If you have a red wine lover on your Christmas shopping list, here are some premium wines they are sure to enjoy.
My recommendations were a result of the eighth Iconic Red Wine Tasting, hosted by Sip Wine’s Simon Wosk, who assembled a collection of the best B.C. reds for guests to judge. Among the judges, was veteran wine author and iconic expert on B.C. wines, John Schreiner.
All of the 19 wines were Bordeaux blends with at least two of the following: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
Black Hills 2013 Nota Bene ($62) was the crowd’s top choice. Lake Breeze’s 2011 Tempest ($52) was second, followed by Cassini Cellars 2012 Maximus ($40), NK’Mip 2012 Mer’r’iym ($53) and Lairana Cellars 2012 Twelve ($48). The sixth choice of the evening went to Church and State 2012 Quintessential ($59).
Two of my favourites were in the top six positions: NK’Mip was my second choice and Cassini was my sixth favourite.
Normally, I am not fond of Mission Hills premium reds, but their 2011 Quatrain ($75) was my number one choice and the 2011 Compendium ($86) was my fourth pick. I was also impressed with the Painted Rock 2013 Red Icon ($53).
These wines are drinking well now but can still improve with a few more years of cellaring. They are available locally at Sip Wines.
Another gift idea combines delicious wines with gourmet food. Tapenade Bistro’s Winemaker Dinner Series begins Feb. 7 with guest host, Michael Bartier of Bartier Bros Winery pouring six of his award-winning Okanagan wines.
Chef Terry McCormack will match the wines with a sumptuous five-course feast showcasing the winter bounty. The cost is $120 (including HST and gratuity). Call 604-275-5188 for more details.
I recently came across a new Fraser Valley winery whose wines are worth seeking out. Owned and operated by the Etsell family, Singletree Winery is in Abbotsford.
I’ve enjoyed the Singletree Farmhand White ($17), a unique blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, grown on the winery’s vineyard and fermented in oak. This white displays aromas of toasty oak and vanilla, with flavours of pear, peach, and mango and nuts. It has minerality and crisp acidity to give it more depth and a good match for seafood.
I also tried the Singletree 2014 Siegerrebe ($19), which is a German style off dry white with a floral nose reminiscent of roses. There were also flavours of orange peel, apples, and lychees. If you like Gewurztraminer, this light bodied aromatic wine is for you.
Finally, I was impressed with the Singletree 2014 Pinot Noir ($17) made from Okanagan grapes. It had a gorgeous Burgundy red colour with a cranberry, beetroot, and herbal bouquet and taste.
I thoroughly enjoyed it’s smoothness with my Moroccan grilled Albacore Tuna and the Tillamook Oregon Aged white cheddar. Singletree wines are only available at the winery. You can take the scenic trip to Abbotsford or you can order online at singletreewinery.com
Eric Hanson is a retired Richmond teacher and local wine expert.
