Vancouver Magazine

 

 

 

Welcome to another 12 months of weekly picks as we taste our way through 106 terrific winning wines for 2013. In late October, 16 judges were cloistered at the Vancouver Club for three days, evaluating nearly 700 wines from 17 countries. Wines were grouped into style categories, just the way we think about and buy wine. You’ll find our winners organized into 10 groups: sparkling, light white, medium white, rich white, rose, light red, medium red, rich red, dessert, and fortified wines. This logical, intuitive sorting by style makes is easy to pair to your mood, and with food. Let’s kick off the 2013 results with our Best of Show winner—a stunner from Western Australia that deserves a fabulous and festive dinner of steamed crab and butter, tender pan-fried oysters or succulent roasted chicken.

 

 

November 28, 2012

Next Thursday we reveal the winning wines from our most recent 2013 competition (the actual on-line reveal is December 1), and this column will decant another year of exciting and delicious wines for you to try - and food pairings too.  For the final pick of the 2012 competition, we shine the spotlight on Sake…. hopefully you tried the Osake Junmai Nama that was recommended a few months ago, and here is another

ARTISAN SAKEMAKER OSAKE JUNMAI NAMA GENSHU 2011 
$21.90

B.C.+580183

Artisan SakeMaker Osake Junmai Nama Genshu 2011  B.C.  $21.90 +580183

We’re lucky to have many sakes to choose from in B.C., and even more remarkable that there is a sake maker on Granville Island. Masa Shiroki is the craftsman behind the Junmai Nama Genshu 2011, and in this town, it is worth having a working knowledge of sake and how to deploy it with food. So plan a visit to Railspur Alley. This Junmai Nama Genshu is made from highly polished rice, unpasteurized (that’s what “nama” means), and has a glorious wine-like fragrance with hints of exotic fruit and a nutty, yeasty complexity. In the mouth it has tremendous presence with savoury and botanical flavours, creamy texture and the kind of weight and persistence that can take on charcuterie, pan-seared salmon, or mushroom risotto. Masa likes this distinctive sake with duck pate, duck sausage, or duck prosciutto, so head to Granville Market, pick up some duck, and see what you think. Do not heat this sake; serve it with a slight chill in a small wineglass. 

 

 

 

November 22, 2012

Wild mushroom season is upon us and the markets are laden with scented treasures plucked from moist forest floors. Brush funghi with a dry cloth or very soft brush to remove any soil and then consider soup, risotto, ragout, creamy pasta sauce, or a rich mushroom sauce for veal for dinner this weekend. Earthy whites can make good wine companions, but Pinot Noir’s wild, woodsy character is an undeniably blissful match.

OLSEN FAMILY VINEYARDS VIRIDIAN PINOT NOIR 2008 
$24.99

U.S.A.+266551

The Olsen family’s main business is grass seed, and it’s a little known fact that this is Oregon’s main cash crop. More widely known is Oregon's famous Pinot, and there are five generations of farming experience (grapes and grass!) behind the Viridian Pinot Noir. Vibrant cherry and currant aromas and flavours are chased by complex scents of undergrowth, saddle leather, and tea leaves. It’s this earthy facet of Pinot, combined with juicy acidity, that connects to funghi so kinetically. Moderate but edgy tannins and a nice silky finish also complements the mouthfeel of mushrooms. Treat yourself to a globe shaped Pinot glass, pour just a finger or two, swirl, and inhale deeply.

 

 

VOLCANIC HILLS SYRAH 2009
$27.90

B.C.+180372

Since opening its spacious timbered premises in 2009, Volcanic Hills has earned a reputation for rock-solid wines that are well-priced and satisfying to drink.  Their inviting syrah shows the exciting potential for this Rhone grape in the Okanagan Valley. Darkly coloured with a fragrant nose of ripe cherry, cracked black pepper, it offers similar fruity/spicy flavours with a nice chewy texture, brisk acidity and a touch of grilled herbs on the finish. Game is always lovely with Syrah, but a deeply flavourful black bean chili (use sausage, beef or chicken) with plenty of toasted cumin and cardamom and cornbread will make a hearty Sunday dinner.

 

 

 

November 8, 2012

On this weekend of remembrance, let’s don our poppies, dwell on how lucky and thankful we are, and gather those near and dear to us for a delicious meal.

MATUA VALLEY HAWKES BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010
$16.99

France +309575

Perhaps dinner will start with a crisp salad greens with fat nuggets of local goat’s cheese, toasted pecans, and a tangy tarragon vinaigrette. An equally crunchy, clean Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand will be a memorable match. This vigorous white, a wine so fresh it should be slapped, comes not from Marlborough (a famous region for Sauv Blanc on the South Island) but the top quality terroir of Hawkes Bay on the North Island. The much-admired Matua Valley’s Sauvignon is laden with melon, gooseberry, and citrus aromas and flavours, with a nice tropical character. A spine of fresh acidity and minerality gives this wine a distinct steely structure that makes it a terrific food wine.

HENRY'S DRIVE VIGNERONS PILLAR BOX RESERVE SHIRAZ 2008
$24.99

Australia +485623

If a meaty pot roast is bubbling away in a heavy pot in the oven, then consider this deeply flavourful reserve Shiraz from a limestone-based region in South Australia called Padthaway. Here, optimally ripe Shiraz vines gain extra mineral complexity yielding a structured wine that’s chock-full of plummy fruit, appealing cracked pepper, and minty lifts. Bold flavours, full-body, supple tannins, and plenty of exotic oak character define this sensual, mouth-filling Shiraz. 

 

 

 

November 1, 2012 

This weekend we snatch back an hour of daylight as clocks are wound back an hour. Dinner this weekend should be autumnal, comofrting, and made with wine in mind . . .

Red Côtes du Rhône wines are like a cozy blanket for the mouth. Soft, warm, yielding and thick with flavour, they really are the perfect autumn comfort wine. Côtes du Rhône Villages wines are blends headlined by Grenache with jolts of Syrah and/or Mourvedre plus a few other characterful grapes. This wine, called Gratitude, comes from the special village of Plan de Dieu where stony terroir and luminous sunshine guarantee grapes that are fully ripe and firmly structured. Rich plum flavours are brightened by fresh acidity, kicked with spice, licked with dusty minerality and plump with the generous, round tannins we expect from southern Rhône wine. Solid value, and all you have to do is decided between saucisson Lyonnaise with roasted root vegetables, a Moroccan chicken tagine with tender couscous, or perhaps a rich fondue of Beaufort and Tomme cheese into which you can dip hunks of crusty bread or thick slices of your favourite smoky grilled chorizo.

 

 

 

October 25, 2012 

A delicate dusting of snow on the Lions signals the emphatic change of the seasons and the time for mellow, autumnal wines is now.  It’s hard to beat Spanish reds for soul-warming character and palate-pleasing flavour.  The Ebano 6 is an ideal way to complement the lamb stew or cheesy baked eggplant you will make this weekend.  It is a modern iteration of wine from Ribera del Duero, an elite region in the country’s northern plateau.  Rocky terrain, blistering summers and frigid winters challenge the tempranillo grape, which stars in the Ebano 6.  Raspberry and plum flavours with spicy notes from a few months in French oak casks makes this wine big on fruit with gently buffed tannins.  Snow on the mountains, Hallowe’en around the corner, crimson leaves on the ground – yes this is the time for Spanish reds.

 

 

 

October 18, 2012

This weekend, 16 of B.C.'s top palates are tuning up for the Vancouver Magazine 9th Annual International Wine Awards judging next week. Five sommelier-of-the-year winners, two Masters of Wine, the best educators, writers and top wine buyers comprise our extraordinary panel of judges. Not just that, but 8 crack backroom staff, most of them certified sommeliers, are resting up, sharpening their corkscrews and ironing polishing cloths as their work is just as important as the judges'. The competition takes place at the genteel Vancouver Club, where the wines are evaluated blind with immense concentration and relish.
To celebrate the impending competition (look for the results in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue), two of the slam-dunk favourites are featured here, as we look forward to the intense event at the Vancouver Club next week.

LONG FLAT RED CABERNET SAUVIGNON SHIRAZ 2009

$9.99

Australia +212373 

Although the average price of our winning wines is closer to the $25 dollar mark, it is always gratifying when a sure-fire bargain shines year after year. Long Flat is a 40-year-old brand that believes that wine is a simple pleasure. No fuss, no big outlay, just dang delicious wine for a fair price. Long Flat wines are ultra-reliable and the Cab Shiraz blend combines dusty blackcurrant and spicy plum flavours with a minty note. Value can come at any price, and Long Flat is just right.

ANTINORI VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA 2006

$26.99

Italy +104885

 

This Tuscan red wine also overdelivers in every department for its price. The prestige of the Antinori family, the experience and intimate knowledge that comes from 26 generations of working the Tuscan lands is all poured into this beautifully balanced, earthy red wine. A lithe blend of 55 percent Sangiovese with Cab, Merlot and a shot of Syrah, treated to a year in oak casks, it drinks like a Ferrari but is priced like a Ford. Really. And it ages well, it's a joy to drink alone, and it partners seamlessly with food like meats, mushrooms, or cheese. Our judges adored this superlative vintage, but you will also enjoy the current release of Villa Antinori. We hope to see it in the next competition!

Find more best-value medium red wines

 

 

October 11, 2012

Drink this wine because JoieFarm is one of B.C.'s very special wineries tucked into the thith of elite Naramata Bench. Drink it because of the love that Michael Dinn and Heidi Noble pour into their celebrated wines. Drink it because it's perfectly, more-ishly, sensationally delicious.

JOIEFARM A NOBLE BLEND 2010

$23.95

B.C. +882027 *only available in private wine stores

The aromatic nose surges with white flowers, peaches, grapes, and herbal notes, just as an exotic white blend should do. The mélange centres on 43 percent Gewurztraminer, 38 percent Riesling, 14 percent Pinot Auxerrois and 5 percent Pinot Gris and rich tropical notes and heady aromatics are always deftly balanced. Succulent citrusy acidity, overt minerality, and dewy freshness keep this off-dry fruity wine tight and tidy. You will find the current 2011 vintage on the shelves now which has a touch more Riesling in the blend giving lovely lipsmacking acidity. On the menu this weekend should be Choucroute Garnie, an Alsatian classic that marries sauerkraut, smoked pork, pungent spices, and wine in an incredibly way. Browse the internet for a recipe, shop for bacon, sausages, kassler (heavily smoked porkchops), and jarred sauerkraut on Granville Island, buy several bottles of JoieFarm's A Noble Blend, and spend the weekend cooking up a storm.

Find more best-value light white wines

 

October 4, 2012

Our benevolent, sunny September weather has helped summer linger and is it hard to believe that the Thanksgiving Long Weekend is here already. Quick history lesson: always the second Monday in October, Canadian Thanksgiving Day can be traced back to 1578 and the epic third voyage of English explorer Martin Frobisher. Fourteen ships endured calamitous storms, icebergs, and separation to finally and miraculously gather together on the shores of Frobisher Bay, holding a communion of thanksgiving. After Confederation, the holiday was observed annually in October and harvest celebrations, parades, football games, retail sales, family huddles, and bountiful meals now define the three day weekend. And the feasts deserve some special wine

LAURENZ V FRIENDLY GRüNER VELTLINER 2010

$19.99

Austria +458067 *only available in private wine stores

Austria's great white hope is the marvelous Grüner Veltliner grape. Widely planted in vineyards in the eastern part of mountainous Austria, Grüners are spicy, minerally, dry wines that make terrific partners for food. Laurenz V sources fruit from the elite Kamptal region, where hard granitic soils, cooling night winds and vineyards along the Danube River create ideal slow-ripening conditions. The Friendly is one of 7 wines made by Laurenz V, and you'll find lovely appley fruit, zippy acidity, a distinct stoney aspect, and best of all, Grüner's trademark spicy verve. Imagine white pepper, a hint of vanilla with creamy mouthfeel and a dry, dry finish—just the thing for turkey or baked ham.

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QUAILS GATE WINERY STEWART FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2008

$45

B.C. +639658

 

One of the most decorated wines not just from B.C. but all of Canada. This gorgeous high-end Pinot Noir is worth every penny. And why not splurge on the family and the posh free-range turkey that you've ordered? Stewart brothers Ben and Tony and crack wine-maker Grant Stanley lavish care on their French clone Pinot vineyards that just might be the prettiest in the valley. Several features make this reserve Pinot special: old vines—averaging 24 years of age—give intensity and concentration to the spicy cherry/plum fruit; the special volcanic terroir on Boucherie mountain vineyards gives a fine mineral character to the Pinot; the sensitive use of French oak barriques, of which only 40 percent are new, allowing the pure fruit to star; and finally, the skill and palate of winemaker Grant Stanley. Expect a compelling nose of dark fruit, a hint of spicy vanilla from the barrels, and best of all, an earthy, gamey character that is the hallmark of wonderful Pinot with a touch of age. Medium tannins with a silky texture make this a wonderful food wine, and if you make a wild mushroom stuffing for the turkey, you will not regret it. Polish your biggest glasses and pour a few ounces in each, allowing breathing and swirling space so that the ethereal bouquet of this wine can bewitch.

Find more best-value light red wine

 

 

September 20, 2012

Signalling the end of summer and carefree holidays, September can feel like a month of Mondays. Let's drink some soothing wine and enjoy the lingering good weather

 

STONELEIGH MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2010

$15.99

New Zealand +288795

Chardonnay from the clean, green islands can get overlooked, given the runaway success of Sauvignon Blanc, which is a shame, because New Zealand makes sensational wines from this Burgundian grape. The Stoneleigh is a colossal value and you get a lot of wine for your buck, heaps of succulent nectarine and citrus flavours, gently kissed by French oak for added spice and depth. Fresh, fruity and minerally as well, as the name suggests. Squash risotto with a little pumpkin seed oil drizzled on top will make a casual Friday night dinner and a fitting partner to one of our rich white winners.

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GONZALEZ BYASS BERONIA RESERVA 2006

$25.99

Spain +216770

 

This Rioja, always an artfully made Spanish wine, has been best of show in previous competitions, and usually stars on the winners' list every year. Beronia Reserva is an example of a wine with the clear identity of a special place. In the classic Rioja tradition it is profoundly anti-modern wine mellowed by many years ageing in American oak barrels, giving it creamy texture and lashings of vanilla in addition to bright raspberry flavours. Supple, round, mellow, it needs lambchops if you are still in the mood for grilling, otherwise throw a lamb shoulder in a pot, toss in vegetables, a bottle of the Beronia, and braise away.

Find more best-value light red wine

 

September 13, 2012

Even though there is a distinct nip in morning and evening air, you can keep the freshness of summer alive on your palate with our white pick, or embrace the fall chill with our red

 

WHITEHAVEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010

$19.99

New Zealand. +300368

This crisp charmer from the Emerald Islands is a quintessential Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, opulent with tropical guava, kiwi, grapefruit, and sweetherbs kept vital and trim with citrusy acidity and an elegant mineral finish. Try this with Julia Child's classic chicken tarragon: massage skinless, boneless breasts with oil and season well, strew fresh tarragon sprigs on bottom of pan, arrange chicken atop, cover with more tarragon fronds, place lid on pan and oven bake until cooked but juicy. Remove chicken and most of the tarragon, deglaze pan with a glass of the Whitehaven, add a dash of cream, season, reduce til thick-ish, and pour over the tender breasts.

Find more best-value medium white wines

THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE SHIRAZ 2008

$25.99

Australia +94342

 

This rich red has been on our winner's list many, many times, confirming that across vintages it shows like a thoroughbred. And our judges are not the only fans; the Wine Advocate's Robert Parker Jr. hails Thorn-Clarke as "the greatest red wine values in the marketplace." From old vineyards in South Australia's elite Barossa Valley, the Shotfire brims with plummy fruit, exotic spices, dark chocolate and has the kind of suave tannins, firm structure and lingering finish of a pedigreed champ. It's time to braise again, so buy a choice cut of beef or pork and make the best pot roast known to mankind. The Shotfire Shiraz deserves nothing less.

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September 6, 2012

Back to school, back to work, back to reality. 'Nuff said. We need some wine...

 

 

QUAILS' GATE STEWART FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2009

$29.99

B.C. +639641

Aristocratic is the right word for this stately Okanagan Chardonnay. From French clones planted on some of the most beautiful lakeside vineyards ever seen (anywhere in the world!), this rich white gets the full spa treatment. Top drawer French oak barrel fermentation, lees contact, malo, then more time in bottle for harmonizing integration. The result is pure luxury: peach and citrus flavours, lashings of clove and toasty butter, creamy texture and majesterial weight. The kind of wine that needs Dungeness crab risotto, seared halibut with citrus beurre blanc, or some decadent triple cream cheese and roasted nuts.

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SEBASTIANI SONOMA COUNTY ZINFANDEL 2009

$20

USA +37275 

 

This gulpable Zinfandel delighted the judges with its raspberry fruit, gentle spice, and overall depth of flavour and finesse. Sebastiani know wine, and they know Zinfandel from farming it for over 100 years in Sonoma, surviving Prohibition and depression. Part of the secret of this wine’s delicious complexity is the blend:  79 percent Zin with the balance and juiciness coming from Petite Syrah, Barbera, and Syrah. Also part of its Euro structure is the 100 percent Hungarian oak used—both new and used. This high-quality oak has the twin merits of resembling French oak’s subtle and refined flavours at half the price of a Gallic barrel. Try this rich Zinfandel with a fat, liberally peppered pork chop, your favourite baby back ribs or sausage pizza.

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August 30, 2012

Labour Day reminds us that it's our duty to put our feet up, exhale deeply, and slowly ease the troubles away this
long weekend. Close your eyes and dream of dinner—something effortless like beercan chicken and a veggie pack, with plump local blueberries for dessert.

NOLLEN NOTORIOUS ROOSTER RIESLING 2010

$13.99

Germany +426536 

This fresh and fruity white proves yet again that happiness does not have to be complicated. The screw-capped, cobalt blue bottle offers fragrant, peachy scents with the mineral, limey promise of Mosel wines. Once you have drunk deeply, you will notice apricot and sweet citrus flavours, adroitly balanced by spritely acidity. Yes, it is off-dry, but at 10.5 percent alcohol it is highly thirst-quenching and also allows you to pour on the heat-fruity wines and chili are made for each other. Try this easy brining method before you BBQ the chicken: combine 1/4 cup kosher salt and 1/8 cup sugar per one litre of cold water. Add many generous dashes of hot wing sauce like Frank's. Immerse one or two chickens (double the brine recipe for 2 birds) and brine for at least one hour and no more than 12. Heat BBQ to high, dry chicken well, paint with more hot sauce and prop chicken up on an open can of beer (take a big gulp of the beer first). Turn one side of the grill to low and place the birds on that side, with the rest of the grill at medium. Close lid and cook chicken until 165 C internally or the juices run clear. Could take 45-60 minutes depending on the size of chicks and the heat of your grill. Brush from time to time with more hot sauce. Chill the Notorious Rooster Riesling and drink it as you eat the juicy, spicy chicken. NOTE: there are over 1,000 bottles of this gorgeous quaffer in the BCLDB system, so go pick up a case.

Find more best-value light white wines

ROLLINGDALE PINOT NOIR 2007

$20

B.C. +133371 *only available in private wine stores

 

This West Kelowna winery is worth seeking out, especially for their earthy, woodsy Pinot Noirs. A tiny Quonset hutted operation, the wines are as honest and authentic as the laidback owners, Steve and Kirsty Dale. Organic is the watchword at Rollingdale, and the pure raspberry fruit, forest floor, and spicy flavours are nicely layered and sneakily complex in the 2007 Pinot Noir. More savoury than fruity, this wine needs the umami factor of an Asian flavoured beer can chicken. Make the brine bath but add star anise, peppercorns, and a few dashes of soy sauce. Whisk up a glaze using ponzu, soy, or teriyaki sauce plus a dash of sesame oil and paint the chicken from time to time as it moistily roasts on the covered grill. Pour the Rollingdale Pinot into a large bowled glass, spend a few moments inhaling the complex nose, then enjoy with the chicken. By the way, the veggie pack is simply thinly sliced potatoes, leeks, peppers, whatever you like, layered with herbs, drizzled with olive oil or butter, generously salt and peppered, double wrapped tightly in heavy foil (make it thin-ish and magazine-sized) and cook on the hotter side of the grill, turning pack every time you baste the beercan chicken.

Find more best-value light red wine

August 16, 2012

MusicFest 2012 is in full-throttle mode now, and hugely talented, ultra-cool Pink Martini will rock the Orpheum theatre on Friday night. Hope you've got your tickets, and it not, invite some friends over, queue up the music, and get ready to swing. Whether you throw together burgers and a salad, or take-out Thai or shawarma, these two wines will make you want to sing and dance...and eat, too.

DESERT HILLS GEWURZTRAMINER 2010

$19.91

B.C. +680827 *only available in private wine stores

How much decadence can you handle?? This exotic white detonates with rose petal, lychee, kumquat, baking spice, and Meyer lemon aromas and flavours. The opulent, rich palate is boosted with a little sweetness, but wonderously balanced with natural acidity for a cleansing, food-welcoming finish. Give this perfume-bomb a bit of a chill, pour a lavish glass and pair with spicy fish tacos, spring rolls, or a thick slice of rich pate. Always a sell-out, the 2011 vintage is just as dazzling.

Find more best-value medium white wines

FOX CREEK RED BARON SHIRAZ 2010

$20

Australia +11391 *only available in private wine stores

 

How much spice can you handle? And how much plush cherry flavour can you cope with? This suave number from the miraculous climate and distinct soils of South Australia's McLaren Vale over-delivers Shiraz's peppery zip and colossal berry fruit. Coats the mouth like melted chocolate and deserves some robust food like beef curry, blackened chicken, or the best pork carnitas you can get your hands on.

Find more best-value rich red wine

August 9, 2012

Today local javelin star Elizabeth Gleadle strides to the centre of Olympic Stadium and launches the 600 gram metal spear. Having nailed a place in the final round of just 12 athletes with a thrust of 60.26 m, she is Canada's record holder (61.15 m) and an awesome, powerful athelete. Let's toast Canada's first female javelin Olympian since 1988 with some equally athletic, winning wine. And if this is not Liz's time, the 23-year-old, 6' 1" muscle-bound UBC kinesiology student, who trains in Lethbridge, Alberta, can aim for Rio 2016.

GRAY MONK ODYSSEY WHITE BRUT 2008

$24.99

B.C. +711218

This utterly delicious sparkling wine from Lake County's 30-year-old Gray Monk Winery mingles Pinot Blanc and aromatic Chardonnay Musqué for their premium Odyssey range. Spend a moment inhaling the gorgeous scents of apricot, apple, and brioche before you swallow a fruity mouthful of creamy bubbles that finishes crisp and dry. Clean, pure, balanced and sneakily complex, this statuesque traditional Brut will match a tangy lemon kale and feta frittata or spicy prawn fried rice.

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HESTER CREEK RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2008

$26.99

B.C. +467332

 

Is Cabernet Franc the Okanagan's best red grape? This wine might convince you, just as it has many B.C. wine critics. Native to Bordeaux and parent of high achiever Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc brings exotic inky scents, blackcurrant fruit, fleshy tannins and overall spicy-savoury intrigue to red wines. Hester Creek's splendid Reserve Cab Franc gains extra dimension and complexity from 40+-year-old vines. Inviting floral aromas with classic graphite notes join elegant cassis and plum flavours, juicy cool-climate acidity, and robust tannins. Ageworthy and layered with toasty French oak, this rich red winner deserves a fine peppersteak, pasta with sausage and grilled peppers, or lamb kebabs..

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August 2, 2012

Another long weekend beckons and the weather is teasingly gorgeous... let's hope it holds as we celebrate British Columbia Day across the province on Monday, August 6th. Get outdoors - camping, hiking, houseboating or just as far as the garden and plan some tasty local food and wine from our own backyard, of course. Did you know that there are 209 wineries, hundreds of grape growers, and 60+ grape varieties (led by Merlot and Pinot Gris) dotted over 9,800 acres in 5 distinct regions (the Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands)? While our annual wine production in wee in global terms (1.5 million cases compared to New Zealand's 23 million cases, for instance), B.C. makes a thrilling array of styles that are pleasing palates and turning heads everywhere.

NK'MIP CELLARS QWAM QWMT RIESLING ICEWINE 2010

$59.99

B.C. +988535

B.C. is justly famous around the world for luscious ice wine. Optimally ripe clusters bursting with rich flavours and bracing acidity eventually freeze on the vine (rules state that the temperature must be at least -8°C), concentrating the essence of fruit and terroir. Aboriginal Nk'Mip Cellars has supremely talented Randy Picton guiding the wines to excellence. This perfumed Riesling icewine from the South Okanagan displays layers of peach, honey, and baked apple around a tantalizing spike of lemon-lime acidity. Ultra-adaptable with food, its unctuous sweetness and opulent weight will take on the savoury richness of foie gras pâté. This wine really is dessert-in-a-glass, but cheesecake, lemon tart, or a B.C. cheese plate will do it justice..

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JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN GOLD SERIES SHIRAZ 2008

$34.99

B.C. +365635

 

One of the heavy hitters in Canada, Jackson-Triggs makes sensational wines in both Ontario and B.C. The Gold Series is the premium tier, and if the word "SunRock: is on the label, you're in for something very special. This famous vineyard yields consistently fabulous slow-ripened fruit luxuriating in intense sun by day, and gently cooled by nighttime Osoyoos Lake breezes. Transplanted Aussie Brooke Blair, gifted red winemaker at J-T, lets the fruit and vineyard speak eloquently in this wine, sensitively supported with the best French oak barrels. Concentrated plummy fruit, black pepper spice, and smoky herbal aromas and flavours set your palate up for suave tannins, juicy acidity, and a complex, lengthy finish. Make a point of supporting our local farmers and grill beef, duck, or lamb plus herb-marinated veggies like eggplant, baby potatoes, and thick onion slices that are popped on the hot grill to cook while the protein rests. Decant the Shiraz to let it open up an hour before, and pour into oversized glasses that give plenty of swirling room.

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July 26, 2012

Abright flame will soon glow from the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, London as 80,000 avid fans take in the Opening Ceremonies, and millions more tune in around the world. A couple of gold-medal deserving wines will help us cheer our Canadian stars as they strive for Olympic victory.
 

TERRADORA FALANGHINA 2010

$19.99

ITALY +144790 

This luscious southern Italian beauty showcases one of the great but unsung white grapes of the world. At home in the volcanic soils of the Campanian countryside, Falanghina is an ancient grape that makes fragrant wines with exotic citrus notes, waxy body, and an alluring smokey aspect. Our winner from Terradora (vastly experienced Mastroberardino family members are behind this stunner) has white blossom scents, flavours of honey, melon, peach pit, and citrus with weight from creamy lees and a complex mineral twang on the finish. Nutty, fresh, herbal, savoury, fruity-this wine weaves its way through a range of flavours, keeping you on your wine-drinking toes. Try with proper Neapolitan Pizza (Naples is the capital of Campania) given a bianco treatment or fennel and sausage pasta or grilled firm fish with a Romesco sauce (a piquant red dip, marinade, or sauce that features ground almonds, roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs and lashings of top olive oil). Serve the Terradora with just a slight chill and prepare to be seduced by Falanghina.

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PAINTED ROCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008

$39.99

B.C. +864496 *only available in private wine stores

 

A famous English critic once suggested that wine's first duty is to be red. This aristocratic BC wine is a fitting choice for sipping as you watch Olympic rowing at Eton Dorney, the Marathon finish on the Mall, or Dressage at Greenwich Park. The English often prefer their reds to be Claret, meaning a Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend, and this rich Okanagan red delivers opulent fruit, muscular tannins and majestic structure. Skaha Bench-grown Cabernet Sauvignon shows saturated crimson colour with dense flavours of cassis, mocha, mint, and toasty vanilla and a lengthy, bold finish. Decant well (don't be delicate-give it an energetic slosh) and if you cannot find the 2008, the 2009 is also hall-of-fame quality. Mixed grill or a couple of racks of lamb will help this cellar-worthy red unfurl its gorgeous fruit..

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July 19, 2012

Simply delicious wines for summertime food is what we crave now, wines with high refreshment quotient and colossal flavour.
 

PINE RIDGE CHENIN BLANC VIOGNIER 2010

$23.99

USA +176537 *only available in private wine stores

An unusual partnership of two French grapes proves triumphant in this lush white from California. Chenin Blanc injects dazzling acidity and citrus/honeydew melon fruit while Viognier adds aromatic swank and rich mouthfeel. The fine folks at Pine Ridge (who are well known for a range of AVA-specific reds) cool-ferment for freshness and use steel tanks to keep the focus on crisp fruit character. Robust food is the call here, to match the enticing bold wine flavours, like jerk chicken or watermelon, feta, olive, and mint salad.

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WOOLLASTEN ESTATES TUSSOCK PINOT NOIR 2007

$29.99

NEW ZEALAND +149740 *only available in private wine stores

A crack team spins top quality organically farmed fruit into remarkably pure wine from sunny Nelson, NZ. The Tussock Pinot Noir (named for the silvery grass that adorns the living roof of the striking winery) shows dark plum and crushed blackberries with notes of fennel and forest floor. Concentrated and spicy with mid-range supple tannins and a gloss of French oak (only 30 percent new) makes this a superb pairing for grilled B.C. salmon with sundried tomato pesto or black bean sauce or simply marinated with good olive oil and plenty of fennel fronds.

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July 12, 2012

Tour de France, Tour de Vin. As the famed tour enters its second week, only 175 cyclists remain, heroically pedalling over the 3,000 kilometers of the world's most watched bicycle race. Even though Canada's top tour contender Ryder Hesjedal is out after a harrowing crash, the excitement is intense and views of bucolic French wine country add extra relevance to wine lovers. Now in the French Alps, the intrepid racers are following the majestic Rhone River, which has its headwaters in Switzerland, slicing through tough granite bedrock, winding its way to the waiting Mediterranean. Celebrate the Tour de France with two wonderful French wines as you follow along this weekend.

 

DOMAINE DU CLOS DU BOURG CHENIN BLANC DEMI SEC 2010

$15.99

France +126508

A confession: Chenin Blanc is my favourite white grape—for its ripping acidity; for its honey-drizzled tree-fruit flavours; for its ability to transmit the stony terroir of its Loire Valley homeland. The words "demi-sec" are a tip off that this astonishing-value white is slightly off-dry, which makes it a brilliant food wine as well as a delectable stand-alone sipper. Imagine a spritely floral nose of delicate elderflower, honeyed flavours of citrus, crisp apple, and quince paste, dazzling acidity that tempers the hint of sweetness, and a mineral-laced, lingering finish. Do not hesitate to pair this French beauty with savoury foods like juicy porkchops and grilled peaches, or spicy Thai beef salad.

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CHATEAU DE SAINT COSME GIGONDAS 2008

$42.99

FRANCE +39909

This venerable estate is a precious jewel in the Southern Rhône Valley. Making wine since 1570 (actually since 109 AD when it was a Roman villa complete with vineyard), Château de Saint Cosme (the "s" is silent, so say "comb"), is anchored in the sublime limestone terroir of the Gigondas appellation. Spicy Grenache dominates the blend (there is seriously old vine fruit in this vintage), along with Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault for a complexly layered and ageable wine. You'll find crushed strawberries, white pepper, smoked resinous herbs, and a glinting mineral character, along with modest silky smooth tannins and an unadorned elegance that is the trademark of winemaker-savant Louis Barruol. If our 2008 winner is sold out, choose the '09 or the '10 as this wine is a rock solid star in any vintage. Some succulent southern ribs will pair happily, as will rosemary-marinated, grilled leg of lamb, or some oozing, stinky French cheese.

 

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July 5, 2012

Need a reason to indulge in a morning glass of wine? Even though Canadians Raonic, Pospisil, Nestor and Wozniak have bowed out of tennis' defining championship, the finals await us this weekend—albeit it terribly early in the morning here on the Best Coast. Consider some cucumber sandwiches, waffles with strawberries and cream for brekkie, and a frothy glass of fruity fizz—it's the weekend, afterall.

 

YELLOWGLEN PINK

$12.99

Australia +89268

This soft sparkler proves that happiness does not have to be complicated. A delicious blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, tasting of berries and cream, with a foamy texture and flirty, easy-going quality that is just what the morning demands. Yellowglen is an Aussie house that specializes in sparkling wines, from ultra-serious and vintage editions, to this spectacular-value bubble. Powder-puff pink, it looks as charming as it tastes, and will tickle your tastebuds along with waffles, local strawberries and raspberries with pillows of whipped cream-and the Wimbledon Championship finals.

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VINA ZACO TEMPRANILLO 2007 

$18.99

SPAIN +537399

Spain can always be relied upon to give us a gargantuan diversity of wines, but also some of the ripest, roundest, most satisfying of all vinous experiences—usually at unbeatable prices, too. Vina Zaco Tempranillo is a modern-styled wine made at a venerable Riojan house, Bodegas Bilbainas, crafted by a young winemaker from an aged single vineyard in the elite Rioja Alta. Dripping with ripe dark berried fruit, gorgeously scented and delightfully full and fresh in the mouth, this shapely red is a testament to the pedigree of the terroir and Tempranillo grape. Nine months in mixed oak barrels gives this plush beauty, complex with leather, espresso, and earthy notes, a mouth-coating firmness that will nicely flatter juicy lamb burgers with Romesco sauce (make this robust sauce by pureeing pimento, chilies, almonds, bread, seasonings, and olive oil and use instead of ketchup) that are smoking on the grill for Sunday lunch. And be sure to play (or watch) a tennis match in the morning.

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June 28, 2012

Our nation is a youthful 145 years old this weekend, and if the Fathers of Confederation smile on this milestone, we just might have a day or three of decent weather. If, though, we're doomed to the more typical curse of rainy Vancouver long weekends, then we have more than enough reason to kick back indoors with some great Canadian wine and food.

 

BAILLIE-GROHMAN ESTATE WINERY PINOT GRIS 2010

$21.99

B.C. +128298 *only available in private wine stores

Canada is a land forged by pioneers, so it's fitting that truly trailblazing wine comes from the rugged East Kooteney hills that heave up around Creston. The winery is named for the founder of the region, one charismatic and wealthy W.A. Baillie-Grohman, who admired the agricultural potential and the abundance of mountain goat hunting opportunities (hence the goat on the label) around Kootenay Lake, even enticing good friend President Teddy Roosevelt to join the fun. The Baillie-Grohman Winery's Pinot Gris 2010 is a peachy, juicy, well-textured white that gets bright acidity from a mountain environment, minerality from a stony terroir, and richness and complexity from partial fermentation in neutral oak casks. Take advantage of the bountiful halibut catch and pair this frontier Pinot Gris with a seared filet crowned with zesty melon salsa.

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SEE YA LATER RANCH NELLY 

$16.99

B.C. +229096 *only available in private wine stores

Pink wine is a patriotic way to salute our heritage, and the watermelon-hued, fruit-packed, off-dry rosé from the beautiful vineyards of See Ya Later Ranch sets off fireworks in the mouth. This wine is named Nelly for a long gone pup, but it's also a solid pioneering-sounding name. Centered on juicy, lip-smacking gamay grapes, there are enlivening additions of gewürztraminer, Riesling, and pinot noir. Succulent ripe summer berries squeezed with fresh lime sums up the flavours nicely, and a chili-rubbed pork tenderloin tossed on a smoking charcoal grill will collaborate happily with this charming B.C. rosé.

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CLOS DU SOLEIL SIGNATURE 2008

$38.90

Italy +177204 *only available in private wine stores

A new frontier in wine country that demands attention is the steep-sided Similkameen Valley, a spur off the Okanagan Valley. Its extreme climate-with intense sun, cool desert nights, and hard cobble soils-is proving superb for Bordeaux grapes, and the artisanal Clos du Soleil's vanguard (or should we say vinguard?) Signature is a very, very special Rich Red. The founders are also special (four affable couples, including locals Spencer Massie and Bonnie Henry), all true wine lovers who were sensible enough to bring winemaker talent Ann Sperling onboard. The Signature blend is a tightly structured mélange of Merlot (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (26%), Cabernet Franc (13%), and Malbec (9%) that is generously ripe and lavishly oaked for 18 months (80% French and 20% American small casks). With pure cassis fruit, a correct hint of cigar box, and plump wonderfully smooth tannins, this small production wine (just 275 cases) has all the requirements for aging. The bargain price also allows you to buy as much as you can find-and if our 2008 winner is not on hand, you can rest assured that the 2009 is also a stunner. A prime cut of meat is in order here, simply grilled and unadorned so as to let the wine in your glass be the sauce. Decant for an hour or so before, and heartily toast the pioneers of this Similkameen estate.

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June 14, 2012

ADAMI BOSCO DI GICA PROSECCO

$23.99

Italy +426692 *only available in private wine stores

This is classic summer bubble: not too fizzy, not too sweet, just right for relaxing on the deck or in the garden. Fresh, lively, and full of ripe peach flavours, it also has a surprising and supremely satisfying zap of minerality in the finish that makes it great with food. Prosciutto and melon is an obvious pairing, but Vietnamese spring rolls or grilled Thai chili basted prawns would be at least as good.

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IL CONTE PRIMITIVO NEGROAMARO 2010

$41.95

Italy +138651 *only available in private wine stores

Some people say size doesn't matter. What do they know? This is an idea whose time has definitely come. What you get here is a lovely three-litre boxful of juicy, gutsy, great-value Italian red in a convenient (and carbon footprint reducing!) package. This is seriously interesting wine from two ancient Mediterranean grape varieties in A sensible bag-in-box format. With the advent of barbecue season, no fridge should be without one.

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May 31, 2012

This silky textured, white pepper and kirschy bomb is priced right for a crowd; order a few rustic pizzas with extra olives and anchovies.

 

FARMER ROBERT GRENACHE NOIR 2008

$14.99

France +175034

Deep in the Lanquedoc is a highly-respected wine co-operative called Mont Tauch, formed by 250 growers back in 1913; wine was made and the farmers shared the profits. There still exist dozens of excellent wine collectives in southern France that give growers a place to bring their small-grape harvests. One such grower is Farmer Robert, and his established vineyards in rocky Fitou contribute the Grenache grapes for this mid-weight wine. Never, ever fall into the trap of judging a wine by its colour. The translucent strawberry hues of this wine are pale because Grenache is a lightly- pigmented, thin-skinned grape (like Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo). If the colour is innocent, the palate is not, delivering a mouthfull of raspberry and cherry flavours, with plenty of spice and dried herbs. The finish is warm and soft with a silky feel and a grinding of white pepper.

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May 24, 2012

The calendar says it's supposed to be spring: if you're not really feeling it, at least you can console yourself with wines from sunny places.

 

MYTHIQUE BLANC LANGUEDOC 2010

$16.99

France +169730

A blend of spicy Grenache Blanc and Marsanne, Mythique Blanc is from lavishly sunny Languedoc-and it lives up to its roots. The colour is lemony and very Mediterranean; the aromas and flavours are floral, citrusy, and savoury, evoking visions of olive groves above the sea and open-air village markets full of ammunition for the picnic of the century. Enough weight and intensity for a delicious lunch of Niçoise salad and crusty bread.

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CELLARS CAN BLAU KIA 2009

$15.99

Spain +43109 *only available in private wine stores

Warm, herbal, and silky, here is another glorious paean to sunny weather. From the elite granite and slate terroir of Monsant, this generous red blends ultra-ripe Syrah, Garnacha, and Carinena. Full in the mouth with summer pudding fruits, sweet herbal character, and spicy finish, it gets a little palate boost from three months on oak. A bevy of grilled lamb chops should be on the menu, well marinated in garlic and rosemary before a smoky sear over hardwood charcoal.

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 May 17, 2012

More wines for a long weekend and even more spot prawns as the season’s bounty continues.

 

ROAD 13 SPARKLING CHENIN BLANC 2008

$34.99

B.C. +820696 *only available in private wine stores

As Champagne lovers know, northern-grown fruit is ideal for sparkling wine, which needs plenty of crisp acidity to provide vibrancy on the palate and freshness on the finish. The Okanagan has a well-established track record with fresh sparkling wines, but this one is very special. Road 13's gnarled 45 year old Chenin Blanc vines are the oldest vinifera vines in the valley. They produced a low yield of very intensely flavoured fruit, with classic green apple and mineral flavours, absolutely perfect for bubble. With its snazzy crown cap and miniscule production, this ridiculously refreshing wine has developed an instantaneous cult following. The wine's weight and acidity is sheer perfection with a platter of boiled spot prawns dipped into melted butter...and might as well start out the repast with a mess of fresh BC oysters on the half shell.

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May 10, 2012

It's officially the season for live, local, and sustainable spot prawns, but this little window into heaven doesn't stay open long. So eat the little critters, drink this made-to-match indigenous Pinot Gris, and be merry.

BAILLIE-GROHMAN PINOT GRIS 2010

$21.99

B.C. +128298 *only available in private wine stores

Here is the perfect outside-the-box wonder wine to confound your wine snob friends. Baillie-Grohman is a pioneering winery in the spectacularly beautiful Creston Valley, 350 kilometres east of the Okanagan and well over 700 kilometres from the coast. The Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges produce an Okanagan-like rain shadow effect, and nearby Kootenay Lake moderates temperatures as the Okanagan lakes do. And with stony, limestone-laced post-glacial soils, the grape-growing conditions here are in the realm of too-good-to-be-true. By fermenting half of the wine in barrel, Kiwi winemaker Dan Barker has deftly balanced fruit, lees, and oak flavours to produce a complex wine with mouth-filling richness and apple/lime freshness, perfect for whenever the sun finally shines. Foodwise, this adaptable white will match decadent prawn pasta with lemon and thyme cream sauce.

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May 3, 2012

Any excuse for Mexican food is not to be missed, and Cinqo de Mayo, Mexico's official celebration day of heritage and pride is this Saturday.  If your tastebuds crave scallop ceviche, fish tacos, enchiladas, or mole, either get busy in the kitchen or plan some take away from Doña Cata (our Best of the Americas winner for this year's restaurant awards) and choose some wine for smoke and heat.

YOUNG & WYSE AMBER 2010

$19.90

B.C. +16584 *only available in private wine stores

Wines with fruity character pair brilliantly with incendiary food that also has a touch of sweetness. One of the judges' favourite aromatic blends is the Young & Wyse Amber 2010, a tempting and succulent blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Fragrant flowers, ripe stone fruit, and jazzy citrus flavours finish crisp, dry, and wonderfully balanced. There is plenty of Okanagan character as well, with a pungent sagey note. Mash up a giant bowl of guacamole with extra cilantro and fresh lime.

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FINCA LAS MORAS TANNAT 2008

$14.99

Argentina +104018

Don't worry if you have never heard of Tannat before (it is a southwestern French grape that makes the famous wines of Madiran)—just buy it and try it. The dazzling sun and arid Argentine climate ensures perfect ripeness, and the tannins are as supple and sweet as the slow-cooked pork in your taco. Dark berry fruit, rich oak, and mouth-coating density will meld seamlessly with mole, chipotle, and robust Mexican flavours.

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April 26, 2012

TWO PADDOCKS PICNIC PINOT NOIR 2008

$26.99

New Zealand +128074

Spring is a perfect time for lithe, fresh Pinot Noir and there is a glorious little celebrity Pinot from New Zealand on our winner's list. It's called Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir and it comes from the Central Otago region on the green, rugged south island. The three-vineyard blend features raspberry and dark cherry aromas and flavours with the unmistakable woodsy, forest-floor notes of proper Pinot. Mild tannins give this wine a soft texture, countered by bright acidity and a delicious juicy finish. The celebrity owner is suave and talented Sam Neill, so load the DVD with Dead Calm or Jurassic Park, grill some salmon, pour the Pinot, and enjoy dinner-and-a-movie this weekend.

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April 19, 2012

YERING STATION LITTLE YERING PINOT NOIR 2009

$15.99

Australia +616110

This reviving, uplifting, thirst-quenching crisp red wine is not only a delight to drink, but is highly adaptable with food. Australia is famous for full-throttle reds and elegant whites, but many regions in this vast island are ideal for quixotic Pinot Noir. Yering Station winery dates back to the 1800s and was the first operation in the cool, foggy Yarra Valley. The charming Little Yering Pinot exudes raspberries, sweet herbs, woodsy notes, and cleansing acidity. The mild tannins allow cool-climate fruit to star. Grill some lamb burgers or sear a herb-marinated salmon steak for a fine match.

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April 12, 2012

April 17 is International Malbec Day. Once a staple in a red Bordeaux blend and still the backbone of the black tannic wines of Cahors, it's now a minority player in its native France. Not so in Argentina, however, where Malbec has flourished since the 1860s, carpeting the plateaus, valleys, and mountainslopes of Mendoza's wine region in particular. (Argentina has six times France's acreage.) Full-bodied, velvet-textured wines with creamy blueberry fruit and supple tannins have become colossal consumer favourites, catapulting Argentina to the head of the sales charts. Such an eloquent and convincing wine ambassador for Argentina surely deserves a day of recognition.

 

BODEGAS AMALAYA VINO TINTO DE ALTURA 2009

$19.99

Argentina +168294

Over a thousand kilometres north of Mendoza City, amongst sky-high red mountains, is the breathtakingly beautiful wine region of Cafayate. Poised 1,700 metres high, the Amalaya Vineyard yields superbly ripe and balanced fruit due to dry, endlessly sunny weather with chilly acid-preserving nights. Amayala's 2009 red blend features 75% malbec with a bolstering of syrah, cabernet, and tannat. Pure red-berry fruit, petals, and toast mark the nose, and rich strawberry and plum layered with spicy French oak the flavour. Precision farming, fermentation in smooth concrete vessels, and 10 months in oak lend dimension, depth, and finesse to this Malbec blend. Deserves a choice prime rib roast with all the trimmings.

DONA PAULA ESTATE MALBEC

$19.99

Argentina +731291

This perfumed, crimson-hued Malbec explores the elevated, rocky terroir of the Uco Valley, Argentina's answer to Napa. Many of the country's most prestigious, high-scoring wines get their lustrous concentration from a combination of soils, sunshine, and elevation in this special microclimate. Doña Paula's 2009 Estate Malbec bursts with signature violet and spice aromas, and the palate is drenched with plummy, juicy fruit. Uco's distinctive minerals and graphite, smooth tannins, and refreshing acidity add up to a compelling finish. Aging in new and used French oak barrels gives this wine ample structure for a grilled striploin steak anointed with Argentina's zingy chimichurri sauce.

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April 5, 2012

Wines for a long (and hopefully sunny) Easter Weekend need to be fresh, and show a touch of weight and texture, to take on classic holiday dishes like baked ham, scalloped potatoes, and steamed asparagus. And if ever we needed a wine for chocolate, this is surely the time.

THORNHAVEN GEWURZTRAMINER 2010

$17.90

B.C. +731661

Gewürztraminer is an exotic grape, striking in its range of aromas and flavours. In Alsace it makes famous wines- from bone-dry to unctuously sweet-and it's trotted around the world to Germany, Italy, and Chile. Locally, one of the best Gewürztraminers comes from Thornhaven Winery, high on the slopes of Little Giant's Head Mountain near Summerland. The 2010 shows captivating aromas of rose petals, lychee fruit, and honey, plus a touch of the sausage meat that marks wonderful examples. The palate bursts with luscious flavours of orange peel, peaches, and spice, mouth-filling and textured. Off-dry, but with a vibrant citrusy tang to cut the richness of baked or smoked ham while matching its weight.

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ELEPHANT ISLAND FRAMBOISE 2010

$19.99

B.C. +734277 (private stores)

Sweet, mouth-coating, and intensely flavoured, chocolate-one of the trickiest foods to pair-needs a wine with concentration, sweetness, and staying power. One of the most marvellous wines for chocolate is Elephant Island Frambiose. The charming and wholesome Halladays (Del and Miranda) run this Naramata gem, specializing in pristine fruit wines. The Framboise 2010 explodes with piercing essence of raspberry, lovely rich sweetness, and a lipsmacking tartness. Give it a sight chill before sipping along with premium Easter eggs, cocoa-dusted truffles, or chocolate bread pudding with bittersweet chocolate sauce and fresh raspberries.

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March 29, 2012

Finally, Vancouver has really great pizza, and our zesty red wine picks are designed to be sipped casually with a tasty slice to go. Toss a salad first, then pick up a pizza from one of the proper wood-fired joints (our current fave is the recently opened Via Tevere, just off the Drive at Victoria and William. It hits all the right notes with a blistered, pliable crust, not too thin, not too thick, and definitely not over-sauced).

RICOSSA BARBERA D'ASTI 2009

$15.99

ITALY +457135

You get lots of wine for your money here. Piedmont's Barbera grape can be relied upon to delight the senses with an easy balance of fruit, gentle tannins, and brisk acidity. Our value-driven Ricossa delivers abundant ripe cherry and raspberry fruit, baking spice and a Spring-like woodsy character. Round and sweet in the mouth, it finishes smoothly and freshly.

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FARNESE PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2009

$9.99

Italy +619163

Another brilliant value Italian red, this time from the south. Puglia forms the high heel of Italy's stylish boot, and is sunny and dry with plenty of limestone, which vines love. Farnese is the sort of wine that you purchase by the case, either for a crowd, or to have on hand when the mood calls for a giant tumbler of satisfying, casual red to wash down the pizza. This Primitivo (the grape is closely related to Zinfandel) overflows with dark plummy fruit leather, spicy warmth, and soft texture. Sprinkle the dried chili flakes lavishly on your pizza and put out the fire with lively southern wine.

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March 22, 2012

The first day of spring has finally brought lighter, brighter skies and a bounce to our step. Even as hail and freezing rain burst from the heavens, the cherry blossoms are detonating. We need uplifting wine, fresh and vital, to match the smell of new life and hope in the air.

CEDARCREEK ESTATE WINERY RIESLING 2010

$17.90

B.C. +217166

Riesling epitomizes spring. CedarCreek's well-priced and well-balanced rendition shows the precision new winemaker Darryl Brooker has brought to this venerable winery. More focused and drier than ever, the 2010 Riesling smells of petals, peaches, and a whiff of Okanagan sage. Juicy citrus, crunchy apple, and peach flavours are taughtly balanced with fresh acidity. A light but luscious touch of sweetness on the finish opens up a world of food-pairing opportunities, like Thai green curry, fragrant with coconut milk and lime leaf.

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DEANGELIS ROSSO PICENO DOC 2009

$14.97

Italy +632141 (only available in private wine stores)

Sprightly, earthy, and tangy, this light red has been on our winners' list for years. On the ruggedly scenic central-east coast of Italy known as Le Marche, the breeze-blown limestone hills create a special environment for montepulciano and sangiovese grapes. Scents of wild red berries, forest floor, and spice prepare the palate for tart cherries, fresh herbs, and spiced tea. Mild tannins and crisp acidity keep this charmingly rustic red light on its toes, and ideal for a spring dinner of pepperoni pizza or spaghetti and herby meatballs. Chill slightly for extra thirst-quenching appeal.

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March 15, 2012

Think positive. All this rain and recent chilly temperatures at sea level mean terrific conditions on the the local mountains. In celebration of silver linings, an après-ski theme.....

RED ROOSTER PINOT GRIS 2010

$17.99

Australia +533174

The charm of Pinot Gris lies in its succulent combination of tangy citrus with apple, pear, and peach, all honey-drizzled with honey. And thanks to massively talented winemaker Karen Gillis, this thirst-quenching medium white achieves freshness, balance, and purity. Dry but full of ripe sweet stonefruit and crisp acidity, this Okanagan Pinot Gris will revive body and soul after an energetic day on the slopes. Of course you planned ahead and a cauldron of pasta e fagioli is waiting to be served with crusty bread and a simple green salad. Don't know the soup affectionately named pasta fazool? It's a hearty meal of cannellini beans, pasta, stock, herbs, and tomato paste made even richer with pancetta, sausage, or meatballs. Anoint each steaming bowlful with good olive oil and a pile of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and wash down with the chilled Pinot Gris.

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FINCA LAS MORAS RESERVA TANNAT 2008

$14.99

Italy +104018

A hands-down winner in the medium red category, this wine won raves from our judges for its fruit depth, velvety structure, and great value. Tannat's tannins can be quite ferocious (the grape is responsible for the historically famous wines of Madiran in the southwest corner of France), but in Argentina's sunny and warm climate, they become meltingly supple. Finca Las Moras is based in the rugged San Juan region, and this Tannat is grown in high-altitude vineyards where slowly ripened fruit detonates with sweet plums and blackcurrant. A year in French oak adds a chocolatey richness, giving body and a smooth finish. Braised meaty short ribs are the perfect pairing, especially if the braise includes red wine, good beef stock, and a few chunks of bittersweet chocolate. Whip up some creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, and pour a generous goblet of Tannat.

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March 8, 2012

Looks like we're in for a solid week of rain and heavy skies, so might as well make the most of it with some comforting wine and food—and maybe a little spring cleaning so that when the sun does agree to shine, we are not stuck indoors, mop in hand..

ROBERT OATLEY MUDGEE CHARDONNAY 2009

$19.99

Australia +118505

Mudgee is a name to watch for. Tucked away in New South Wale's Central Ranges, this rolling countryside was named Nest of Hills by the Aboriginal people. High altitude (we're talking 500 to 1,000 metres, so imagine vineyards planted close to the top of Grouse Mountain) makes Mudgee distinct, and it has gained a reputation for slow-ripened and structured Cabernet, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. The Robert Oatley Chardonnay shows the finesse and minerality this region is famous for, plus assertive citrus, peachy fruit, and the kiss of French oak barrels. Impeccably balanced and astonishing for the price, this wine deserves a good dinner. Choose a plump roasting chicken, fill the cavity with a lemon or two, make a paste of butter, herbs, and lemon zest, and smear it under and over the skin. Roast the bird, carve, and moisten with the pan drippings. Serve the Chardonnay with a slight chill and dig in.

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AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG 2008

$43.99

Italy +551366

The name Vino Nobile refers to the fact that this wine was beloved of the movers and shakers of medieval Tuscany, and this wine is indeed noble. One of the oldest wines of Italy, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (named for the nearby town) features a clone of Sangiovese called Prugnolo Gentile, plus a couple of other local red grapes—Canaiolo Nero and Mammolino. The house of Avignonesi's style is stately and structured, and its wines age superbly. The nose captivates with dark cherries, bergamot, and tanned leather, and the palate is richly complex, with plums, licorice, spice, and a mellow, woodsy intrigue. Worth every penny and more, this wine is built for food, so indulge in a prime cut of beef accompanied by an earthy wild-mushroom ragout.

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March 1, 2012

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival is in full tilt now (February 27th to March 4th at the new Vancouver Convention Centre, Playhousewinefest.com ), and the Chileans are pleasing palates around the city with ripe, pure-fruited and plush wines that are simply irresistible. Chile is a virtual viticultural island, with vineyards protected by the arid Atacama Desert to the north, the formidable icefields to the south, the Humboldt-chilled Pacific Ocean to the west, and the soaring Andes to the east, crowned by almost 7,000 metre high Mt. Aconcagua. Vines were first planted here in the mid 1500's, and the vineyard area is comparable to Bordeaux in size.

CONCHA Y TORO LATE HARVEST SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007

$14.99

Chile +1628

Delicacy and intensity strike a perfect balance in our versatile best-of-category dessert winner. Concentrated and sweet from extra hang-time, familiar Sauvignon Blanc flavours of tangy citrus, guave, and dried herbs join honey, apricot, and pear. Zippy acidity keeps the sweetness in check, refreshing each silky mouthful. Food wise, you can be daring here: try with savoury food like a sweet/salty Thai pork curry or ripe blue cheese fondue.

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VINA ERRAZURIZ SINGLE VINEYARD CARMENERE 2009

$22.99

Chile +139782

Chile's marquee red grape Carmenere gets supreme pampering in Erraziriz' high altitude vineyard (570 M) under the watchful eye of Mt. Aconcagua. Here, Carmenere can do what is most essential for this vine - mature slowly and thoroughly. An ultra-late ripener, this Bordeaux renegade benefits from long hang-time and expert canopy management. The Errazuriz Singe Vineyard Carmenere gets that and more, and the wine shows lush black currant fruit, warm spice, a delightful herbal note, and trademark graphite and tobacco. Rich and full in the mouth, with extra sweetness from a year in barrel (33% new and 80% French, 20% American oak), the tannins are supple and plump. Try this wine with butter chicken or lamb rogan josh. Owner/President Eduardo Chadwick will be pouring his wines in the Festival Tasting room March 1, 2, 3.

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February 16, 2012

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival is just around the corner (February 27th to March 4th at the new Vancouver Convention Centre, Playhousewinefest.com ) and the theme region for this year celebrates the great wines of Chile. Uniquely endowed with remarkably different environments for the vine, Chile offers a delicious spectrum of grapes, wine styles, and value. Sustainable and organic farming are becoming the norm for this beautiful country where Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are the most-planted grapes.

CONO SUR VIOGNIER 2009

$10.99

Chile +566836

Viognier is not widely planted yet, but this finicky Rhône white grape seems quite at home in Chile's dry gravels, schist, and granitic soils. Cono Sur's Viognier is simply one of the best value wines of the world, year after year. Exotic lily, tangerine peel, and apricot scents with a round and succulent dry palate of tropical fruit, freshly balanced with limey acidity. Pour a chilled glass to remind yourself that spring is just around the corner. Cono Sur winemaker Matias Rios will be pouring his wines at the Playhouse Wine Festival in the Tasting Room.

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VINA ERRAZURIZ MAX RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009

$19.99

Chile +287805

Errazuriz is one of the great pioneer wineries in Chile. Established in 1870, foresighted Don Maximiano headed north to the Aconcagua Valley, planted Cabernet Sauvignon and thus was born one of the great icon wines of Chile. Some of the fruit from the famed Don Maximiano vineyards goes into this colossal value Cab, adding extra richness and complexity. Pure cassis, fragrant herbs and sweet oak spice aromas give way to dark cherry and plum flavours, supple, plump tannins and coastal Chile's trademark brisk and cleansing acidity. Drinks beautifully now, but is a secretly good ager. Owner/President Eduardo Chadwick will be pouring his wines in the Festival Tasting room March 1, 2, 3.

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February 9, 2012

Pucker up, it's Valentine's Day! Whether you are headily in love or single and searching, a little wine is necessary to sharpen Cupid's arrow and celebrate this day of love.

LUCIEN ALBRECHT CREMANT BRUT ROSE

$24.99

France +829036

Our first wine for romance is a prettily pink dry sparkling rosé from a warm, dry pocket of northern France. Alsace has a fine reputation for aromatic whites, but Pinot Noir basks in solar bliss here, making delicious sparkling wine. The word "crémant" refers to a wine made in the Champagne method, but not from the Champagne region, with bottle fermentation that gives a lovely, yeasty, creamy-moussed wine. Lucien Albrecht is one of the venerable estates here (15th century), and its Crémant Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir crammed with raspberries, strawberries, and spice. Fresh acidity, aromas and flavours of brioche, and a dry, savoury finish welcome a rich pâté or mixed charcuterie platter to start off your salute to love.

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BODEGAS ARTADI ARTAZURI NAVARRA 2009

$19

Spain +122606

This velvety Spaniard is a perfect Valentine's Day red: smooth, silky, and—yes, there's no getting away from it—voluptuous. For Valentine's points it's from Navarra, an unspeakably romantic region full of castles on rugged, wind-swept hilltops and ancient towns along the pilgrim's road to Santiago de Compostela. Soundtrack choice: the stunning 300-year-old guitar music of Santiago de Murcia. Fireplace optional, but highly recommended. Get some lamb shanks braising and nip out and buy a few branches of spring blossoms for the table.

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February 2, 2012

Boutinot Chat-en-Oeuf Rosé 2010

$12.99

France +823229

Dry and savoury, this stimulating southern Rosé combines lightness with full flavour. Wild berries meet herbal flavours and white pepper notes for a Rosé that is delish to sip on its own, but emphatic enough for food. Made from the classic trio of Cinsault (50 percent), Grenache (30 percent), and Syrah. Lifts steamed mussels, crab cake, or fiery chipotle pork burgers.

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January 26, 2012

Let's raise our glasses to Australia Day, celebrated annually on January 26th, commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788. Eleven square riggers set sail from England, established a penal colony and claimed the land in the name of King George III. Vines were planted by these first settlers and viticulture slowly but surely blossomed in the nearby Hunter Valley, just north of Sydney Cove. Since then vines have spread south- and westwards across the continent, and Australia now ranks 7th in world wine production, flanked by Argentina and Chile. The focus in Australia today is on the premium end of the spectrum, with wines magnificently expressive of Oz's diverse winegrowing regions, microclimates, and geologic nuance. Of course the Australian Open finals are this weekend, giving us extra inspiration to sip from down undah. We might even forgive Lleyton Hewitt for eliminating our young tennis star, Milos Raonic. Maybe...

 
EVANS & TATE METRICUP ROAD CHARDONNAY 2009

$19.99

France +379149

Margaret River is one of Australia's astonishingly cool regions, in both senses of the word. Cool, as in hip, because this off-the-beaten-path western region (well known to surfers), has a fanatical following of wine lovers; and cool as in chilly, because the surrounding oceans keep temperatures moderate, and breezes stiff. That results in wines that have slowly and perfectly ripened fruit with elegant lines and well-etched, fresh acidity. Evans & Tate Metricup Road is a lovely expression of sensitively French-oaked Chardonnay, with scents of peaches, baked apples, and crisp citrus, melon and shortbread flavours. This fruit bounty is kept nicely tight and trim with tangy acidity and fine minerals, reflecting the Margaret River climate and terroir. And all this for under $20. Shrimp on the barbie, of course, or lemon-squeezed grilled fish.

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ST. HALLET GAMEKEEPER'S SHIRAZ GRENACHE 2010

$15.99

Australia +532176

One of the acknowledged value wines of the world, the Gamekeeper's Reserve is also a delicious example of Oz's two signature red grapes, Shiraz and Grenache, grown in South Australia's Barossa region. Perhaps it is the splash of Portugal's famous Port grape Touriga Nacional that makes this 2010 edition so plummy. The emphasis is on gloriously ripe fruit, with intense aromas of dried blueberries, plums, juicy currants, and a menthol note. Flavours unfurl in the mouth, with dark fruit compote and warm spice. This dry red has gentle tannins and a lush/juicy texture. Meant for drinking in its jubilant youth, it will keep you company watching tennis or, if it is time for food, with a heroically big bacon mushroom cheeseburger.

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January 19, 2012

Monday, January 23rd, China time (Tuesday, January 22nd, Pacific time) marks the start of Chinese New Year and ushers in the Year of The Dragon. An auspicious, noble creature, the Dragon is the mightiest of the Chinese zodiac signs, and symbolizes character traits of dominance and ambition. Passionate risk-takers, they live their lives in grand fashion, and often by their own rules. Wines can be like Dragons too, and we have picked two wines that smack you around the chops, latch on to your tastebuds, and simply will not let go ... in the best possible way, you understand.

 
PAUL MAS VIOGNIER 2010

$13.99

France +15100

A feminine, Dragon-like wine, this Viognier shows off a perfumed nose with honeysuckle and apricot scents. Stonefruit, mixed dried peel, and spice-box flavours swell in the mouth, with an oily texture and warm, savoury finish. Viognier is an aromatic grape at home in the Rhone Valley and the south of France, and this bargain comes from the sunny Languedoc. Well made, well priced, and tasty with Chinese New Year dinner leftovers.

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JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN SUNROCK VINEYARD MERITAGE 2007

$35

B.C. +985556

Every year it seems that a wine from the privileged SunRock Vineyard appears on our winning list. Last year it was the 2007 Syrah, and this year, the 2007 Meritage captured our judges' palates. And no surprise, given how consistently fabulous the fruit is from SunRock Vineyard, where it soaks up glorious sun by day, and is gently cooled by nighttime Osoyoos Lake breezes, a couple hundred feet below. The 2007 Meritage sports ultra-ripe Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in flavourful oak barrels for 18 months. Dense, dried berried fruit, exotic spice, and the smoothest tannins imaginable. Big and full in the mouth with a finish as long as a dragon's tail.

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January 12, 2012

 Our two picks this week are comforting cold weather wines to sip whilst you browse recipes, forage for dinner in the fridge, or simply kick back and order some good Chinese take-away.

 
PFAFFENHEIN GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2009

$19.99

France +612119

Hedonistically aromatic, good Gewürztraminer smells of lychee, peaches, oranges, and rosewater. The flavours are just as exotic, with added spice, honey and an intriguing sausage or bacon fat character. This Alsatian beauty delivers textbook Gewürztraminer character in a rich and creamy winter white. Absolutely built for pork, whether it's pan-fried chops, plump bangers and mash, or a spicy Chinese pork dish.

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TRIBUNAL RED WINE 2009

$19.99

USA +170951

If you love your wines big, bold, and bossy, then this exuberant Sonoma red is for you. One of our Rich Red winners, Tribunal scored points with the judges for its explosive fruit and powerful structure. Marvellously ripe fruit is a chewy blend of 32% Syrah, 28% Zin, 13 % Petite Sirah, 9% Sangiovese, 7% Grenache, 5% Barbera, 3% Cab Franc, 2% Primitivo, and 1% Merlot (whew), that luxuriates in barrel for 15 months. Ready to drink with some robust eats like meatball pizza, mole shortribs, Cajun blackened steak, or take-out orange peel beef.

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January 5, 2012

Happy New Year and let's raise our glasses to eating, drinking and living well for another year. Killer-value wine is what we need now, to stave off vague feelings of buyer's remorse after the holidays, and our two penny-pinching picks deliver phenomenal taste and value.

FINCA LA CHEMIZA POLO AMATEUR TORRONTES 2011

$12

Argentina +167262 (ONLY AVAILABLE IN PRIVATE WINE STORES)

Mendoza-based Finca La Chemiza pays tribute to a pick-up style of polo with this casual, frisky aromatic white. The grape, Torrontés, is a true Argentine native (a chance crossing of Muscat of Alexandria and Mission) with marvellous rose petal and mandarin peel aromas. Fruity/dry, the limey acidity keeps orange creamsicle flavours lively and fresh from front to back. Chill throughly, sip gratefully, then sit back and congratulate your perspicacious economy. Maybe even enjoy a frosty glass at 10 am this Saturday morning to help you through Canucks v Boston (with a cheesy, herbal omelette, of course)!

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FARNESE PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2009

$9.99

Italy +619163

Farnese stormed the market years ago with a bargain priced Sangiovese, and since then, B.C. wine lovers have embraced the Primitivo just as enthusiastically. Clever genetic sleuthing has uncovered that Primitivo and Zinfandel are clones of the same variety, and certainly there is a strong family resemblance of plummy, figgy fruit and attractive spice. The 2009 Farnese Primitivo is fruit-forward, nicely balanced and oh-so-easy to drink. Buy some lean ground beef or pork for your favourite meatloaf recipe, wrap the loaf in bacon and bake, then serve with mashed spuds and steamed veg. The Primitivo will obligingly do its job.

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