Some years ago, I visited an upstart little winery in Australia by the name of Yellow Tail, along with an enthusiastic group of Aussie and Kiwi wholesalers. We shared a casual lunch at makeshift tables in the warehouse (they’d expanded so fast there was no reception room), along with several local growers, who had been [...]
Margaret and Peter Lehmann, around the time of their 2011 Vancouver visit When the French (and others) talk about “terroir” they’re generally referring to geography, soil type, grapes—but also the human element. Wine, after all—above all—is very much about people. It’s a fact of which we’re constantly reminded, especially when a legend in [...]
A clutch of very drinkable rosés Is Rosé still on a roll? It looks that way. Last month we had a chance to test drive a quartet of Provence rosés (part of a BC Liquor Stores’ promotion) to see how they stacked up. Following on from last year’s tasting, it was interesting to [...]
Last week after the BC Wine Institute Vintage Preview, we asked Peller master winemaker Howard Soon for a few comments about his Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2012 vintage... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S0OWF2bMiQ Here's our story from the North Shore News: ... What was interesting this time was that the viticulturalists were invited along to offer [...]
Daryl Groom: serious passion for a cause that's close to home, Tim Pawsey photo When I interviewed Daryl Groom a couple of weeks ago, it was first and foremost to talk about Colby Red. However, how could I hang with Daryl Groom and not talk about his remarkable career, which saw him emerge [...]
Here’s a quick clip (just over a minute) of Nicolas Jaboulet talking about his good value, (non-appellation) Vin de France - Maison Nicolas Perrin Syrah-Viognier 2011, made in partnership with the Perrin family: He explains what’s behind the blend and what each part contributes. (Actually, I love the way he says “syrahviognier”, as if it’s all one word, as [...]
Robert and Margrit Mondavi, 2002. Tim Pawsey photo When I was looking for an image to run with this post (most of which appears in this weekend’s North Shore News), I input “Mondavi” into my Spotlight and the above is what popped up. In my mind, and I suspect for many others, California [...]
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Thinking of buying some bubbles in the next few days? You’re not alone. By far the majority of Champagne quaffed during the year is consumed during the holidays—and the same goes for sparkling wine. Here in the swank surroundings of Hired Belly corporate HQ, while we relish the taste [...]
Rocky Creek’s Linda Holford with José’s Tempranillo, Tim Pawsey photo One thing about Taste Victoria: we never fail to be surprised by something or someone. Often the finds are wonderfully esoteric but usually worthwhile. These are tough times for growers on Vancouver Island—of grapes, or of just about anything. Two unseasonably wet, late [...]
Peller / Sandhill master winemaker Howard Soon, Tim Pawsey photo Because he always is! I like this pic of Peller / Sandhill / Calona winemaker guru Howard Soon. It was just a quick snap, taken at a recent BC Wine tasting. But it shows you exactly the way Howard is: always there [...]