Another wine festival has come and gone. This was not just any Festival it was the Vancouver International Wine Festival. In it's 35th year the theme was California with a focus on Chardonnay. The festival had over 15 countries, 180 wineries and over 1,700 wines. Again this year we attended the the Tasting Room. The Tasting Room can be overwhelming if you are not prepared; a plan is always a good idea.
With my plan in hand and my handy note book. Here is a list of the wines we purchased with tasting notes for the ones we opened:
White Wines we purchased:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay
This was a favorite of ours. I enjoy reds a lot, but this wine has made me want to drink more of this Chardonnay. Glad I bought more than one bottle. Alcohol 14%; Nose - apple, citrus and some pineapple; Palate - Citrus, apple, tropical fruit and hint of oak on the finish. This wine kept going with a long finish that made me sit back and enjoy each sip. Sorry to say this one is another one they shipped in for the festival only. But if you do see it one day on the shelf of your local BC Liquor Store buy a bottle or two.
Fess Parker 2011 Chardonnay Santa Barbara
This wine was 100% fermented in barrel 30% New French and Hungarian Oak. Great Aroma when we poured our glass. Alcohol - 14.2%; Nose - apple, oak, some honey and pineapple; Palate - same as nose with some apple, honey with a cream feel in the mouth with a hint of oak at the finish. This wine was brought for the festival only. If you find it on your travels don't think twice about purchasing a bottle or two.
Chateau St.Jean Sonoma County Chardonnay 2011
If you are a Chardonnay lover you will like this one. It is best kept at 55 F to release the aromas of this Chardonnay. Alcohol - 13.4%; Nose - Lemon, oak, and pineapple; Palate - Citrus, pineapple, vanilla and green apple, ending with a nice creamy finish. This wine would be good with chicken and seafood. If you would like to try this wine you may find it in a BC Liquor Store for $18.99
Red Wines we purchased:
The booth of Schug was an exciting booth to visit as it had "Mr. Watler Schug" who is the owner and wine master of Schug winery. The Pinot Noir was very good so how could we not resist buying a few bottles. Alcohol - 13.5%; Nose - cherry, and strawberry aromas; Palate - cherry, vanilla and some oak with a nice long finish. We really enjoyed this wine but it cannot be found at the BC Liquor Store. Although, they have the Schug Pinot Noir Carneros for $36.99. This wine is also very good. lf you do happen to find the Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast buy a bottle or two.
Akarua Rua 2011 Pinot Noir Central Otago
A great Pinot Noir from New Zealand! This Pinot was light and easy to drink. Alcohol 14%; Nose - cherry, hint of oak, spice; Palate - again cherry, oak, chocolate and some earth. It ends with nice smooth tannins and a long cherry finish. Great for sipping or with roasted pork. I had it with BBQ Pork Chops which was a good match. You may be able to find this one in a BC Liquor Store for $26.99. Great value for this Pinot Noir!
Ramos Pinto Porto 10 years Old - Quinta de Ervamoira
We can never leave the wine festival without ending the evening in Portugal. We tried three different ports and this one was one of our favourites. What an excellent way to end the evening!
Alcohol - 19.5%; Nose - coffee, chocolate, and vanilla; Palate - chocolate, vanilla, and honey. This is port to enjoy with chocolate cake or to enjoy on its own. This port was brought in for the festival and cannot be found in the BC Liquor Stores.
Hope you enjoyed the post! and remember drink responsibly!
Ciao for now!
Ciao for now!
