Sam The Wine Teacher 
Friday, April 17th is World Malbec Day. Most people tend to associate Malbec with Argentina and for good reason. Argentina produces 75% of the world’s Malbec wine. Most come from Mendoza and the best ones from the higher elevation areas of Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo.
Kurt is responsible for designing the December session in our tasting group. He tends to pull some amazing wines from his cellar for our tastings, so it is one I try to never miss. This year was no exception – a collection of aged reds, primarily right bank Bordeaux.
“The proof is in the pudding,” goes the well-known expression. When you taste the wines of Vanessa Vineyards, there is no doubt of the care and attention that has gone into the growing of the grapes and the transforming of those grapes into the very finest wines possible.”
Foch is a French hybrid developed by Eugene Kuhlmann about one hundred years ago. It was named for a World War One French hero, Marshall (Marechal) Ferdinand Foch.
Cabernet sauvignon, the offspring of cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc, is often referred to as the ‘king of grapes’ and it is grown in most wine-producing areas. It is a late ripener, so it does best in hotter climates.
2018 Petit Rouge Le Vieux Pin Oliver, BC $22.99 This Le Vieux Pin entry-level wine is a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Garnet red in colour with medium-deep intensity. The nose opens with aromas of pepper, blackberry, cherry, earth, vanilla and spice. Good balance with medium body. Pleasing on the palate with flavours … Read more
2018 Rosé Black Hills Oliver, BC $24.90 This rosé is a blend of 42% Pinot Noir, 35% Gamay and 23% Malbec. Salmon coloured with medium-light intensity. The nose greets you with aromas of watermelon, wild strawberry and fresh cream. Well balanced with good mouthfeel. Bright on the palate with mouth-watering fruit followed by a medium-long … Read more
2015 Syrah-Viognier Hester Creek Oliver, BC $25.99 Garnet/black with deep intensity. An inviting nose of dark fruit, cocoa, earth, white pepper and vanilla. Good balance with soft ripe tannins. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. 2018 Rosé Vanessa Vineyards Cawston, BC $24.99 Take a sip and you’ll think you’ve … Read more
2014 Chardonnay Blackwood Lane Langley, BC $29.00 Golden yellow with medium-intensity. Toast, buttered popcorn, citrus and pineapple on the nose. Very good balance with a rich creamy texture. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. This wine has aged very nicely. (photo unavailable) 2017 Morning Fog Chardonnay Wente Livermore Valley, California $19.99 … Read more
