cDub

January 16th, 2016- Wine expert Christine Coletta

hello

Tasting Room Radio Post Banner

Our feature interview is with Christine Coletta..from helping to launch the BC wine industry to actually making and releasing her own wines at Okanagan Crush Pad. It’s  been quite a journey for Christine.

And the story behind Argentine winery Chayee Bourras and it’s Canadian owners.

THE SHOW

 OCP-2014-Labels-2

 

Wine expert Christine Coletta began her career working at some of Vancouver’s most notable fine dining restaurants.

Christine Colletta

Christine Colletta

When Christine began working with the Society of Wine Educators and the Vancouver Wine Festival, she knew she had found her calling. With her opinion and expertise often being sought out, she was quickly regarded as one of the most respected authorities on wine marketing. As the word quickly spread, she was promptly introduced to founders in the BC wine industry – including the late Tom Capozzi of Calona Wines, George Heiss of Gray Monk Cellars, and Harry Mcwatters the founder of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery.  She soon became executive director of the newly formed BC Wine Institute in 1990, and asked her to help develop and launch the new VQA program.

Christine  was instrumental in defining Okanagan wine country, putting VQA wines on the map and convincing BC restaurateurs to carry BC wines.

Christine also created marketing and branding programs that built awareness for BC wines across Canada and in international markets. As a result of her numerous contributions to the industry, Christine was recognized at the 30th annual Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival where she was awarded the “Spirited Industry Professional” award.

Christine Coletta then  reinvented herself as co-owner of Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, a custom winemaking facility that is home to the Haywire and Narrative labels as well as wines made for other vintners. Since opening the facility in 2011, Coletta and husband Steve Lornie have already received numerous accolades and recognition for their unique business model and phenomenal wines. They were  named Innovator of the Year for 2013 from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and were also celebrated by BC Business Magazine as one of the Top Innovative Companies in BC for 2013.

She was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Haywire

But what CC is REALLY doing is stretching the boundaries of BC winemaking.

Working with concrete tanks, natural wines that are unlike anything being made in BC.

The new tanks

The new tanks

We’ll also talk about the Garnet Valley Pinot Noir plantings above the Crush Pad that will be the talk of the valley in the near future.

If you’re at all interested in the direction BC wines are headed, then look no further than Christine Coletta and those working with her at Okanagan Crush Pad.

 

www.haywirewinery.com

https://okanagancrushpad.com

 

 

Chayee Bourras – Argentina

Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan and  winemaker Jose Gomez

 

Chayee Bourras - The Portfolio

Gordon Ryan believes that the next popular star in red wines from Argentina, where Malbec dominates now, will be wines from a grape called Bonarda.

In fact, Gordon is so convinced that he and Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan, his wife, have invested in an Argentine winery called Bodega Chayee Bourras.

The Ryans, who now live in Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, tell a remarkable story about the development of their love of Bonarda.

Gord and Katrina O

Gord and Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan

Both were born in Newfoundland in the mid-1960s.

Gordon grew up a beer drinker. The first of his wine epiphanies came when he was best man at a wedding for a friend of Italian heritage. The Valpolicella flowed freely and the flavours were a revelation to his palate.

The second epiphany came in 1999 when the couple took a sabbatical to Australia and New Zealand, volunteering as vineyard workers in McLaren Vale in return for room and board. After doing the harvest in Australia, Gordon decided that he wanted a vineyard. “That’s where the wine ideas came,” Gordon says. “We tasted some good red wines down there.”

“We worked on a couple of vineyards,” Katrina recalls. “It was in your face, right from the growing to harvesting to watching the wine being made.”

After several years of looking, Gordon found a vineyard in the Cuadro Benegas district near the city of San Rafael, about two hours south of Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital.

Much of Gordon’s vineyard consisted of 40-plus year old Bonarda vines. “We ended up with one of the best Bonarda vineyards in Argentina,” he believes. “The Malbec is what I thought I would be producing but we happened on the Bonarda. It is going to be the next niche wine from this area.”

Jose Gomez Winermaker

It’s our pleasure to welcome to TRR Katrina O’Reilly-Ryan and winemaker Jose Gomez.

 

http://www.bodegabourras.com.ar/english/

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Uwe Boll – film director and restaurant owner

Tony Stewart – Quails Gate partners with Benziger in Sonoma

The Late Alan Rickman on Hollywood and Vines

Vancouver Wine festival kick-off

 

 

 

Mulligan Stew January 16th 2016- David Bowie Tribute. Vance Joy & Rueben and the Dark Interviews

hello

DB-Transformation-Colour
The Stew will mark the untimely passing of a great artist- David Bowie.
Singer songwriter actor mentor creator and  wonderful human being.
Quite simply, one of the nicest people I have ever met.
He left us with words, thoughts, music, fashion and performance moments that will last  the harsh test of time.
I interviewed Bowie at least twice. This I know because the edited interviews are on YouTube. We’ll plays clips and play tunes..

Vance

Vance Joy Live at Railtown


Vance & TDM

Vance Joy And TDM


Also playing live in Edmonton Saturday and Calgary Sunday are  red hot Australian
Pop artist Vance Joy and Calgary’s Rueben and the Dark. Both will join us for interviews. Enjoy!!!!


PLAYLIST:

Ths is Mulligan Stew – Year 20 playlist www.mulliganstew.ca
Remembering David Bowie TD Mulligan
David Bowie Interview
Changes David Bowie Best of Bowie
David Bowie Interview
All the young dudes David Bowie A reality Tour
Remembering David Bowie
Sue (or a season of crime) David Bowie Dark Star
Golden Years David Bowie Best of Bowie
Young Americans David Bowie Best of Bowie
You’re listening to Mulligan Stew – Year 20 playlist www.mulliganstew.ca
Seventh Son Long John baldry Everything stops for tea
St Clarity The paper Kites States
Mouth Music Rhiannon Giddens Factory Girl EP
Memphis in the Meantime John Hiatt Best of
Lola (live) The Kinks To the bone
www.coyoyesbanff.com www.mulliganstew.ca
Love someday blues Bob Dylan Love and Theft
3 cigarettes in an ashtray kd lang Angel with a lariat
Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Coming UP – Reuben and the Dark
Reuben Bullock Interview Reuben and the Dark with TDM
Rolling Stone Reuben and the Dark Funeral Sky
Reuben Bullock Interview Reuben and the Dark
Devil’s Time Reuben and the Dark Funeral Sky
www.canadahouse.com Mulligan Stedw – year 20 Coming UP – Vance Joy
OdffRed Dan Mangan and Blacksmith club meds
13 crows Roger Roger Fairweather
little wing Jimi Hendrix Experience Rainy Day Dream Away
Mulligan Stew – Year 20 playlist www.mulliganstew.ca NEXT – Vance Joy
Best that I can Vance Joy Dream your life away
Vance Joy Interview
Fire and the Flood (live in studio) Vance Joy Live from Railtown Roundhouse Radio
vance joy interview with TDM
Riptide Vance Joy Dream your life away
vance joy interview Mulligan Stedw – year 20
this is The Stew www.mulliganstew.ca [
think of me Roger Roger Fairweather
Moody Hi Rhythm Section Hi Times

David Bowie-Raw Interviews with Terry David Mulligan

hello


David Bowie has left the stage.
A magnetic personality who drew generations of fans to him by his very being.
So regal in his character that he could have been royalty.
Actually, he was rock royalty.
He spoke the truth and wrote a truth that few matched, blending his words into and through the music.
I had the amazing luck to spend one glorious night with him in his suite in Vancouver
He had just flown in from Japan and was just beginning his day as we were ending ours. He warned me he could talk for hours because of jet lag.
And so we did.. After the camera ran out of tapes..an hour I think, we just sat and talked. About family, children, jazz, Canada and Vancouver in particular.
The man was the kindest,nicest, most thoughtful artist I ever interviewed.
His loss numbs my heart but his influence  and his music will live on.
TDM


Mulligan Stew January 9th 2016

hello

Screen Shot 2016-01-07 at 10.58.36 PM
White Stripes. New Avett bros. Rod Stewart. EL Harris/Rodney Crowell.Robert Plant & led Zep. Beatles. Stones with Clapton.
The Band & a Jam with Colin James & Jeff Healey.
 
ENJOY!
TDM

 
PLAYLIST:

This is Mulligan Stew with Terry David Mulligan Playlist www.mulliganstew.ca
Going back to new orleans Dr John Going back to New Orleans
Liquid Spirit Gregory Porter Liquid Spirits
Come with me Kirsten Nash The view from here
Seven Nation Army White Stripes Elephant
www.CanadaHouse.com This is Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Coming UP – Bo Diddley
Another is waiting Avett brothers Live Vol 4
Cry one more time Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels Live 73
Keep a knockin Albert Lee HighwayMan
This is Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Playlist www.mulliganstew.ca
Can I walk you home Bo Diddley A man among men
How many more tears Magic Slim The Essential Magic Slim
Natural Man Rod Stewart Rarities
Watchin the River Flow ColiN James Limelight
This is Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Playlist www.mulliganstew.ca
Bring it on home to memphis Emmy Lou Harris/Rodney Crowell The Travelling Kind
Old Folks Boogie Little Feat Hotcakes and Outtakes
This is Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Playlist www.mulliganstew.ca Coming UP – A double shot of Robert Plant
Gallows Pole Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin 3
Mighty Rearranger Robert Plant Mighty ReArranger
Love and Happiness The Rev Al Green Hi Times: The Hi Records R&B Years
The Lord will make a way somehow Mike Ferris Shine for all the people
Come Together The Beatles Box Set
www.coyotesbanff.com Mulligan Stew www.mulliganstew.ca
all shook up Billy Joel Honeymoon in Vegas sndtrk
Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Coming UP – The Stones and Clapton
Little Red Rooster (live) The Rolling Stones with Eric Clapton Flashpoint
What’s going on (live) Los Lobos with Sheryl Crow el Cancionero mas y mas
Boys are back in town The Avett Brothers Live Vol 4
Mystery Train The Band To Kingdom Come
Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Next WEEK – Derek Trucks pays a visit Cheers
Jumping Jive/Baby what you want me to do Colin James and Jeff Healey (LIVE) From the Archives

Jeff Healey & Colin James Interview – 1989

hello


Much Music in the 70’s and 80’s was a place of magic, where anything could happen and DID happen.
For Example…
I was able to convince my fellow West coaster Colin James to sit in with Jeff Healey to riff on a couple tunes.
BUT…if they worked my name into the lyrics they got 5 bucks EACH!
This is fine music with a great vibe. I treasure it.
Enjoy!
-TDM

January 9th, 2016 – New Zealand

hello

 

Tasting Room Radio Post Banner BThe first of several One Hour Specials recorded  in March during a two week wine blitz through New Zealand’s wine regions,  with special interest in their amazing sustainability programs. In this special we start in Auckland and conclude in Hawkes Bay.   

Hawkes Bay 2

Hawkes Bay

 

THE SHOW

 The opportunity was just too good to pass up. For a number of years I’ve been interviewing NZ winemakers as they passed through Canada. The meetings were great but I had no sense of the land. Where these wines were grown and under what conditions. Kiwi’s kept referring to Gimblett Gravels, a place called Nelson, Central Otago and Waiheke Island. I very much wanted to “get it”. To complete my understanding of what went into the astounding success of New Zealand wines – in Canada and around the World.

Map of NZ

Map of NZ

The invite from Wines of New Zealand  to tour the country was Waaaay to good to pass up. 94% of all NZ wines are farmed under sustainable practices. It’s not so much a program as a way of life. New Zealanders are all about being green. Just a note:  I seem to have done enough interviews for at least 2 other specials. They’ll be coming over the next month and a half.

NZ Vineyard

NZ Vineyard

Our guests include: Sarah Szegota   New Zealand Winegrowers   www.nzwine.com  Rob Meredith/Connie Festa  Co-Owners of Peacock Sky Vineyard (Waiheke Island)  www.peacocksky.co.nz

Peacock Sky

Peacock Sky

Beautiful hilltop vineyard, wonderful Bistro. Rob’s retired and works 7 days a week. Connie’s from Montreal. Cooks like her Mom. Staying on Waiheke Island..just off the coast from Auckland..we visit Mike Spratt at Destiny Bay, maker of only three wines.  three Bordeaux influenced red blends..one of which,  Magna Praemia,  is the most expensive wine in NZ.  Mike, his scientist wife Ann and winemaking son Sean lead a stellar team.  http://www.destinybaywine.com/ In between both those Waiheke island wineries we talk to our “host” Phillip Manson, the man in charge of New Zealand’s Sustainability efforts.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island

He’s proud of New Zealand’s reputation. So he should be. www.nzwine.com Before we leave the dormant volcanoes of beautiful Auckland we visit just one more winery. The most awarded winery in all NZ – Villa Maria!!  www.villamaria.co.nz Sir George Fistonich has spent five decades at the forefront of New Zealand’s wine industry that he helped develop. As an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves such as moving to 100% screw cap through to the emphasis on sustainable practices in every area of the family owned company. Villa Maria Estate was named the supreme winner at the New Zealand Sustainable Business Network awards in November 2012

 

Sir george Fistonich Villa Maria

Sir George Fistonich Villa Maria

We start with David Roper/Winemaker. Then Fabian Yukich, in charge of wineries and vineyards and finally, the man himself, Sir George Fistonich.      [divider] Hawkes Bay is a short flight from Auckland. http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/ Hawke’s Bay’s long, hot summers and cool winters offer the best weather for growing grapes. The climate is dry and temperate. Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its horticulture with large orchards and vineyards on the plains.   Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions and this has made it one of the country’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – but also with some quite stunning whites.   They are working on being the Syrah Capitol of NZ.  www.winehawkesbay.co.nz/ [divider] Pask Winemaker and Managing Director Kate Radburnd is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winemakers. She commands an international reputation for her extensive record of award winning wines and her vision and contribution to the industry. Kate holds the role of Deputy Chair of the Wine Institute of New Zealand, has been a Director of the Wine Institute of New Zealand and New Zealand Winegrowers since 1999, and is Chair of Judges at New Zealand’s oldest wine competition, the New Zealand Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. Kate has also been instrumental in the development of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand program and led Pask to be among the first group of wineries in the country to secure ISO environmental accreditation.

Kate Radburnd

Kate Radburnd

Kate  spent five years as Chair of the SWNZ advisory/working group, which at that time saw the introduction of the winery programme under the scheme. Four of her  labels command the wine world’s attention Declaration Gimblett Road Roy’s Hill Kate Radburnd  Loved this interview..Enjoy!!  http://www.pask.co.nz/ [divider]    In Our second New Zealand Special we will attempt to  include Elephant Hill Trinity Hill Selini Estates Mission Estates Winery (all in Hawkes Bay) TeMania Kono (in Nelson) Spy Valley Yealands Stoneleigh Brancott  ( all in Marlborough)  

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

David Lebovitz – My Paris Kitchen Bill Jones – The Dearholme Foraging Book The 2014 California Wine Tour Naramata Bench wine tour BC Vintage 2013 – 6 BC wineries Heartland from Australia

Mulligan Stew First show of 2016 – #20yearsofstew #rollitagain

hello

Today it’s a repeat of our 20 year birthday party  for Mulligan Stew.
 161955105.lhyBPIiv.IMG_3749
On November 21st of 2015 we celebrated because 20 years ago Moses Znaimer contacted TDM and asked if he would travel to Edmonton and do a story on CKUA Radio for Citytv and Bravo.
As soon as Terry walked into the old ckua building he knew THIS was the station he loved so much  and used to listen to
when he was a Mountie in Red Deer and Olds.
TDM says the 20 years have been a  blur but certain highlights stand out. Those are the ones he’ll  talk about on Saturdays STEW.
Along with 100 friends in studio , the party will include with  fine wines, beer and scotch by Sherbrooke Liquor &  sensational food by the brand new  Alberta Hotel Bar + Kitchen.
Terry will be playing memorable music from the 20 year charts, in house DJ will be Baba and live music will be performed by Jim Byrnes and Lindsay Mitchell at 5:30!!!


Wines from Benjamin Bridge/Calliope/Malivoire.   Canadian & Irish Whiskey, Jim Beam and single malt scotches by Amrut and Glenfarcais
#20yearsofstew  for you Saturday night 5-7Pm Mtn   www.ckua.com
-ENJOY!

January 2nd, 2016 – Similkameen Valley

hello

Tasting Room Radio B_BANNER2

THE SHOW 

 

Here’s what I know…

 

Similkameen Valley

Similkameen Valley

 

The Similkameen is that spectacular valley in and around Keremeos and Cawston in Southern BC.

 

Many MANY wine fans drive right through on their way to Osoyoos and the rest of the Okanagan.

Albertans also do the same heading for the Coast.

The Point I’m trying to make is ..the wines out of this valley are some of the best anywhere in Canada.

Red Bridge

Red Bridge

 

The next time you’re driving through Manning Park and then the Similkameen, take a half day and check out the wineries, cideries and fruit crafters below.

 

 

 

 

The Hood

The Hood

How good is the region?

There are a lot of BC wineries that would LOVE to get their hands on the fruit from the Similkameen.  It’s that good.

 Guests include:

Rustic Roots

Orofino  www.orofinovineyards.com

Orofino

Orofino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seven Stones  www.sevenstones.ca

Corcelettes Estate  www.corceletteswine.ca

Eau Vivre  eauvivrewinery.ca

Hugging Tree   https://www.facebook.com/huggingtreewinery

Hugging Tree

Clos Du Soleil  https://www.closdusoleil.ca

Robin Ridge   www.robinridgewinery.com

Twisted Hills Craft Cider  www.twistedhills.ca

Forbidden Fruit  forbiddenfruitwines.com

Kurtis Kolt – organizer  www.kurtiskolt.com

 

….and an update on July 11th BBQ King weekend

www.similkameenwine.com      

 

 STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Garagiste – The Small Guys Wine Festival

8 wineries all making under 2000 cases and changing the wine landscape.

Texas BBQ in Parksville

Salmon Fishing at King Pacific Lodge

Wines paired with Music at Interstellar Rodeo

Ocean wise gathering at The River Cafe in Calgary

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 26th 2015-Christmas in the Round!

hello

 

Bentall, Byrnes, Forbes, Mulligan, Northey, Ulrich, and Verreault (Image: supplied)

Bentall, Byrnes, Forbes, Mulligan, Northey, Ulrich, and Verreault (Image: supplied)



Many years ago on a CBC Radio show called Goldrush we used to celebrate Christmas by gathering in a studio and asking artists to share Christmas stories and songs.
The producer was the late Susan Englebert. This show is dedicated to her memory.
Two of the artists back then were Roy Forbes and Shari Ulrich.
Over the years we’ve always talked about how much fun it was and that we should do it again.
I never considered the possibilities UNTIL Roundhouse Radio signed on air in Vancouver and I was asked to do a one hour – 12-1PM arts and culture show.
Essentially singer/songwriters and bands playing live in studio.
As they came through I started to realize that it was possible to revive a tradition.
As Barney Bentall, Shari Ulrich, Roy Forbes, Shaun Verreault, Jim Byrnes and Craig Northey passed through the studios I asked each if they would like to do Christmas in the Round.
They all said yes.
And so..here it is.
Recorded in the boardroom because we didn’t want to disturb the on air hosts and guests..we pushed back the furniture, dimmed the lights, opened some wines, spread out some food and had at it.
Jim Byrnes was up first because he was on stage  2 hours later  as Scrooge in a production of Bah Humbug!
Shari’s daughter Julia Graff was our audio engineer..talk about coming full circle.
With Thanks to our production group Monique McQueen and Cory Price.
ChefClaire.com and our friends at Haywire/Okanagan Crush Pad
(Please excuse the Roundhouse Radio references..FYI..when I use Stew interviews in Vancouver I always try and leave the CKUA references in)
Here’s the line – up
Jim Byrnes – Please come home for Christmas
Craig Northey – Christmas, baby please come home
Shari Ulrich – Hear the bells ring
Barney Bentall – Christmas must be Tonight
Shaun Verreault – Rockin around the Christmas Tree
Roy Forbes – Mincemeat Tart
 
Group Encore
The Huron Carole (Shari lead)
Santa Clause is back in town (Roy lead)
 
Christmas in the Round on Roundhouse Radio airs 

  • Wednesday Dec 23  Noon/9PM
  • Thursday Dec 24  Noon/7PM
  • Boxing Day December 26  Noon

And also on Boxing Day 5-7PM  on Mulligan Stew www.ckua.com
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
-TDM
 

PLAYLIST:

Its the Boxing Day edition of Mulligan Stew Playlist at www.mulliganstew.ca Christmas in the Round/Hour Two
Caravan (live) The Band and Van Morrison The Last Waltz
Mr Soul (live) Neil Young and Crazy Horse Year of the Horse
Season of the Witch (live) Mike Bloomfield/Al Kooper/Steve Stills Live from F. EastThe lost concert
Its the Boxing Day edition of Mulligan Stew www.canadahouse.com Coming UP – Christmas in the Round/Hour Two
Knob and Tube Colin Linden Rich in Love
Its the Boxing Day edition of Mulligan Stew Playlist at www.mulliganstew.ca Coming UP – Christmas in the Round/Hour Two
Mercy Now Mike Ferris Shine for all the people
Someday baby Bob Dylan Bob Dylan
She’s got you Rhiannon Giddons Tomorrow is my turn
(You aint a cowboy) until you’ve been bucked off Corb Lund Cabin Fever
Its the Boxing Day edition of Mulligan Stew www.coyotesbanff.com Coming UP – Christmas in the Round/Hour Two
Anyhow Tedeschi Trucks Band Let me get by
Mulligan Stew – Year 20 Playlist at www.mulliganstew.ca Have a great New Years
Christmas in the Round Live from Railtown on Roundhouse Radio playlist www.mulliganstew.ca
Please come home for Christmas Jim Byrnes Christmas in the Round
Christmas in the Round Live from Railtown on Roundhouse Radio
Baby please come home Craig Northey
christmas in the round Live from Railtown on Roundhouse Radio
Hear the bells ring Shari Ulrich
christmas in the round Live from Railtown on Roundhouse Radio
Christmas must be tonight Barney Bentall
Deck the Halls REM
This is the Box Day edition of Mulligan Stew Playlist www.mulliganstew.ca
Christmas in the Round Live from Railtown on Roundhouse Radio
Rocking around the christmas Tree Shaun Verreault
Christmas in the Round
Mincemeat Tart Roy Forbes
Christmas in the Round
The Huron Carol Shari Ulrich
Christmas in the Round
Santa Clause is back in town Roy Forbes
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Thanks to Monique McQueen, Cory Price and Julia Graff
If we make it through December Blue Rodeo A Merrie Christmas to you

December 26th, 2015- Last Saturdays TRR was so good, so filled with wine info you can use, we’ve decided to repeat the show. Enjoy and cheers to all out there..with special thanks to DJ Kearney Kurtis Kolt Rhys Pender

hello

Tasting Room Radio Post Banner

It’s Wall-to-Wall Wines featuring the reviews and stellar expertise of Master of Wine Rhys Pender, Consultant and teacher DJ Kearney and Georgia Straight Wine Columnist and consultant  Kurtis Kolt.

If you’re looking for Gift Wines, Wines for Parties, Budget Wines for yourself and need to know the best wines of the Year in BC and the world..THIS is your show.

THE SHOW

banner 3

Let’s face it,  this time of year we’re faced with a lot of decisions.

We can’t help you with most of them BUT we can help you with your wine selections.

The guests reviewers on this show are three of the very best in Canada.

Respected by their peers and the industry itself.

We’ll cover gift wines/Wines to take to parties/Budget wines for Yourself/Outstanding wines of the year from BC and the World.

Enjoy!!!  Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!

 

DJ Kearney

 

DJ Kearney

DJ Kearney

DJ is a judge, writer, instructor and educator at the highest levels in the wine world.

She has just been made Director of Wine at New District, a very new and distinct wine group. (that story next year)

DJ Kearney’s 15 years in the wine industry embrace teaching, wine writing, wine criticism, and wine presentations for festivals and industry trade organizations.  She has trained thousands of sommelier candidates throughout North America for the International Sommelier Guild and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, and has travelled extensively to the wine regions of the world. Although a global wine expert, she naturally has a special devotion for the wines of her home region. For many years DJ has been an industry advisor and ambassador for B.C. wines, teaching and presenting on behalf of the industry. Recently she toured Decanter’s Steven Spurrier through the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, and curated the historic Judgment of B.C. tasting in Vancouver.  For the past several years she’s been the Drink Editor for Vancouver Magazine, and critic/contributor for WineAlign.

 

Gifts: 

The perfect 2-pack:

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2014 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa $44.99 (BCLDB)

Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Penedes, Spain $56 +315838 (BCLDB)

Champagne gifts:

Champagne Roederer Brut Premier N/V $61.99 +268771 (BCLDB)

Champagne Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Brut Premier Cru Cuis N/V $80 (fine private stores)

What I’m taking to the party:

Chateau La Gravelle Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2014 $16 +411006 (BCLDB)

Pesquié Terrasses Rouge 2013 $17.49 +708750 (BCLDB)

Best of BC:

C.C. Jentsch Syrah 2013 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Le Vieux Pin Ava 2014  $25  $34.90 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Little Farm Chardonnay Mulberry Tree Vineyard 2014 $26 +841783 (winery direct or private wine stores)

Moraine Malbec 2013 $24 (and their Pinot Noir 2013, Syrah 2013 and Viognier 2013) (private stores or winery direct)

Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs R.D. 2008 $39.90 +402594 (winery direct or private wine stores)

CedarCreek Platinum Riesling Icewine 2014 $53 (winery direct or fine wine stores)

Best Canadian’s to try:

Benjamin Bridge Brut N/V $50 +313106

Thomas Bachelder Niagara Pinot Noir 2012 $60+ (private wine stores)

Best ‘over-deliver’ wine

Emiliana Coyam 2012 Colchagua, Chile $27.49 +845321 (BCLDB)

World Beaters

Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis 2012 $40 (private wine stores)

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva Valle de Uco 2012 $30.99 +522870 (BCLDB)

Domaine Faiveley Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru Les Damodes 2012 $112 +809343 (BCLDB)

Pio Cesare Barolo 2010 $65 (private wine stores)

Blandy’s 5 year Old Verdelho Madeira  $27 +845818 (BCLDB)

 

DJ Kearney (@djwines) | Twitter

Newdistrict.ca

 

Kurtis Kolt

 

Kurtis Kolt

Kurtis Kolt

His background is in running restaurants around Vancouver, most recently managing Gastown’s Salt tasting Room  until 2010 when he received the Sommelier of the Year Award at the Vancouver Wine festival.

He’s been profiled by Wine Enthusiast Mag, run the wine program at James Beard House in NY, been a tasting participant at Wine and Spirits Mag and educated through London’s Wine and Spirit Education Trust, The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Winemaking Program at UC Davis.

Kurtis is an in demand consultant and advisor.

Currently he’s the Wine Columnist at The Georgia Straight. His column is called The Bottle.

 

Gifts

Bella Wines 2013 Sparkling Blanc De Blancs – Oliver West Side – $23.90/750 ml, $14.90/375 ml

Bella Wines 2013 Sparkling Blanc De Blancs – Oliver East Side – $23.90/750 ml, $14.90/375 ml

BellaWines.ca

 

Parties

Gonzalez Byass Nutty Solera Oloroso Sherry – $15.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

Budget wines for yourself

Christophe Pacalet 2011 Beaujolais Villages – $20.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

Outstanding wines of the year, BC and the World

Clos du Tue-Boeuf 2013 Cheverny ‘Rouillon’ – $27-32 – Private Wine Stores

Robert Mondavi Reserve To Kalon Vineyard 2012 Napa Fume Blanc – $41.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

Lock & Worth Winery 2013 Square One Cabernet Franc V.3 – $30 – LockAndWorth.com

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2005 Blanc de Blancs – $199.99 – B.C. Liquor Stores

 

http://www.kurtiskolt.com/

Kurtis Kolt (@KurtisKolt) | Twitter

 

Rhys Pender

 

Rhys Pender is Canada’s youngest Master of Wine.

Rhys Pender

A passionate educator, wine lover, judge, writer, and grape grower/farmer, Rhys has worked in the wine industry since he was a teenager. In 2004 Rhys began taking on the grueling Master of Wine program. This culminated in Rhys becoming Canada’s youngest Master of Wine in 2010, one of only approximately 300 in the world.
Rhys runs a WSET wine school and consultancy through his business Wine Plus+ and between travelling around the world can be found with his boots in the dirt at his small 4 acre vineyard and winery in the Similkameen Valley – Little Farm Winery. He is a regular contributor to Canadian publications such as Montecristo, Taste, Savour, Wine Trend and Good Life Connoisseur. In addition to judging for Wine Align, Rhys judges wine competitions internationally such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards and the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition

 

BEST INTERNATIONAL OF YEAR:

1 Chateau Haut Brion 2010 ($1599, 766618)

2 Ridge Monte Bello2010 ($283, Marquis)

3 Wynns 2010 John Riddoch CabernetSauvignon (~$100, not sure availability)

BEST BC:

4 Orofino 2014 Wild Ferment Syrah – Scout Vineyard ($29, sold out)

5 Van Westen Vineyards 2013 Voluptuous ($30, winery) (current vintage is 2011)

 

GIFT:
6 Château Dereszla 2008 Tokaji Aszú – 5 Puttonyos (500ml) ($44, 285643)

7 Taylor Fladgate 1985 Vintage Port($229.99, 149377)

8 Croft Vintage Port 1994 ($144.99, 686550)

9 Château Carles 2005 Haut-Carles Fronsac, Bordeaux, France ($79, 399253)

10 Mount Pleasant  2007 Elizabeth Semillon ($21, 664862)

11 Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2012 Black LabelCabernet Sauvignon ($21.99  til Jan 2, 502039)

HAVE AROUND HOUSE FOR HOLIDAYS:

 

12 Perrin 2012 Vacqueyras – Les Christins ($23, 585315)

13 Domaine de Babio 2011 Minervois ($17.49, 928531)

14 Château Bonnet 2013 Chénas Beaujolais, France ($21, 821769)

15 Régis Boucabeille 2013 Les Terrasses Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France ($20.49, 464883)

16 José Pariente 2011 Rueda (Verdejo) Rueda, Spain ($28.99, 884502)

17 Grao Vasco 2011  Dao, Portugal ($7.49 special, 14977)

18 Haywire 2013 The Bub ($29.90, winery)

Banner 2

www.wineplus.ca

Rhys Pender MW (@WinePlus) | Twitter

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 

An Hour in Argentina

An hour in New Zealand