Staying with the Chilean theme, we are showcasing some of their more tasty offerings.

I will start with Concha y Toro’sTerrunyo Carmenere.

This Carmenere has a rich dark cherry colour, that is accompanied by mulberry and a balsamic touch of eucalyptus that gives us a small hint of mandarin oranges. You will also get a slight black liquorice note and some leathery notes coming from the French oak used in maturation of the wine. The versatility of a Carmenere is what makes it the up and coming varietal. You can pair this wine with Veal and most roast meats as well as fish and most medium spiced foods.

The 2007 Terrunyo from the Cachopoal Valley is a single block varietal and it is a very good version of the Carmenere varietal. You can age this treat for a good 5 to 7 years and expect it to get even more flavourful.

Another winery I am showcasing needs no introduction, but I will.

The Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon. A great winery with many fine wines, the Reserva line is of exceptional quality and the Cabernet definitely fits the bill.

You will find a dark deep purple coloured wine with very well structured and rounded tannins with an acidity that makes your mouth water. On the nose you will get black cherry and dark plum accompanied by black currants and chocolate on your palate.

Let this wine to finish in your mouth to get an array of flavours that seem to continue forever. With 8 to 10 months of French oak, this wine is truly a treat. Can anyone tell I am a cab sauv lover? This would also be a great addition to your cellar for at least 10 years.

Cheers
James and the 1er cru at Coal Harbour Liquor Store.

So the Playhouse Wine Festival is soon and I thought, why not do a few Chilean treats to match the show.

The Montes family has 2 exceptional wines, The Montes Alpha Syrah, and the Alpha Chardonnay.

Obviously the Alpha in their names refers to them being the Alpha Dogs of the wine world in Chile.

The Alpha Syrah delivers on its promise. A very structured wine with dark fruit tastes, some leather and almost a smokiness on the palate, and a slight peppery note. This Syrah has a very long finish and is well worth drinking. I would have this with a nice tenderloin and as a sign of a great wine in my opinion, on its own.


The second entry is a big full bodied well oaked Chardonnay. This wine is lush and covers your palate with smooth creaminess and a well balanced acidity. You can have this with almost any seafood and it will enhance whatever you choose. I think this is one of Chile`s best chards and is a good addition to your wine cooler.

I have met Aurelio Montes and he is very unique, as are all wine makers.

Aurelio has a special way he treats his Alpha`s. When they are in the new French Oak barrels for aging he plays classical music to them for the whole period. Although this sounds odd, I feel it gives the wine a quality of smoothness and finesse.




Cheers
James and the 1er cru at Coal Harbour Liquor Store.

Join us for the second annual Spring Tasting coming in May 2012. Join our VIP club to be added to the special invite list and receive free tickets. More information coming soon.

Enough of chocolate and fine wine…NEVER

For example 2 wines that go great with chocolate and do not judge you.

Cedar Knoll Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

A flavourful large bodied cab with layers of dark plums, leather and a slight hint of eucalyptus.

Its finish takes quite a while and will impress you with well structured tannins and a silky smooth feel… This 2007 Napa cab is a definite treasure.

Another non judgemental wine is from our backyard, the Naramata Bench.

Kettle Valley Wineries Old Main Red

A tasty blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and 5% Petite Verdot and Malbec.

Full bodied and rich with dark fruits and chocolate and a mild spice that lingers on your palate and dares you to have more. This 2008 vintage is at its drinking prime, but if properly cared for could produce a long-term addition to your cellar, only to improve.
Although this is a big bodied wine it is very versatile with food and would go (does go) so good with roast lamb, ribs and big steaks. I would put this wine up against some of the big boys and this one would win.
A great B.C. wine!

Next week a few wines from Chile. A taste of what the Playhouse International Wine Festival will be showcasing. A show well worth going to.

Cheers
James and the 1er Cru at Coal Harbour Liquor store.

So we are back from our hiatus and will be talking about some of our own.

Joie PTG and Therapy Vineyards Alterego.

The Joie PTG is a light bodied wine made in the old world style of Alsace and Burgundy.
It is a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay. The Pinot Noir gives it a multilayered mouthful and the Gamay adds just the right amount of spiciness to it.
This is a delicate wine and has been aged in premium French oak that gives it the finesse that is well deserved by all of us.
Although it’s a red it would go well with white fish, turkey and light cheeses.

Now for the Alterego, its name is a play off of Therapy Vineyards Superego.
The Alterego is a blend of pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, viognier and chardonnay.
This is definitely a fruit driven wine but with layers. I have personally enjoyed this wine on its own, but pair it with pork tenderloin and you will be very happy.
Alterego has been aged in French oak and this has enhanced the subtle flavours of the fruit.
It is by no means a fruit bomb. It is a very well balanced and tasty offering from Therapy Vineyards and the 2010 is the inaugural release.
If their first try at it is this good I will definitely be trying the next release.

Cheers
James and the 1er Cru at Coal Harbour Liquor Store