Sam The Wine Teacher 
his is the first Wine Wednesday of the new year, and seeing as people may have over-indulged financially, I’m focusing on wines under $20. Yes, you will notice several Spanish reds in this list. There are two reasons for this, one they were included in a tasting I did a while ago and two, Spanish … Read more
I saw an online coupon for the Steveston Seafood House and decided to give it a try. We drove out there on a beautiful clear winter afternoon and enjoyed the sunset at Garry Point Park before heading to dinner. I had confused the restaurant with one of the ones on the pier, but found it … Read more
Time to check out my cellar to see what bubbly I’ll open to ring in the New Year. I always try to keep a few on hand and at least some of them in my cellar’s mini fridge. I have a magnum of Sumac Ridge’s Stellar Jay Brut, always a favourite and two from … Read more
Capilano University is offering a new Continuing Studies program in the new year, taught by yours truly. I think you will find it very informative and enjoyable. Hope to see you there. Introduction to Wine Judging NEW Ever wonder why some wines are better than others? Join us for an introduction to the process of … Read more
2011 Chardonnay (Reserve) Pacific Breeze New Westminster, BC $29.99 Gold Medal Tasted 2014 12 Rich lemon yellow in colour with medium plus intensity. The nose is complex with aromas of caramel, tropical fruit, honey, toast and butter with a hint of citrus. Very well balanced with unctuous mouthfeel. The flavours echo the nose. A long, … Read more
Natalie MacLean’s book, Red, White and Drunk All Over is one of the best wine books I’ve ever read. Her book is humorous, informative and covers a range of topics from the importance of real estate (terroir) – “location is everything”, to the diverse approaches to making wine, the mystique of champagne, the competitive aspects … Read more
I think it is safe to say that most people enjoy wine, so it can make a great gift, especially if you know someone’s tastes. But what if you don’t? One person’s plonk is another person’s favourite, and that is totally OK. By the same token, it can be a great waste if you splurge … Read more
2011 Tippy Toe Oaked (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier) Montakarn Oliver, BC $20.00 Bronze Medal Tasted 2014 11 Golden yellow in colour with medium intensity. Butter and ripe tropical fruit on the nose. Good balance with a slightly sweet entry and good mouthfeel. Big tropical fruit and buttery flavours on the palate with a medium finish. … Read more
Do you use the BC Liquor Store’s web site (http://www.bcliquorstores.com) to check for products? Do you use their mobile app? Probably many of you do and if you don’t, they are well worth checking out. But how many have scrolled to the bottom of the page and under “Customer Service” clicked on “Special Events”? Not … Read more
I love it when people are away on holiday and I am asked to fill an empty spot with the Tasting Ten. This is a wine tasting group that was formed over forty years ago. They meet each month from September to June, taking turns presenting a flight. This month was a particularly interesting session. … Read more