An Excellent Portfolio Tasting with Select Wines & Spirits

I was happy to be invited for the second year in a row to the Select Wines & Spirits’ Annual Portfolio Tasting, held at the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.  Last year I found several gems that I passed along to you, and you will read about my latest wine recommendations.  You may want to compare to my last year’s tasting notes to see if there are any repeat wines.

In a portfolio tasting, a wine and spirits agency will bring together their range of wines and spirits in one room for you to try.  In some cases, a winery principal or agent will be at the table pouring their wine or spirit and talking to you about it.

My Favourite White Wines

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  Trivento Tribu Viognier 2011, Argentina ($9.99. SPEC listing). This was a very surprising wine for sub $10.  Light orange, peach and citrus nose.  Medium minus body with flowers, orange, and spice on the tongue.  Dry citrus finish.  A nice wine. Recommended.

• Salomon Undhof Gruner Veltliner Undhof Wieden, 2010, Austria ($26.99).  Gruner Veltliner has been a hot white varietal wine the past couple of years, but lately, I have not heard too much about it.  If you have not tried a Gruner, but you like Riesling, I suggest buying a bottle. This wine had light stone fruit and oak on the nose.  Dry with higher acidity. Light cinnamon, red apples and cotton candy flavour, with pepper on the finish.   An interesting wine.
• Chartron & Trebuchet Pouilly Fuisse “Cuvee de la Chapelle”, 2010, France ($32.98). This wine from Burgundy I am told is the #1 selling Pouilly Fuisse in BC. Very light apple aroma.  Medium body with some flowers, citrus, guava, and red apple aroma and flavours.  Dry, with medium acidity.
• Dr. Loosen Villa Wolf Riesling, 2010, Germany ($17.49 SPEC).  Light pear skin colour in the glass. Light stone fruit nose. Off-dry with a slight effervescence. Round with medium acidity. Apple and citrus flavours.
• MacRostie Winery Sonoma Chardonnay, 2010, California ($29.99 SPEC). Light lemon in colour.  It has a nice tropical fruit and vanilla nose.  Medium body and acidity, with a light spice to it.  Round mouthfeel with apple, tropical fruit and vanilla flavours.  Very elegant.

My Favourite Red Wines

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  Trivento Amado Sur, 2010, Argentina ($15.99). This is a red blend of Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah.  Deep ruby in colour, with chocolate and vanilla on the nose. Full body, dry, with dark fruit and pepper on the palate.  Soft tannins make this an inviting, easy to sip wine.

• Palo Alto Reserva 2010, Chile ($14.99). Chile, with its perfect climate for growing grapes, keeps putting out quality wines at many different price points.  This wine is one of them. Bright medium garnet in colour.  Green pepper and smoky sausage aromas.  Medium minus body, soft mouthfeel with green pepper, red cherries and cocoa on the palate.  A fun wine.  Enjoy at a BBQ or with pizza.
• Ogier Les Brunnelles Crozes Hermitage, 2009, France ($25.99). Medium garnet with some bricking showing in the glass.  A very nice nose of red cherries and currants.  Lots of salty minerality on the palate joined from ripe plums and purple fruits.  dry with medium acidity.
• Ogier Clos de l’Oratoire, Chateauneuf du Pape, 2009, France ($49.99). Light garnet in colour.  Cherries with some meatiness on the nose. Very tasty with some perfume, tasty blueberries and pepper.  Nice round mouthfeel.  I really enjoyed this wine.
• Le Petit Haut Lafitte, 2009, France ($59.99 SPEC). Yes, this one is pricy, but it is well worth it and would be nice to take to a special occasion. This is a Bordeaux blend made from 45% Merlot and 55% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium garnet in colour.  Light intensity on the nose, with aromas of dark fruit and a hint of smoke (may have come from the nearby bbq). Light body that floats in your mouth.  Dry with medium acidity and soft tannins.  Ripe plums and cherries along with some black pepper.

• 

  Chateau Le Pey, 2009, France ($24.99 SPEC). I am not certain, but I believe this wine is equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet in the glass.  Black fruit, cocoa, nutmeg and vanilla aromas. Medium-plus body, dry and peppery with plums and dark fruit flavours.  Very flavourful! Medium soft tannins with a long length.  Recommended.

• Cecchi Villa Cerna Chianti Classico Riserva, 2006, Italy ($29.99 SPEC). This wine is a blend of 95% Sangiovese, the traditional grape of Tuscany, and 5% Colorino, an indigenous grape that adds colour to a wine. Deep garnet in colour with a light ethereal nose of red fruit and vanilla. Medium minus body.  Firm tannins kick in right upfront.  Red cherries and woody flavours on the palate.  A very nicely structured wine.

I hope you will give some of these wines a try.  Remember you can find good wine at all price points, and there is something in this portfolio for everyone. Enjoy!