After a week off in the sun no less, I have discovered a fantastic Pinot Noir that is perfect for any weather.

A 2009 Pinot Noir from Monterey California from The Carmel Road Winery.

A Pinot with a bright ruby colour that is refined and silky on your palate that will amaze you with some that makes this wine so tasty. It has a perfumed aroma that draws you in and then captures you with its flavours and will make your mouth water.

This is a complex wine that deserves to be enjoyed by all possibly with some smoked salmon pate and fresh crisp veggies.

My second choice is a locally created 2009 Riesling from Orofino in the Similkameen Valley.

Where the Pinot Noir is more of an evening wine, this Riesling is any time or perfect for patio sipping in the bright sunlight.

This wine is full of tropical fruit, lime and a mild minerality consistent with some of the best Rieslings I have had. It s not an extremely dry wine but it is far from sweet. It is a thirst quenching well balanced wine with bright acidity and lasting flavours on your palate.

Most wines are best paired with specific food but this little beauty will impress you with its versatility to be paired with almost anything. I do prefer to have this Riesling with some spicier Thai dishes but I have been known to have it with pasta or beef. Really whatever you enjoy eating will be greatly enhanced by this wine.

Next week we will talk about some of the better Moscatto`s that have made a big impact on our summer so far.


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