I’m always on the lookout for good table wines that qualify for CheapandCheerful.ca and this new red from Australia fits the bill. The Forbidden Red Blend from Urban Myth doesn’t disclose what grapes they use but I’m sure I tasted the fruit of merlot and the pepper of shiraz. It’s a delicious medium bodied wine with … Read more
Quini (www.quiniwine.com), the wine market intelligence platform and wine tasting app has expanded its tasting and education events footprint to include Everything Wine (www.everythingwine.ca), British Columbia’s wine superstore. Quini’s thematic wine tasting and education series will launch at Everything Wine’s North Vancouver location on February 3rd, 2015. Multiple sessions will be held each month covering … Read more
As the guy behind www.cheapandcheerful.ca I don’t think I’d have content without wines from South America. No better example then this red blend. Santa Carolina B Blend is a rich combination of Carmenere, Grenache and Merlot. The nose is loaded with dark fruit as you’d expect and this full bodied blend has plenty of spice … Read more
Keeping with under $20 wines for cash strapped January. NV Baby Bub Haywire Summerland, BC $13.99 Bronze Medal Tasted 2014 12 This half bottle of pink bubbles is a perfect brunch or luncheon wine made from a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay. It is an inviting pale cherry red in colour with medium-light … Read more
Choosing the second annual La Dolce Vita Winery of the Year award was not an simple choice. The easy way out would have been to declare two-way a tie, but instead I will name one and reserve the other finalist for the 2016 competition. No need to delay the announcement any longer. The winner is … Read more
The January list continues with wines under $20. 2012 Untamed Red (Petit Verdot/Zinfandel/Syrah/Petite Sirah) Toasted Head California $14.99 Bronze Medal Tasted 2014 11 Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Red and black fruit, toast and vanilla aromas on the nose. Good balance with a slightly sweet entry. Jammy fruit flavours on the palate with a … Read more
For years my Joie Farm favorites were Noble Blend and Rose. Now I’ve added Chardonnay and the beautiful red blend PTG. Short for Passe Tout Grains. This is a delicious blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay and is familiar if you were visiting Burgundy. Joie has a deft touch as evidenced by their popularity and … 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
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
In fifteen years of enjoying wines from B.C. the improvement in quality and consistency has been remarkable. Quails’ Gate is a case in point. Their wines are reliable and great value for the price. If you’re looking for a white wine to keep on hand that you can sip on its own or serve with … Read more