My afternoon this past week was an introduction to new beverages that are either speculative or recently listed in the government liquor stores presented at a New Product Salon.
Here is what I sampled, in random order, which is only a fraction of what was being poured. The majority are speculative beverages and I have given the name of the private store where these should be available. It is always a good idea to check before you make the trip to your local stores. Please note that some prices may vary by store.
The choice of wines is a very personal and selective one and I do not rate the wines for anyone but myself and I add them only for interest. I am a self confessed wine novice.
Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2006 $39.99 BCLDB sku 367722 rated 96 points by Decanter
should be better when paired with food
Shot in the Dark 2012 Traminer Riesling $12.99 in specialty wine stores
I enjoyed this one, light and easy to drink
Bruno Rocca Fralu Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy $35.00 in specialty wine stores
Very nice, light
Butotto Barbera d’Alba Aves, Piedmont, Italy $35.99 in specialty wine stores
Very good, light
Nicolas Maillat Brut Platine, Champagne, France $61.99 in specialty wine stores
91 points – John Szabo, Wine Align, Jan/12
90 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Dec/09
Very nice, light
Ferghettina Brut Rose, Franciacorte, Italy $49.99 in specialty wine stores
Funky bottle shape, not for me though, I found it a bit acidic
Cahteau de Chasseloire 2010 Muscadet sur Lie 100 Year Old Vines, Maine, France $29.99 in specialty wine stores
Very good
Bodegas Vina Magana Baron de Magana 2009, Navarra, Spain $29.99 BCLDB sku 829408
Good with some tannins
2010 Chateau des Landes Cuvee Tradition, Bordeaux, France $25.99 in specialty wine stores
I found this to be excellent
Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, Trentino, Italy $15.99 BCLDB sku 312801
Light, a bit too acidic for my taste
Alta Luna Phases 2010 $14.95
Top 100 of the Year – Wine Spectator 90 points
I found this one a bit bitter
King Estate Signature Pinot Gris 2012 $25.99 BCLDB sku 419671
I thought this one was very good
Bourgogne Pinot Noir les Ursulines 2011 $22.99
Smooth
Vina Falernia Syrah 2010, Chile, $18.99 BCLDB sku 147819 and specialty wine stores
Okay, but not for me
Vina Falernia Carmenere, Chile, $18.99 in specialty wine stores
91 points on winescores.ca
Tasted sweet on the tongue
Vina Falernia Carm/Syrah, Chile, $18.99 in specialty wine stores
I thought this one was excellent for the price
Ress Rheingau Rieseling QBA, Germany, $18.99 available at Legacy Wine Store
An Italian winemaker, I enjoyed this one
Bell Bird Tall Beer Strong Can, India, $2.25 in specialty stores
I liked it but I’m not a can fan
Spier Signature Pinotage, Wines of Africa, $14.95 available at Everything Wine
Nice, rich and good for the price
Brugse Zot Blonde Belgian Blonde
Light and delicious
Brugse Zot Dubbel Abbaye Dubbel
Very easy to drink, good, I liked it
Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel Abbaye Quadruple
92 points Beer Advocate
I found it a bit bitter for my taste but hearty
All three available in specialty stores only
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Fizz Methode Traditionnelle 2009
New in January/2014 $29.99 BCLDB sku 765776
I thought this was a good one
Vina Maipo Vitral Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Chile, $13.95
I found this nice and refreshing
Vina Maipo Vitral Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, $14.95
Slightly sharp but good
Irony Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California $24.99
Perfume scents
Poderi Dal Nespoli “Il Nespoli” Sangiovese di Romagna DOC Superiore Reserva, Romagna, Italy $16.99
This one I found a bit harsh, not for me
Tenuta Chiccheri Ripasso 2010, Italy, $38.99 BCLDB sku 28043
Light but nice
Kim Crawford Small Parcels, Spitfire 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand $26.99 BCLDB and in specialty wine stores
Always consistent
Greenall’s Gin Fizz $10.50/4 pack available at Legacy
Good but a bit sweet
Cass fresh Beer, Korea $11.30/6 pack $3.65/bottle sku 16828/16836
Unpasturized, nice
KSD Ssal Makkoli, Korea $6.95 BCLDB sku 465609
Different, sweet and creamy
Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc 2012, New Zealand $21.99 available at Everything Wine
90 Points Robert Parker
Fruity and pleasant
Repeat Red Blend Shiraz Zinfandel 2012, South Australia $14.99 in specialty wine stores
Very pleasant
Chateau de Montfaucon
2010 Cotes du Rhone “Baron Louis” $29.99
90 points Wine Advocate Oct/2012
Chateau de Montfaucon
2009 Vin de Monsieur le Baron $64.99
91 points Wine Advocate Oct/2011
Chateau de Montfaucon
2010 les Gardettes Rouge $16.50 (not yet available)
Chateau de Montfaucon
2010 Cotes du Rhone Rouge $19.99
88 points Wine Advocate Oct/2012
In specialty wine stores
I enjoyed all four of these wines and considered them excellent
Cortes flavoured with Tequila
just released and available in pubs in Whistler
Summer fun, like a cooler or a reverse Bulldog
Hungaria Rose $14.95 available at Good Wolf, Yaletown, Legacy and Everything Wine
New, excellent
Capezzana ‘Villa Capezzana’ Carmignano ’07, Sicily, Italy $39.99 BCLDB sky 127050
91 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Aug/2011
93 points Italy’s Top 200
90 points Stephan Tanzer’s International Wine Cella Sept/2012
Nice, dry
Fabiano ‘Le Coste’ Soave 2011, Veneto, Italy $13.70 available at Firefly Wines
Good wine
Callaway Cellar Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $14.99 in specialty wine stores
Very good
Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $64.99 in specialty wine stores
Excellent
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