Category: Zinfandel

Gate 22 Winery in Surrey, BC, is probably new to many people.  I know it only came on my radar later this year.  It has an interesting name, which made me think of a gate at an airport, plus their logo shows an airplane propeller.  When I checked with the winery, I was told the ownership group manages the Boundary…

I saved my last two wines from Domaine Artema Winery to be their Village Sparkling Rosé 2024 and their La Petite Mort (port style), NV, dessert wine.  These two wines can cover the start and end of a delicious dinner.  I did not decant either wine.  In the first case, you don’t want the delicious bubbles in your sparkling wine…

While the term “Cru” is most often used for the French classification system, the “Cru” concept can apply to any vineyard or group of vineyards recognized for their superior quality.  It was first mentioned in Champagne in 1911 and then spread across France, and now the rest of the world. This seminar, The Global Cru, took participants on a global…

The Prisoner Wine Company is leading the resurgence of California red blends.  They acquire grapes from more than 100 vineyards throughout California’s premier grape-growing regions of various varietals to create their blends.  The Prisoner Red Blend 2021 which I received was inspired by the wines first made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. It was released…

The history of Sonoma Valley wines is a rich and storied one, dating back to the early 19th century when Russian settlers first planted grapevines in the region. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most celebrated wine-producing areas in California. Sonoma Valley is renowned for its diverse microclimates, which allow a wide range of grape varieties…

I have been a fan of Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery‘s wines for many years.  I still have a bottle of their 2003 Summit Reserve Semillon I purchased at the winery that I hope to open this year with friends.  On my recent trip to Kelowna, I messaged their winemaker, Jeff Hundertmark, to see if I could meet with him.  Not…

Do you like solving puzzles and deciphering secret codes?  If so, you should check out the labels from Michael David Winery, coming from Lodi, California.  Their labels have always been quirky and easy to spot on the BC Liquor Store shelves.  Plus you get big, juicy red wines.  Great for BBQ season.  I was fortunate to have a chance to…

On Saturday, May 29, 2021, BC Liquor Stores will release an exciting selection of California wines. The outstanding collection features iconic names from Napa Valley including Hillside Reds as well as a focus on the new California with Rhône-style gems from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara, exquisite Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Santa Maria, Sta. Rita Hills and Sonoma Coast….

What do you know about California wines?  Most people probably think of it as a place for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.  But that is not all there is to California wines.  There are many other wines available from California that are very enjoyable; some cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. To help prepare you for the California wineries attending the…

Top Drop is the last major wine tasting in Vancouver before the start of summer. Top Drop is meant to represent the best in terroir and winemaker craft. Nature and Nurture.  Wineries from around the world are selected for the best of both, and we were not disappointed.  In my 5 star wine rating, most wines were at least 4…