September 8, 2006

International Wine Reviews

All the Pretty Packages

Wine Diva is the last person to argue with the importance of packaging. Lately, despite intense focus when approaching the wine shelves I have found myself inexplicitly drawn toward all the pretty colours, tins and Tetra appearing around me. They call out my name (like the newest MAC lipgloss) and I succumb to their garish charms. And like lipgloss, sometimes the colour works for the individual, sometimes it doesn't. Here are a few of shades for you to try for yourself.

Paul Cheneau Cava Brut, Spain N/V-A bold primary-hued wrapped bottle with a pop-art senorita waving a blue fan. I love bubbles, I love Cava so why shouldn't I love it if it's wrapped up prettier than the others! Fresh and vibrant with persistent bubbles and lovely aromas of apple, hazelnut and almond praline, minerals and delicate blossoms. Crisp and refreshing with a hint sweet citrus on the palate. Not just a three dressed up as a nine!
$16.90 (+488114) UPC#00839154000075
Wine Diva tasted-August 31 2006

French Rabbit Family Reserve White, Vin de Pays D'Oc N/V-OMG, so cute, the little bunnies bouncing around, the colours, the carrots, the fun! And it's a 1 litre (means more booze) Tetra Pak!
This particular blend (there are a series of four) is of Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne, Rousanne and Muscat. It's a fun and refreshing wine with an easy-open, easy closure. Aromas are sweet ripe peaches and apricots, honey blossoms, smoke and bourbon vanilla. The mouth-feel is fairly lush with grapefruit rind, herbs and sweet spices.
$19.95 (1L Tetra Pak) +(818039) UPC#00604174001803
Wine Diva tasted-August 31 2006

French Rabbit Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays D'Oc, 2004- Sweet, fresh blackberry, a hint of smoky cassis, dark earth, tobacco, a solid dose of bell pepper and a chewy somewhat dusty finish that sticks around. You may be pleasantly surprised by this wine, the price and quantity and typical Cabernet elements. Caveat: do not serve it to your wine snob friends unless you blind taste them!
I Repeat...this is a 1 Litre-excellent value!
$12.95 (1L Tetra Pak) (+621680) UPC#00604174001698
Wine Diva tasted-September 6 2006

Bringing new meaning to the term alco-pop...
Barokes Bin 171 "Bubbly Wine" Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot, Australia-Every so often Wine Diva proceeds with caution (I've always been willing to dive right into liquids-just ask my father about that little incident with a double shot of rum when I was six). In the case of this little can of red bubbly I slowed to a crawl. Straight out of the freezer into a glass (a solid 6oz) with that pleasing pop can sound-pshooot! Smells like candied flowers, blueberry bubblegum, eucalyptus, blackberries and hints of leather, earth and mocha. On the palate it is dry, spritzy, slightly astringent with dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate and oak.
approx.$8.00 (250ml can) private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-September 6 2006

Barokes Bin 241 Charonnay Semillon, Australia- A bold yellow hue with aromas of cut grass, minerals, smoke, citrus, green apple and hints of tropical fruits. In the mouth you get an instant hit of sweet fruit before the lime zest sourness jumps in. Good acidity, quite robust flavour-wise with a long spiced finish. Fun and tasty but not cost effective unless you are a one glass drinker and need your wine chilled fast!
approx.$8.00 (250ml can) private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-September 6 2006

Red
Marrenon Merlot, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Fr. 2004-A simple little grape floating alone on the label (like Pluto) is simple and clean. The wine is also a simple red quaffer, fresh and juicy with earth, wet leather, tobacco and cedar. Slightly astringent finish which reacts positively to 15 minutes in the fridge before cracking the cap.
$9.99 (+409300) UPC#03256811113546
Wine Diva tasted-August 31 2006

White
XOXO Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc, N/V- If you've been in thewine stores lately you'll notice the addition of a snazzy new display in purple shades (obviously aimed at we powerful female buyers). This display contains four XOXO wines-two reds and two whites-all blends, a kiss of one grape a hug of another. Made by Andres Canada under the name Roundpetal Wines from grapes sourced from around the world (read: not VQA). This particular XOXO is very fresh and clean with slate, grass, minerals, peaches, soft tropical fruit, white flowers and lemon/lime rind. It is crisp and dry will be great as a sipper or with fresh seafood or salads. Wine Diva's favorite packing of the group-girly!
$10.99 (+867051)UPC #00048162010864
Wine Diva tasted-September 6 2006

International Sips

White
Schmitt Fisherman Riesling, Rheinhessen Germany 2005-Dry style German Riesling with slate aromas, orchard fruits, white grapefruit and a slightly bitter finish. Light and refreshing perfect with summer salads, shellfish or sushi with an affordable price tag.
$9.99 (+77677) UPC #00742881010128
Wine Diva tasted-September 3 2006

White
Santa Julia Viognier, Mendoza Argentina, 2005-
Always a good buy, this Viognier is subtle (as much as a Viognier can be subtle, she is a diva-grape after all) and fresh. Lovely pale yellow with earthy mineral aromas surrounded by delicate orange blossom and white peaches. Warm and softly voluptuous with vanilla, potent white pepper and a citrus-y finale. Caveat: Don't chill this one too much or she coyly shies from you.
$10.90 (+612317) UPC #07791728000320
Wine Diva tasted-September 6 2006

White
Valckenberg Riesling, Rheinhessen Germany, 2003-A hint of sweetness and nice round mouth-feel to this nicely priced Riesling. Good typical Riesling petrol aromas, ripe peaches, green apple, mineral, lemon rind and crisp white grapefruit. Clean zippy finish and interesting (un-German) label.
$14.81 (+541656) UPC #00082745110183
Wine Diva tasted-September 4 2006

White
Gérard Bertrand Viognier, Vin de Pays D'Oc France, 2005- Candied marshmallow sweet ripe peaches and lemon whipped cream with Tahitian vanilla. In the mouth, fresh minerals, crisp citrus and exotically spiced with cardamom and anise. A long warm and oily finish in a wine that strikes the balance between old world austerity and new world ripeness. Excellent value!
$14.99 BC(+133579) UPC 03514122100410
Wine Diva tasted-August 15 2006

Red
Gérard Bertrand Carignan, Vin de Pays D'Oc France, 2004- Gorgeous opaque burgundy shade with rustic aromas of dusty, chalky earth, smoke, beets, berries and red cherry. In the mouth, fresh juicy red fruit, tobacco, dusty tannins, bright mouth-watering acidity and a long chewy finish. Robust foods and saucy sauces look out!
$14.99 BC Specialty Wine Stores
Wine Diva tasted-August 2006

Red
Ricossa Barbera d'Asti, Piedmont Italy, 2004-Wine Diva loves spilling the beans on great inexpensive wines. Especially a wine that is a curiosity to new world wine drinkers. A well priced old world wine becomes accessible-an introduction so to speak to a new grape variety and perhaps a new region otherwise unexplored by the individual. Here is a perfect WD example. Hauntingly rustic with good classic Barbera aromas and flavours. Fresh red berries-cherries and raspberries, tobacco, dark flowers, earth and smoked sausage aromas. Sour cherry, earth and herbs in the mouth. Chewy with bright acidity and soft tannins. Excellent value!
$14.99 (+457135) UPC#00851241000577
Wine Diva tasted-August 23 2006

White
Laroche Viognier, Beziers France, 2004-New to BC from Laroche (he of Chablis) these Southern French varietal labeled wines will be appearing in specialty wine stores soon. The viognier is a lovely combo of chalky minerals, fresh mountain stream, orange blossom, peaches and cream with crisp citrus and spiced vanilla on the palate. The body is rounded with the requisite oily, hot texture.
$17.00 (approx.) Private wine stores-coming soon
Wine Diva tasted-August 31 2006

Red
Parducci Pinot Noir, California, 2005- Wine Diva really appreciates this wine for its lush aromas and lean price point, in fact even more than the previous vintage of this same wine. Juicy blueberries, fresh black cherries, violets, menthol and sweet spices. Silky on the tongue with earthy, leather, spiced tobacco and smooth tannins.
$18.00+(+275792) Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-August 31 2006

Bubbles
Col de Salici Prosecco de Valdobbiadene, Extra Dry, Veneto Italy 2005-Pretty, persistent bubbles dance up the glass. Soft citrus zest, fresh mineral and apple aromas with a hint of white flowers. Bright and crisp on the palate, bold acidity and a nice sour Prosecco finish.
$20.99 (new product) (+463158) UPC#8032771760014
Wine Diva tasted-August 26 2006

White
Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay, California, 2005-Creamy aromas of baked pears in vanilla syrup and tropical fruit. Fresh and rich in the mouth, buttered nuts, soft spice and a fresh clean finish.
Wine Diva smells a Chardonnay resurgence...
$21.78 BC (+220277) UPC 00087712101232
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Red
Rodney Strong "Knotty Vines" Zinfandel, Sonoma County, 2003-
Rodney Strong, as a young man was a dancer who smartly realized "I knew I couldn't be an old dancer, but I could be an old winemaker". Although now owned by another Californian, Tom Klein, Rodney's efforts are still going Strong. The Knotty Vines (meaning old gnarled vines, not naughty) is a unique combination of delicate floral notes and Port-like flavours. Dried fruit, orange rind and black cherries balanced by earthier mint, spice and tobacco. Affordable and addictive.
$22.00+ (+264739) UPC#087512920057 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

White
Kunde "Magnolia Lane" Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma California, 2005- An intriguing blend of Sauvignon Blanc (84%), Semillon (14%) and Viognier (2%) which comes through in the taste. Sweet tropical fruit, gooseberries and herbs-dry and creamy with a long smooth fresh finish.
$23.25 BC (+402271) UPC 00726299151406
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Red
Pertaringa "Two Gentlemens" Grenache, McLaren Vale Australia, 2004- Wine Diva loves seeing some of these 100% Grenache wines appearing on the shelves. More feminine and juicy than Shiraz with pretty violet, sweet cherry and fresh red berry aromas, milk chocolate, licorice and white pepper on the palate, elegant but quite boozy (14.5%) which really doesn't detract from her charms.
$26.95 (+191288)
Wine Diva tasted-September 5 2006

Red
Edmeades Mendocino County Zinfandel, 2003- A shame we don't see more of the Edmeades wines here in BC. They are known for producing Zinfandel, primarily with small amounts of (like this one) Syrah, Grenache and Petit Syrah. Cherry liqueur, ripe blackberry and blueberry with licorice, coffee, dried fruit, vanilla and sweet spices. Smooth and warm this is a Zin built for sipping in front of a fireplace.
$37.00+ Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-September 5 2006

Red
Pertaringa "Undercover" Shiraz, McLaren Vale Australia,2004- Like it's sister Grenache (above) the Pertaringa Shiraz is quite boozy (15%) but it has a potent amount of fruit to assist in balancing the burn.
This Shiraz is also blended with 2% Viognier to lift the aromas and lend a bit of elegance to the final product of wild berry and eucalyptus aromas. Blackberry cola, and chocolate with hints of vanilla and spice, velvety smooth in the mid-palate with a long mouthwatering finish.
$27.85 (+335315)
Wine Diva tasted-September 5 2006

Red
Bommarito Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley California, 2002-
Ripe plums, fresh cassis, herbs, sweet spices-cloves and vanilla. Toasty oak aromas, smoothly elegant. A Napa Cab at this price is nearly unheard of in BC especially one that's is this tasty!
$28.74 (+287409) UPC 00011628222019
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Red
Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi California, 2004- Gotta love the name. Another first time try for Wine Diva at the August BCLDB California release tasting event. Juicy cherries, blackberries and blueberries (a proverbial berry medley) sweet ripe and earthy with fresh spice and a soft boozy finish. Impressive.
$28.99 BC (+174045) UPC 00853739000021
Wine Diva tasted-August 2006

Red
Qupé Syrah, Central Coast California, 2004-Aromas of sweet black plums, leather and rich dark earth. Smoked game meats, fresh black berries and spice caress the palate, an ode to the typical Rhone style Qupé is known for.
$29.73 BC (+77768) UPC 00850755000691
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Red
Ridge "3 Valleys" Zinfandel, Sonoma California, 2004-A blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, Syrah, Petit Syrah and Grenache. The Ridge shows bright fruit-red berry and blueberry aromas with an abundance of old world elegance. Spice, leather, tobacco and sweet cherries in the mouth, a long finish with dry, dusty tannins.
$34.65 BC(+290589) UPC 00744442081028
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Red
Waterstone Pinot Noir, Carneros California, 2003-Great barnyard aromas of saddle leather, earth and fresh undergrowth with sour cherries and hints of minty/herbal tea. Good acidity on the palate, a bit of tobacco spice and soft tannins.
$34.70 BC (+232579) UPC 00831822001162
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Red
Emmolo Merlot, Napa Valley California, 2003- A Wine Diva first. I had never tasted (nor heard of) the Emmolo wines before. This is a gorgeous Merlot smelling of ripe cherries and black berries tossed with fresh mint and dark flowers and earth. Sweet vanilla and chocolate covered plummy flavours, velvety smooth on the tongue with soft tannins.
$34.99 BC (+493759) UPC 00831526000348
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Red
Michael&David Earthquake Zin, Lodi California, 2003- Well the bottle does say it will rock your world and you bet your booty it will. This WOW Zinfandel is lush and jammy with candied berry aromas, licorice and sweet spices. Unctuous in the mouth with cherry cola, chocolate, vanilla, clove and a hint of menthol. A definitive crowd (and Wine Diva) pleaser.
$40.00+(+336925) Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-August 5 2006

Bubbles
Paul Bara Brut Réserve, Champagne France-Bright and crisp citrus fruit and apple with floral notes and and gentle yeasty aromas. Fresh and light in the mouth, chalk and mineral with lovely sweet orchard fruit flavours
$46.00 BC at Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-July 26 2006

Red
Orin Swift "The Prisoner" Napa Valley California, 2004-Baked bread, plum and prune aromas rounded out with sweet vanilla cherries. Velvety smooth texture, more black fruit in the mouth and loads of chocolaty-mocha flavours.
$49.57 BC (+457291) UPC 00626990050896
Wine Diva tasted-August 3 2006

Sticky
Alois Kracher 3 Trockenbeerenauslese Chardonnay, Austria, 2003- Golden hued nectar of the gods. Sweet and rich with musky aromas of wild honey, stewed apricots and tea leaves in an earthy aromatic base.
Super sweet in the mouth with flavours of candied mandarin orange peel that sticks to your palate like gum on a shoe on a hot day!
Utterly gorgeous!
$59.90 BC at Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-July 26 2006

Feature Winery
Isabel, Marlborough New Zealand. Isabel has a real Vancouver connection. Marketing Administrator Stephanie Buttjes was lured from our beautiful city a year ago by the family owned Isabel Estate Vineyards. Not a bad gig if you are young and looking for adventure! During an August visit, Wine Diva met up with the lovely Stephanie to taste three of their estate wines (Isabel is one of the few in Marlborough that uses completely estate grown fruit). While we tasted, we discussed her visit home, shopping and if New Zealand is a good place to visit for single gals (WD was envisioning an outdoorsy largely male contingent) and of course...wine!

Isabel Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough New Zealand, 2004- With a couple of years under its cork this Sauvignon Blanc is rich and creamy. Leesy aromas with fresh grass, asparagus zippy citrus and a bit of passion fruit and pineapple teasers. The creaminess is most prevalent on the palate sharpened with lemon and mineral flavours.
$24.95 (+554881) Specialty wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-August 29 2006

Isabel Pinot Gris, Marlborough New Zealand, 2005- Bright, sweet orchard fruit aromas, fresh minerality and a fresh spritz of citrus. Lovely rounded mouth-feel cleansing citrus and a long, warm spiced finish. An excellent food wine.
$29.90 (+868042) Specialty wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-August 29 2006

Isabel Pinot Noir, Marlborough New Zealand, 2004-Smoked sour cherries and sweet berry aromas with prune, plum and hints of herbs. Very fresh in the mouth-tobacco, cherry and a sweet spiced finish with lingers with soft tannins and bright acidity.
$46.90 (+554717) Specialty wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-August 29 2006

From the Cellar
Far Nienté Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley California, 1996- Wine Diva has a little unwritten rule (not so secret anymore). I personally like Napa Cabs at 10 years old. Depending on the vintage of course but it's my rule of thumb. So when we needed a celebratory wine, the Far Nienté came out of the cellar. Perfect!
Black plums, red and black berries, rich chocolate and just the slightest hint of Cabernet's green bell pepper. On the palate it was still fresh with sweet berry fruit and tobacco. A soft, supple mouth-feel with fine grained tannins. Well enjoyed and aged to perfection.
Wine Diva tasted-August 16 2006

Go To Next Section

Cover Story-(Wine Diva & PMS, Wine Diva Asks...)
BC Wine Reviews-(Tantalize me with Tantalus)
International Sips-(All the pretty packages)
Taste Bites (Salt, How Cheesy, New Noshes)
Wine Diva-isms (Return of the Automat-BAMN!)