Weekly Show

January 23rd 2016- Quails Gate Winery

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Quails Gate buys another California vineyard. We talk to founder Tony Stewart!

We travel  from Sonoma to Rutherford in Napa Valley ..and find Chuck Wagner and his daughter Jenny at Wagner Family Wines. Wagner makes Conundrum, Belle Gloss. Caymus etc

Harry Hertscheg and Christopher Gaze bring the stories on the 38th Vancouver International wine festival.

And Chef  Ian MacDougall  the 2015 winner of the Hawksworth Young Chefs Scholarship.

 

The SHOW

 Tony Stewart – Owner/Founder of Quails Gate

Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart

The Stewart Family  are a third-generation BC winemaking family with more than sixty years of outstanding wines under their belt. The family owns Quails’ Gate winery in the  Okanagan Valley.

Quailsgate Winery

Quailsgate Winery

They have just announced the acquisition of California’s prestigious Envolve Winery  from sibling proprietors Mike, Kate and Chris Benziger and Ben Flajnik.

The two veteran multi-generation wine growing families became acquainted when the Stewart family joined the Sonoma community in 2012 with the acquisition of Glen Ellen’s Madrone Estate Winery, Valley of the Moon wines, and Lake Sonoma Winery.

Tony is Chief Executive Officer of the Stewart Family–owned winery business. His vision and guidance have been instrumental in the growth of Quails’ Gate and Old Vines Restaurant to what it is today: internationally respected as one of the leading wine producers and culinary experiences in BC.

Stewart Family

Stewart Family

I found and bothered  him in Hawaii.

www.quailsgate.com 

  

Chuck and Jenny Wagner  – Wagner Family Wines. Rutherford

Wagner Family of Wines

Wagner Family of Wines

 The Wagner’s  have been farming in the  Napa Valley since  1906 .    In 1972 Charlie , Sr   and Lorna Wagner  asked  their  son, Chuck, to  join them in starting   a winery  to be called Caymus Vineyards.   Today, Chuck oversees all vineyard and wine production focusing exclusively on Cabernet Sauvignon.  With pride, Chuck’s  two sons have now joined  the family operations ; Charlie II making Mer Soleil Chardonnay  from the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County,  and  Joseph   making Belle Glos Pinot  Noirs.   Conundrum is a team effort lead by Chuck.

Now comes Chuck’s  daughter Jenny and she’s starting to make her own wines.

Jenny Wagner

Jenny Wagner

 

Jenny is the newest member of the Wagners to join the family business as winemaker for Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Emmolo is named after Jenny’s maternal family, and was launched twenty years ago by her mother, Cheryl Emmolo

And so it grows!!

http://www.wagnerfamilyofwine.com/

 

Harry Hertscheg Executive Director –  Vancouver Wine festival

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Christopher Gaze Founding Artistic Director  – Bard on the Beach

It’s one quick month to the start of the 38th annual Vancouver International Wine festival.

If anyone knows about what’s going on and how to get ticketed it’s Harry Hertscheg.  He’s been leading the team since 2001.  Harry has the numbers and suggestions for which events still have tickets.. pssst it’s seling out FAST.

Harry and Christopher

Harry and Christopher

And that’s a good thing because the festival raises funds for Christopher Gaze’s Bard on the Beach.  Consistently one of the summers most popular events.

Chris fills us in on what plays are  under the tents this year.

They make a great one/two punch.  Enjoy!!

www.bardonthebeach.org

www.vanwinefest.ca

 

Ian MacDougall of Model Milk in Calgary won the Hawksworth Young Chefs Scholarship. He won an  award of $10,000 and a chance to cook in an international restaurant.

Ian MacDougall and David Hawksworth

Ian MacDougall and David Hawksworth

Ian  beat out  seven other finalists Saturday with his dish of roasted squab with lobster agnolotti, nasturtium braised endive and squab jus.

Surprisingly he won despite the fact he sliced his finger and was late with his dish. Must have been SOME dish.

Scholarship founder and chef David Hawksworth and his chef de cuisine Kristian Eligh, from Vancouver’s Hawksworth Restaurant, held heats in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal.

The eight finalists were chosen from among 37 competitors.

The scholarship is intended to encourage Canadian chefs age 28 and under by giving them the opportunity to cook for acclaimed chefs and food critics.

 

Judging the finals were chefs Mark McEwan of the Toronto-based McEwan Group, Normand Laprise of Toque! and Brasserie T in Montreal, Scott Jaegar of the Pear Tree in Burnaby, B.C., and Anthony Walsh, executive chef of Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants in Toronto.

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 The 38th Annual Vancouver International Wine festival

Featured region – Italy

Outstanding restaurants in the neighbourhood – East Vancouver.

 

January 16th, 2016- Wine expert Christine Coletta

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Our feature interview is with Christine Coletta..from helping to launch the BC wine industry to actually making and releasing her own wines at Okanagan Crush Pad. It’s  been quite a journey for Christine.

And the story behind Argentine winery Chayee Bourras and it’s Canadian owners.

THE SHOW

 OCP-2014-Labels-2

 

Wine expert Christine Coletta began her career working at some of Vancouver’s most notable fine dining restaurants.

Christine Colletta

Christine Colletta

When Christine began working with the Society of Wine Educators and the Vancouver Wine Festival, she knew she had found her calling. With her opinion and expertise often being sought out, she was quickly regarded as one of the most respected authorities on wine marketing. As the word quickly spread, she was promptly introduced to founders in the BC wine industry – including the late Tom Capozzi of Calona Wines, George Heiss of Gray Monk Cellars, and Harry Mcwatters the founder of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery.  She soon became executive director of the newly formed BC Wine Institute in 1990, and asked her to help develop and launch the new VQA program.

Christine  was instrumental in defining Okanagan wine country, putting VQA wines on the map and convincing BC restaurateurs to carry BC wines.

Christine also created marketing and branding programs that built awareness for BC wines across Canada and in international markets. As a result of her numerous contributions to the industry, Christine was recognized at the 30th annual Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival where she was awarded the “Spirited Industry Professional” award.

Christine Coletta then  reinvented herself as co-owner of Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, a custom winemaking facility that is home to the Haywire and Narrative labels as well as wines made for other vintners. Since opening the facility in 2011, Coletta and husband Steve Lornie have already received numerous accolades and recognition for their unique business model and phenomenal wines. They were  named Innovator of the Year for 2013 from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and were also celebrated by BC Business Magazine as one of the Top Innovative Companies in BC for 2013.

She was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Haywire

But what CC is REALLY doing is stretching the boundaries of BC winemaking.

Working with concrete tanks, natural wines that are unlike anything being made in BC.

The new tanks

The new tanks

We’ll also talk about the Garnet Valley Pinot Noir plantings above the Crush Pad that will be the talk of the valley in the near future.

If you’re at all interested in the direction BC wines are headed, then look no further than Christine Coletta and those working with her at Okanagan Crush Pad.

 

www.haywirewinery.com

https://okanagancrushpad.com

 

 

Chayee Bourras – Argentina

Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan and  winemaker Jose Gomez

 

Chayee Bourras - The Portfolio

Gordon Ryan believes that the next popular star in red wines from Argentina, where Malbec dominates now, will be wines from a grape called Bonarda.

In fact, Gordon is so convinced that he and Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan, his wife, have invested in an Argentine winery called Bodega Chayee Bourras.

The Ryans, who now live in Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, tell a remarkable story about the development of their love of Bonarda.

Gord and Katrina O

Gord and Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan

Both were born in Newfoundland in the mid-1960s.

Gordon grew up a beer drinker. The first of his wine epiphanies came when he was best man at a wedding for a friend of Italian heritage. The Valpolicella flowed freely and the flavours were a revelation to his palate.

The second epiphany came in 1999 when the couple took a sabbatical to Australia and New Zealand, volunteering as vineyard workers in McLaren Vale in return for room and board. After doing the harvest in Australia, Gordon decided that he wanted a vineyard. “That’s where the wine ideas came,” Gordon says. “We tasted some good red wines down there.”

“We worked on a couple of vineyards,” Katrina recalls. “It was in your face, right from the growing to harvesting to watching the wine being made.”

After several years of looking, Gordon found a vineyard in the Cuadro Benegas district near the city of San Rafael, about two hours south of Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital.

Much of Gordon’s vineyard consisted of 40-plus year old Bonarda vines. “We ended up with one of the best Bonarda vineyards in Argentina,” he believes. “The Malbec is what I thought I would be producing but we happened on the Bonarda. It is going to be the next niche wine from this area.”

Jose Gomez Winermaker

It’s our pleasure to welcome to TRR Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan and winemaker Jose Gomez.

 

http://www.bodegabourras.com.ar/english/

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Uwe Boll – film director and restaurant owner

Tony Stewart – Quails Gate partners with Benziger in Sonoma

The Late Alan Rickman on Hollywood and Vines

Vancouver Wine festival kick-off

 

 

 

January 9th, 2016 – New Zealand

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Tasting Room Radio Post Banner BThe first of several One Hour Specials recorded  in March during a two week wine blitz through New Zealand’s wine regions,  with special interest in their amazing sustainability programs. In this special we start in Auckland and conclude in Hawkes Bay.   

Hawkes Bay 2

Hawkes Bay

 

THE SHOW

 The opportunity was just too good to pass up. For a number of years I’ve been interviewing NZ winemakers as they passed through Canada. The meetings were great but I had no sense of the land. Where these wines were grown and under what conditions. Kiwi’s kept referring to Gimblett Gravels, a place called Nelson, Central Otago and Waiheke Island. I very much wanted to “get it”. To complete my understanding of what went into the astounding success of New Zealand wines – in Canada and around the World.

Map of NZ

Map of NZ

The invite from Wines of New Zealand  to tour the country was Waaaay to good to pass up. 94% of all NZ wines are farmed under sustainable practices. It’s not so much a program as a way of life. New Zealanders are all about being green. Just a note:  I seem to have done enough interviews for at least 2 other specials. They’ll be coming over the next month and a half.

NZ Vineyard

NZ Vineyard

Our guests include: Sarah Szegota   New Zealand Winegrowers   www.nzwine.com  Rob Meredith/Connie Festa  Co-Owners of Peacock Sky Vineyard (Waiheke Island)  www.peacocksky.co.nz

Peacock Sky

Peacock Sky

Beautiful hilltop vineyard, wonderful Bistro. Rob’s retired and works 7 days a week. Connie’s from Montreal. Cooks like her Mom. Staying on Waiheke Island..just off the coast from Auckland..we visit Mike Spratt at Destiny Bay, maker of only three wines.  three Bordeaux influenced red blends..one of which,  Magna Praemia,  is the most expensive wine in NZ.  Mike, his scientist wife Ann and winemaking son Sean lead a stellar team.  http://www.destinybaywine.com/ In between both those Waiheke island wineries we talk to our “host” Phillip Manson, the man in charge of New Zealand’s Sustainability efforts.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island

He’s proud of New Zealand’s reputation. So he should be. www.nzwine.com Before we leave the dormant volcanoes of beautiful Auckland we visit just one more winery. The most awarded winery in all NZ – Villa Maria!!  www.villamaria.co.nz Sir George Fistonich has spent five decades at the forefront of New Zealand’s wine industry that he helped develop. As an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves such as moving to 100% screw cap through to the emphasis on sustainable practices in every area of the family owned company. Villa Maria Estate was named the supreme winner at the New Zealand Sustainable Business Network awards in November 2012

 

Sir george Fistonich Villa Maria

Sir George Fistonich Villa Maria

We start with David Roper/Winemaker. Then Fabian Yukich, in charge of wineries and vineyards and finally, the man himself, Sir George Fistonich.      [divider] Hawkes Bay is a short flight from Auckland. http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/ Hawke’s Bay’s long, hot summers and cool winters offer the best weather for growing grapes. The climate is dry and temperate. Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its horticulture with large orchards and vineyards on the plains.   Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions and this has made it one of the country’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – but also with some quite stunning whites.   They are working on being the Syrah Capitol of NZ.  www.winehawkesbay.co.nz/ [divider] Pask Winemaker and Managing Director Kate Radburnd is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winemakers. She commands an international reputation for her extensive record of award winning wines and her vision and contribution to the industry. Kate holds the role of Deputy Chair of the Wine Institute of New Zealand, has been a Director of the Wine Institute of New Zealand and New Zealand Winegrowers since 1999, and is Chair of Judges at New Zealand’s oldest wine competition, the New Zealand Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. Kate has also been instrumental in the development of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand program and led Pask to be among the first group of wineries in the country to secure ISO environmental accreditation.

Kate Radburnd

Kate Radburnd

Kate  spent five years as Chair of the SWNZ advisory/working group, which at that time saw the introduction of the winery programme under the scheme. Four of her  labels command the wine world’s attention Declaration Gimblett Road Roy’s Hill Kate Radburnd  Loved this interview..Enjoy!!  http://www.pask.co.nz/ [divider]    In Our second New Zealand Special we will attempt to  include Elephant Hill Trinity Hill Selini Estates Mission Estates Winery (all in Hawkes Bay) TeMania Kono (in Nelson) Spy Valley Yealands Stoneleigh Brancott  ( all in Marlborough)  

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

David Lebovitz – My Paris Kitchen Bill Jones – The Dearholme Foraging Book The 2014 California Wine Tour Naramata Bench wine tour BC Vintage 2013 – 6 BC wineries Heartland from Australia

January 2nd, 2016 – Similkameen Valley

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THE SHOW 

 

Here’s what I know…

 

Similkameen Valley

Similkameen Valley

 

The Similkameen is that spectacular valley in and around Keremeos and Cawston in Southern BC.

 

Many MANY wine fans drive right through on their way to Osoyoos and the rest of the Okanagan.

Albertans also do the same heading for the Coast.

The Point I’m trying to make is ..the wines out of this valley are some of the best anywhere in Canada.

Red Bridge

Red Bridge

 

The next time you’re driving through Manning Park and then the Similkameen, take a half day and check out the wineries, cideries and fruit crafters below.

 

 

 

 

The Hood

The Hood

How good is the region?

There are a lot of BC wineries that would LOVE to get their hands on the fruit from the Similkameen.  It’s that good.

 Guests include:

Rustic Roots

Orofino  www.orofinovineyards.com

Orofino

Orofino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seven Stones  www.sevenstones.ca

Corcelettes Estate  www.corceletteswine.ca

Eau Vivre  eauvivrewinery.ca

Hugging Tree   https://www.facebook.com/huggingtreewinery

Hugging Tree

Clos Du Soleil  https://www.closdusoleil.ca

Robin Ridge   www.robinridgewinery.com

Twisted Hills Craft Cider  www.twistedhills.ca

Forbidden Fruit  forbiddenfruitwines.com

Kurtis Kolt – organizer  www.kurtiskolt.com

 

….and an update on July 11th BBQ King weekend

www.similkameenwine.com      

 

 STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Garagiste – The Small Guys Wine Festival

8 wineries all making under 2000 cases and changing the wine landscape.

Texas BBQ in Parksville

Salmon Fishing at King Pacific Lodge

Wines paired with Music at Interstellar Rodeo

Ocean wise gathering at The River Cafe in Calgary

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 26th, 2015- Last Saturdays TRR was so good, so filled with wine info you can use, we’ve decided to repeat the show. Enjoy and cheers to all out there..with special thanks to DJ Kearney Kurtis Kolt Rhys Pender

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Tasting Room Radio Post Banner

It’s Wall-to-Wall Wines featuring the reviews and stellar expertise of Master of Wine Rhys Pender, Consultant and teacher DJ Kearney and Georgia Straight Wine Columnist and consultant  Kurtis Kolt.

If you’re looking for Gift Wines, Wines for Parties, Budget Wines for yourself and need to know the best wines of the Year in BC and the world..THIS is your show.

THE SHOW

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Let’s face it,  this time of year we’re faced with a lot of decisions.

We can’t help you with most of them BUT we can help you with your wine selections.

The guests reviewers on this show are three of the very best in Canada.

Respected by their peers and the industry itself.

We’ll cover gift wines/Wines to take to parties/Budget wines for Yourself/Outstanding wines of the year from BC and the World.

Enjoy!!!  Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!

 

DJ Kearney

 

DJ Kearney

DJ Kearney

DJ is a judge, writer, instructor and educator at the highest levels in the wine world.

She has just been made Director of Wine at New District, a very new and distinct wine group. (that story next year)

DJ Kearney’s 15 years in the wine industry embrace teaching, wine writing, wine criticism, and wine presentations for festivals and industry trade organizations.  She has trained thousands of sommelier candidates throughout North America for the International Sommelier Guild and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, and has travelled extensively to the wine regions of the world. Although a global wine expert, she naturally has a special devotion for the wines of her home region. For many years DJ has been an industry advisor and ambassador for B.C. wines, teaching and presenting on behalf of the industry. Recently she toured Decanter’s Steven Spurrier through the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, and curated the historic Judgment of B.C. tasting in Vancouver.  For the past several years she’s been the Drink Editor for Vancouver Magazine, and critic/contributor for WineAlign.

 

Gifts: 

The perfect 2-pack:

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2014 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa $44.99 (BCLDB)

Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Penedes, Spain $56 +315838 (BCLDB)

Champagne gifts:

Champagne Roederer Brut Premier N/V $61.99 +268771 (BCLDB)

Champagne Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Brut Premier Cru Cuis N/V $80 (fine private stores)

What I’m taking to the party:

Chateau La Gravelle Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2014 $16 +411006 (BCLDB)

Pesquié Terrasses Rouge 2013 $17.49 +708750 (BCLDB)

Best of BC:

C.C. Jentsch Syrah 2013 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Le Vieux Pin Ava 2014  $25  $34.90 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Little Farm Chardonnay Mulberry Tree Vineyard 2014 $26 +841783 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Moraine Malbec 2013 $24 (and their Pinot Noir 2013, Syrah 2013 and Viognier 2013) (private stores or winery direct)

Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs R.D. 2008 $39.90 +402594 (winery direct or private wine stores)

CedarCreek Platinum Riesling Icewine 2014 $53 (winery direct or fine wine stores)

Best Canadian’s to try:

Benjamin Bridge Brut N/V $50 +313106

Thomas Bachelder Niagara Pinot Noir 2012 $60+ (private wine stores)

Best ‘over-deliver’ wine

Emiliana Coyam 2012 Colchagua, Chile $27.49 +845321 (BCLDB)

World Beaters

Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis 2012 $40 (private wine stores)

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva Valle de Uco 2012 $30.99 +522870 (BCLDB)

Domaine Faiveley Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru Les Damodes 2012 $112 +809343 (BCLDB)

Pio Cesare Barolo 2010 $65 (private wine stores)

Blandy’s 5 year Old Verdelho Madeira  $27 +845818 (BCLDB)

 

DJ Kearney (@djwines) | Twitter

Newdistrict.ca

 

Kurtis Kolt

 

Kurtis Kolt

Kurtis Kolt

His background is in running restaurants around Vancouver, most recently managing Gastown’s Salt tasting Room  until 2010 when he received the Sommelier of the Year Award at the Vancouver Wine festival.

He’s been profiled by Wine Enthusiast Mag, run the wine program at James Beard House in NY, been a tasting participant at Wine and Spirits Mag and educated through London’s Wine and Spirit Education Trust, The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Winemaking Program at UC Davis.

Kurtis is an in demand consultant and advisor.

Currently he’s the Wine Columnist at The Georgia Straight. His column is called The Bottle.

 

Gifts

Bella Wines 2013 Sparkling Blanc De Blancs – Oliver West Side – $23.90/750 ml, $14.90/375 ml

Bella Wines 2013 Sparkling Blanc De Blancs – Oliver East Side – $23.90/750 ml, $14.90/375 ml

BellaWines.ca

 

Parties

Gonzalez Byass Nutty Solera Oloroso Sherry – $15.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

Budget wines for yourself

Christophe Pacalet 2011 Beaujolais Villages – $20.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

Outstanding wines of the year, BC and the World

Clos du Tue-Boeuf 2013 Cheverny ‘Rouillon’ – $27-32 – Private Wine Stores

Robert Mondavi Reserve To Kalon Vineyard 2012 Napa Fume Blanc – $41.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

Lock & Worth Winery 2013 Square One Cabernet Franc V.3 – $30 – LockAndWorth.com

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2005 Blanc de Blancs – $199.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

http://www.kurtiskolt.com/

Kurtis Kolt (@KurtisKolt) | Twitter

 

Rhys Pender

 

Rhys Pender is Canada’s youngest Master of Wine.

Rhys Pender

A passionate educator, wine lover, judge, writer, and grape grower/farmer, Rhys has worked in the wine industry since he was a teenager. In 2004 Rhys began taking on the grueling Master of Wine program. This culminated in Rhys becoming Canada’s youngest Master of Wine in 2010, one of only approximately 300 in the world.
Rhys runs a WSET wine school and consultancy through his business Wine Plus+ and between travelling around the world can be found with his boots in the dirt at his small 4 acre vineyard and winery in the Similkameen Valley – Little Farm Winery. He is a regular contributor to Canadian publications such as Montecristo, Taste, Savour, Wine Trend and Good Life Connoisseur. In addition to judging for Wine Align, Rhys judges wine competitions internationally such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards and the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition

 

BEST INTERNATIONAL OF YEAR:

1 Chateau Haut Brion 2010 ($1599, 766618)

2 Ridge Monte Bello2010 ($283, Marquis)

3 Wynns 2010 John Riddoch CabernetSauvignon (~$100, not sure availability)

BEST BC:

4 Orofino 2014 Wild Ferment Syrah – Scout Vineyard ($29, sold out)

5 Van Westen Vineyards 2013 Voluptuous ($30, winery) (current vintage is 2011)

 

GIFT:
6 Château Dereszla 2008 Tokaji Aszú – 5 Puttonyos (500ml) ($44, 285643)

7 Taylor Fladgate 1985 Vintage Port($229.99, 149377)

8 Croft Vintage Port 1994 ($144.99, 686550)

9 Château Carles 2005 Haut-Carles Fronsac, Bordeaux, France ($79, 399253)

10 Mount Pleasant  2007 Elizabeth Semillon ($21, 664862)

11 Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2012 Black LabelCabernet Sauvignon ($21.99  til Jan 2, 502039)

HAVE AROUND HOUSE FOR HOLIDAYS:

 

12 Perrin 2012 Vacqueyras – Les Christins ($23, 585315)

13 Domaine de Babio 2011 Minervois ($17.49, 928531)

14 Château Bonnet 2013 Chénas Beaujolais, France ($21, 821769)

15 Régis Boucabeille 2013 Les Terrasses Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France ($20.49, 464883)

16 José Pariente 2011 Rueda (Verdejo) Rueda, Spain ($28.99, 884502)

17 Grao Vasco 2011  Dao, Portugal ($7.49 special, 14977)

18 Haywire 2013 The Bub ($29.90, winery)

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www.wineplus.ca

Rhys Pender MW (@WinePlus) | Twitter

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

An Hour in Argentina

An hour in New Zealand

 

 

 

 

December 19th, 2015-Gift Wines, Wines for Parties, Budget Wines

hello

Tasting Room Radio Post Banner

It’s Wall-to-Wall Wines featuring the reviews and stellar expertise of Master of Wine Rhys Pender, Consultant and teacher DJ Kearney and Georgia Straight Wine Columnist and consultant  Kurtis Kolt.

If you’re looking for Gift Wines, Wines for Parties, Budget Wines for yourself and need to know the best wines of the Year in BC and the world..THIS is your show.

THE SHOW

banner 3

Let’s face it,  this time of year we’re faced with a lot of decisions.

We can’t help you with most of them BUT we can help you with your wine selections.

The guests reviewers on this show are three of the very best in Canada.

Respected by their peers and the industry itself.

We’ll cover gift wines/Wines to take to parties/Budget wines for Yourself/Outstanding wines of the year from BC and the World.

Enjoy!!!  Happy Holidays!

 

DJ Kearney

 

DJ Kearney

DJ Kearney

DJ is a judge, writer, instructor and educator at the highest levels in the wine world.

She has just been made Director of Wine at New District, a very new and distinct wine group. (that story next year)

DJ Kearney’s 15 years in the wine industry embrace teaching, wine writing, wine criticism, and wine presentations for festivals and industry trade organizations.  She has trained thousands of sommelier candidates throughout North America for the International Sommelier Guild and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, and has travelled extensively to the wine regions of the world. Although a global wine expert, she naturally has a special devotion for the wines of her home region. For many years DJ has been an industry advisor and ambassador for B.C. wines, teaching and presenting on behalf of the industry. Recently she toured Decanter’s Steven Spurrier through the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, and curated the historic Judgment of B.C. tasting in Vancouver.  For the past several years she’s been the Drink Editor for Vancouver Magazine, and critic/contributor for WineAlign.

 

Gifts: 

The perfect 2-pack:

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2014 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa $44.99 (BCLDB)

Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Penedes, Spain $56 +315838 (BCLDB)

Champagne gifts:

Champagne Roederer Brut Premier N/V $61.99 +268771 (BCLDB)

Champagne Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Brut Premier Cru Cuis N/V $80 (fine private stores)

What I’m taking to the party:

Chateau La Gravelle Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2014 $16 +411006 (BCLDB)

Pesquié Terrasses Rouge 2013 $17.49 +708750 (BCLDB)

Best of BC:

C.C. Jentsch Syrah 2013 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Le Vieux Pin Ava 2014  $25  $34.90 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Little Farm Chardonnay Mulberry Tree Vineyard 2014 $26 +841783 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Moraine Malbec 2013 $24 (and their Pinot Noir 2013, Syrah 2013 and Viognier 2013) (private stores or winery direct)

Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs R.D. 2008 $39.90 +402594 (winery direct or private wine stores)

CedarCreek Platinum Riesling Icewine 2014 $53 (winery direct or fine wine stores)

Best Canadian’s to try:

Benjamin Bridge Brut N/V $50 +313106

Thomas Bachelder Niagara Pinot Noir 2012 $60+ (private wine stores)

Best ‘over-deliver’ wine

Emiliana Coyam 2012 Colchagua, Chile $27.49 +845321 (BCLDB)

World Beaters

Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis 2012 $40 (private wine stores)

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva Valle de Uco 2012 $30.99 +522870 (BCLDB)

Domaine Faiveley Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru Les Damodes 2012 $112 +809343 (BCLDB)

Pio Cesare Barolo 2010 $65 (private wine stores)

Blandy’s 5 year Old Verdelho Madeira  $27 +845818 (BCLDB)

 

DJ Kearney (@djwines) | Twitter

Newdistrict.ca

 

Kurtis Kolt

 

Kurtis Kolt

Kurtis Kolt

His background is in running restaurants around Vancouver, most recently managing Gastown’s Salt tasting Room  until 2010 when he received the Sommelier of the Year Award at the Vancouver Wine festival.

He’s been profiled by Wine Enthusiast Mag, run the wine program at James Beard House in NY, been a tasting participant at Wine and Spirits Mag and educated through London’s Wine and Spirit Education Trust, The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Winemaking Program at UC Davis.

Kurtis is an in demand consultant and advisor.

Currently he’s the Wine Columnist at The Georgia Straight. His column is called The Bottle.

 

Gifts

Bella Wines 2013 Sparkling Blanc De Blancs – Oliver West Side – $23.90/750 ml, $14.90/375 ml

Bella Wines 2013 Sparkling Blanc De Blancs – Oliver East Side – $23.90/750 ml, $14.90/375 ml

BellaWines.ca

 

Parties

Gonzalez Byass Nutty Solera Oloroso Sherry – $15.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

Budget wines for yourself

Christophe Pacalet 2011 Beaujolais Villages – $20.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

Outstanding wines of the year, BC and the World

Clos du Tue-Boeuf 2013 Cheverny ‘Rouillon’ – $27-32 – Private Wine Stores

Robert Mondavi Reserve To Kalon Vineyard 2012 Napa Fume Blanc – $41.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

Lock & Worth Winery 2013 Square One Cabernet Franc V.3 – $30 – LockAndWorth.com

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2005 Blanc de Blancs – $199.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

http://www.kurtiskolt.com/

Kurtis Kolt (@KurtisKolt) | Twitter

 

Rhys Pender

 

Rhys Pender is Canada’s youngest Master of Wine.

Rhys Pender

A passionate educator, wine lover, judge, writer, and grape grower/farmer, Rhys has worked in the wine industry since he was a teenager. In 2004 Rhys began taking on the grueling Master of Wine program. This culminated in Rhys becoming Canada’s youngest Master of Wine in 2010, one of only approximately 300 in the world.
Rhys runs a WSET wine school and consultancy through his business Wine Plus+ and between travelling around the world can be found with his boots in the dirt at his small 4 acre vineyard and winery in the Similkameen Valley – Little Farm Winery. He is a regular contributor to Canadian publications such as Montecristo, Taste, Savour, Wine Trend and Good Life Connoisseur. In addition to judging for Wine Align, Rhys judges wine competitions internationally such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards and the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition

 

BEST INTERNATIONAL OF YEAR:

1 Chateau Haut Brion 2010 ($1599, 766618)

2 Ridge Monte Bello2010 ($283, Marquis)

3 Wynns 2010 John Riddoch CabernetSauvignon (~$100, not sure availability)

BEST BC:

4 Orofino 2014 Wild Ferment Syrah – Scout Vineyard ($29, sold out)

5 Van Westen Vineyards 2013 Voluptuous ($30, winery) (current vintage is 2011)

 

GIFT:
6 Château Dereszla 2008 Tokaji Aszú – 5 Puttonyos (500ml) ($44, 285643)

7 Taylor Fladgate 1985 Vintage Port($229.99, 149377)

8 Croft Vintage Port 1994 ($144.99, 686550)

9 Château Carles 2005 Haut-Carles Fronsac, Bordeaux, France ($79, 399253)

10 Mount Pleasant  2007 Elizabeth Semillon ($21, 664862)

11 Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2012 Black LabelCabernet Sauvignon ($21.99  til Jan 2, 502039)

HAVE AROUND HOUSE FOR HOLIDAYS:

 

12 Perrin 2012 Vacqueyras – Les Christins ($23, 585315)

13 Domaine de Babio 2011 Minervois ($17.49, 928531)

14 Château Bonnet 2013 Chénas Beaujolais, France ($21, 821769)

15 Régis Boucabeille 2013 Les Terrasses Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France ($20.49, 464883)

16 José Pariente 2011 Rueda (Verdejo) Rueda, Spain ($28.99, 884502)

17 Grao Vasco 2011  Dao, Portugal ($7.49 special, 14977)

18 Haywire 2013 The Bub ($29.90, winery)

Banner 2

www.wineplus.ca

Rhys Pender MW (@WinePlus) | Twitter

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

An Hour in Argentina

An hour in New Zealand

 

 

 

 

December 12th, 2015 – Back to the Okanagan!

hello

 

 

Tasting Room Radio Post Banner B

Time for an Okanagan Road Trip

Wild Goose. Liquidity. Culmina. Hester Creek. Road 13. Fairview Cellars. Local Lounge and Grill. Brodo

And 8 fascinating  minutes with The Legend Richard Cleave.    

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THE SHOW

 

The  Okanagan

 

We start this journey through the South Okanagan as we should..

with Ellen Walker Mathews from Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.

TOTA had arranged a food and wine tour of the Okanagan..that allowed for little down time.  OK by me.

This show is  the first of two specials. Next Week..Part Two.

 Ellen Walker Mathews – TOTA.  Our Host.

http://www.totabc.org/

  [divider] Roland Kruger – Wild Goose

Wild Goose

Wild Goose

http://wildgoosewinery.com/

 The new tasting room at Wild Goose is now open and in full operation!

The wine shop is loaded with new vintage wines and an assortment http://secured.onlinegambling2014.com of library wines available for purchase.  Special wine shop “only” wines are also available, including the new Muscat release, Morio and Friends!  One of the true “originals” in BC wine..we salute Wild Goose.

[divider]

Chef Rob Walker – The Bistro at Liquidity   www.liquiditywines.com

It was opening day at Liquidity Bistro..and still Chef Rob Walker took time to talk to us.

I was expecting a small 10 table bistro. What we all got was a sensational restaurant..with windows on three sides..and one of the best views in all of the Okanagan.

The culinary side of the Okanagan Experience is finally starting to show signs of catching up to the wines. Liquidity is a prime example.

Liquidity Bistro

Liquidity Bistro

 

 

 

 

[divider]

Culmina

Pascal Madevon  Culmina

Pascal Madevon Culmina

 

 

 

 

 

www.culmina.ca

The  life history of Don Triggs is also one of the main stories  of the Canadian Wine Industry.

After leaving Labatts, he partnered with Alan Jackson..to form Jackson-Triggs..one of the biggest success stories in all of Canadian wine.

Don now leads Culmina as Co-Proprietor & Principal.. He’s supported and strengthened by his wife Elaine and the former winemaker at Osoyoos Larose ..Pascal Madevon and consultant Alain Sutre.  That’s one great team.

Don, Elaine and Pascal join me on Tasting Room Radio.

CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY - Donald Triggs, notable wine indus

CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY – Donald, Elaine and Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

[divider]

Chef Roger Gillespie – Hester Creek

www.hestercreek.com

Chef Roger Gillespie - Hester Creek

Chef Roger Gillespie – Hester Creek

 

Roger Gillespie was born and raised in Winnipeg, but has worked throughout Canada in the restaurant business over the past 20 years including stints in Jasper Park, Alberta and Tofino and Whistler in BC. He eventually moved to the valley as food and beverage manager at the Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna. In 2004, he moved to Summerland and worked for Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and See Ya Later Ranch until he opened his own restaurant in Summerland, the Victoria Road Deli & Bistro, in June 2008.

If you’re looking for info on what wine pairs with what food..Roger’s your guy!!

[divider]

Road 13

http://road13vineyards.com/

 Road 13

 

For 6 years we’ve been interviewing Mick and Pam Luckhurst – The owners of Road 13.

Now comes the NEXT generation – Joe Luckhurst

The younger of the two Luckhurst sons, Joe, has been involved in Road 13 from Vancouver for several years. In 2012 Joe left Vancouver to throw himself into the everyday operations of the family business and early in 2014 he took the helm as General Manager. With a work ethic that is oddly familiar to the rest of the team at Road 13, he seems to have fully embraced Mick’s adage, “owners don’t need days off.”

Joe is an actor!

Perfect for  the wine business.

[divider]

Chef Paul Cicconi  –  Brodo Kitchen  Penticton

http://www.tastebrodo.com/

Paul Cicconi - Brodo Penticton

Paul Cicconi – Brodo Penticton

“Chef Paul” is a graduate of the Vancouver Community College Culinary Arts Program and holds an advanced certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Before diving in with BRODO, he spent time in the kitchens of The Beach House at Dundarave Pier in West Vancouver, The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, the Regent at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, Australia, and most recently was the Executive Chef  at Local Lounge * Grille in Summerland, BC.

What a great chef..

Enters Stone Soup Kitchen competition in Kelowna. Wins it.

Enters Chowder competition in Vancouver. Wins it.

The guy has a gift for tasty simple food.

Wonderful person.

Opened in May 2013, BRODO (Italian for “broth”) features locally-sourced ingredients in a variety of soups, sandwiches and salads, and the menu changes seasonally to reflect what’s fresh from the harvest. Unique to Penticton, the “flight of soups” has been a hit since opening — three soups to tempt taste buds, paired with a salad or sandwich.

BRODO’s service is fresh and fast, true to Chef Paul Cecconi’s motto: simply fresh food.    [divider]  Big Bad Bill Eggert – Fairview Cellars

www.fairviewcellars.ca 

 

FairviewCellarsWineShop

FairviewCellarsWineShop

Fairview Cellars is the culmination of a lifelong quest of Bill Eggert’s to own and operate his own winery.

The 10 acre property located adjacent to the first green of the Fairview Mountain Golf Course was purchased by Bill in 1989.  The vineyard was started in 1993. The high opinionated Mr Eggert also happens to be one of the very best winemakers in Canada.

Half the property was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon.  Cabernet Franc and Merlot were planted in equal parts to fill out the property.  One row of Syrah and one row of Petit Verdot were added later, and Sauvignon Blanc was planted on a lower terraced bench close to the first green in 2007.

If you happen to PLAY the first hole and go out of bounds..DO NOT attempt to retrieve your ball off Bill’s property.  I beg you.

[divider]

Local Lounge and Grill – Summerland

http://www.thelocalgroup.ca/

Local Lounge.Grill Summerland

Local Lounge.Grill Summerland

Love this segment. All friends.

Executive Chef Lee Humphries

Christa-Lee McWatters Bond

Cameron  A R Bond  (the AR stands for Argggg)

Local has it all. A first class chef in Lee Humphries.

Staff that respects the customer.

Two team leaders in Christa-Lee and Cam..AND a location right on the shoreline of Okanagan Lake..with a spectacular view of the Naramata Bench.

Lets go Local.

[divider]

Richard Cleave – The One and Only!   

Harry McWatters & Richard Cleave

Harry McWatters & Richard Cleave

In addition to Sandhill Estate Vineyard, Richard Cleave manages his own personal vineyard. Dedicated to producing the grapes needed to make single vineyard wines of the highest quality, Richard painstakingly reduces the yields to intensify the flavour, character and sugar content of the fruit. Not surprisingly, Dick’s Phantom Creek Vineyard was recently named one of the “Top 10 Single Vineyards Around the World” by Wine Access Magazine.

His other wine partner is Harry McWatters.

No contracts here. Just handshakes.

With over 30 years of grape growing experience, Richard Cleave is one of the most respected growers in the Okanagan.

A true pioneer in the BC wine industry, Richard’s goal is to grow the fruit used to make the most acclaimed wine in Canada.

We talk about Black Sage Road, Cellared in Canada BS and truth in labeling. We also talk to Howard Soon from Sandhill.

[divider]

December 5th, 2015 – Jim Cuddy

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Tasting Room Radio Post Banner

Now an Officer of the Order of Canada along with his co-founding partner Greg Keelor, Jim Cuddy checks in from the road.

Blue Rodeo has released their Live at Massey Hall LP and Jim is on the CP Holiday train from Calgary to Vancouver – all the while on crutches.

Lots to talk about including what wine he’s travelling with.

John Clerides (Marquis Wine Cellars) knows his wines and speaks his mind. If he recommends a wine, you know it’s good.

And we re-visit a great Texas BBQ  truck on Vancouver island near  Parksville!!

 THE SHOW

Jim Cuddy

 

Jim Cuddy

Jim Cuddy

 

It’s been quite a year for Jim Cuddy.

First Blue Rodeo released Live from Massey Hall, a landmark recording for one of Canada’s best loved bands.

Then Jim and his partner Greg Keelor were made Officers of the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada

The Order of Canada

There’s no higher award.  Jim talks about how he felt on the night.

He also reveals that the Massey Hall recording wasn’t going to be used until it was compared to the one what was to be used and everyone agreed that Massey Hall was the best.

And right now the 17th year of the CP Holiday Train is on its way across the USA and Canada.

It sees two trains travel across Canada and the U.S. bringing entertainment and helping local food banks along the way.

This year, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo will be on board, along with his musician son Devon and the CP Holiday Train band which is made uo on members of The Odds.

Also travelling along for the Western leg of the Canadian tour will be Kelly Prescott.

The Local Food Banks  will be on hand to collect donations and to pass out hot chocolate etc.

Believe  or not Blue Rodeo then tours Canada in January

We welcome back Jim Cuddy.

www.cpr.ca/en/community/holidaytrain 

 

John Clerides  – Marquis Wine Cellars

 

John Clerides

John Clerides

There’s a certain pattern to my week..somewhere near mid-day Wednesday I start to get stopped by someone wanting  a recommendation on a wine and wine store then it gets crazier  as the weekend approaches.

The wine recommendations change from week to week but as far as the STORE is concerned that’s a no-brainer..Marquis Wine Cellars on Davie in Vancouver.

Great staff, remarkable selection and a solid leader in  John Clerides.

Some of the regulars simply walk in, the staff know their tastes so well they just put certain bottles together with the customer and they’re  out the door.

John has the singular ability to not only know what he’s talking about when it comes to all things wine,  he shares that view to anyone standing in front of him. Sometimes it’s the actual winemaker.

This conversation covers the odious liquor laws in BC and the manipulation by the BC Government.  John gets on a  classic rant then calms down to talk about BC wines and how the industry must up their game.

We welcome back John Clerides..first class troublemaker.  First Class  Guy!

www.marquiswines.com

 

Lynn and Rick Allen  Texas BBQ Parksville

 

The Texas BBQ  Oven

The Texas BBQ Oven

If you take the island Highway North of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island ..one of the first off ramps takes you to Parksville..beautiful town right on the Beach.

If you’re lucky, there’s a truck doing BBQ off to the right…and you have to drive through a cloud of BBQ smoke.  If you turn follow the smoke , this story is  for you.

If you just see it as smoke – keep driving.

The sign on top says Traditional  Texas BBQ and its owned by Lynn and Rick Allen.

Not only is the BBQ bang on but Lynn makes and sells fabulous sauces..available only at the truck.

Where the smoke comes from

Loved talking to these guys..my kind of people.

Their twitter handle is BBQ_Texas

FB is Texas-BBQ

 

Heading to Vancouver Island?   …don’t miss this experience.

 

https://www.facebook.com/TexasBBQ-394654067257013

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Gift wines/Party wines from Kurtis Kolt, Rhys Pender and DJ Kearney

Haywire Wines

 

 

November 28th, 2015

hello

Tasting Room Radio Post Banner

Looking for that perfect wine for your Holiday plans?  Canada’s youngest  Master of Wine Rhys Pender runs down a great list of wines with a two part interview.

James Nevison brings his latest edition of Had a Glass 2015. The best  selling wine reference book in BC. All under $20.00

And Ellen Walker Mathews gives us all the info on The Winter Wine Events this weekend and next in The Okanagan.

THE SHOW

Rhys Pender – Master of Wine and co-creator at Little Farm Wines Similkameen (TwoParter)

 

Rhys Pender

Rhys Pender

A passionate educator, wine lover, judge, writer, and grape grower/farmer, Rhys has worked in the wine industry since he was a teenager, back in Australia. His interest in food and wine really peaked by travelling through Europe and then a summer spent immersed in food, wine and language in the South of France with his wife, winemaker Alishan Driediger.

After following his wife-to-be back to Canada, Rhys pursued his food and wine passion by completing a Professional Culinary Diploma and working in a top Vancouver restaurant. At the same time he took his first wine course, something that gave him an insatiable appetite for learning about wine. Rhys and Alishan moved to the Okanagan in 1999 to pursue the food and wine culture. Rhys spent time working in the vineyard, the cellar, wine shops and catering events before moving back to Vancouver for a two-year stint to manage a specialty retail wine store. Back in the Okanagan in 2003 Rhys and Alishan started a catering company and Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads, and Rhys started his Wine Plus+ business doing wine education, consulting, writing and judging. Rhys then took on the the grueling Master of Wine program of study all while running Okanagan Grocery and Wine Plus+ and with two baby daughters and one sleep deprived mother-baker in the house. Yes, they thought he was crazy.

This culminated in Rhys becoming Canada’s youngest Master of Wine (the wine world’s highest level of achievement) in 2010, one of only 300 in the world. Through his studies, Rhys knew every reason why they shouldn’t jump into the vineyard and winemaking dream but couldn’t help doing it anyway. Instead he used his training to design and plant the 4 acre Mulberry Tree Vineyard at the property Rhys and Alishan purchased in Cawston in 2008.

Besides the wines below which you can also find on Wine Align website , Rhys will also touch on his involvement in the BC Wine Appellation Task Group

http://littlefarmwinery.ca/  

http://www.wineplus.ca/    

http://www.winealign.com/

  

# WINE
1 Ch. De la Gravelle 2013 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Muscadet, Loire, France ($15.79, LDB 411066)
2 L’Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, France ($14.79, LDB 124834)
3 Chapoutier 2013 Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France ($15.79, LDB 40790)
4 Laughing Stock  2014 Amphora Viognier Roussanne Okanagan, BC ($24, 500ml, Winery)
5 McWilliam’s 2013 Chardonnay Appellation Series Tumbarumba, NSW, Australia ($20.99, LDB 526988)
6 Poplar Grove 2014 Pinot Gris Okanagan, BC ($17.29, LDB 676650)
7 Louis Jadot 2013 Beaujolais-Villages Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais, France ($19.29, LDB 469924)
8 Cedar Creek  2012 Platinum Block 4 Pinot Noir Okanagan Valley, BC ($53.99 , Winery 746016)
9 Zind-Humbrecht 2013 Muscat Alsace, France ($29.99, LDB 615583)
10 Laughing Stock 2013 Syrah Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada ($38, Winery)
11 Le Vieux Pin 2013 Cuvée Violette Syrah Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada ($29.90, Winery)
12 Raffault 2013  Chinon, Loire, France ($19.29, LDB 75440)
13 Losada 2011 Bierzo, Spain ($22.99, LDB 651471)  
14 Tantalus 2013 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC ($29.90, Winery 114884)
15 Vincent Raimbault 2013 Vouvray Bel-Air Sec Vouvray, Loire, France ($20.99, LDB 127019) 

 

 

James Nevison – Had a Glass 2016.  Great wines under $20.00

 

Had a Glass 2015

Had a Glass 2015

 

The Globe and Mail bestseller, and #1 bestselling wine guide in British Columbia celebrates its 10th anniversary!
James Nevison’s annual, unpretentious guide for everyday wine is back, with the top 100 wallet-friendly wines for 2016. In this expertly selected collection, you will find the very best value for your money across white, rosé, red, sparkling and much more. Get the scoop on $10 wines that taste like they’re $20, and $20 bottles that will blow you away! Had a Glass 2016 points wine drinkers in the right direction, towards a good bottle that won’t break the bank. With Had a Glass 2016 in hand, you can navigate the wine aisles with confidence, guaranteed to find great-tasting, and great-value wines.
There’s food pairings, comments from fellow wine experts and basic wine tasting, buying and enjoying suggestions.

Best of all – the book is also under $20.00

 

James nevison

James Nevison

JAMES NEVISON is an award-winning writer and educator and the co-founder of HALFAGLASS wine consultancy in Vancouver. His weekly wine column “The Wine Guy” appears every Thursday in The Province, he contributes regularly to TASTE magazine. This is his 7th year on Tasting Room Radio.

https://twitter.com/hadaglass

 

 Winter Wine Events

 

winter-wine-events-

winter-wine-events-

For those of us who think that the only time to visit wine country is when Spring arrives have another think coming.

All of the regions of the Okanagan have opened their doors this weekend and next.

You are invited to Discover the Wonder of Winter in BC Wine Country with Winter Wine Events.

Regions involved are Oliver/Osoyoos, FabFive, Okanagan Falls, Summerland, Similkameen and Kelowna’s WestSide Trail.

Ellen Walker Mathews from Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association does her very best to include all the information you could use.

If you miss anything or want to plan your visit just click on their ad on our website and all the info is there.

There’s a lot going on..starting this Saturday and Sunday and next weekend as well.

 

ALL the info is just a click away. Check out their ad on this website!!

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Wine reviews from dj Kearney. Kurtis Kolt. Rhys Pender

Jose Pedro Gomez & Katrina O’Reilly Ryan/ Chayee Bourras Argentina

Jim Cuddy – stocks his Holiday Train trip

 

 

November 21st, 2015 – Kendall Jackson

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Tasting Room Radio Post Banner B

Kendall-Jackson and their labels  make 5 Million cases of wine..Head Winemaker Randy Ullom reveals how he survives the year and what wines to  watch for.

Canada loves KJ.

It’s the Battle of the Sommeliers.  Three of Vancouver’s best Somms match Chilean wines with Chef Ned Bells food. The winner gets to go to Chile.

The  winner of The Judgement of BC Red Competition  CC Jentsch –  On the Golden Mile Bench.

 THE SHOW

 Kendall-Jackson/Winemaker Randy Ullom

 “I look at all of the vineyards we own, and all of the individual lots of wines that we make, and the thousands of barrels we have sitting in our cellar and sometimes I think, you gotta be kidding me! After I’ve sufficiently recovered from my daily panic attack, I take off my coat, dig in my heels and take it one barrel at a time. It’s a rewarding job that I love.”

 

Randy Ullom

Randy Ullom

 

Hired by Jess Jackson in 1992 as Winemaker for some of our smaller and international vineyards, Randy was handed his most prestigious assignment in 1997 – Winemaster for Kendall-Jackson Winery.

A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Randy became interested in wine during a three-year stay in Chile, while on sabbatical from college in the early 1970s. His stay inspired a cross-country trek through Chile’s vast wine-growing regions. On his return to the United States, he entered Ohio State University to study crop production with a specialty in Viticulture and Enology and received his degree in 1975.

After six years as a vineyard manager and Winemaker in Ohio and upstate New York, Randy moved to California to become associate Winemaker at De Loach Vineyards in Sonoma County. He was promoted to Winemaker and Vice President in 1991. The wines produced during his tenure were consistent gold medal winners at wine competitions.

Dude looks like a Sherriff from Dodge City..Oversees the growing and creating of 5 Million cases of wine from 35 labels. (check their website below)

His job includes  working with wines grown in Sonoma, Chile, Bordeaux, Australia and Italy.

This is a fun interview..with lots of information on their wines.  We love these wines..and why not?  They take such great care in their craft!!

www.kj.com

 

 Battle of the Sommeliers

 It’s a great line up  in the Vancouver studios of Roundhouse Radio.

Chef Ned Bell from Yew at the Four Seasons.

Three of the best Sommeliers in Vancouver all compete to pair Ned’s food with Chile’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Carmenere.

 

Ned Bell  Four Seasons

Ned Bell Four Seasons

This is a fabulous round table discussion about the very subject that most wine fans wants to know about..

Pairing food and wine to make a sensational blend.

 Our Sommeliers are:

First Course – Lisa Haley – Boulevard/Sutton Place Hotel / Chardonnay

Second Course –  Steven Lane – Yew at Four Seasons – Pinot Noir

Third Course – Sean Nelson – Vij’s Vancouver –  Carmenere

Everyone who attended was considered a judge.

Looking for three elements – creativity, flavour harmony and complexity.

The Winner was – Sean Nelson, who wins a trip to Chile.  Congrats!!

If you’re looking for food and wine pairing tips..this is your segment.

www.winesofchile.org

 

 CC Jentsch – Syrah wins The Judgment of BC

 

Chris-Jentsch  CC Jentsch

Chris-Jentsch CC Jentsch

The spelling of Judgement aside..it truly was a momentous event.

Steven Spurrier..from London’s Decanter magazine and the man who set in motion The Judgment of Paris in 1976.

Steven Spurrier

Steven Spurrier

“The shot heard round the World”

That event became the basis of the film Bottle Shock.Now comes BC’s turn.

12 Chardonnays and 12 Syrah were tasted head-to-head and judged by some of the very best experts available.

6 of those Chards and Syrah were from BC.

The highest ranking BC wine – white or red – was the 2013 Syrah from CC Jentsch Cellars on the Golden Mile south Okanagan.

It beat out syrah from Barossa, France, Santa Barbara, Hunter Valley, Walla Walla.

 

CC Jentsch

CC Jentsch

“For me wine is the three ‘P’s’: the place, the people and the product. British Columbia ticks all these boxes with exuberance, elegance and conviction.” noted Steven Spurrier.

 

Steven-Spurrier-Amber-Jones.

Steven-Spurrier-Amber-Jones.

“It was a courageous tasting. The point was about discovery and learning, not about winning or losing. It’s about pushing ourselves in our wine regions” noted DJ Kearney, curator of the event. “The global benchmark wines were of a very high caliber. It was important to be challenged by high quality international wines, and we were. And we will do it again. We must do it again.”

I tracked down co-owner  Chris Jentsch (yench) and his winemaker Amber Jones and we had great fun reliving the event, the results and what it all means for them, the BC wine industry and for us..the consumer.

This just in – the Syrah 13 won a Decanter Gold as well as the North American Regional trophy winner for the Best Red.

Keep a close eye on these guys..pssst..they have a wine club..

www.ccjentschcellars.com

www.winediva.ca

[powerpress

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

Half a Glass – Best wines under $20 – 2015

Walking the neighborhood – Gastown/Railtown/Chinatown