It's A Smashing Life

California Dreaming: A Wine Showcase

Come and Sample over 150 different wines from over 30 producers Friday April 13, from 6:30 to 9:30 at the Royal Glenora Club, to help raise money for The Royal Glenora Gymnastics Club and KidSport Edmonton. 

Enjoy light appetizers while tasting wines from the following Golden State producers:

Updated March 31, 2012

J. Lohr Vineyards www.jlohr.com

Fess Parker Winery www.fessparker.com

Primal Roots Wines www.primalrootswines.com

Caymus Vineyards www.caymus.com

Duckhorn Vineyards www.duckhorn.com

Ottimino Wines www.ottimino.com

Parallel Vineyards www.parallelwines.com

Lyeth www.boissetfamilyestates.com/products/BrandDetails.aspx?BrnId=60

Pine Ridge www.pineridgevineyards.com

Little Black Dress www.littleblackdresswines.com

Sebastiani  www.sebastiani.com

Delicato Family Vineyards www.delicato.com

Beringer Wines est 1876 www.beringer.com

Chateau St Jean Sonoma www.chateaustjean.com

Cellar #8 Winerywww.cellarno8.com

Noble Tree Wines www.nobletreewine.com

Laird Family Estate www.lairdfamilyestate.com

Murrieta’s Well www.murrietaswell.com

Hayes Ranch www.hayesranchwines.com

Apothic Wines www.apothic.com

Louis M Martini Winery www.louismartini.com

Cupcake Vineyards www.cupcakevineyard.com

Big House Wines www.bighousewines.com

Mi Sueno Winery www.misuenowinery.com

Peju Family Wines www.peju.com

Insatiable Wines www.nexuswines.com/our-wines/insatiable/

Bliss Family Wines www.blissvineyard.com

Sterling Vineyards www.sterlingvineyards.com

Kenneth Volk Vineyards www.volkwines.com

Top Chef Quickfire Wines www.quickfirewines.com

Jack Nicklaus Wines www.terlatowines.com/wines/california/nicklaus

Luke Donald www.terlatowines.com/wines/california/luke_donald

St Supery Vineyards & Winery www.stsupery.com

Dreaming Tree Wines www.dreamingtreewines.com

Robert Mondavi Wines www.robertmondavi.com/woodbridge

Cameron Hughes www.chwine.com

Lynmar Estate www.lynmarwinery.com

Four Vines www.fourvines.com

Mason Cellars www.masoncellars.com

Kenwood Vineyatds www.kenwoodvineyards.com

Mark West Wines www.markwestwines.com

Mirassou Winery www.mirassou.com

Terra Valentine Winery www.terravalentine.com

Castle Rock Winery www.castlerockwinery.com

Michael David Wines www.michaeldavidwinery.com

Plume Winery www.plumewinery.com

Stone Barn Wines www.stonebarnwine.com

Nine North Wines www.ninenorthwines.com

First Press Wine Cellars www.firstpresswine.com

 

Tickets Available online http://californiawine.eventbrite.com/

Friday, 13 April 2012 from 18:30 to 21:30

Royal Glenora Club
11160 River Valley Road
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Free Parking is available.  We encourage designated drivers or alternate transportation.

A Star Rises in South Africa- A Wine Dinner at the Blue Pear

Join Carla Kretzel of Lammershoek Winery for an evening of exquisite food at the Blue Pear prepared by the very talent chef Darcy Radies paired with wines from Carla's family winery. 

About Lammershoek:

Lammershoek is situated in the Aprilskloof valley of the Paardeberg. The first vineyards were planted in 1750.  Paul and Anna Kretzel had the good fortune of purchasing the farm in 1995. In 2000 they renovated the existing cellar at Lammershoek and to produce wine under the Lammershoek label. Günther and Sieglinde Stephan are now partners.
At Lammershoek they are committed to creating wines that reflect the remarkable terroir of the Paardeberg. Their philosophy is one of sustainable farming, top quality fruit and minimal interference in the cellar. The result is truly outstanding and unique wine.
The vineyards are currently being converted to sustainable and organic farming with a focus on getting soil and vine in balance. No chemical fertilizer has been applied in 5 years with organic composting preferred.  Organic Certification will be accomplished in 2012.

Legend has it that the name Lammershoek, meaning "lamb's corner", originated from the fact that ewes with their young lambs sought shelter in the forests surrounding the farm, when threatened by the Black Eagle- in Cape Dutch called the "Lammervanger".

The Menu, with Wine Pairings by Sommelier Extraordinaire Kimberley Theoret.

Reception

Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2009 - a blend of 62% Chenin Blanc 26% Chardonnay 12% Viognier

First Course

shellfish :grilled scallop with parsnip puree, lemon, shallot confit & lobster oil

Lammershoek Chenin Blanc 2008

Second Course

dumpling: marinated beef skewer served with Asian cabbage dumpling, aromatic beef broth and crispy enoki mushrooms

Lammershoek Roulette Rouge 2009 -  a blend of 62% Shiraz, 20% Carignan, 13% Grenache, 4% Mourvedre, 1% Viognier

 Third Course

duck tasting: Duck breast with mixed berry sauce, duck Cassoulet and Duck Confit

Lammershoek Syrah 2007 & Lammershoek Syrah Zinfandel 2007

Fourth Course

dessert: Chef’s selection

coffee

 Please contact Kimberley at the Blue Pear for Reservations.

129 per person

Château Princé 2008 Grande Vin du Val de Loire

I love a good nose, and Cabernet Francs deliver. 

Château Princé 2008 from Anjou-Village-Brissac is a Cabernet Franc.  The wine is Garnet Red with a medium intensity.  The nose has sweet berry, spice, thyme, violets with a funky barnyard note.  It is an attractive nose, masculine notes of spice and barnyard with a hint of feminine violet, very nice.

A tasty wine, with a lush mouth feel, integrated tannins that are a touch drying on the finish.   Berry flavours with spice and a long cherry finish, good acidity and balance.  The wine showed more tart characteristics on first opening, I recommend decanting.  Will benefit from bottle age.

I love a good Cab Franc.

Fall in Love with Spainish Wines: Food and Wine Dinner at Zinc Restaurant Thursday February 16

Have you made plans for you and your Sweetheart for Valentine's Day?

No? 

How about attending a wine dinner at Zinc Restaurant at the Alberta Art Gallery.  Beautiful food, paired with wines from Volteo Winery, Mar de Frades and Ramon Bilboa.  Artful Dining, a wow gift for your Valentine.

The Wines:

Volteo Winery: Produces high quality Spanish wines from the Tierra de Castilla, with a fresh, modern and elegant look that is fruity and easy to drink. 

Mar de Frades:  Mar de Frades was born in 1987 and its path is parallel to that of the Quality Control of the Rias Baixas. It is a pioneering bodega in the area and represents the meaning of the most deeply-rooted tradition in the Valley of Salnés, the historical capital of Albariño. It was in this place where the legend of the varieties of Albariño wine started, and where without a shadow of a doubt, the most sophisticated and suggestive white wines of Spain are produced: characterized by their freshness and aromatic intensity.
“A sea that is also a wine” – Mar de Frades – is a Galician phrase for Mar de los Frailes (Sea of the Friars). It is also the name given to a place in the Arosa Estuary close to the mouth of the River Umia, the same spot where the pilgrims used to disembark from their maritime journey on their way to Santiago, the shrine of Saint James. Our wine is born looking out this sea because from our vineyards and bodega the enclave Sea of Frades is seen.

Ramon Bilbao Winery: Founded in 1924 by Ramon Bilbao Murga, a forward-looking grape grower; a pioneer in the art of ageing. The winery was handed down from one generation to the next until the year 1966, when Ramón Bilbao Pozo, the last of the descendants, died. In 1972 the business was converted into a corporation with new shareholders. New facilities were built, also in Haro. The new company wished to continue the work of its founder, Ramón Bilbao, and concentrated on making aged wines, enhanced by the care and know-how of people who love wine above all else

Volteo  2010 Veredjo, a blend of  50% Verdejo 35% Sauvignon Blanc 15% Viognier to be paired with the first course, is a fresh, juicy wine.

Ramon Bilbao 2006 Cruz de Alba Crianza, 100% Tempranillo, to be paired with the second course, is a powerful, rich wine.

Mar de Frades 2010 Albarino, 100% Albarino, to be part of the main course pairing, a fruity wine with marine reminiscences that seduces with its elegant freshness.

Ramon Bilbao 2005 Mirto, 100% Rioja Tempranillo harvested from 70 year old vines, is the second wine to accompany the main course.  A brooding rich bouquet, with layers of opulent fruit, outstanding volume and concentration.

Ramon Bilboa 2001 Gran Resserva, 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, 5% Garnacha will be served with the cheese course.

Licor 43 to finish.

The Details:

Thursday February 16, arrive between 6 and 6:30 and enjoy a stand-up reception.  First course to be served at 6:45.

The Spanish Wine Dinner is $90 plus tax and gratuity, per guest.

To book a reservation, please call Zinc restaurant at 780-392-2501.

Be Mine Fizz

My Gin problem isn't getting any better, and my love affair with the Fizz family is still going strong, so the base ingredients for tonight's experiment were easy pickings.

The harder part was the twist, the change, the little something something. 

I drew inspiration from Valentine's day and from Lauren the Hobbyist's Red Wine Sour, plus some Garnacha Rose in the fridge.  Gin+Pink+Fizzy+WineSyrup= Be Mine Fizz.

Be Mine Fizz

Chill Glass.

In shaker with ice:

1 oz Hendricks Gin ( I like Hendricks Gin for this drink, with it's lemon notes)

1 oz Rose Simple Syrup**

Juice of one fresh squeezed Lemon

Shake Vigorously and pour into chilled coupe, sparkling glass or cocktail glass.

Top with Sparkling Water or Club Soda

**Rose Simply Syrup

Equal parts Sugar and a dry Rose  (I used Volteo Garnacha from Spain)

Bring to a boil, stirring, then reduce heat and sinner until the liquid reduces by half and becomes desired syrupy thickness.

Cool and refrigerate, will keep for a month in the fridge.

#yeg Fizz

I recently read Rules of Civility by Amor Towles.  Beautifully written, it pulls the reader into late 1930's New York; a world of jazz bars, cafes and social complexities that propel the heroine on her journey.  And there is gin, lots of gin. 

Now I find myself craving witty, charming conversation in dimly lit jazz bars while sipping smart gin cocktails.

The Fizz is a great classic cocktail, related to the sour family, containing a spirit, lemon or lime juice, sugar and soda water.  Originally drunk as a daytime drink, they were popular in America from 1900 to 1940.   The Gin Fizz is the best known version in the Fizz family, and my personal favourite.

Playing with my gin one night, I made a few changes and came up with what I call #yeg Fizz.

 

#yeg Fizz

1 oz Gin

Juice of one lime

1 tsp powdered sugar

Soda water or sparkling water

1/2 oz Licor 43

In shaker, add gin, lime juice and sugar, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Add ice, shake vigorously, pour over ice in Old Fashion glass or high ball glass.  Top with Soda water.  Drizzle Licor 43 into glass, finish with a twist.

*I find these rather tasty and addictive. 

Grab a Fizz, get comfy on the couch and fall into the world of Rules of Civility.  I highly recommend both the book and the cocktail.

A Smashing Merlot: Hall Cellars 2005

Poor Merlot, you took a beating on film in that hugely popular movie.  Of course the joke was that the wine the protagonist referred to as his favourite wine is famous as the Bordeaux Wine which is predominately Merlot.  Unfortunately the general wine buying public missed the irony, and turned away from you.

Did you know that Merlot is the most widely cultivated grape in the Bordeaux region?  It is the predominate grape from the famed commune of Pomerol; Château Pétrus and Château Le Pin are highly regarded, sought after wines from this famed area.  The name Merlot, comes from "Merle" an old French word meaning young black bird, most likely named for the dark colour.  The grape is believed to originate from the Libournais region in Bordeaux, and is now planted around the globe.

Hall Cellars 2005 Merlot

Hall Cellars is a Napa valley winery, making stunning wines.  We recently opened our last (sniff) bottle of the 2005 Merlot, which was drinking beautifully.

A dense purple hue, with sweet plum, ripe cherry, mocha, cedar and tobacco on the nose.  The mouth feel is round, balanced with good structure still showing and plush fruit.  Flavours of red berries, plum, anise, coffee, mocha, sweet vanilla and cedary goodness made up a yummy glass of wine.

The nose and mouth continued to change and develop as we worked through the bottle, a really enjoyable example of a well made wine.  I wish that we had more;  it would be fun to visit another bottle in the future to see the changes and how the wine develops. 

The winery currently has the 2007 vintage available on the website.

Currently available in Alberta is the 2006 vintage.  In BC the wine is available at select fine private stores, it is not listed by the BCLDB.

Do You Know Your Farmer?

Do you know your local farmers?

Do you spend time at the farmers market?

Why not?

Farmers markets are more than just a place to buy groceries, they are a way of developing community.  Building stronger communities includes strengthening and supporting our food resources.

Get to know you local producers.  Get to know your food source.

Rose, Not Just For Summer

Rose, how do I love thee, let me count the ways.

Fall is in the air, and Roses will be left in the memories of summer.  What?  No!  That needs to be rectified, pronto.

First off, Rose is a really versatile food wine.  Serve a dry Rose with your Roasted Bird, it will pair beautifully and is a nice change from the standard wine selections.

Slightly sweeter Roses are good cocktail party wines.  The residual sugar leaves a slight sweetness with pairs well with typical finger food found at cocktail receptions like spring rolls, chacuterie platters and spicy dips.  As well, the roundness of the palate is satisfying without food, dry wines with zingy acidity can get the taste buds juiced up and looking for food.

In addition, rose with a bit of frizz add a certain celebratory note to a weekday wine, that are good sippers under $20.  I'm not sure why pink wines get a summer designation, they are tasty, versatile, good with food, good without and a real pleasure with bubbles in them.

So break a habit this year, don't put your Rose wine away with shorts and sunscreen, keep on drinking it all year.

A few to pair with roasted meats, roasted winter vegetables, cured meats and all around good food Rose:

Cocktail Roses

 

Pink Bubbles!

Pink wines are not just for summer!

Barrel Tasting at Fairview Cellars

Dear Bill,

Thank you so very much for once again taking the time out to give us a barrel sampling.  I truly am very appreciative that you share with us your wines, and the opportunity to sample what is on the horizon.  Every year I learn a little more about what makes your wines so distinctive and truly excellent.

I look forward to seeing you next year for what is becoming a yearly tradition.

Kind Regards,

Sasha

Leaving the hot August air behind, we descend into the barrel cellar.  A cement bunker built into the hillside at Fairview Cellars, the small space is floor to ceiling wine barrels. Wine glass in hand we have come prepared to taste and learn.

A barrel program is the use of oak barrels to age the wine.  Oak imparts colour, flavor, tannin, profile and texture to the wine.  Phenols from the wood interact with the wine in the barrel to produce vanilla flavours, tea notes and sweetness.  The tannins in the wood help protect the wine from oxidation and reduction.  French and American oak impart different tastes: French subtler, American stronger.  Oak programs vary per winery, they will purchase a certain amount of new barrels every year, will continuing to use older barrels.  After the third year, most of the barrel's flavour compounds have been leached out and the barrel becomes neutral.

2010 Merlot - 1 year old barrel

Nose - Chocolate, Blackberry, black fruit

Mouth - Black fruit, integrated with tannins, mid palate of savory notes, green olive

2010 Cabernet Franc - New Oak from Okanagan Barrel Works

Nose - Spice, sweet black fruit, coffee, hazelnut

Mouth- Coffee, nutmeg, blackberry, thyme, savoury finish, structured ripe tannins with sweet brown sugar and acidity on the finish

2010 Cabernet Franc 2010 - 1 year old, Loire Barrel

Nose - Black fruit, nutmeg

Mouth - Softer tannins, more acidity, nice weight mid palate.  Blackberry flavours, understated savory notes  with a long blackberry finish.

Both samples of Cab Franc are estate grown.

2010 Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

Nose - Ripe raspberries, fruit leather, garden fresh with herbs and spices

Mouth - Fresh and delicious, raspberry mid palate herbaceous, good acidity with a long berry finish

2010 Petit Verdot and Malbec

Bill only has one row of Petit Verdot planted, in 2010 1/2 of the row was eaten by deer.

Nose - Fragrant, plum, black fruit, spice and leather

Mouth - Lush, flavourful, lots of fruit, plums, berries, nice balance of acidity to tannin

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - New Oak, Alonzo's property

Nose - Sweet Caramel, brown sugar

Mouth - Sweet Whiskey, dark fruit, brown sugar, coffee with a long long mocha finish.  Huge tannins, with a saltiness at the tip of the tongue.  The finish keeps on going.

2010 Cabernert Sauvignon - New Oak, Estate fruit

Nose - Strong whiskey, brown sugar, black fruit, chai black tea

Mouth - Black fruit, cassis, coffee with minty notes on entry.  Big tannins, green tea notes on finish  with a good zing of acidity.

2010 Two Hoots Blend in the Glass

Two Hoots is a blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Merlot.  We kept some of the sample of Estate Cab Sauv in the glass, added Cab Franc and Merlot.  The addition of the Cab Franc tempered the Whiskey notes in the nose.

Full Blend

Nose - Rich full bouquet.  Ripe dark berries, plum, cassis, cocoa, mocha, whiskey

Mouth - Intense dark fruit, with round mid palate, and long raspberry finish.  Rich round mouth feel, ripe integrated tannins, pretty darn tasty.

2010 Pinot Noir

Nose - Raspberry, strawberry, floral, lavender, spice and dill notes

Mouth - Strawberry, spices, cherry and sweet cordial cherry with lingering strawberry finish.  A lovely palate that is fresh and clean full of bright fresh fruit.