Cutting-Edge Wines

The Restaurant Coach - Cutting-Edge Wines Tasting

March 9th Cutting-Edge Wine Tasting.  We had special guest Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan from Ryan Fine Wines poured her premium wines – Chayee Bourras – from Argentina. What a treat for all of us! Two hours of tasting delicious wines from around the world was thirsty work!

We used the Red Lip method to review the wines. The Group Tasting Notes  – From left to right.

Argentina – Chayee Bourras Buhonarda Rosé Natural Sweet  2013 – 3 Lips – Don’t let the label fool you, this rosé is semi-sweet. Pack with red fruit, cherry, mild rosehip notes and a good finish. Find at EverythingWine stores ($28-$30 ).

Argentina – Chayee Bourras Bonarda 2011 – 4 Lips – Un-oaked and medium-bodied. Pleasantly full of red cherry, red berry, lovely flowery notes with smooth tannins. Available at Vintage Spirits at Rialto Hotel downtown Victoria, and at EverythingWine stores. ( $23 – $26 )

Argentina – Chayee Bourras Bonarda Reserva 2011 – 5 Lips – Already a star. You will love it! available at Vintage Spirits at Rialto Hotel downtown Victoria, at EverythingWine stores, and Marquis Wine Cellars Vancouver. ( $45 – $53 )

SOAHC BIODYNAMIC VINEYARDS

SOAHC is the first from inception, Biodynamic Vineyard in Canada! Former Biodynamic Orchardist and professional skier, Jamie Fochuk logged and planted 20 acres on a one of the hottest steep hillsides in the country (near Fruitvale) to dedicated moon cycles, natural preparations. Jamie is strictly growing and producing wine to Rudolph Steiners’ Biodynamic principals. Even recommends certain days for tasting?

British Columbia – SOAHC Chardonnay 2013 – 3 1/2 Lips – Light, clean, with Granny Smith apple, citrus, and mineral tones. We all enjoyed the low alcohol ( 11.7% ), which makes it perfect for a late night sipping wine. Just arrived on the shelves, and available at Vintage Spirits at Rialto Hotel downtown Victoria, and Cork & Barrel in Oak Bay. ($26.50 price may vary)

British Columbia – SOAHC Riesling 2013 – 3 1/2 Lips –  Dry style, light scent of apple and interesting plasticine nose. Lovely apple and lime flavours with minerality on the finish.  Like the Chardonnay, the group enjoyed the low alcohol of this Riesling ( 9.5% ) Just arrived on the shelves. Available at Vintage Spirits at Rialto Hotel downtown Victoria, and Cork & Barrel in Oak Bay. ($23.50 price may vary)

South Africa – Bain’s Way Pinotage 2010 – Split 3 – 4 Lips – Bright strawberry on the nose laced with banana. Complex ripe fruit flavours and a rich mouthfeel. Available at EverythingWine stores. ( $23 – $26 )

Vancouver Island – Alderlea Metrix 2011 – 3 Lips – Made from Blattner’s vine Cabernet Foch ( cabernet sauvignon x marechal foch ). Dark fruit, cassis, chocolate. Available at Cascadia Liquor stores on Vancouver Island,  Liberty and Legacy wine stores in Vancouver.

Spain – Godelia Mencia 2010 – 3 Lips – Made from 100% Mencia grape. Full-bodied, ripe red fruit, spices, mild tannins with a good finish. Pleasant to drink. Available at BC gov’t liquor stores.

The RED LIP satisfaction rating.

yummy 1 - Copy Cheap and quaffable. No tasting notes required.

yummy 2Inexpensive with some flavours. Nice everyday wine.

yummy 3Good, flavourful, and pleasant to drink. Aww… yes, you’ll have money left in your wallet.

yummy 4Excellent quality/price ratio. Worth the price. Lovely aromas and a good mouthful of flavours for your drinking pleasure.

yummy 5- CopySimply, very delicious! Outstanding pleasure to the last sip. Don’t look at the price and say “I am worth it”.