BC Visit: 6 Tasted of 6

Gastown Steam Clock

This blog includes six wines tasted during a visit to see our grandson, 3 mos., in Gastown, Vancouver.  We couldn't pass up a chance to try BC wines and a few others snuck in. Some tasted but not noted here were: See Ya Later Ranch Riesling, Mt Boucherie Gewurztraminer, Pascual Toso Malbec, Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon - all were excellent for the occasion. ( Canada-Vancouver-Gastown-Steam_Clock.gif  )


THE LINEUP - grouped by WOMs, reds, whites, rosés and other:

• Cedar Creek Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Okanagan Valley, 90-1  --  O, BC, Canada, #BC $25.00
• Tinhorn Creek 'Estate Grown & Bottled' Merlot 2009 VQA Okanagan Valley,  85  --  O, BC, Canada, #BC  $18.99
• Santa Ana Reserve 'Casa de Campo' Cabernet Sauvignon 2010,  84  -- O, Mendoza, Argentina, #BC $18.95

 

• Emiliana Adobe Reserva Chardonnay 2010, 89-1  --  O, Casablanca Valley, Chile, #BC $16.65
• Blasted Church Hatfield's Fuse 2011 VQA Okanagan Valley, 84  --  O, BC, Canada, #BC $17.99
• The People's Sauvignon Blanc Awatere 2010,  74  --  O, Auckland, NZ, #BC  $22.95

(WOM - Wine of the Month, V - Vintages, G - General, O - Other, r-v  - Rating-Value, a - aerated, NR - Not Rated)

TASTINGS:



THE PEOPLE'S SAUVIGNON BLANC AWATERE 2010, Auckland, NZ, 13.5% D, #BC  $22.95  (Tasted May 22, 2012)

A General listing in British Colombia purchased from Bottle Jockey.  My notes:  A pale yellow with a delicate lime and slight gooseberry scent. A swirl leaves a smooth film flowing slow tears. The first sip has a shallow lime tang quickly fading to a dry mineral finish. There's insufficient body and balance of fruit and acid to be a complement for seafood entrees and also lacks the traditional New Zealand character for an appealing sipper. Comes across as a commercial mix of young grapes with ad hoc blending. The bottle was discarded. 74

TINHORN CREEK 'ESTATE GROWN & BOTTLED' MERLOT 2009 VQA Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada, 14.8% D, #BC  $18.99  (Tasted May 23, 2012)

My notes:  Grapes are from the Black Sage and Golden Mile Benches in the south Okanagan Valley. The ruby red has a slight charcoal cast mellowing its brightness. A swirl leaves a smooth film running long legs. The scent has a delicate berry aroma almost neglible but supports the first sip of berry, cherry and earthy flavours. The finish adds an earthiness that carries to a somewhat woody, dry end. A lightish medium-bodied red to enjoy with lightly seasoned grilled steaks. An appealing sipper without the warmth expected of the alcohol level. Great with nibbles of Balderson Cheddar or Cranberry wrapped goat cheese. 85

SANTA ANA RESERVE 'CASA DE CAMPO' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.5% D, #BC $18.75  (Tasted May 23, 2012) 

My notes: A deep ruby with a garnet hue and swirling a smooth, thin film with fast tears. Prominent drying tannins with delicate flavours of black currant skins and almost negligible cassis. The finish carries a dry, mild flavour blend fading to a dry woody end. A medium-bodied smooth sipper better paired with a tomato pepperoni pizza, not too spicy, or a ham steak. A drink now or may keep for a year. 84

EMILIANA ADOBE RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2010, Casablanca Valley, 14.0% D, #BC $16.65  (Tasted May 24, 2012)

My notes: The colour of ripened wheat with a delicate aroma of lemon and pear. The film laces quickly receding quickly leaving no trails. An appealing flavour of pear infused creme cramel and almost as smooth making this a delectable sipper with a long sumptuous finish ending warm, dry and fruity. Cellaring four years will likely add to its complexity. Serve chilled with seafood or pasta in a mushroom cream sauce. 89

BLASTED CHURCH HATFIELD'S FUSE 2011 VQA Okanagan Valley, BC Canada, 13.0% D, #BC $17.99   (Tasted May 26, 2012)

My notes: The label has a colourful graphic suggesting a lighthearted white blend. A blond colour, clear with a flat aroma of apple.The film is smooth running fast tears. The first sip has spicy apple flavours, tangy with a rounded sweetness to entice continued sipping. The finish declines to an even apple dumpling with a touch of dryness. Would pair with Asian or Thai foods as well as being a pleasant sipper for a party crowd. 84 

CEDARCREEK ESTATE WINERY PINOT NOIR 2009 VQA Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada, 14.9% D, #BC $25.00  (Tasted May 28, 2012)

My notes: This has the colour and clarity of a ruby gem. The rim stays firm then flows slow tears. The nose is a delicate medley of cerise, cassis and slight cedar. Light and bright on the first sip leaving the palate dry with fine tannins and mild acid. The warmth continues for a long finish ending dry. Cellaring several years may introduce more silk. Pair with pork back ribs with honey garlic sauce or a tuna or swordfish steak lightly seasoned. 90