Tasting note: Langmeil "Three Gardens" SMG 2009

Here is a nice wine that shows the strength of blending.

I am a big fan of grenache blends and this is a good one.

It comes from Langmeil Winery in the Barossa.  Three different vineyards are used, combining the assets of these sites into a savoury, interesting wine.

It isn't too hard on the pocketbook, and is available at BC Liquor Stores and some private outlets as well.

"Medium garnet color.  Meaty, earthy aromas combine with roasted plum and raspberry jam scents on the nose.  Medium bodied, showing bright acidity right away, with raspberry and plum again revealing themselves, all flowing into a spicy finish.  Still young and tight, but opens up nicely with time in the glass. Very tasty, indeed.  Highly recommended."  14.5%, Stelvin, $28.

www.langmeilwinery.com.au

-Randy Saunders

Guest registration now available for Wolf Blass Dinner

UPDATE: We are now sold out for the Wolf Blass Dinner!

See you at the Listel!

Tasting Note: Vinaceous "Raconteur" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Vinaceous Raconteur Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa 2009

Here is an interesting new release available in the BCLDB.  

This wine must have one of the most whimsical labels to come from Australia in a long time.  The wine in the bottle, however, is serious stuff.

Vinaceous is the relatively new venture of Michael Kerrigan of Hay Shed Hill and Nick Stacey of West Cape Howe, both in Western Australia.

The Vinaceous wines, however, are from various places across South Australia, selected as "the best regions suited to the chosen varietals".

Vinaceous "Raconteur" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 is a full-throttle Barossa Cabernet, a pleasurable wine at a price that isn't too hard on the wallet.

"Deep garnet color.   Rich nose shows ripe cassis, vanilla, and baking spices.  Very fresh, plush, and ripe on entry; sweet fruit flows over the palate, with dark chocolate appearing on the long finish.  Fuller bodied, but not jammy or hot - has decent balance, with mild acid and tannins.  A delicious, fruit forward, "Drink Me Now" style.  Very tasty."  Recommended.  14.5%, Stelvin, and only $22 at BC Liquor Stores.

Check out the website at www.vinaceous.com.au, it's just as whimsical as the labels.

-Randy Saunders

100% Official - "Howl with Wolf" on September 24th

Wolf Blass in his element

Well, it is 100% official - the dinner with Wolf Blass is definitely on!

This will probably be his last visit to Canada - this dinner is not to be missed.

It is being held at the Listel Hotel in the Impressionist Gallery on September 24th.

Executive Chef Chris Whittaker has put together another fantastic pairing dinner for us, to compliment the fabulous wines.  (Recently, AWAS did a wine dinner at the Listel with 4 wine Principals from NZ, and one of them said it was "the best wine dinner I have been to all year!".  That says a lot!)

Registration is now available online at Karelo by clicking here.  This event will sell out fast, so don't wait.  Seating is limited.

If you want more information, including the food and wine pairings, it is available by clicking HERE.

See you there!

-Randy Saunders

Newsflash - Wine Dinner with Wolf Blass

Wolf Blass' Biography
"Behind the Bow Tie"

We haven't even got to the official start of the 2011/2012 season and we're already changing the calendar!

Wolf Blass, renowned wine maker and bigger-than-life Australian, is coming to Canada for his final visit, and has put aside Saturday, September 24th for a fabulous dinner with us.  We're working to finalise the menu and wines for this event as quickly as we can, but wanted to give you a heads-up now so you can put aside the date. 

Yes, we aren't kidding.  Yes, THAT Wolf Blass!  What a way to start our 30th anniversary season!

Seating for this dinner will be limited, so you should act quickly once the event notice arrives and reservations open.  We hope to have the notice out to you next week.  We don't have the pricing set yet, but expect it to be in line with our gala-type dinners.

As a result of the dinner with Wolf Blass in September, we will be rescheduling the “Blends & Beyond” tasting for Spring 2012.

- Sean Haffey

Tasting Note - Bleasdale "The Old Press" Cabernet Malbec 2006

The Potts family has been making wine in the Langhorne Creek region of South Australia since the 1860's, making Bleasdale the second longest running family owned winery in Australia, after Yalumba.

Their wines always seem to provide excellent value for money, and this wine continues that tradition.

Cabernet and Malbec have been blended together for some time in Australia, particularly in this region and also in the Clare Valley.  Bleasdale "The Old Press" Cabernet Malbec Langhorne Creek 2006  shows the brilliance of this combination.  I highly recommend it.

"Deep garnet color.  High-toned aromas of cassis, smoke and blueberry preserves on the nose.  Medium bodied, with good fruit concentration.  Provides a very polished and silky feeling on the palate, showing flavors of dark fruits with a hint of minerality.  Chocolate comes through on the long, refreshing finish.  Wonderful blend, tastes really great.  Ready to go right now."  76% Cabernet, 24% Malbec.  14.5%, Stelvin.

Available at Kitsilano Wine Cellar for the extremely fair price of $23.

www.bleasdale.com.au

-Randy Saunders

"A Spring Walkabout" - Held March 8th, 2011

(This post is part of our ongoing review of events from the 2010/2011 season.)

This event just gets better and better every year!  We enjoy putting on a walk around tasting each Spring to showcase affordable wines that our members and friends are likely to enjoy for everyday drinking.  

Through the generosity of the Agencies in BC, we were able to amass 38 wines from 18 agents for the enjoyment of everyone involved.  We appreciate the help of the agents, without whom this event would not have been possible.  Many, many thanks to all who contributed wines for the tasting.

Talk about value - 38 wines for $40, including an excellent cheese plate for each participant!  We were proud to be able to do this, and the full tasting room was proof positive that this level of value was appreciated by all.

The tasting was focused on value-priced wines, with a nod to quality.  The one thing clearly evident was just how good a job Australia and New Zealand still do providing amazing value, even at lower price points.  Most of the wines had retail prices under $25 yet still showed tremendous quality.  Better yet, a large number were single region wines and they did a great job of showing the typical regional characteristics we would expect.

Overall quality was excellent, but here are a few to remember:

Standout Wines:

- Chapel Hill "The Parson's Nose" Shiraz McLaren Vale 2009

- Evans and Tate Chardonnay Margaret River 2009

- Peter Lehmann "The Futures" Shiraz 2006

- Tyrrell's "Rufus Stone" Shiraz Heathcote 2006

- Cooralook Pinot Noir 2008

- Xanadu "Next of Kin" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River 2008

- Taltarni Brut Tache 2008

- Some Young Punks "Battle Island" Shiraz/Cab Clare Valley 2009

- Digger's Bluff "Stray Dog" GSM Barossa 2006

- Kim Crawford Pinot Gris Marlborough 2009

- Greg Norman Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir NV

-Randy Saunders

Tasting Note: Middle of Everywhere Shiraz 2006

Well, here's a label I simply couldn't leave in the store.  My thinking was that if the wine in the bottle was anywhere near as interesting as the label was, I would have something worth drinking.

Upon closer examination, I discovered that Ad Hoc "Middle of Everywhere" Shiraz Frankland River 2006 is made by Larry Cherubino.  Larry has extensive winemaking experience, first with Hardy's Tintara, then with Houghton in Western Australia, and now is on his own producing wines of distinction.  Along the way he also spent some time as a "Flying Winemaker" in many regions of the world.

Larry has received many awards for his work, culminating with his winery recently being named "Winery of the Year" in James Halliday's Wine Companion 2011.

This wine is very sophisticated in style.  It is somewhat different than what you might expect an Aussie Shiraz to be, however, I think that wines like this will help redefine what can be done with wine in Australia.

"Medium garnet color.  Meaty, earthy scents emanate from the glass, along with white pepper, smoke, and plum jam.  Medium bodied, elegant, and refreshing, this bone dry wine has excellent structure and refinement.  Chocolate comes out on the long finish, accompanied by fine tannins.  Northern Rhone body double.  Excellent.  Ready to go right now. "  14.5%, Stelvin, $28.

Available at Everything Wine and other private outlets.

- Randy Saunders

www.larrycherubino.com

Tasting Note: Frisk "Prickly" Riesling 2010

Here is an interesting new release.

Australian wine makers continue to re-invent themselves in a competitive marketplace, and this wine is a great example of this type of Aussie wine ingenuity.

Frisk "Prickly" Riesling 2010 is the from the Alpine Valleys subregion of Victoria.  The upper reaches of the valleys provide one of the coolest grape growing areas on the Australian continent.  It is here that the grapes for this wine are harvested early, then made into an off-dry, low alcohol style of Riesling.

This wine is really fun - and really quite good.  I can see it paired with Indian or Thai food, or your favorite cheeses.  Or, simply chilled down and then sipped on the patio on a warm summer evening.

"Pale straw color.  Scents of honey, flowers and lemon on the aromatic nose.  Lightly effervescent, with lemon and peachy fruit on the off dry palate.  Has a slightly syrupy, luscious mouthfeel, with a bit of acid binding things together.  Fresh and fruity, fun and easy to drink.  Only 9% alcohol, Stelvin.  Perfect summer party wine."

Available with wide distribution in the BCLDB, and for only $15 it provides great value.  The packaging is very attractive and you'll be happy to put this bottle on your table.

www.friskwines.com

- Randy Saunders

Penfolds Hawksworth Dinner, held July 27th

Recently our President Tony Beatty attended a special wine dinner put on by Penfolds Wines.  This was held at Hawksworth Restaurant.

You may have noticed on our recently released 2011/2012 Schedule that we are also holding a very special dinner at Hawksworth in October.

Dining Room at Hawksworth

This city is all abuzz regarding its' recent opening.  Although new, Hawksworth has been years in the making; David Hawksworth was previously the Executive Chef of West Restaurant, and while he was there it was considered by many to be the best restaurant in the city.

Executive Chef David Hawksworth

We are thrilled to be able to arrange a dinner there in the near future.  In the meantime, enjoy reading Tony's comments below about his recent dinner there.  In addition, for a sneak peak at the restaurant, watch an interesting video by clicking HERE.

Penfolds Wine Dinner held at Hawksworth Restaurant, July 27th, 2011

"The Penfolds Wine Dinner at Hawksworth was a big success. It was hosted by Treasury Wines and featured Peter Gago, Senior Winemaker at Penfolds as the guest speaker.

It was an unusual format, as each couple had to bring a bottle of Penfolds to the table. With good organisation from Chris at Everything Wine, each table ended up with a good variety of wines. Ours was a "young" table, but all the wines showed extremely well:

Treasury provided the Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling 2009, which was very fresh and clean with good citrus notes and a lip-smaking acidic finish. Having just has a 1999 Penfolds Riesling, I can recommend buying this vintage for drinking over the next 10 years!

Similarly, the Yattarna for the first course was provided. The 2008 is so pure, and it blurs the lines between Australia and the top Burgundies. A beautiful Chardonnay, so well balanced with very subtle oak and tannins adding complexity. Finish was lovely and long.

Then to the individual bottles:

We started with the 2006 Bin 707, which was very fruit forward, but drinking well for such a young Cabernet. Again, very well balanced - you will hear me say that about virtually all of the wines - lots of black fruit character with a long finish.

Our "extra" wine was also a Bin 707, from 2007. Such a contrast from the last one, even though just a year apart. Much more intense, with big tannins (although not harsh) and more depth. This one did show its youth.

Then came the 2008 Magill Estate Shiraz. Lots of juicy plum flavours with tons of oak. Tannins were surprisingly smooth given the young vintage. Some savoury characteristics coming through all ready. A lovely wine.

I brought the 2000 RWT Shiraz, which is definitely at its peak. Red fruit aromas with a little earthiness in the background. Redcurrant and cherry flavours with soft tannins and some savoury oak. Lighter than expected, but probably due to the vintage. Still a great wine.

Last, but definitely not least, was the 2004 Grange! This was very interesting as the drinking window from Penfolds Rewards of Patience suggested 2016 to 2050!! A terrific vintage which helped this wine show so well in spite of its youth. Big and powerful with tons of blackberry fruit, but super well balanced. A very rich wine - gorgeous!

To finish, we were treated to the Grandfather Tawny.  This comes from a "Solera" method, and features wines over 12 to 20 years. Shiraz, Mouvedre and Grenache grapes are used in the blend. The finished product is a beautiful tawny, with complex dried fruit and butterscotch flavours with a touch of "rancio" - a term used to describe the sweetness, balanced by the alcohol, acidity, oak nuances and volatility. A great end to a fabulous evening!

Hawksworth's menu was outstanding: 

- Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, avocado, yuzi and crispy rice with the Yattarna. 

- Slow roasted Alberta striploin, chanterelles and jus naturael, smoked potato press with our individual bottles. 

- Finished off with a dark chocolate cremeux, sweet potato and maple syrup to compliment the Grandfather Tawny.

The AWAS anniversary dinner will be at Hawksworth in October, and, judging from this dinner, I think I can hardly wait to go again!"

- Tony Beatty 

Hawksworth Restaurant in the new Rosewood Hotel Georgia

The Gala Dinner: (another) Vintage Evening - January 20th, 2011

We were fortunate to have the wonderful Tramonto Restaurant at the River Rock Resort Casino all to ourselves on this perfect evening.  Executive Chef Sylvain Cuerrier and his expert staff went all out for us.  His specially chosen menu was not only expertly prepared but also superbly matched to our 2001 Cellar choices.  Everything was utterly delicious at our annual Gala Dinner.

Reds all lined up and ready to go

The wines were in phenomenal shape, showing that Australian wines will age extremely well.  One of them, the d'Arenberg Bonzai Vines McLaren Vale GSM, was very youthful, drinking like a 2 year old wine!  It still has many good years ahead of it.

The staff of the restaurant were very professional and we were provided with excellent service.  Thank you to all!

Dining Room at Tramonto

Standout Pairings/Standout Wines

• Pine Mushroom Ragout, Sable Fish, Ashed Quebec Artisan Goat Cheese, Motoyaki Glaze, with Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2001 - The still-bright acidity of this beautiful mature Riesling pierced through the luscious texture of this dish to provide textbook flavors, and paired especially well with the  Motoyaki.  Fabulous.

Pewsey Vale Riesling Eden Valley 2001

• Truffled Cauliflower Veloute, Parmigiano Reggiano, with Cockfighter's Ghost Tasmania Pinot Noir 2005 - Layers of harmony here, with the earthy nature of this superb Tasmania Pinot working well with the mild truffle, while suiting the Parmigiano component perfectly. 

Two delicious 2005 Pinot's - Cockfighters Ghost Tasmania 
and Mt. Difficulty Central Otago

• A duo of Braised Pork Cheek, Venison Style, and Pork Fore Shoulder Roast, Parsnip Puree, Australian Shiraz Confit, Vichy style Carrots, Dauphin Potato, with Warrenmang Pyrenees Victoria Shiraz 2001 - The intentionally rustic, old fashioned style of this dish was well suited to a moderate, traditional shiraz like the Warrenmang.  A real feast of flavors! 

-Randy Saunders

Tasting note: A tale of two Xanadu's

Xanadu is in the Margaret River area of Western Australia.  In 2005 this winery was purchased by the Rathbone Family (who also own Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran, and Parker Coonawarra Estate), and since then the wines have gone from strength to strength.

Margaret River is one of Australia's greatest areas for Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.  Comparisons are often made with Bordeaux, but the region is a bit warmer and drier than Bordeaux and the wines generally show a riper, more immediate appeal.

Recently, Western Australia has had a string of superb vintages, starting with the 2007 wines, and we are fortunate to have a couple of good examples available in our local marketplace.

The first wine we are featuring today is Next of Kin Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River 2008.  This is Xanadu's entry-level wine, but it is made by the same team as their icon wines and it has estate grown fruit, including a bit of Merlot.  The wine even received 30% new oak treatment.  Don't be scared away by the price point; it provides excellent value and drinks well above it's $16 price tag.

"Medium Ruby color.  Clean nose offer cedar pencil and blackcurrant.  Medium bodied, showing good varietal definition, with ripe cassis flavors that flood the palate.  Bright acidity and fine tannins provide structure.  Nice finish too.  Very good and recommended."  14%, Stelvin.  Available at BC Liquor Stores and many private outlets too.

Our next wine is Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River 2008.  Same vintage, but this wine is a notch above the first one, with richer and fuller flavors.  A new release in BC Liquor Stores, it is mostly Cabernet, with 9% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot blended in.  This wine is superb.

"Garnet color.  Lovely high-toned nose shows pure cassis and a whiff of oak.  Bright acidity mates well with blackcurrant and a touch of mint, flowing onto a very lengthy finish with the finest of tannins.  This is a polished, sophisticated wine that is utterly delicious.  Excellent.  Could be cellared for a few years, but why bother?  It's mighty fine right now."  14%, Stelvin.  Priced at $25 in BC Liquor Stores.

It is interesting to note that these wines sell for less here than they do in Australia!  Enjoy them while they are priced right.....

- Randy Saunders

Two Hands with Michael Twelftree - October 25th, 2010

Two Hands Wines is based in the Barossa Valley.  It was started in 1999 and has gone from strength to strength with it's wines.  We were privileged to have proprietor Michael Twelftree join us and tell us about these wines and his philosophy of winemaking.

Michael Twelftree

Michael is a truly interesting fellow with a viewpoint that is often unique yet spot on.  He has championed regional expression and single-vineyard uniqueness with his wines, which are consistently done in a bold, forward and delicious style.  Two Hands sources grapes from every major region in South Australia.  It was very interesting to taste the differences between the different areas, showing that Australian wines can truly have a sense of place, or "terroir".

We were fortunate to taste nine fantastic wines while Michael described the associated sites, vintages and winemaking techniques used.

This tasting was held at the Listel Hotel.  Executive Chef Chris Whittaker prepared excellent plates to pair with the wines.  All of the appetizers were delicious, particularly the Red-Wine Braised Pemberton Meadows Shortrib Tartlet with Poplar Grove Tiger Blue Cheese.

Standout Wines: 

"The Lucky Country" Shiraz/Grenache 2009:  "Highly perfumed nose showing bright cherry leads to a palate of wonderful dark fruits, blueberries and spices.  Has excellent length and is great value at only $20."  Currently available in BC Liquor Stores.

Two Hands "Bad Impersonator" Shiraz Barossa Valley 2006 -  "Very aromatic, high-toned nose.  Medium bodied, showing good acidity.  Plummy yet distinguished - long, long finish.  This single vineyard wine is distinctly Un-Barossa in style.  Could body-double for a fine Northern Rhone wine.  Really interesting to drink."

Two Hands "Samantha's Garden" Shiraz Clare Valley 2006 -  "Nose of White Pepper and Blackberry.  Fruit continues into the palate, complimented by Cocoa.  Finishes with fine tannins and great length.  Fantastic."

For additional information about Two Hands, visit their website at  www.twohandswines.com .

-Randy Saunders

Tasting Note: Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2010

Now here is a little gem that I found hiding in the "Organic" section of my local Signature store.

Yalumba Organic Shiraz South Australia 2010 is a new release and I decided to try it.  I am glad that I did.

The price point was very attractive so I couldn't leave it in the store.  After finishing the bottle, I checked my receipt to make sure I wasn't mistaken about the price I remembered.  I wasn't.  And I actually went back to buy another one to be sure it was as good as I thought.  And it was.

So then I dug a little deeper.  My research revealed that the wine is made using organic winemaking techniques, is wild yeast fermented, with very little intervention in the process.  The grapes come from three family owned, organically certified vineyards in South Australia.

Sounds expensive, doesn't it?

"Ruby color. Smells like ripe plums, with a whiff of white pepper.  Blueberry and a hint of dark chocolate come forward on a nicely fruity palate.  Medium bodied with some fine tannins.  Bright acidity adds a zesty component.  This wine is really young and tight right now but it benefits from air, opening up nicely.  Flavors and finish both last.  Very Syrah and Very Good."  14.5%, Stelvin.

So how about only $17 at BC Liquor Stores?  It's a steal.  And I highly recommend it.

-Randy Saunders

Exploring McLaren Vale with Mark Davidson - Sept 30th, 2010

(This will be the first of a series of retrospective blog posts describing the events of our 2010/2011 season.)

We were excited to be in a new venue, the Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown.  Mark Davidson was kind enough to join us and guide us through nine interesting wines, accompanied by a delicious 5 course meal especially selected and prepared for us by Executive Chef James Burnett.

Mark Davidson

This event showed us the tremendous diversity of wines that are beginning to come out of McLaren Vale.  This region has a wealth of wine types and styles.

Many thanks to Mark and the extremely professional staff at the Marriott Pinnacle.

Standout Dishes:

- Roast Duck Breast, Sour Cherry Reduction, Celeriac Puree

- Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, Port Soaked Figs

Standout Wines:

Red Heads Studio Nebbiolo 2005

Pertaringa "The Full Fronti" 20 year old Liqueur Frontignac NV

- Randy Saunders