, Med+ body, med+ finish, citrus/apple (89 pts.)
• 2008 Tantalus Vineyards Riesling Old Vines - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Watery to Pale
  A: Med+ Intensity, Petrol
  
  T: High Acid, Med(-) Body, med+ Finish, green apple, Mosel Like in its approach very different then the Regular Riesling (89 pts.)
• 2007 Crowsnest Merlot Barcello Canyon - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
  This wine is a High Altitude Merlot from Okanagan
  Wine was showing Beautifully Was decanted for an hour
  
  A: Med+ Intensity, A Interesting Nose so different, changing couldn't take notes really
  
  T: Soft Tannin, Med Acid, Med Body, Showing Beautifully right now (91 pts.)

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)

Painted Rock Winery

Went to a Painted Rock Wine Tasting this week, one of Okanagans' new premium wines. First the History of this piece of land, was owned by Hillside Estate for approx 10years, never developed, no idea why as it was rated #1 meso-climate [now I know they say its Micro-Climate, but really micro is under every leaf where the grapes grow, Meso is the Vineyard, Macro is the Appellation] by BC Wine Institue, property originally called "BlackHawk".  To Illustrate the how good this site is, In 2009 there was some heavy freezing, Painted Rock suffered no damage, The Vines are sloped so that they go towards the water, where they get a good vacuum effect allowing the Lake Skaha to Moderate the vineyard. Also there is Amphitheater at the back of the vineyard reflecting the heat back into the vines during the growing season, and of course lake reflection where the Petit Verdot is planted

What made me want to try these wines was that the Red Icon blend had a heavy amount of Petit Verdot, 20% in the 2008 Vintage, unheard of in a "cool" climate.  Amazingly these vines were planted mostly in 2005, and the quality of wine coming from such young vines not to shabby. Another interesting point someone made at the tasting was that the Syrah tasted a lot like Walla Walla syrahs when the vines were young, sooo that could mean good things for this syrah and I may have to get on that but right not super fruit forward due to youngness but ya know still tasty

PAINTED ROCK PORTFOLIO TASTING - Wine Vault (5/12/2010)

Whites

• 2008 Painted Rock Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  C: Pale Lemon.
  
  A: Med+ Intensity Initially oak is on the nose, and was quiet scared because I know this is 100% New French Oak, started to blow off, peachy, pear, toast, burnt popcorn [good!]
  
  T: med Acid, med+ body, med+ finish
  Lemon, Apple, Pear, Mineral, CLEAN,
  
  Conclusion reminded me a Mersault I had couple weeks ago, so good and clean fruit, the Oak Integrates/disappears so WELL, I would drink this wine and Im not a Chard/Oak Fan (92 pts.)

Released Red

• 2007 Painted Rock Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Med+ Intensity
  Perfume. Licorice, Dark Cherry/Plum, Spice Cake, High Toned
  
  T: Med_ Acid, Med Tannin[dusty/silky], med body, med+ finish
  Red Fruit, Smooth, Clean, Purity of Fruit, Paired really well with Duck Prosciutto
  
  Conclusion: This wine was showing the best out of the reds straight out of the bottle so good (91 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Syrah - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  First 6month in New French Oak, then 30% Transferred to American Oak [New] Then rested for 24motnhs[I think]
  
  A: Sweet Caramel, Red Fruit/Stinky/Earth, Brocolli, Fatty, Meaty, Cabbage
  
  T: Round, Creamy, Red Good Fruit, Spice, Earth
  
  Conclusion These vines are only 5years old I think if that, the potential is there I would love to see how this shows with older vines, maybe the 2012-2015 vintage. Its Delicious right now but does not have that depth of Character (87 pts.)
• 2007 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  33%Cab Franc, 20% Petit Verdot, 16% Merlot, 16% Cab Sauv 15% Malbec
  
  This wine is very tight At the Moment
  
  A: Eucalyptus/Mint, Lipstick, Vanilla, Spice/Pepper, Earth/Stemy
  
  T: Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin [ Smooth Silky Tannins], Good Balance
  TIGHT~ , Chocolate, Dark Fruit,
  
  Conclusion, Needs time very tight

Barrel Sample

This was a Barrel Sample, Final Blend, Now Sitting for another 4 months in Oak

• 2008 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  !!!!THIS IS A BARREL SAMPLE, Final BLEND still in Barrel for another 4 Months!!!
  20% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, 25% Malbec
  
  A: med+ Intensity, Cherry, Rich
  
  T: Med Acid, Med+ Tannin[Silky], Red Fruit, Opening up with "Sweet Tannins and Ripe Fruit'
  
  Conclusion: Would like to see this affter a year in bottle to calm down, but the Vines are still young and not getting a lot of 2nd'ry Complexitiies yet

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)

A Blind Tasting, Completly Random

There is something about tasting wine with people who are just as passionate about you without being, pretentious, I mean good decissusion it is what makes us feel good about what we do. Its even better when you have a disagreement and that passion, really how can you not love a good fight [no malice] just pure fun disagreement.

This was Bring a Random Bottle Night I brought the 2006 Domaine De la Roche Costières-de-Nîmes from Southern Rhone the last time I brought this wine to a tasting it was not hated lets say and yet again it held its ground against some expensive wines, 17$ for mine [cheap in the BC market] against 30-50$. GO ME! hah now only If I can repeat

BLIND TASTING MONDAYS - Holiday Inn Downtown Vancouver (4/26/2010)

White

• N.V. Paul Zinck Crémant d'Alsace Brut - France, Alsace, Crémant d'Alsace
  C: Light Lemon
  A: Clean, Nuts, Very Yeasty and Rich/Bread
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Creamy Bubbles, Golden Apple/Skin, Touch Caramel/Butterscotch, Finish Creamy/Cheese
  
  Good Quality, Lots of yeast, warmish climate feel, Ripe (90 pts.)
• 2008 Gipsie Jack Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
  A: Clean, Started with Floral, Serbert/Orange, Melon, then opening with Greenness/Grass
  
  T: Dry, Med+Acid, med Body, Med Finish, Greeness/Herbs, Passionfruit
  
  Conclusion, Has a odd Off balance finish in the beginning, a young style warm climate feel, easy drinking, opening up with a more A-Typical SB of NZ Marl (89 pts.)
• 2008 Jaffelin Bourgogne-Aligoté - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne-Aligoté
  C: Clear, Pale lemon Green
  A: Confectioners Sugar, Floral/Soap, Rich?
  T: High Acid, Body Light, Finish Med, Green Apple/Skin, Lemon Zest, Finish Med
  
  Conlusion, Very High Acid, need some Cheese hard to drink solo (88 pts.)

Red

• 2005 Querciabella Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
  C: Med Ruby
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Meaty/Game/Pepper, Cherry, Warm
  T: High Acid, Finish Short, Med- Tannin, Sour Cherry/Skin, Rubber/astringent, Some Oak Use, Chocolate, Dirty
  
  Conclusion, at first was thinking a Syrah/Grenache on the nose, new world but once you started to drink this yeah Sang coming through opened up nicely (87 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine De la Roche Costières-de-Nîmes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Costières-de-Nîmes
  C: Med+ Ruby
  A: Clean, Rich, Cherry Skin, Stinky, Mineral/Earth
  T: Med- acid, Med- tannin, Med Finsih, Body Med +, Rich, Cherry, Ripe, Creamy Strawberry, Mineral [Ocean/Shells]
  
  Conclusion my entry into the blind tasting and it held up yet again! (89 pts.)
• 2007 Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Reserve - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
  C: Clear, Med+ Ruby
  A: Warm Raison, Orange Peel, vanilla
  T: Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Finish, Red fruit/sour Cherry, cream/Coffee, Chocoalte (88 pts.)
• 2008 Familia Zuccardi Malbec Santa Julia Reserva - Argentina, Mendoza
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Cola, Cherry, Richness, Cherry, Coffee/Grounds, Lipstick
  T: Acid Med+, Body Big, Finish Long, Cherry Juice, I like, Spice
  
  Conclusion Good Juice! (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker
Overall/Reflection: Score: 88 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)

Naramata [Okanagan BC] Tasting

Last week was the trade tasting for the annual Naramta Bench Winery Associations Wine Tasting, by far the most organized  'Sub-Appellation' [since there is no official sub-apps yet] out of the Okanagan.  I personally like what is coming out of the Naramata region, and the odd Syrah I have tasted from these wineries have been good, now the fruit may not be 100% naramata but the quality coming out of there is pretty high.  John Schreiner Blog has article that the Golden Mile might first get a Sub-Appellation Status but that for another day


I am still trying to figure out for myself how to take tasting notes and transfer them properly to a written version where they sound good, hmmm its all a learning process


My Favourite Wines of the Night was the Laughing Stock Syrah/Viognier, most Pinot Gris were fantastic

NARAMATA BENCH TASTING - Westin Bayshore Hotel (4/12/2010)
This is the Annual Naramata Bench Tasting. A region in the Okanagan which I think is where the good quality wines are coming from. Sits high above a Lake moderating the temperature from the desert like conditons of the Okanagan

Whites, Some Good Wines coming out of here, Good Quality Pinot Gris [if made in the Alsatian Style] Some Viognier doing well as long as not a lot of Oak is used

• 2008 Nichol Vineyard Gewürztraminer - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Med Minus Intensity, Flinty
  
  T: Grapey, Rubber/Petrol, Refreshing Citrus
  
  Conclusion: Not your typical Gewurtz, lots more acidity, no Floral notes mineral tho, (82 pts.)
• 2009 Nichol Vineyard Pinot Gris September Ranch - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  C: Light Peach
  
  A: Richness, Cream Strawberry
  
  T: Strawberry Cream, Med Acid.
  
  Conclusion: Very tasty but I almost thought it was a Rose, def had that profile (88 pts.)
• 2008 Therapy Freudian Sip - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Fuzzy Peach, Perfume
  
  T: Watery [Might of Been Too Cold]
  
  Conclusion: Thought it lacked Acidty, and tasted watery
• 2008 Therapy Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Big French Oak on the NOse
  
  T: Surprsing Oak is not as dominant as I would expect from the nose, Great Acidity, but def oak flavour, then touch of fruit (85 pts.)
• 2008 Therapy Pink Freud - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Delicious Fruit, Peach/Apricot, All Stone Fruits
  
  T: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
  
  Conclusion: Just great, I totally would enjoy this (89 pts.)
• 2008 Van Westen Vineyards Vino Grigio - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Light, Delicate
  
  T: Petrol, Mineral, Roundness, Med to med minus acid
• 2008 Van Westen Vineyards Viognier - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Light Aroma, Flowers
  
  T: Round Texture, Great fruit, Nice Acid, Viognier Bitterness coming through very good tho
  
  Conclusion, really enjoyed this Viognier
• 2008 Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Big Peach + Flowers
  
  T: Good Apple/Pear, Great Acid/Balance, Freshness, Roundness (89 pts.)
• 2008 Lake Breeze Vineyards Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Good Fruit, Tart Peach
  
  T: Tart Peach
• 2009 Lake Breeze Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Seven Poplars - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Fruit Herbascious
  
  T: Bitter Finish, S'alright (82 pts.)
• 2009 Lake Breeze Vineyards Gewürztraminer - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Powdery Perfume, Roses
  
  T: Round, Luscious Goldenfruit
  
  Conclusion: Totally was into this wine (88 pts.)
• 2008 Black Widow Winery Pinot Gris Single Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Note says Really nice solid, must of liked it (88 pts.)
• 2008 Black Widow Winery Schönburger Oasis - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Lemon Peel, Flowers
  
  T: Residual Sugar Off Dry Noticable, Good Blance of Fruit
• 2009 Black Widow Winery Schönburger Oasis - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  This was a tank sample
  
  A: Cologne
  
  T: Stonefruit, Peach, Pear Citrus
  
  Conclusion: thought was way better then the 08 and the sugar was about the same but not as noticable on this vintage (89 pts.)
• 2009 Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc Summa Quies Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: A Interesting Nose, Fascinating [what I wrote down I think it surprised me]
  
  T: Fresh Lemon Juice Candy, Really Good, High Acid for sure tho
• 2009 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  T: Nice Texture, Ripe Fruit, Richness
  
  My type of Pinot Gris more Alsatian in style! (89 pts.)
• 2009 Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Slightly Closed
  
  T: Great Finish, Great texture coming from the Viognier I think, pick up the nice Sauv Blanc fruit too
  
  Conclusion: Yeah I know terrible notes (88 pts.)
• 2008 Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Flinty, French Oak
  
  T: Oak Presence, High Acid, Apples
• 2009 Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  T: White Flowers, Some Oak, Round, Textured
  
  Conclusion: Oak used well, even tho I dont like Oaked Whites, it didnt kill the floral aspect so i am happy about that. Def Has Potential (89 pts.)
• 2008 Poplar Grove Winery Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Low Intensity [Guessing too cold]
  
  T: Good texture, nice acid, fruit
• 2008 Poplar Grove Winery Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Closed Nose
  
  T: Good use of Oak not over done
• 2008 Monster Vineyards (Poplar Grove) Manmade - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Nutty
  
  T: Clean Simple Fruit, Some Creaminess (84 pts.)
• 2009 Monster Vineyards (Poplar Grove) Rosé - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Strawberry Candy
  
  T: Good Fruit...something I can't read
  
  Conclusion: Really Enjoyed this (89 pts.)
• 2008 Red Rooster Winery Pinot Blanc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: nice Fruit
  
  T: Nice Round Texture, Peachy, Good Acid
• 2008 Red Rooster Winery Gewürztraminer Reserve - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  T: Residual Sugar noticeable, Crystalized Fruit, Good round texture
• 2008 Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  No Greenness, Citrus, High Acid
  
  Enjoyable (84 pts.)
• 2008 Township 7 Chardonnay Unoaked - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Mineral
  
  T: Mineral, Roundness, Citrusy
  
  Conclusion: I really did enjoy this, I would recommend this for sure and a good price too i think (87 pts.)

Reds are good as long as they stay away from Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab Franc / Merlot Blends good stuff

• 2005 Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Polarizing Wine of the Night, I liked it others not so much
  
  A: Good Fruit, High Quality Red Fruit
  
  T: Good Acid, Red Fruit, Med Tannins but not harsh
  
  Conclusion: I found this approachable other found this had more noticeable tannins then the 06
• 2006 Van Westen Vineyards Voluptuous - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Polarizing Wine, People loved, some were meh, some disliked
  
  A: Good Quality Red Fruit Thumbs up!
  
  T: Good Acid, Big Tannins, Just way to young
  
  Conclusion: See Potentional for sure
• 2008 Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Summa Quies Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  C: Med(-) Ruby
  
  A: Nice Ripe Pinot Fruit
  
  T: Sour Creamy Cherry, Very Fruit Driven
  
  Conclusion: Has Potential, Oak needs to integrate really tho before drinking (89 pts.)
• 2007 Howling Bluff Sin Cera Summa Quies Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Coffee
  
  T: Good Fruit, Balance, Grape [Good Type tho], Coffee
  
  Conclusion: Could use a little less Oak but its not like hey look at my oak (88 pts.)
• 2007 Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Nice Fruit
  
  T: 'Salty' , Red Cherry
• 2007 Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  after tasting this last year defeintly showing IMO awesome, starting to open up on the nose, Pencil Shaving oh yeah. Tasting Sweet Beautiful Tannins, good cherry nice stuff (89 pts.)
• 2008 Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah/Viognier - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: Absolutlu Just Beautiful, Flowers, Caramel, Meaty, Red/Dark Fruit!
  
  T: Good Acid, LONG Finish, Nice Texture some Vanilla
  
  Conclusion: Yup I am buying its just gorgeous (92 pts.)
• 2006 Poplar Grove Winery Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  A: High Toned Red Fruit
  
  T: Med+ [Silky Tannins] Red Fruit
• 2006 Poplar Grove Winery Cabernet Franc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  I tasted but no notes and don't remember ah well
• 2006 Poplar Grove Winery The Legacy - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
  T: Good fruit, and tannins [shrug]
• 2008 Red Rooster Winery Cabernet-Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Coffee, Veg, Hoisin/Soy
  
  T: Vanilla, Cherry, Stalky, Caramel
  
  Conclusion: Has those green notes you are going to find in a BC Cab Sauv, and use of oak is noticable
• 2007 Red Rooster Winery Meritage - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Vanilla
  
  T: Nope
  
  Doesn't work do not liek at all (79 pts.)
• 2006 D'Angelo Estates Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  A: Fig, Prunes, Very Dark
  
  T: Red Cherry, Warm, Big Tannin, Chewy
  
  Conclusion: Not something I associate with a Pinot Noir, very big and Chewy (85 pts.)
• 2005 D'Angelo Estates Merlot Cabernet - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: High Tone Fruit, Veg
  
  T: Soft Cherry
  
  Conclusion: QPR this is a great value, the high quality fruit with the veg goes, I mean if your using Cab in the Okanagan you are most likly going to get those veg notes (86 pts.)
• 2007 D'Angelo Estates Tempranillo - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  A: Smell is muted
  
  T: High Acid, Sour Cherry, Chalky
  
  Conclusion: Surprised me this actually a tempranillo, and I think it could work in the Okanagan with that High Heat it gets, it may actually work (87 pts.)
• 2005 D'Angelo Estates Sette Coppa - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Naramata Bench
  Really Nice Balance, Good Acid Really Nice
  
  Couple other people I know form the tasting really thought this was Really good too (88 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker