Picks of The Pros: Linda Holford, Rocky Creek Wines
May 14, 2016 § Leave a comment
I asked Linda what are the two wines that best showcase where Vancouver Island wines have been, where they are going and give reason to believe that the future is bright… oh and are must tries for anyone exploring Vancouver Island wines.
White ~ Rocky Creek Pinot Gris
Price: $20
Tasting Notes: “This is one of our best sellers due to its uniqueness in colour. A short skin contact has enhanced the mouth feel and results in a beautiful hint of salmon colour, which is getting to be very on trend. It balances well with so many foods. Full and smooth on the palate with loads of fruit flavours that continue through a long tangy finish.This wine really showcases our regional characteristics.”
Red ~ Averill Creek Pinot Noir
Price: $22
Tasting Notes: “Delicate but intense. Elegant yet earthy. Our Pinot Noir opens with an alluring bouquet of dark berries & violets, leather & butterscotch. The silky, medium-bodied palate features rich black cherry & ripe plum flavours, finished with a touch of spice & soft, supple tannins. Delightful alongside grilled salmon, beef bourguignon, roasted fowl or sautéed mushrooms.”
Cheers
the Dork UnCorked
PS- below is a link to the Wine Folly book on Amazon. Yes this is an affiliate program and it helps us keep the blog going, having said that I highly recommend this book and use it myself. It is colourful easy to read book that you can have a resource. Enjoy.
Beer of The Week May 7-13: Bridge Brewing Lemon Gin Saison
May 7, 2016 § 1 Comment
Always looking to improve on the offerings here, I have enlisted some of the most respected palates in the Craft Beer world to provide a Beer of the Week Each Week.
This week features Jami Wood of Spinnaker’s Spirit Merchants in James Bay.
For Jami this beer was so good that it inspired her to bake a cake with the beer being a key ingredient.
Pick of the Week: Bridge Brewing Lemon Gin Saison
Format: 650ml
Price: $7-$8/650ml
Availability: Private Stores only; very limited stock available – get it now!
Tasting Notes/Technical Info: Brewed with the addition of juniper berries, lemon peel, coriander, and pink peppercorns, and fermented with a French Saison Yeast, this beer is unique and super drinkable. Juniper, used in moderation, emphasizes the gin flavours, while coriander adds depth and complexity. The saison yeast used expresses peppery, spicy and citrusy notes, which play well with the lemon zest and pink peppercorn.
ABV 5.5% IBU 24
Cheers
the Dork UnCorked
Picks of the Pros Sparkling Wines: Jami Wood
December 31, 2015 § 1 Comment
The last in the Picks of the Pros Sparkling Wine series comes from Jami Wood. Jami runs the James Bay Spinnaker’s Store and has her finger on the pulse of the industry. She always has some magic in her store and these are items that she would pick for herself for New Year’s 2016.
Joie Plien de Vie Brut $24.34 +tax
A Rosé bubble from BC. What could be more fitting for issuing in 2016. Made in the classic method using Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this bubble is all about fresh strawberries, citrus and living life like there is no tomorrow.
Adami Credazzo Prosecco $36.39 +tax
The top of the line when it comes to Prosecco.
Fresh melon and peach are displayed with vibrant abandon and finish refreshing and clean. Ideal for prawns, lobster or fresh salads.
Deus Brut des Flandres $32.47 +tax and includes 2 Champagne Glasses
Guess what this is a beer! Yup a very unique and wonderful beer. It is first crafted in Flanders Belgium then shipped to the winery that makes Dom Perignon to be finished.
The bubbles are very much like champagne; tiny, vibrant and almost creamy. The flavour shows citrus, brioche and some hops. A great description is Duvel meets Dom Perignon.
Picks of The Pros Sparkling Wines: Pamela Sanderson
December 30, 2015 § 1 Comment
Pamela is not only an accredited Sommelier, but was the Sommelier at the Empress prior to becoming the General Manager of Cascadia Liquor Stores. She is indeed an influencer and has a keen palate for value.
Montelivini Prosecco ~ $14.99 +tax
I Love this Prosecco for both quality and value, doesn’t hurt that it comes in a nice package.
Nicely balanced, fresh with a hint of tree fruit character make this a staff favourite at Cascadia.
Unsworth Charme De L’lle ~ $21.99 +tax
From the Cowichan Valley, delicious Charmat Method sparkling from Unsworth Vineyard.
Our local look alike to a good Prosecco….
Cave de Lugny Cremant de Bourgogne Rose ~ $25.35 +tax
Traditional method from Bourgogne, France. Made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay.
Perfect balance of soft fruit flavours and fresh acidity, total crowd pleaser.
Thanks again to Pamela Anderson of Cascadia.
Cheers
the Dork UnCorked
Tune in each Saturday between 2 & 3pm on CFAX 1070 for the Dork UnCorked Radio Hour.
Picks of the Pros: Stacey Brennan, Hillside Liquor Store
December 29, 2015 § 1 Comment
Stacey has been the General Manager of the Hillside Liquor Store since it opened and has justifiably earned the reputation as being on the best buyers and palates in BC. What follows are her picks for New Year’s 2016.
Tsarine Cuvée Premium Brut Champagne ~ $64.99 +tax
Tsarine Cuvée Premium Brut Champagne (beautiful bottle!) champagnes second oldest house,
It was made in honour of the Russian Empire in 1730, the swirl bottle represents the St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Decanter World Wine Awards Gold Medal Winner 2010. “Fine and delicate bubbles with notes of lime flowers and lemon balm, bitter orange and quince- fresh and crisp!”
Summerhill Winery Cipes Brut ~ $23.49 +tax
Summerhill Winery Cipes Brut- Gold BC Wine Awards 2015 & sparkling wine of the year All Canadian Wine Awards 2014. “Aromas of Apple, lime, pear, almonds, and grapefruit. Crisp acidity, a soft creamy mousse and long finish.”
Dom Perignon David Lynch Limited Edition 2003 Champagne ~ 199.99 +tax
Dom Perignon David Lynch Limited Edition 2003- “aromas start sweet, bright, mineral and floral- followed by candied fruit, plants, camphor leaf and dark hints of spices and licorice root. The palate is at first mild and delicate, then confidently mineral and persistent with a refined bitterness and saline tang” $199.99 + tax
Picks of the Pros: Ernest Sargent- Everything Wine
December 28, 2015 § 1 Comment
What the pros would pick for themselves for New Year’s 2016. Today’s installment comes from Ernest Sargent the Vintage Room Consultant at Everything Wine in Langford.
Here’s my picks – not a Champagne among them…
Muga Conde de Haro Brut Cava ~ $28
For me, as I was only allowed to pick one (close runner up is the Henriot Rosé Champagne ($80)), it would be the Muga Conde de Haro Brut Cava. This is the best Cava I’ve tasted in a long time. Beautiful balance between the apple, apple skin and citrus flavours with a touch of honey thrown in. What puts this one over the top for me is the long and complex finish. An absolute winner!!
Road 13 2011 Sparkling Chenin Blanc ~ $40
For my family (because they deserve the best), my favourite of the many quality sparkling wines that are now coming out of BC, the 2011 Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc. I love the fresh fruit on this wine that pairs so nicely with the acidity and the slight touch of yeast. A top quality wine from one of BC’s best wineries and if I give it my family, chances are I’ll get some too.
Blu Giovello Prosecco ~ $21
For my friends – the Blu Giovello Prosecco from Piera Martellozzo. This Extra-Dry Prosecco, beautifully presented in its unforgettable blue bottle, has just a touch of fruity sweetness but carries enough acid to give it balance. It showcases the classic peach and citrus flavours you get from the Glera grape. A fun wine to share with fabulous friends.
Ernest is an ISG accredited Sommelier and all round brilliant guy. For me Ernest has proven his eye for real value on a number of occasions.
Picks of The Pros: Sparkling Wines
December 28, 2015 § Leave a comment
This week culminates with New Year’s 2016. If you listened to the Dork UnCorked Radio Hour this past week (here is a link to podcast; here is a link to the Show Notes) you would have seen my picks, but I thought it would be cool to see which Sparkling Wines and Champagnes the local pros would pick for themselves.
Over the week you will see posts from Ernest Sargent, Vintage Room Consultant at Everything Wine in Langford, Stacey Brennan, General Manager at Hillside Liquor Store, Pamela Sanderson General Manager at Cascadia Liquor Stores, and Jami Wood of Spinnaker’s James Bay.
I hope you enjoy each selection as I much as I did chatting with each about them.
Cheers
the Dork UnCorked
