Tasting Room Radio

November 20th, 2021- Island Cider Tour/Time Family of Wines/Eau Claire 005/Sandra Oldfield

November 19, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 00:57:50

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Island Cider Tour/Time Family of Wines/Eau Claire 005/Sandra Oldfield

THE SHOW

It’s been a wild week!

Floods

Food

Rare Full Moon

Cider

Whiskey

Wine

And

Sandra Oldfield.

 

Jay Jordan – GM Cascadia Liquor Quadra Victoria.  (WSet 2 – Spirit Specialist)

Jay Jordan

I came across a Jay Jordan blog he posted in late  September on the Cascadia website.

He called it Island Hopping Cidery Tour.  https://cascadialiquor.com/blogs/blog/vancouver-island-cider-tour

I was ready for his tour.  I Love my ciders and admire the artists who create them. Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are blessed with many choices. Many destinations. Best of all it has always been a home for heritage orchards and hundreds of different apples for cider making.

Cider pour

Saanich

Jay starts with Saanich  where Growers Cider first started in 1922.

Also  in Saanich

Junction Cidery – Their first cider was rhubarb. Lots more coming.

www.junctionvictoria.com

Sea Cider Farm and CiderHouse – Made their first cider in 2007. One of BC’s leading cideries.

www.seacider.ca

 

The Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands were once the apple farming capitol of BC. That’s why you can find 450 different types of heritage apples on these island jewels.  Salt Spring Island has a yearly Apple Fest (Oct 2021)

https://saltspringmarket.com/salt-spring-island-event/salt-spring-island-apple-festival/

 

Pender Island

Twin Island Cider –  Voted the Best Cider at the last BC Cider Festival. Harvest antique and heritage fruit from orchards on Pender, Mayne, and Saturna Islands. Some of those orchards were planted almost 150 years ago. Matt and Katie are using old-school techniques plus Pet Nat and small-batch offerings. Very different and surprising ciders.  Bravo!!

www.twinislandcider.com

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Wild –  Working with over 450 varieties. Some are over 100 years old. A crazy hopped apple and bitter orange rosemary.

www.saltspringwildcider.com

Ciderworks – 10 years of planting heritage apples.  3,500 trees and 365 varieties.  The ciders show amazing balance and complexity.

www.ciderworks.ca

 

Cowichan Valley

 Valley Cider – North of Duncan. Bruce McKinley creates small-batch ciders using wine and beer techniques.

Very authentic and fun releases such as a bacon-infused cider called Oink. www.valleycider.com

 

Merridale Cidery and Distillery-  Very popular destination. (right beside Unsworth Vineyards)  In the Cowichan Valley. Making classic English pub cider.

Also a very busy distillery. (Cow Gin anyone)

www.merridale.ca

 

Thank You Jay Jordan.   www.cascadialiquor.com

 Caitlin Quinn – Master Distiller.  Eau Claire Distillery  Turner Valley, Alberta

Caitlin Quinn

The return of a fine whisky maker, Caitlin has created Eau Claire’s  newest release

Eau Claire Single Malt Whisky Batch 005.

Alberta’s first single malt is batch distilled in the traditional way.  In her Glaswegian accent, Caitlin says “Batch 005 is a throwback to Batch 002 with the reintroduction of ex-Sherry Casks in this blend. I believe it will turn out to be a lot of peoples favorite batch so far”

Nose – burnt sugar, dark chocolate

Taste – Nutty, white pepper, toffee

Finish – Long and warm.

Barrell aged in New Hungarian Oak, Ex-Bourbon American Oak, Ex-Sherry French Oak.

 

Think Gifting this year. For your friends or yourself.

https://eauclairedistillery.ca/

 

Christa-Lee McWatters – GM Time Family of Wines. (Penticton)

Christa-lee Mcwatters

A follow-up interview to our Wine Align interviews last week.  The Nationals awarded Time Family of Wines in Penticton 8 Bronze medals and their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon was named Top 10 in Canada.

I found a very busy Christa-Lee at the winery dealing with the remnants of this year’s harvest and planning for next year. (It never ends)

The bronze winners were

Evolve

Evolve Effervescence (King Family Vineyards)

2020 Spontaneity (P Gris/S Blanc/Ortega)

2018 Cab Franc

2018 Fourth Dimension (Merlot/Syrah/C Franc/Cab)
Chronos

2020 Semillon

2020Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Rose (Made in two batches)

2020 Chardonnay  (No Oak. All Stainless Steele)

 

Christa-lee also spent a quiet reflective moment talking about a release coming that may be the last one made by her late Father Harry McWatters.

 

www.timewines.ca

 

Sandra Oldfield – Elysian Projects co-founder. Okanagan

Sandra-Oldfield

Sandra teaches, mentors, advises, and leads by example.

When I get a chance to talk to her  I simply ask the first question and get out of the way.

We talk:

Wine Align Awards

Wine Recommendations ($)

Unsworth Bubble

Corcelettes

Mayhem

2017 Little Straw BFF – Blaufrankisch and Marechal Foch

Noble Ridge – The Kings Ransom Series

Noble Ridge The One – Award-winning sparkling (99 Points)

And fixing the staffing problems in the winery business.

www.elysianprojects.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON… 

The return of Emily Walker  (Naramata Inn Wine Director)

Church and State

Wine Gifts

Year-end lists.

 

November 12th, 2021- Talking to Platinum winners of “The Nationals”

November 12, 2021 Audio FIle, Tasting Room Radio 00:43:41

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Talking with Platinum winners of  The Nationals and  next weeks Will Travel For Food

 

THE SHOW

 

The 20th National Wine Awards of Canada wrapped up earlier this month in Penticton. It’s the best such competition in Canada which is why they’re called “The Nationals”

It’s been fully 20 years since the first competition in 2001 drew 528 wines from 71 wineries, judged by eight men.  20 years later, 26 judges — 14 men and 12 women — tasted 2,075 entries from more than 260 wineries. 

Many of the judges have been guests on Tasting Room Radio and certainly, a great many of the wineries have appeared as well.

The Platinum winners were announced this week and I tried to find as many as I could – on the day.

“And so to the top drops – the best 1.4% of the 2075 wines entered in the 2021 National Wine Awards of Canada! To reach this rarified level is a major accomplishment of which the 24 different winemakers should be very proud. (Yes, there were four wineries with more than one platinum). The judges thank and congratulate you!”

David Lawrason – Mentor, organizer and judge

 

Platinum winning  guests include:

 

Jeff Martin – La Frenz  Founding Co-Owner/Lead Winemaker.

Jeff and Niva Martin

As I started to type this info I knew Jeff and La Frenz had won double platinum for:

2019 La Frenz Reserve Ensemble  (Naramata Bench)

La Frenz Non Vintage Liqueur Muscat (Naramata Bench)

and have now been named The  2021 Best Small Winery in Canada.

 

Here’s why –

6 Gold and 5 Silver

La Frenz N/V Liqueur Muscat
La Frenz 2019 Reserve Ensemble
La Frenz 2019 Reserve Chardonnay
La Frenz 2018 Cabernets Rockyfeller Vineyard
La Frenz 2020 Riesling Cl. 21B Freedom 75 Vineyard

 

For the record, the Best Performing Small Winery of the Year is awarded to the top-scoring winery that produces 10,000 cases of wine a year or less. The top 5 wines from each winery are used to calculate the winner. Congratulations to everyone at La Frenz.

The above all happened in real-time. Couldn’t be happier.

Jeff and Niva Martin.  Great people and really good friends. Fantastic staff!

www.lafrenzwinery.com

 

Jan Nelson  CEO Maverick Estate Winery  (Oliver)

2019 Maverick Bush Vine Syrah  – ironic because that’s what Jan and I talked about in July,  bush fires.

Maverick was judged the #3 Best Small Winery in Canada. Here’s why –

1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze

Maverick 2019 Bush Vine Syrah
Maverick 2020 Amber Pinot Gris
Maverick 2019 Rubeus
Maverick 2020 Cross Road Chardonnay
Maverick 2020 Carbonic Syrah

 

www.maverickwine.ca

 

Evan Saunders  – Blasted Church  Winemaker  ( OK Falls)

 

Blasted Church was honored with double Platinum for:

 

2019 Blasted Church Big Bang Theory   Merlot driven Bordeaux Blend

 

2019 Blasted Church Cabernet Franc. Balanced, smooth, and round.  Beauty!

 

www.blastedchurch.com

  

Will Travel For Food

 Guests: 
Mia Glanz, Odd Society Bar Manager
Sam Shem, The Dessert Club Founder, and Chef

Will Travel for Food: Mexico to Spain features delicious Spanish and Mexican tapas and desserts by Sam Shem complemented by cocktails inspired by Odd Society Bar Manager Mia Glanz’s time spent in Mexico. Spanish cheese and meat boards, Albondigas, and Crema Catalana are just three of the traditional dishes guests can explore, alongside an inventive slate of drinks including El Diablo Slush, Margarita Tamarindo, and Sour al Pastor.

The Mexico to Spain menu will be priced à la carte and available at Odd Society Spirits (1725 Powell St.) on two nights only: November 18 and 19,  Reservations can be made through Tock.

 

Mia Glanz, Odd Society Spirits Bar Manager 
Mia Glanz is a cocktail bartender, writer and photographer usually found conducting the bar at Odd Society Spirits. The distillery is also her laboratory where she created and now produces her namesake liqueur, Mia Amata Amaro.

Mia Glanz

Its recipe is an extension of her studies in ethnobotany and traditional aphrodisiacs at the University of British Columbia. Her cocktail training was completed in Mexico City where she worked at Jules Basement and Maison Artemisia, two of the city’s top bars. Since then she has explored almost every part of the bartender profession, including writing about alcohol and cocktails, photographing cocktails, designing syrups, cocktail kits, cocktail menus, consulting for small and large establishments such as the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel, cocktail pairing dinners, competitions, events, pop-ups, and even a few private yacht parties. Mia lives between Mexico City and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Sam Shem, The Dessert Club Founder, and Chef
Sam Shem is an artist and pastry chef based in Vancouver. He is a graduate of Emily Carr University (BFA), Goldsmiths College, University of London (MA in Fine Art), and the Baking and Pastry Arts program at VCC. During the last 10 years, Sam’s focus has been on travel.

His passion for food has led him to discover specialty ingredients, organic farms, cooking classes with locals, and delicious meals in India, Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, France, the UK, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and the US. Sam is currently known for his simple yet playful takes on classic cakes and retro-inspired desserts. You can follow his dessert journey on Instagram @thedessertclubca.

This is a crazy interview. I had no idea what I was stepping into but really liked the mix. Desserts and Cocktails. Turns out it was far more than just desserts. Mia’s cocktails were well beyond my knowledge. It was like arriving in a foreign country with no language skills.

BUT – I needed to go there to learn and share. That’s what Tasting Room radio has always been about.

You ready?   Let’s go.

Reservations? – It will be sold out!!

https://www.oddsocietyspirits.com/contact/

 

Event Info

Here is the link to the Will Travel For Food: Flight One, Mexico to Spain.

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

More Winners of National Wine Awards

Cider tour of Vancouver Island and Gulf islands

Church and State

Tightrope

BC Zin

November 6th, 2021- The 8TH Annual 4 F’s & Michelle  Bouffard

November 5, 2021 Tasting Room Radio

hello

The 8TH Annual 4 F’s & Michelle  Bouffard on Somm. of the Year & Tasting Climate Change

 

 THE SHOW

 It started 8 years ago as an idea. Let’s take some great food and wine and go fishing.

I made my pitch to:

John Weber    co-founder and winemaker at Orofino (Similkameen)

John Weber

Mark Filatow  Award winning Chef, Sommelier and Partner at Waterfront Wines Restaurant (Kelowna)

Rhys Mark and John

Rhys Pender  Master of Wine,  Little Farm Wines, wine judge  & WSET Educator Wine Plus+ (Similkameen)

Rhys Pender

Over the first 7 years we’ve lake fished, drift fished the Similkameen and Kettle Rivers,  salmon fished in Campbell River and hiked into remote lakes. Best of all, every time we gathered,  we all brought wines that we felt would be appreciated and Mark Filatow would create firepit meals that always featured huge Tomahawk steaks.

This year the guys went fishing when they could and I was house bound on Vancouver Island.

So… This week we met on Zoom and talked great wines.

For year 9  they’re coming to Mill Bay Vancouver Island.

Here’s a list of wines we each would have brought this year.

Chef Mark Filatow   Waterfront Wines

Mark Filatow

Markus Altenburger, Chardonnay vom Kalk, 2019, Weinland, Austria

 

Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Munsterer Kapellenberg Riesling Kabinett 2001, Nahe, Germany

 

Veronica Ortega, ‘quite’ Mencia 2019, Bierzo, Spain

www.waterfrontrestaurant.ca

 

John Weber  Orofino

 

Jean Foillard Morgan 2019

Orofino Passion pit cab 2011

La Rioja Alta gran reserva 904 2001 mag

www.orofinovineyards.com

 

Rhys Pender MW  WinePLus+

Vajra Rosso 2019

Wynn’s 2007 Coonawarra Cab

Azahar Vinho Verde 2018

https://littlefarmwinery.ca/

www.wineplus.ca

 

TDMulligan

Else Wines – Jocko  (Echo Bay) a light cab franc

Modest Wines –  2018 zed’s dead (Zinfandel)

Maverick Estate Winery – 2019 Bush Vine Syrah

Thomson and Scott – Noughty  Organic Sparkling Chardonnay (alcohol free)

Odd Bird – Blanc De Blanc (Liberated from Alcohol) Sparkling Chardonnay

Rust Wine Co    Solus (Golden Mile Bench)

 

MICHELLE BOUFFARD

Sommelier, Author, journalist, speaker, educator, consultant.

Michelle Bouffard is a “force”.  She leads by example. Caring enough about this planet and its winegrowers that she conceived of and started Tasting Climate Change. The event takes place every two years. This year it will be held on line from Nov 8-30.   (Info below)

Michelle Bouffard

Tasting Climate Change is an international event organized founded and lead by Michelle, who acts as moderator of the conference. Michelle also offers training and consulting on the impact of climate change in the wine world.

 Originally from Quebec, Michelle moved to Vancouver to complete her Bachelor of Music degree in classical trumpet where she unexpectedly ventured into wine while working in a fine dining restaurant. Determined to make her mark in the wine industry, she graduated as a sommelier with the highest honours from the International Sommelier Guild in 2003 and completed the Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in 2005.

Michelle was the co-owner of House Wine from 2003 to 2015. She also founded and was  president of BC chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

Michelle now lives and teaches WSET courses in Montreal and gives numerous training sessions including for wine associations such as Inter Rhône and Wine Australia. She works closely with the nursery Lilian Bérillon located in the Rhone Valley acting as a wine educator and ambassador.

Michelle first book “Dis-moi qui tu es, je te dirai quoi boire” was published in 2017.  She has a second book coming in 2022.

Michelle is often invited to sit on various panels and judges at numerous wine competitions in Canada and abroad. Ever the eternal perfectionist, she is continuing her studies at the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine.

 

Michelle was also one of the judges at this years Sommelier of the Year competition. We start her interview right there, talking about how demanding  the competition is and the wild events they put each contestant through. The winner was Pier-Alexis Souliere from Quebec. Contestants were asked to display their knowledge of viticulture, wine regions, producers, spirits and beer.

https://www.tastingclimatechange.com/en/

 STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Cider tour of Vancouver Island and Gulf islands

Church and State

Tightrope

Zin

October 30th, 2021 New releases: SummerHill & Clos Du Soleil.

October 30, 2021 Audio FIle, Tasting Room Radio

hello

New releases from SummerHill and Clos Du Soleil.

(Ezra Cipes & Michael Clark )

 

THE SHOW

 Ezra Cipes  – CEO   Summerhill Pyramid Winery (South Kelowna Slopes)

Ezra Cipes

Ezra Cipes was 5 years old when his family moved from New York in 1968! Since that epic move, he has grown up in the wine industry and feels blessed to now lead a company dedicated to creating beauty in collaboration with nature.

After working in the wine production cellar while attending public school in Kelowna, Ezra embarked on a career in music. He worked as a touring and session musician and became a published songwriter.

He and his daughter Ruth along with his brothers Ari, Gabe, and Mathew have created a band called The Oot ‘n Oots.   Making music for all ages.  For children, that can be appreciated and even liked by adults. The music they make is labeled Kindie and it’s growing every year.

Despite his love for music, Cipes has always felt called back to the vineyard. Home on the family farm, Ezra initiated a half-acre permaculture garden, selling vegetables and herbs to Summerhill’s onsite Sunset Organic Bistro. After reconnecting with the winery and the land, Cipes knew he needed to assume a greater role at the winery. He became Chief Operations Officer in 2008 and CEO in 2012. Recently Ezra has taken a leadership role in the Canadian wine industry as a director of the Canadian Vintners Association, Vice-Chair of the British Columbia Wine Institute, and Chair of the BC Wine Appellation Task Group!

Summerhill is the first biodynamic winery in Canada and shortly will become part of the wine-growing area known as South Kelowna Slopes. (along with Cedar Creek and St Hubertus)

Summerhill

We welcome back Ezra Cipes.  CEO of Summerhill and co-founder of The Oot ‘n Oots.  The new Oot’nOots album is Ponderosa Bunchgrass and The Golden Rule. 

Ezra brings new releases –

2020 Estate Grown Biodynamic Chardonnay $40

25%  in 500 liter oak barrels – 75% in stainless steel.  100% delicious!

2020 Estate Grown Biodynamic Riesling $29

Naturally fermented temperature-controlled stainless steel. These Riesling clone 21B vines were planted in – 1978!!

2020 Estate Grown Biodynamic Gruner Veltliner $28  Naturally fermented with ambient farm yeasts.  10-year-old vines.

2020 Estate Grown Biodynamic Pinot Noir $40  Fermented 10,000 litre oak tank. 3 months in Neutral oak barrels. Unfined/unfiltered

Cellar to 2030.

www.summerhill.bc.ca

https://www.theootnoots.com/

 Michael Clark – GM and Winemaker at Clos Du Soleil  (Similkameen)

Michael Clark

 Clos Du Soleil is a small artisan winery and estate vineyard on the Upper Bench of the South Similkameen Valley.

They produce ultra-premium quality wines, borrowing an aesthetic derived from the great wines of Bordeaux, but stamped with the flavors and aromas of their particular piece

of hard and rocky Similkameen land.

Through traditional winemaking techniques, informed by research, but adhering to the philosophies of minimal-interventionist winemaking and biodynamic viticulture,

they produce wines that are complex and classic, age-able, and truly elegant.

Winemaker Michael Clark presents two amazing releases.

2020 Capella – 80% Sauvignon Blanc 20% Semillon $28 (le Cote Vineyard)

Light gold in the glass. Aromas of grass and lemon/lime..grapefruit?

Flavors of peach & ripe apricot, pineapple, lemon & lime. Beautiful acidity.

Fermented in French Oak Puncheons. Barrel-aged 9 months. Blending together best barrel lots. Wow.

Can be cellared. Released end of November.  410 cases. Did I say wow – I meant WOW!

2020 Winemaker’s Series  100% Chardonnay – $24.90

Apple, lemon, floral notes.  Flavors of ripe melon, apple & pineapple.  Vanilla & oak. Wonderful texture and mouthfeel. Pale Yellow.

50% French Oak Puncheons and 50% stainless steel tanks. 352 cases.  Yowza!!

www.closdusoleil.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Church and State

Hester Creek

Tightrope

 

Oct 23st, 2021 – Christa-Lee McWatters (Time) – Christine Coletta (Narrative) – Jay Drysdale (Bella) 

October 21, 2021 Tasting Room Radio 01:02:20

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Christa-Lee McWatters (Time) – Christine Coletta (Narrative) – Jay Drysdale (Bella) 

THE SHOW

 

Three BC wine leaders in the Okanagan and releases you’re going to want to find,  try and buy.

 

Christa-Lee McWatters – GM of  5 Vines Cellars. (TIME Winery/Kitchen. Evolve. McWatters Collection)

Christa-Lee McWatters

TIME-CabFranc2018-TechSheet   TIME-CabSauv2018-TechSheet

Being the daughter of Harry McWatters, British Columbia wine pioneer, Christa-Lee has had a rich understanding and love for BC wine since birth. She was involved in planting vineyards with her father and sister Darrien on the Black Sage Bench in the early 1990s.

Since 2000, Christa-Lee held key roles in sales, marketing, and hospitality for several successful Okanagan wineries, until stepping in as director of marketing and sales for her family’s enterprise ENCORE Vineyards in 2014.

 

After her father’s passing in 2019, Christa-lee assumed the position as CEO until the parent company was purchased by Five Vines Cellars. Christa-Lee continues to manage the three wine labels and downtown winery in Penticton but still finds time to give back to her industry through the British Columbia Wine Institute, Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive Winery Association, Canadian Vintner’s Association, the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society, BC Hospitality Foundation and Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter.

Getting caught up with CL includes 2021 releases from TIME Winery.

The Whites.

2018  Brut  Method Cuvee Clos  (34.99)

It engages with notes of toast and lime and a wonderful tiny bubble texture in the mouth invites you to let it linger around your tongue.  Love this.

TIME Brut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Meritage White  (25.00) – An perfect equal split between Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. I  found melon and mandarin on the nose but the texture had such a lovely tropical fruit entry that lead to a nice texture and finish.

A true barrel-aged  Winter White that can only get better with cellaring for a couple of years.

The Reds

2017  Fourth Dimension (35.00)  When you blend well-made Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc many things can happen. They can end up fighting each other for dominance or with the careful blending exhibited in this blend the varietals reward with Cherry and Raspberry on the nose and cracked black pepper and spice. Long slow finish.  Again. Let it Linger.

“Time is the Fourth Dimension”   Al Einstein

 

2018 Syrah (39.99) Greeted by bold ripe blackberry and hints of mint on the nose.  Rich flavors of fresh black currant and ripe plum cracked black pepper and a taste of cinnamon on the way out. This could be your next favorite red. Cellaring for a couple of years will reward big time.

 

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon  (39.99) Everything you want and expect in a classic Cab. Cassis, blackberry, vanilla, pepper!  Boom. This well-structured big red wine compliments beautifully with BBQ  and engaging pasta.  I’d advise to get it while you can.  If you find this one – buy it.

 

2018 Cabernet Franc (34.99)  So good it just takes four words – Find-Buy-Taste – Repeat.  If you need more words,  how about this –  aromas of raspberries, ripe cherry, and pepper on the nose,  taste includes, plum, black fruit, with soft tannins and finish. Think pairing food with the same bang. Love this Cab Franc. I knew I would because the guy who planted it – Harry McWatters – was crazy for good Cab Franc. Just like me.

 https://www.fivevinescellars.com/Wines/TIME-Winery

Christine Coletta Co-Founder of Okanagan Crush Pad  and Narrative Wine

Everyone in B.C.’s food & wine industry knows Christine Coletta.

Christine Coletta

 

Innovator, community champion, visionary, land steward— She is an ongoing force.

Christine, or CC as she is known by many, has earned awards and accolades throughout her illustrious career. She was named  One of Wine’s Most Inspiring People for 2020 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Christine is one of the founding members of the BC Wine Institute and the BC VQA program, and she has helped to mentor a number of professionals in the food and wine industries over the last 30 years.

 

Through her crush work at Okanagan Crush Pad, she has also been involved in the start of a number of new wineries in BC.

Her guidance, support, and mentorship have landed her the nickname, “Godmother of BC Wine.”

 

Okanagan Crush Pad is the home of

Haywire Wines

Free Form

Bizou and Yukon

And  

Narrative

Today CC brings the 2021 releases from Narrative.

 

 

2019 Viognier/Syrah except its 80% Viognier and 20% Syrah

(spice, pepper, raspberries, and strawberries. Lots of rich  texture)

 

Viognier I was impressed by this release a while back and had to ask CC about it.

Slow fermented in concrete.  Yummy!

 

2018 Syrah Viognier.  It’s quite a process to get this wine just right.  Syrah co-fermented with Viognier in clay amphora. On skins for 90 days. Some of the Syrah is in concrete which brings out the spice and texture. It’s crazy good.

 

2016 Syrah (organic)  Grown in the South Okanagan  Spends lots of time in concrete. It’s soft in the mouth with notes of white pepper.

There’s a surprising lift in the mouth mid-palette. Not the usual dark chocolate.

THIS is a Syrah you want to find and it’s one of Narrative’s Winter Reds. Best of all it’s been in bottle for 2 extra years.

 

Check out the Okanagan Crush Pad website for information on Virtual Tastings, Special 6 packs, and an opportunity to join a panel of tasters.

https://okanagancrushpad.com/

 

Jay Drysdale –  Bella Wines (Naramata Bench)

“I moved to the Okanagan in 2004 and quickly fell in love with everything related to the BC wine industry.  I see a world-class wine region in BC and understand we are still in our infancy, comparatively speaking.  This is our “wild west” era and we should enjoy this time of exploration, trial, and error.”

Jay Drysdale and Wendy Rose

“In the ten short years I have been watching, and involved with, the B.C. wine industry, quality has increased and our voice is getting louder and stronger.  I’m honored to be a part of this growing and evolving community.”  Jay Drysdale

Jay Drysdale is a geekmeister.

He will talk about Gamay and bubble for hours and when you think of Jay and his love Wendy Rose you have to think of Bubble because that’s what they do. As many releases as you can taste in a day. As many clones as you need to know..

Bella makes and releases

The Vineyard Series  – specific vineyards. Many in small batches

Pet Nat

Trad Nat

Bella Reserve

 

In order to give Jay room to expand his storytelling, we’ve given him two segments and we go over multiple wines each with their own story, terroir, season, and results.

Trust me on this – they are one of the most interesting wineries and couples in BC wine. Every bottle, every release has a surprise in it. If it’s not the nose it’s the taste or the color in the bottle. If you happen to ask Jay about say,  one of his Gamay Rose,  sit down and get comfortable because your Jay Jam is about to begin.

 

Fabulous wines and totally unique to BC.  Start with the 2019 Mariani Vineyards Clone 509 and stash a bottle of Pet Nat.

 

www.bellawines.ca

 

STORIES WE ARE WORKING ON:

Summerhill

Clos du Soleil Whites

Church and State

Tightrope

Hester Creek

 

 

 

 

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October 16th, 2021- 812 Wines.  20 Platinum. Here’s 5 of the very best 2021 BC Lt. Governors Winners.

October 15, 2021 Tasting Room Radio

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812 Wines.  20 Platinum. Here’s 5 of the very best 2021 BC Lt. Gov Winners.

 

THE SHOW

 The press release said..

“A panel of judges from Canada and the US tasted more than 800 wines, and awarded gold, silver, and platinum medals to 90 British Columbian wineries”

I know most of these judges. They cannot be fooled or influenced. They take great pride in getting the winners right.

12 of the 14 judges have been guests on Tasting Room Radio. I pay attention to what they have to say.

On and off the air.

Congratulations to all the wineries and to Tim Pawsey – Winner of the Harry McWatters Award.

There simply wasn’t time to talk to all 20 Platinum winners but we were able to stalk and corner…

 

 

Wine of the Year winner David Patterson – GM & Winemaker of Tantalus 2018 Old Vines Riesling (East Kelowna)

David Patterson

 

Grant Stanley – Winemaker at Spearhead Winery. . (East Kelowna) 3 Platinum Pinot Noirs

Grant Stanley

 

Lorin Inglis – GM at ENRICO Winery (Cowichan Valley) 2020 Shining Armour Pinot Gris

TDM and Lorin Ingles

 

Jeff Hundertmark – Head Winemaker Mt Boucherie  (West Kelowna) 2020 Original Vine Semillon/2018 Reserve Syrah

Jeff Hundertmark

 

Gaurev Maan – Maan Farms Estate Winery – 2020 Raspberry Table Wine (Frazer Valley)

The Mann Family

 

Elan Morris – GM OK Wine Festivals. (Kelowna)

Here is the complete 2021 Platinum List – Congratulations All.

  • Arrowleaf Cellars – 2019 Riesling
  • Burrowing Owl Estate Winery – 2019 Syrah
  • CedarCreek Estate Winery – 2020 Platinum Home Block Rosé
  • Chain Reaction Winery – 2019 Tailwind Pinot Gris
  • ENRICO WINERY – 2020 Shining Armour Pinot Gris
  • Inniskillin Okanagan Estate Winery – 2018 Estate Riesling Icewine
  • Kismet Estate Winery – 2018 Cabernet Franc Reserve
  • Liquidity Wines – 2020 Rosé
  • Maan Farms Estate Winery – 2020 Raspberry Table Wine
  • Mission Hill Family Estate – 2019 Terroir Collection Vista’s Edge Cabernet Franc
  • Mission Hill Family Estate – 2019 Perpetua
  • Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery – 2020 Original Vines Sémillon
  • Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery – 2018 Reserve Syrah
  • Silhouette Estate Winery – N/V Boyd Classic Cuveé
  • Silkscarf Winery – 2017 Syrah-Viognier
  • SpearHead Winery – 2019 Pinot Noir Saddle Block
  • SpearHead Winery – 2019 Pinot Noir Cuveé
  • SpearHead Winery – 2019 Pinot Noir Golden Retreat
  • Tantalus Vineyards – 2018 Chardonnay
  • Three Sisters Winery – 2019 Rebecca

The full list of medal winners can be found on the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society website.

Tantalus.ca

Enricowinery.com

Spearhead.ca

mtboucherie.com

maanfarms.com

thewinefestivals.com

 

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Summerhill Revisit

Walking the Tightrope

Hester Creek

Church and State

 

 

 

 

October 9th, 2021 – Pairing wines with Thanksgiving foods.

October 9, 2021 Tasting Room Radio

hello

Pairing wines with Thanksgiving foods.

 

THE SHOW

Two great friends join me for a Thanksgiving pairing session.

 

pumpkins and gourds as decorations in autumn

Of all of the questions I’m asked,  the most consistent is – “what do I pair with food?  vegan,  lamb, pasta, salmon, dessert?”

I was thinking about beautiful fall days and everyone’s Thanksgiving weekend. Our lunch and dinner plans.

 

That’s when I thought of two names:

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva   winediva.ca – winescores.ca

Chef Mark Filatow – Waterfront Bistro (Kelowna)  – waterfrontrestaurant.ca

 

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva

 

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva

 

Daenna has been the longest running regular guest we’re ever had on TRR. If you go to her very popular website  you can find reviews, articles and a crazy list of wines.

Daenna suggested her list  “Perfect Pairings -pairings with white meat.”  Talking chicken, turkey and pork and off we went! Each one of these wines has been poured, tasted and scored by The Wine Diva.  Daenna brings the reasons why she chose these wines and you can find the complete list with commentary and bottle shots  at www.winediva.ca

 

  • O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Spearhead Pinot Noir Cuvee, Okanagan Valley BC
  • Township 7 Vineyards and Winery ‘Provenance Series’ Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Estate Cuvee Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley
  • Pfaffenheim ‘Tradition’ Pinot Gris, Alsace, France
  • Hester Creek Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley BC
  • O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars ‘Block 11’ Riesling, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Fort Berens Estate Winery Dry Riesling, British Columbia
  • Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley BC
  • Spearhead Chardonnay ‘Saddle Block – Clone 95’, Okanagan Valley BC
  • Red Rooster Winery Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Berlucchi ’61 Franciacorta Brut, Lombardy, Italy
  • Sea Sun Chardonnay, California
  • Covert Farms Family Estate Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Scattered Earth Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa

 

 Chef Mark Filatow  – Waterfront Restaurant

A chef at rest-

Mark Filatow is GM & proprietor  of Waterfront Restaurant,  culinary champion, sommelier and wine judge. Occasional fisherman.

This is not your normal interview. We know each others secrets,  so its best to just talk and let the words fall where they may.

Chef didn’t have a Thanksgiving menu in place because he’s closed Sunday and Monday.

So, I went to the main items  of his current menu. Plus Mark is serving traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner at his home – to the very people he lives with. We paired wines with that food as well.  Thank you Chef.

Happy Pairing  and A Very Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

·      MAIN COURSES

·      GRILLED PEPPERCORN CRUSTED HERITAGE ANGUS FLAT IRON

Fork Mashed Sieglinde Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Sauce Bordelaise

·      CHARRED GINDARA SABLEFISH FILLET WITH PRAWNS

Toasted Cornmeal Gnocchi, Crab & Ginger Broth, Kimchi Aioli

·      COCONUT RICE CAKES & VEGETABLE CURRY

Lime Yogurt, Spicy Cashew, Onion Pakora Crumb

www.waterfrontrestaurant.ca

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Platinum winners – Just announced Left Gov. Awards

Hester Creek

Church and State

Summer Hill

Tightrope

 

 

October 2nd, 2021 – Our first NO/LOW Special!

October 1, 2021 Audio FIle, Tasting Room Radio

hello

Our first NO/LOW Special   (a sober October)

 

THE SHOW

 

“a true sparkling Chardonnay. Noughty feels much more like an adult celebratory drink”

Jancis Robinson

“It is, hands down, the best alcohol-free sparkling wine I have ever tasted and one of the best alcohol-free wines I’ve tasted overall”

Wine Enthusiast

 Sophisticated no-alcohol and low-alcohol (no/low) options have never been more in demand, as people increasingly embrace the sober-curious, moderation, and health-conscious trends.  They’re searching out beverage alternatives for a host of reasons whether it’s health, personal, or faith-related, and they don’t want to compromise on experience or great taste.

Young and old, fit and foodies, high-performance and hedonist; we all still want to share a round of drinks with friends, just without the side effects that come from alcohol… because let’s be honest no one likes a hangover.

No matter who’s research you come across, the trend for No alcohol/Low alcohol is heading up. Up 31% by 2024.

The drinks world is experiencing a non-alcoholic revolution. Having gained momentum over the past couple of years, the interest in and consumption of no-alcohol drinks is continuing to rise across the globe…

At first glance, it appears to be driven by a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle and there’s no question the movement is gaining many fans.

The range of drinks has grown significantly over the past 10 months, and now includes an array of non-alcoholic lagers and ales, still and sparkling wines, pre-blended cocktails, spirits, tonics, mixers, and more.

This special is dedicated to the person who has been telling me to cover no/low for years – Meg Mulligan!!

Today’s guests are:

Amanda Thomson – CEO Thomson and Scott. (UK)  www.noughtyaf.com

Amanda is the CEO and founder of Thomson and Scott. She is at the leading edge of the global shift to alcohol-free drinking. Her first No release was Noughty, the first alcohol-free, organic, vegan, halal, low sugar sparkling wine.

Amanda Thomson

Amanda is also driving the debate for greater transparency in wine production and labeling and wants consumers to push to know what’s on their bottles. ‍
After countless years of really bad non-alcoholic offerings in Canada, you/we finally have a great choice in Noughty and others.

Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Chardonnay (grapes from La Mancha, Spain)

Pale color with a crisp & ripe apple nose. Tight bubbles. A light sweetness on the edges.

Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Rose  (grapes from la Mancha, Spain)

100% Tempranillo. Great colour with berries on the nose. Balance and acidity in the mouth. Delightful.

 

Mark Kuspira – Soft Crush (Calgary)  www.softcrush.ca

Mark is the founder of Crush Imports a wine and spirits import agency in Calgary.

 

July 16th of this year he launched Soft Crush, bringing sophisticated No/Low alcohol releases for Canadian consumers searching out high-quality alternative beverages.

Mark saw a gap in the market for flavorful and authentic no/low beverages.

Mark brings the stories  behind:

Big Drop (UK) Alcohol-free craft beer. (bolder hoppier flavors) www.bigdropbrew.com

Pine Trail Pale Ale/Paradiso Citra IPA/Galactic Dark Noir

Odd Bird (Sweden) Working with French and Italian vineyards. They make their wines the same as everyone else – then – they take out the alcohol. Keeping the flavor. www.oddbird.com

Spumante Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine (Veneto, Italy)

Blanc de Blanc Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine (Languedoc-Roussillon France)

We also talk about a new release of a  Benjamin Bridge Piquette and others.

Lots of discussion of who the new No/Low consumers are. Many are driven by wellness and health reasons. Some by faith or a need to stay clear-headed for the changing world around them.

We take the whole hour to try and tell this trending story.

(Thank You Corey Wood)

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

Thanksgiving wines

Church and State

Summer Hill – Home of the Oot ‘n Oots (Kelowna)

Tightrope.. (Naramata Bench)

Hester Creek – (Golden Mile)

Restaurant update

 

 

October 2nd, 2021 – Our first NO/LOW Special!

October 1, 2021 Audio FIle, Tasting Room Radio

hello

Our first NO/LOW Special   (a sober October)

 

THE SHOW

 

“a true sparkling Chardonnay. Noughty feels much more like an adult celebratory drink”

Jancis Robinson

“It is, hands down, the best alcohol-free sparkling wine I have ever tasted and one of the best alcohol-free wines I’ve tasted overall”

Wine Enthusiast

 Sophisticated no-alcohol and low-alcohol (no/low) options have never been more in demand, as people increasingly embrace the sober-curious, moderation, and health-conscious trends.  They’re searching out beverage alternatives for a host of reasons whether it’s health, personal, or faith-related, and they don’t want to compromise on experience or great taste.

Young and old, fit and foodies, high-performance and hedonist; we all still want to share a round of drinks with friends, just without the side effects that come from alcohol… because let’s be honest no one likes a hangover.

No matter who’s research you come across, the trend for No alcohol/Low alcohol is heading up. Up 31% by 2024.

The drinks world is experiencing a non-alcoholic revolution. Having gained momentum over the past couple of years, the interest in and consumption of no-alcohol drinks is continuing to rise across the globe…

At first glance, it appears to be driven by a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle and there’s no question the movement is gaining many fans.

The range of drinks has grown significantly over the past 10 months, and now includes an array of non-alcoholic lagers and ales, still and sparkling wines, pre-blended cocktails, spirits, tonics, mixers, and more.

This special is dedicated to the person who has been telling me to cover no/low for years – Meg Mulligan!!

Today’s guests are:

Amanda Thompson – CEO Thompson and Scott. (UK)  www.noughtyaf.com

Amanda is the CEO and founder of Thompson and Scott. She is at the leading edge of the global shift to alcohol-free drinking. Her first No release was Noughty, the first alcohol-free, organic, vegan, halal, low sugar sparkling wine.

Amanda Thompson

Amanda is also driving the debate for greater transparency in wine production and labeling and wants consumers to push to know what’s on their bottles. ‍
Finally, after many years of really bad non-alcoholic offerings in Canada, you/we finally have a great choice in Noughty.

Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Chardonnay (grapes from La Mancha, Spain)

Pale color with a crisp & ripe apple nose. Tight bubbles. A light sweetness on the edges.

Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Rose  (grapes from la Mancha, Spain)

100% Tempranillo. Great colour with berries on the nose. Balance and acidity in the mouth. Delightful.

 

Mark Kuspira – Soft Crush (Calgary)  www.softcrush.ca

Mark is the founder of Crush Imports a wine and spirits import agency in Calgary.

 

July 16th of this year he launched Soft Crush, bringing sophisticated No/Low alcohol releases for Canadian consumers searching out high-quality alternative beverages.

Mark saw a gap in the market for flavourful and authentic no/low beverages.

Mark brings the stories  behind:

Big Drop (UK) Alcohol-free craft beer. (bolder hoppier flavors) www.bigdropbrew.com

Pine Trail Pale Ale/Paradiso Citra IPA/Galactic Dark Noir

Odd Bird (Sweden) Working with French and Italian vineyards. They make their wines the same as everyone else – then – they take out the alcohol. Keeping the flavor. www.oddbird.com

Spumante Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine (Veneto, Italy)

Blanc de Blanc Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine (Languedoc-Roussillon France)

We also talk about a new release from Benjamin Bridge and others.

Lots of discussion of who the new No/Low consumers are. Many are driven by wellness and health reasons. Some by faith or a need to stay clear-headed for the changing world around them.

We take the whole hour to try and tell this trending story.

(Thank You Corey Wood)

 

STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON:

SummerHill – Home of the Oot n Oots (Kelowna)

Tightrope.. (Naramata Bench)

Hester Creek – (Golden Mile)

Restaurant update

 

 

September 25th, 2021- The Naramata Shuffle!

September 24, 2021 Audio FIle, Tasting Room Radio 00:46:47

hello

THE NARAMATA SHUFFLE

(Foxtrot. Moraine. Four Shadows)

 

THE SHOW

We hope you enjoyed our five week, 25 interview road trip through the Okanagan.

Along the way we ran into our pal Tina Baird from the Naramata Bench Wineries Association.

We’ve known each other a long time. Through film sets, festivals and movie premiers.

During our day on the Naramata Bench Tina somehow got us a table at the Naramata Inn for dinner.

As we departed an incredible meal, Tina  let me know that if I had any extra time she had three stories she thought wine fans  would appreciate.

Her suggestions became this show. Thank you Tina!

 

This weeks guests are:

Dwight Sick.   Chief Winemaker Moraine Winery (Naramata Bench) www.morainewinery.com

 

Really fine winemaker. 10 years at Stag’s Hollow. Now the Chief winemaker at Moraine on the Bench.

Pouring 2018 Reserve Riesling. Clone 49 (elegant. beautiful long finish)  2019  Pinot Noir Clone 777. (Classic Bench Pinot. Bliss)

“this bench is like Goldilocks. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right”  Dwight Sick

 

Nathan Todd  President and GM  Foxtrot Winery (Naramata Bench) www.foxtrotwine.com

Even though he made his name working in very serious wine sales out of  New York City he did have a early connection to the Okanagan Valley.  Harvesting  fruit to make ends meet.

Years later  he blind tasted a Foxtrot Pinot. It may have changed his life. He never forgot that wine and years later convinced his wine friend Douglas Barzelay to eventually buy the winery from the Allander family.  Barzelay is one of the  World’s leading authorities on Burgundian wines. Their wine consultant is Veronique Drouhin from Domaine Joseph Drouhin. Torsten Allander’s son Gustav was retained as winemaker. Quite a team.

Nathan poured:

2 versions of Foxly Rose 2019/2020 (both instantly likeable. $24)

An Estate Vineyard 2019 Pinot Noir.  (everything a great Pinot should be. texture. balance. Defines a long finish.)

Nathan Todd Foxtrot

Wilbert and Joka Borren – Co-founders/Co-owners of Four Shadows. (Upper Bench . Naramata) www.fourshadowsvineyard.com

What a great story. Joka and Wilbert were pig farmers in Lacombe Alberta with four growing sons. They dreamed of moving to the Okanagan and being farmers there. That’s exactly what they did. They bought a forgotten vineyard on Upper Bench and decided to bring back the vineyards and plant their own vines to then sell the fruit to wineries.

Wilbert and Joka Borren

Along the way it made much more sense to become a winery and Four Shadows was born. The name is from a photo of their four sons.

Did I mention they had no wine knowledge but they knew how to farm pigs. I mean, how tough can it be to grow grapes?

They had amazing mentoring from Lindsay and Graham O’Rourke at Tightrope and consultant Pascal Madevon.  It paid off. They learned well.

You say “Pigs to Pinot”  They say “Swine to Wine.”

They poured

20o20 Rose 2020  Riesling Classic, 2020 Riesling Dry, 2020 Riesling sparkling, 2018 Pinot Noir  and 2018 Merlot.

 

Thank you Tina Baird, Naramata Bench. Thank you Barry and Carol Beecroft for “the swim”.

 

 

STORIES WERE WORKING ON:

Soft Crush brings the no/low

A return to Summerhill

What now with restaurants?