Sunday, February 14, 2016

Vancouver magazine wine awards taste-through continues.....

A few more from the Vancouver magazine wine awards:

Category: Light White

Marisco 2014 - The Ned Sauvignon Blanc ($14.99)

Powerful aromas of green apple, citrus, herbs and fresh cut grass. Citrus dominates the palate with a long, fresh finish. A real steal at this price. 88.








Category: Medium White

Paul Mas - 2014 Pays d'Oc Viognier ($12.29)

Grassy notes mingle with aromas of peach and melon. Tropical fruit comes through on the rich and dry palate. Perfumed notes highlight this excellent bargain from the south of France. 86.







Category: Medium Red

Cusumano - 2013 Sicilia Nero d'Avola ($16.29)

Lesser-known red grape from Sicily. Red currants, black cherry and coffee on the nose. Raspberry, plums and a touch of spice on the palate. Definitely improved with some charcuterie but overall, not overly impressive. 84.








That's it for the taste-through for today, but lots of other good stuff to talk about:

Masi - 2014 Modello Delle Venezie Bianco ($13.49)

Classic Pinot Grigio from the home of this varietal. Aromas of pear, stone fruit and slate. Crisp, clean and dry, pear and citrus with just a touch of spice on the finish. Another really good deal. 88.







Torres - 2011 Celeste Crianza ($23.49)

Lovely tempranillo from Ribera Del Duero. Fragrant red and black fruits waft over the nose. Bright red fruit and black cherry, and just a touch of spice and coconut at the end. Tannic and big; pairs beautifully with grilled red meats. 89.







Wolf Blass - 2014 Red Label Traminer Reisling ($13.49)

Beautiful aromas of rose petals and lime. Lime and lychee on the palate. Slightly off-dry. Really delicious and another wine that over-delivers on the price. 87.








Black Hills - 2011 Carmenere ($50.00)

One of the real treats that came in the package from Black Hills that I purchased for Xmas. The first time we have had a chance to taste this vintage. Hearty aromas of blueberry and forest floor. Complex flavors of cold cuts, blueberry, tobacco and white pepper. Velvety mouth feel. A real beauty. 91.





Cassini Cellars - 2014 Pinot Noir ($20.00)

Aromas of cherry, black currant and vanilla. Red berries and a touch of toffee on the palate. Light tannins, this is ready to go now with mild food or on it's own. 87,








Cedarcreek - 2014 Platinum Reserve Viognier ($27.49)

Aromas of tropical fruit, melon, orange blossoms and.....is that popcorn I smell? Ginger too. Fruit dominates the palate with just a touch of spice on the beautiful finish. Viognier just doesn't get any better than this. 92.







Tinhorn Creek - 2011 Oldfield Series 2 Bench Red ($30.49)

39% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot

Pleasant aromas of cassis, blackberry and vanilla. Plum, vanilla, tobacco and coffee on the palate. A hint of cigar box on the finish. Well-made Bordeaux-style blend in a very cool year. 90.






Thanks for reading, check back soon for more updates!