Sip Into Something A Little More Comfortable

Posted by RRV on Dec 17, 2011 in Featured, K2 Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Proclaiming fatuously to a friend formerly from Texas that the snow “made me feel alive” got me snicker and an unbelieving, “Really?” But it’s true. I love the snowy weather when it first arrives. Personally, I like to put on my furry hat and stand around an outside fire, drinking wine in the snow. It makes me appreciate the things we take for granted like a roof over our heads, heat on demand, and good wine and food.

I present:

Haywire, Gamay-Noir-Rose 2010 Okanagan Valley.
A product of Crush Pad in the Okanagan, I was delighted get a bottle from Karen Kho, and opened it immediately. Rose when it’s -20 seems wrong enough to be right. Rhubarb! A tangy, rhubarb nose and pinkish, orangish colour made me sit up and pay attention. Rhubarb followed through on the palate with cranberry and cherry. Lots of acidity and character, all haywire needed was a plate of oysters or steamed mussels and clams. I sipped it while reading Post Office by Charles Bukowski. I look forward to having it again, maybe even sharing it this time.

B.S. White Table Wine, 2010, Michael Bartier and David Scholefield, Okanagan Valley

A fresh, clean blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, B.S. turned a cold week-end into a rock trash extragavanza, with bad bass playing, outside fire veggie roasting and various shenanigans. Lean and clean, it was unpretentious and refreshing.

Jovino, Pinot Gris 2010 Oregon

Brought by a friend who came for dinner, we paired it with butternut squash soup and baba ganoush dip. On the nose Jovino had a bouquet of tart apples and sour candy, the palate had notes of green apple and lemon but surprisingly gentle acidity. The second time I drank it I paired it with steamed artichokes. Things went smoothly until I discovered a large steamed worm on one of the leaves. We abandoned the wormy artichoke and stuck with the wine. Made by Joe Dobbs, it more than made up for the worm.

Dobbs Family Estate Pinot Noir 2009, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Already a fan of the Pinot Gris, I had to try the Dobbs Pinot Noir, and what better way then with delicious T & T BBQ duck? The wines colour was clear, cherry red, the palate echoed the nose- cranberry, lean but still with some curves, tart cherry and red berries, supple and confident, it held it’s extra weight with smoothly tailored tannins. The star anise and hoisin flavours in the duck really brought out the tart fruit in the Dobbs, and I now have a new favourite pairing.

Domaine Paul Autard Cotes Du Rhone 2009, France

Looking for something cheap and cheerful, this was recommended by local wine mongers and fit the bill perfectly. Grenache, Mourvdre, Syrah and Cinsault made for a full bodied, rich, deep red wine that I paired with grilled Gran Padano covered polenta and fried mushrooms while pretending that I was in the village of Couthezon, home of this wine. It almost worked. Buy it. Drink it.


Chateau des Laurets, 2008, Bordeaux

Despite the Corona pictured with Blaze of Glory’s backstage mustard and cheese platter, Chateau des Laurets, an inexpensive Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon created quite a stir as part of a ham slice, cheese pinwheel and mustard ménage au trois.





Rasteau Cote Du Rhone Villages 2008, Ortas

Rustic in style and leaner than I expected, the Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend created a spicy, well structured wine with notes of black cherry and plum. It was still a little young to be backstage, but decanting relaxed and smoothed it out. Four more years will make a difference.


Plan B, 2008 Shiraz from Western Australia

The back of the bottle says that Plan B is “free of corporate taint.” I don’t want anyone’s taint in my wine, but having a plan B is always a good idea. Restrained, easy to drink, Plan B was a delightful treat. We drank it outside under the stars. If you are looking for a versatile, affordable Shiraz, Plan B is your Plan A.