June 2006

Generation X,Y and...G?

Last Wine Diva heard, we 'thirty-something's' were considered generation combo 'X&Y' end of 'X' beginning of 'Y' the follow up to our 'Boomer' parents.
I always thought it comparable to  being a Gemini and having to live up to 'two personalities'.
Thank goodness (I think) to simply be a gruppie.
The newest buzzword used to label those of us who are thirty-plus but like Peter Pan, we refuse to grow up into adulthood.
Gruppies live the good life; $250 jeans and dining out. Gruppies enjoy fine wine, designer sunglasses, traveling the world and spending their money on the newest electronic devices.
Gruppies like their lives and have no intention of sliding quietly into middle age or taking on additional responsibility. This doesn't mean they don't own their own home or have a child. It means they don't let getting older change them or get in the way of the life they have been living.
Yummy mummy's and daddy's are living Yaletown lofts, dining at Provence and jogging the False Creek seawall with junior-in-tow. Kitsilano has become gruppie heaven whereas it used to be  single-ville for twenty-something beach dwellers looking to share inexpensive rent.

This peculiar label comes to us via Start Trek of all places. In an old episode in which Captain Kirk and crew land on a planet ruled by children, who call grown-ups "GRUPS".
 
Personally I think whomever came up with this ditty hit the nail on the head.

I'm just the messenger, don't shoot me. If you don't like it you can be a "Yupster" (yuppie+hipster).

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This Month:
Bc new releases
bc new releases


Wine Diva's-June Question
     -how much of a lush are you?


International sips


From the Cellar


Taste-Bites
    -Ocean 6 Seventeen
    -Patio pleasures-a few Wine diva picks
    -EAT! vancouver 2006


Wine Diva-isms
    -What a Croc!
    -wine diva-necessary objects

Juiced wine group
    -'A rosé by any other name'
 

Icons

Patio Wine	Wine List    Sure Bet	Good With Food
Girls' Night Out	Unique	Crowd Pleaser
Good for Romance	Cellar Keeper	Eat Here

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BC New Releases... A few Wine Diva favorites

 

White-
Arrowleaf Bacchus, Okanagan BC, 2005-Fresh green apple, sweet grapefruit, pineapple and lemon rind, a well-priced off-dry sipper that reminds Wine Diva of her fruit-cup-in-the-lunchbox days.
(Wine Diva tip- Bacchus is a hybrid grape variety developed from Riesling-Silvaner x Muller Thurgau)
$12.95 (Not Yet Released)
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

 

Rosé-
Arrowleaf Red Feather, Okanagan BC, 2004- This brilliant hued rosé is a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir and is reminiscent of fresh summer berries, tobacco, spiced rhubarb and pepper. The ever-so-slightly off-dry Red Feather will be a staple for many patio dwellers this season.
$12.95
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

 

White-
Domaine de Chaberton Bacchus, Fraser Valley BC, 2005- This was one of the wines so nicely provided to me for my "Summer Sippers and Patio Wines" seminars at EAT! Vancouver May 26-28th. Those who are familiar with Domaine de Chaberton know how perfect their wines are as summer sippers. The Bacchus is off-dry bordering on sweet but is well balanced with crisp acidity. Super-ripe peaches, honey-muscat aromas, hints of grass and a long slightly spiced finish. The seminar goers loved it!
(Wine Diva tip- Bacchus is a hybrid grape variety developed from Riesling-Silvaner x Muller Thurgau)
$12.95 VQA and private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 27 2006

White-
Arrowleaf White Feather, Okanagan BC, 2004- Candied tropical fruit aromas, white flowers and ginger. This off-dry patio wine has a real following among BC drinkers. Great if you are having some spiced up Asian dishes.
$13.95 VQA and Private wine store
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

 

White-
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan BC, 2005- Fresh cut grass, pineapple and lemon with quite a round, leesy mouth-feel. Whether you like sauvignon blanc or not, this wine will impress you with its up-front fruit flavours.
$13.99
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

 

Rosé-
Jackson-Triggs Private Reserve Cabernet Franc Rosé, Okanagan BC, 2005- A pretty Wine Diva wine! Fresh berries, bright citrus and soft dark flowers.
Truly refreshing and food friendly!
$ NA
 Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

Red-
Oak Bay Gamay, Okanagan BC, 2004- Juicy aromas, with spice, maraschino cherry and pepper. Earthy, light-bodied and fresh with dusty, spiced tannins. A soft, bistro style (Beaujolais style) red suitable enough even for a weekday lunch
$14.99 Private wine stores and VQA
Wine Diva tasted- April 2006



White-
Canoe Cove Chardonnay, Fraser Valley BC, 2005- Interesting combination of aromas in this particular Chardonnay. Earthy-mushroom aromas followed up by pineapple, ripe pears and creamy vanilla. The wine has six months of French oak barrel contact which makes it creamy and rich but not overwhelmingly oaky.
$14.95 VQA and private wines stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 27 2006

White-
Hester Creek Semillon/Chardonnay Okanagan BC, 2003- An interesting wine (about a 50/50 blend) with grassy/herbal aromas, toasted marshmallows, mandarin, candied apples and pear. The wine starts out fairly light on your tongue then gathers steam becoming quite rich and oily with sweet tropical fruit flavours.
$14.99
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006
 

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White-
Lang Vineyards Farm Reserve Riesling, Naramata BC, 2005- Always a pleaser this off-dry and exceedingly pretty riesling is all sweetness and light with sun-warmed summer apricots, lemongrass, mineral and pink grapefruit.
$15.90
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006



White-
Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc, Naramata BC, 2005- If anyone is known for pinot blanc (for making a stand out pinot blanc) in BC it must be Lake Breeze. This vintage does not disappoint. Elegant and fresh, sweet apple-pear, white floral notes, crisp citrus and tinges of candied ginger.
$15.90
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

 

White-
Lang Vineyards Pinot Gris, Naramata BC, 2005-Crisp apple, ripe pear, soft and round with flowers and creamy lees. Refreshing with a satisfying lush mouth-feel.
$17.90
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

White-
Desert Hills Pinot Gris, Okanagan BC, 2005-The pinot gris is the first white wine Wine Diva has tasted from this small family owned winery on the Black Sage Bench and I was very impressed! Zippy grapefruit and sweet peach samba with earthy smoked mushroom and clean mineral flavours. Well made pinot gris and one to add to your 'must try' list!
$19.90 VQA and Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006

White-
Summerhill Ehrenfelser, Okanagan BC, 2005-Smartly, Summerhill knows which side their bread is buttered on-the Ehrenfelser and Cipes side which is why they have increased production on both of  these lovely wines. The 2005 Ehrenfelser is chock-full of rich tropical fruit, Turkish delight, anise spice and rose petals. The mouth is simply...voluptuous
$18.95 Private wine stores and VQA
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006



Sparkling-
Summerhill Cipes Brut, Okanagan BC- Always a favorite, this riesling sparkler (they have upped their production thank goodness) is fresh and fruity but still dry. A full mousse releases sweet apple blossom and pear aromas. Crisp, but with a round creamy mouth-feel. Always keep a bottle nearby (for emergencies or surprise Wine Diva visits).
$22.95
Wine Diva tasted-May 18 2006



Red-
Oak Bay 'Family Barrel Reserve' Chambourcin/Merlot, Okanagan BC, 2004- Lovely bright ruby-garnet hue. Red fruit, smoked game meat, pepper, earth and leather. Solid tannins and a hint of acidity. Not your usual merlot blend!
$22.99 Private wine stores and VQA
Wine Diva tasted-April 2006

 

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Wine Diva's vital June Question

How much wine do you drink?
In other words are you as big a lush as WD?
Be honest...

This is anonymous!

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 International Sips

Rosé-
Mateus Rosé, Portugal- Don't shoot the messenger...sheesh, you're not the only one with flashback images of that bottom-heavy Mateus bottle anchoring your parents dining room table. But don't you think it's time to let bygones be? Wine Diva was feeling quite retro when she recently visited (I was too young to re-visit) this cheerful and fresh rosé sweetly tinted and brimming with minerals, red berries, and citrus. You know what, this is a very decent rosé, a great price and a  conversation piece!
$9.49
Wine Diva tasted-May 3/2006



White-
Gazela Vinho Verde, Portugal-
Greenish (grassy) aromas, flowers, ripe melon and pear.  Fresh flavours, crisp, creamy and a little bit spritzy on the tongue. For under $10 you can't go wrong with this white summer sipper.
$9.99
Wine Diva tasted-May 3/2006

 

Sparkling-
Lindauer Brut, New Zealand- A brand new bubble for the BC market (Wine Diva is sooo excited)! Fresh and fun, with loads of apple and pit fruit, good toasty mousse and creamy rich mouth-feel. At this price buy two... and have yourself a really good weekend.
$15.99
Wine Diva tasted-May 3 2006



Red-
Kanawinka Ridge 'Limestone Coast' Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia 2004- Gorgeous intensity, blueberry/raspberry aromas warm chocolate and black cherries. In the mouth it is smooth with leather/tobacco and soft green bell pepper flavours. Wine Diva gives two 'corks up' to the screw cap closure!
$15.99 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May  2006




White-
Stoneleigh Riesling, Marlborough New Zealand, 2004- Slightly off-dry riesling with bright orchard fruit, mineral and petrol, lemon- limey acidity racing all the way through to the finish line.
See, New Zealand is more than just gooseberries and sauvignon blanc! BC's best selling NZ riesling.
$15.99
Wine Diva tasted-May 3 2006



White-
Lingenfelder 'Bird Label' Riesling, Pfalz Germany, 2004- Always a go-to riesling for those of us who live the 'riesling revolution'. Nectarine, white blossoms, lime and minerals on the nose. Zippy, zingy acidity-apples and glycerin in the mouth with a long grapefruit/pithy finish. A real crowd pleaser (even if the crowd thinks they don't like riesling).
$16.95
Wine Diva tasted-May 11 2006

White-
Columbia Crest Riesling, Washington, 2004- The $16-ish category seems to be the 'hot zone' for good riesling today. The C.C is another sweet-ripe offering with full on peaches, citrus blossoms, lime rind and minerals. Fresh yes, but with a lush, oily mouth and crisp finish. Bravo!
$16.99 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 3 2006



Rosé-
Ca' Del Solo 'Big House Pink', Santa Cruz California, 2004-

White-
Ca' Del Solo Malvasia Bianca, Santa Cruz California, 2004- Following in the Ca' Del Solo tradition of Italian Grape varietals and darling labels is the Malvasia Bianca (which is also the grape variety)Crisp, light and food friendly, the Bianca will be very appealing to sauvignon blanc fans. Fresh and light with lemon-lime, hints of crisp pear, white flowers and a pinch of apricot this wine will refresh and impress.
$23.99
Wine Diva tasted- May 26 2006

White-
Heggies Chardonnay, Eden Valley Australia, 2004-
Ripe tropical fruit notes creamy 'nut-butter' aromas, lush mouth-feel, orange rind and  and hints of vanilla. No over-oaking on this gem of a chard. And the cowboy/mescalero on the label says 'put me on the shelf Century, this wine was made for you'!
$27.99
Wine Diva tasted-May 3 2006

 

White-
Staete Landt Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough New Zealand, 2005-Passion fruit, peaches 'n cream, gooseberries and grass with fresh apricots and crisp citrus in the mouth. A lovely, lush lady and my favorite sauvignon blanc of the recent New Zealand tasting.
$27.99
Wine Diva tasted-May 31 2006

 

Red-
Penfolds Bin 138 (Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre) Australia, 2003- Intense plum, chocolate and chalky minerals. Rich velvety mouth-feel and a good shot of acidity. Reasonable price for a GSM from this well know Aussie producer with the highly recognizable, classic label.
$27.99
Wine Diva tasted-April 2006

White-
Pfaffenheim 'Steinert' Grand Cru Gewürztraminer, Alsace France, 2001- A voluptuous, aromatic Gewürztraminer with full on rose oil and orange blossom aromas. Turkish delight, cold cream (yes cold cream), sweet Asian spices and mango add to the cocktail of aromas. A beauty of a wine made to last!
$32.00
Wine Diva tasted-May 3 2006

Red-
Saxenburg Pinotage, Stellenbosch South Africa, 2000- Some people cringe at the word 'pinotage' (similar reaction with white zinfandel) but if you find a good representation this South African hybrid of pinot noir x cinsault can be quite interesting. The Saxenburg is all smoked beets, damp earth and sweet marshmallow. Hey I did say interesting didn't I?
$26.95 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 25 2006



White-
'Mesh' Riesling, Eden Valley Australia, 2004- This riesling is quite full-bodied (more Martha than Madonna) with lovely peach and pit fruit aromas, lemon and lime and sweet spices. Very dry style for those of you who insist you don't like 'sweet wines' and cheek-sucking acidity.
$37.99 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 3 2006

 

Red-
Evesham Wood 'Le Puits Sec' Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Oregon, 2003- In the great label debate Wine Diva proves that critters are not always a draw. Maybe drinkers  will accept a critter on the label up to a certain price point? That's WD's theory anyways. My point being, I was instantly drawn to this simply lovely label. The colour of old parchment, simple classic text and a delicate hand-painted Pacific Dogwood blossom.  It's also no surprise that WD is a huge fan of Oregon wines, especially pinot noir as they are some of the best in the world. So with this bottle of Evesham all the stars were aligned. Of course, when the wine inside lives up to (or surpasses) expectations Wine Diva is elated!
Deep earthy-ruby hue with aromas of smoked meat, earth, sour cherry, mushrooms and coffee grounds. Velvety mouth-feel spiked with smoked cherry, tobacco, sweet berries and rich, spiced chocolate.
$37.90 Available at Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-May 22 2006

Red-
Shenandoah Reserve Barbera, Amador County California, 2003 (organic)-Sweet black cherries, earth, mocha and tobacco with hints of fragrant dark flowers. Sexy and warm, a wine for romance, wining and dining...!
$39.99 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 25 2006

Red-
Carrick Pinot Noir, Central Otago New Zealand, 2003- Old world intrigue in a new world. Sweet red cherries, earth, tobacco spice and leather, good acidity, lovely structure and a long warm finish.
$64.99 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 31 2006



Red-
Wither Hills Pinot Noir, Marlborough New Zealand, 2004- Brilliant ruby hued with aromas of smoked meat, leather, jalapeno, cherries, earth and leather. Fine spiced tannins on the finish with bright acidity.
$47.95 (special order wine keep a look out in specialty private wine stores)Wine Diva tasted-May 31 2006

Red-
Limerick Lane Zinfandel 'Collins Vineyard' Russian River Valley Calif., 2002- Blueberry Pie, bright spice aromas and fresh berry. Intense black cherry, tobacco and chewy leather. A big, luscious zin.
$48.80 Private wine stores-Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-May 25 2006


Red-
Christine Woods Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley California, 2001- I had never heard of Christine Woods wines before my recent speed-date with this gorgeous pinot noir. This wine is reminiscent of an old-world pinot, unfiltered and swimming with aromas of smoke, cherries, quince, strawberries and earth. Light bodied, good acidity with chewy leather and cedar with dusty tannins on the finish.
$49.90 Private wine stores and restaurants
Wine Diva tasted-May 25 2006



Red-
Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany Italy, 2000-Beautiful ripe berry and sour cherry aromas, earth, spice and tobacco set in an elegantly rustic body. Long finish with fine dusty tannins. A good vintage, worth cellaring.
$64.95
Wine Diva tasted-May 3/2006

Red-
Wolf Blass Platinum Label Shiraz, Barossa Australia, 2002- Sweet dried fruit, blackberry and blueberry, plum, sweet spices and pepper. Elegant tobacco and leather with the softest touch of vegetation. Wine Diva admits this was hit of the Wolf Blass series tasting, and it had nothing to do with the perfectly-pricy-pretty silver/platinum label. Well maybe a bit...
$79.99
Wine Diva tasted-April 2006



Red-
Roads End Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2004- For 'pinotphiles' Ken Wright of Ken Wright cellars has garnered  cult-like status. Wright makes this blended pinot noir for Carlton Cellars, it's made from the grapes of the Canary Hill, Nysa and McCrone vineyards. Roads End is full of roasted beet, chocolate and smoked rhubarb. Velvety smooth, sweetly rounded with chalky, chewy, dusty tannins. Gorgeous!
$79.90 private wine stores and restaurant lists
Wine Diva tasted-May 25 2006


Red-
Bouchard Pere & Fils Les Chanlins 1er Cru, Beaune France, 2002- Lovely bright cherries, freshly churned earth, violets and leathery aromas. Sweet red fruit and spice  with nice acidity and dusty tannins. Drinking nicely right now (I recommend decanting) but a few years in the cellar wouldn't hurt a bit.
$88.00
Wine Diva tasted-April 12 2006

Red-
Saxenburg Select Shiraz 'Limited Release' Stellenbosch South Africa, 2000- Every so often Wine Diva gets to try a wine that shows a regions true capabilities. This wine is one of them. Sweet cherries, plums, smoke, licorice and spiced bitter-sweet chocolate. Lush yet not jammy, brightened up with a hint of acidity.
Lovely!
$99.00 Very limited private wine stores and fine restaurants
Wine Diva tasted- May 25 2006

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From the Cellar

I only have one this month because...well you can't top it!

Julius Kayser & Co. Piesporter Goldtropfchen Spatlese Germany, 1971 (243/4 fl.oz)- This age of this bottle falls within a few years (give or take) of Wine Diva herself. Nice to see we are both holding up.
Q:What does one expect from a dusty old bottle of riesling with a chewed up label?
A:Anything.
Richly hued liquid, nearly canary yellow (reminiscent of vitamin B if you get my meaning) which upon opening emitted powerful aromas of mushrooms and wet earth. Trying not to be disappointed we sipped slowly and let it evolve. After all it had been shut up inside that bottle for nearly 35 years.
A few moments later magic happened... mango, wild honey and musk. The evolution continued with intriguing aromas of peas, onion skin and candied pecans and after nearly ten minutes she was like a sweet young thing again when the aromas of freshly peeled  lychee added itself to her aroma tussle.
Near the end of the bottle the Julius softened up again, the aromas became more subtle, less obvious, but never anything less than breathtaking.
A small selection of Muenster, blue and triple crème brie cheeses with an onion tart and stewed figs were the perfect accompaniment.

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Taste Bites

Ocean 6 Seventeen

Every so often I hesitate before passing along a little Wine Diva secret. For instance, a gem of a wine that has limited quantities  or a cozy little joint with a bar and a great view. (except everywhere I turned this month foodie critics was writing this little gem up).
Suddenly the gig was up, the secret out, there was nothing more to lose
I won't even pretend to have discovered Ocean 6 Seventeen, the  cozy little joint in reference, as they have been around for a year and a half and doing quite well thank-you-very-much!
But on a recent Sunday morning we finally wandered in and were immediately enchanted. I say finally because  I have been running past this cozy corner spot for years...literally. Ocean 6 Seventeen  anchors one end of the Stamps Landing block and Monk's anchors the other.
And to be fair, in the past several years this space changed names twice before Ocean 6 Seventeen finally set up shop and did it right.
Could this be part of the reason for my delayed first visit?
Perhaps the  thought of sitting down and indulging, on the same path that I religiously force myself (gasping and wheezing) along in order to continue to indulge-was also part of the reason?
Solution-sit facing the gorgeous view of Vancouver and the Stamps Marina-backside to the treadmill WD calls the seawall!
Easy.
Easier yet when you see this wonderful little room with its claret coloured walls and rattan ceiling fans. Windows take up half the restaurant, the seats are extremely comfortable and the tables are draped in white cloth. A semi-circular bar takes up centre stage of this triangular shaped room, but its the view that will draw your attention. Outside, a patio with seating for 20 (inside you can comfortably squeeze 36) sits just feet away from the marina.
When we wandered in we were unsure if we wanted breakfast, lunch or brunch. Luckily Ocean 6 Seventeen covers all the bases for weekenders like us. Salads, seafood, frittatas or benny's and sides along washed down with mimosa's, beer or wine and to start a complimentary basket of home made pastries and bread.
The food is 'Vancouver bistro', honest, delicious and artfully plated. Fresh ingredients are simply prepared without heavy hand and towers of fuss.
On this particular Sunday we sampled a gorgeous spinach salad with apple chips and dried berries, a spinach and artisan cheese eggs benny with roasted Lyonnaise potatoes, a Kir Royale, Smoking Loon Viognier and Nk'Mip Pinot Noir. All very reasonably priced.

I look forward to sitting on the patio on warm summer evenings with a glass of chilled white and one of their artisan cheese plates.
Perhaps Wine Diva has finally found the neighborhood haunt she's been whining about?
Ocean 6 Seventeen-617 Stamps Landing
604-879-6178

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Patio Pleasure...dining around the city.

Here are a few Wine Diva picks!

Table for Two, With a View
Beach House at Dundarave Pier -#150 25th Street West Van.
Bravo Bistro-#100-500 Denman Street
Nu-1661 Granville Street (under the bridge)
Ocean 6 Seventeen-617 Stamps Landing
Raincity Grill-1193 Denman Street

People Watching
Blue Water Café- 1095 Hamilton Street
Provence Marinaside-1177 Marinaside Cres.
Rangoli-1488 West 11th Ave.
Red Door-2996 Granville Street

Quaint with a Euro feel
Brix-1138 Homer Street
Parkside- 1906 Haro Street
Senova-1864 West 57th Avenue
 

Oasis
Cin Cin-1154 Robson Street (upstairs)
Il Giardino-1382 Hornby Street
Savory Coast-1133 Robson Street (upstairs)

Obvious
Boathouse-1795 Beach Avenue
Carderos- 1583 Coal Harbour Quay
Lift-333 Manchions Mews
Sandbar-1535 Johnson Street (Granville Island)
Watermark-1306 Arbutus Street (at Kits Beach)

In a Pinch
Earls-1601 West Broadway (at Fir)
Earls On Top-1185 Robson Street (upstairs)
Lion's Pub-888 West Cordova Street
Milestones-1109 Hamilton Street
Yaletown Brewing Co.-1111 Mainland Street
*Joeys Grill and Bar-1424 Broadway (opening June '06)

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EAT! Vancouver 2006

On May 26, 27, 28th BC Place Stadium was a gathering of celebrity, great food and libations all under one roof.
Wine Diva was there throughout the entire event hosting the Grapes & Hops stage. A non-stop line-up of seminars by local wine experts, Cru Restaurant owner/sommelier Mark Taylor, the Half a Glass boys and yours truly... Wine Diva.
Just Here for the Beer (www.justhereforthebeer.com) dude Colin Jack held up the stage alongside WD most of the weekend, and beer lovers virtually tripped over themselves in an effort to meet international beer aficionado and author Garrett Oliver from Brooklyn Brewing in NY.
Bob 'Toastermobile' Blumer aka The Surreal Gourmet tossed together the classic pairing of sparkling wine and potato chips with a twist. Wine Diva is still a fan of the classic aforementioned but the uber-sweet Beringer White Zinfandel paired amazing well with the sweetness and spiciness of the exceptional, locally made
HardBite Chips.
The selection of microbrew beer was awesome and WD actually found a few to her palate. BC and international wines were poured and samples were flowing.
All in all a great weekend full of information and fun.
Wine Diva is looking forward to next year!
 

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Welcome to the neighborhood!

Liberty Wine Merchants opens it's Granville Island location!

Manager Lisa Anthon (formerly from Park Royal) told me that they had a soft opening on June 1. The new store, located directly across from the market (in the Net Loft) is small but packs a wonderful selection of international, VQA and hard to find BC wines (I saw some Nota Bene on the shelf).
They also have a large cooler packed with refreshing picnic/patio wines and sparklers...so next time you are at Granville Island it is a one-stop shop!

1660 Johnston Street
Granville Island
604-602-1120

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Wine Diva-isms

What a Croc!

Two years ago. 
In a blinding moment of ambiguity (a rare Wine Diva moment) I purchased, on-line a pair of odd shoes that I thought were going to be the hottest thing to hit the streets of Kitsilano.
When they finally arrived in the mail I realized how wrong my previous depiction was and odd became clod. You may have guessed from the above title that I found myself  standing in a pair of comfortable yes, but unbelievably unattractive crocs. My feet looked like large white (because pink was sold out) plastic...bricks!
Horrified I placed them at the back of my closet thinking, who I could pawn them off on? And I swore never to tell a soul what  blunder I had spent my twoonies on.
Cut to present day.
Suddenly Croc is the new Ugg. Is this english we are speaking? Maybe if we gave them a prettier name they would become more attractive?
No?
Last month in the Globe and Mail Leanne Delap wrote a piece on the 'hottest new shoe of the season'...wait what prehistoric creatures had been hiding in my closet for two years collecting dust bunnies?
Crocs!
Egads, perhaps dusting them off would be worth it?
What would all my wine savvy peers think if Wine Diva showed up at a wine tasting sans her usual chic footwear?  I dunno as I'm not willing to find out. But since Crocs are totally hip and a la mode (at this moment in time) perhaps I can take them for a spin around Granville Island. Somewhere far more suitable where no one knows me.
Functional yes. Fashionable...?
 

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Wine Diva-Necessary Objects
 
Tide to go pen-a stain removal pen that really works, on red sauce, red wine and other questionable food-related stains. I Love this!
-Carry it with you! At a tasting this week an oaf (trying to answer his cell phone) knocked red wine onto the side of my baby-blue baby-doll top and I was caught without my Tide to go pen!

Oral B Brush Ups-Textured tooth cleaning pads. I've said this before but great to carry around, especially if you are drinking red wine. Individual packages makes it easier to slide into your clutch and takes up 1/10th the space of a toothbrush.

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‘Not Your Typical Wine Tasting Group”
    Juiced Wine Group

Juiced Wine Group will host their scheduled monthly tasting on Monday June 5th, 2006 at Savory Coast Cucina Mediterranea.
The theme: "A Rosé by Any Other Name".

The Rosé Wines:
Bonny Doon, Ca' del Solo, 'Big House Pink', Santa Cruz Ca. 2004- No one could ever accuse  the Bonny Doon wines of shyness. Their in-you-face cartoonish labels and outspoken interactive website make them a humorous California institution. Whereas the Bonny Doon label was created out of love for owner Randall Graham's love of Rhone style varietals (syrah, rousanne, viognier) the Ca' del Solo label was the result of his predilection for Italian wines. He has planted such esoteric varietals as carignano, charbono and malvasia bianca. Ths is the first vintage for the 'Big House Pink' under the Ca' del Solo label and is a blend of carignano, sangiovese zinfandel, barbera and charbono to name a few.
Sour cherry, candied rhubarb, ground berries, watermelon and citrus rind, a serious wine that literally 'pops' in your mouth!
$18.99 Private wine stores
 

Cecile Chassagne Rosé, Vin de pays de Vaucluse Fr. 2004-
Le Camassot is located in Sablet in the Southern Rhone Valley. Winemaker Cecile Chassagne follows her family’s tradition of producing traditional, elegant handcrafted wines. The Rosé (60% cinsault, 30% grenache, 10% mourvedre) is made from grapes from vineyards in  Vaucluse east of Chateauneuf-du-Pape in a typical French bistro style, serious and dry. Pretty nose… full on strawberry supported by smoke and minerals. Lightly refreshing, bone-dry, clean and crisp with good acidity and a peppery finish…perfect with patio fare
$14.00 Private Wine Stores

Craneford De la Rouge, Barossa Australia, 2002-
Craneford is a relative youngster in the wine world. It has only been in existence since 1978 and current owner/winemaker John Zilm took over in 1996. Since Zilm took control of the winery Craneford has gained some of the international recognition it deserves. Craneford produces some exceptional wines like reds: shiraz, cabernet, petit verdot, sparkling shiraz and whites: viognier, riesling and chardonnay. The De la Rouge is a sassy little vixen (the gal on the label looks a bit like a crimson clawed dominatrix) made from a unique combination of pinot noir, pinot meunier, grenache and tinto amarella. This wine is produced for export only
Sweet, nearly over-ripe raspberries and cassis (smells like a Kir Royale) smoke and a peppery finish
$14.99 Private wine stores

Joie Pinot Noir Rosé, Naramata BC 2005- Not only are Joie owners Heidi Noble & Michael Dinn well connected in Vancouver but they are also very well liked. It doesn't hurt when you are trying to sell wine to a very discerning Vancouver clientele. But it also doesn't hurt when people really like the wine! This is the second vintage for the Joie (French for 'joy') wines and they never have a problem selling them out. Being true to themselves (and what they like to drink) Joie produces three wines,  Rosé, 'A Noble Blend and an un-oaked Chardonnay. They buy their grapes from select small producers in the Okanagan and make the wine at a local winery Pentage located near to them at Skaha Lake. The Joie Rosé is is a gloriously brilliant salmon/ruby shade that is evocative of warm summer days on the patio. Ground berries, citrus rind and sweet spices, refreshing and just a hint of sweetness.
$19.00-22.00 Private wine stores and restaurants
 

Tormaresca Paiara, Puglia Italy, 2005- Tormaresca is an Antinori property in Puglia, (Puglia is located at the back high ankle of the Italian boot) purchased in 1998. There are two vineyard sites: Bocca di Lupo near Bari (north and inland) and Masseria Maime near Brindisi (more southerly on the coast). Tormaresca growns chardonnay, negroamaro, cabernet sauvignon, primitivo (aka zinfandel), malvasia and aglianico. The Paiara has just arrived in Vancouver, a new product at an exceptional price! The Paiara is 100% negroamaro a grape, like primitivo that is classic to the region of Puglia. Strawberry, mineral, citrus rind and tobacco-crisp fresh and dry.
$10.99 Private wine stores

MYSTERY WINE...
 

Juiced Wine Group’s next tasting…
Sunday, July 9th 2-4pm
"Patio Wines...on the Patio"


For details go to www.juicedwine.com

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Welcome, our newest family member Petra-yes she is Wine Diva pink with baby blue eyes
 

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