Ring-bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Ring Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

So for my wine pick today I enjoyed a yummy Cabernet Sauvignon last week in my backyard with a nice juicy steak. It was from Australia, from one of Australia’s greatest fine wine regions, the Margaret River, known of course for their Cabernet Sauvignon.

My find the Ring-bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, from the Margaret River. In our market $21.95

Well worth the money, a steal of a deal actually…

Full bodied, smooth, succulent with a juicy flavor of cherries, a hint of chocolate, layered, with hints of fine oak and a lasting finish.

The name Ringbolt by the way was a ship that sank during the late 1800’s in what is now known as Ringbolt Bay, located on the southern tip of the Margaret River wine region.

 EPIDODE 31

On this week’s audio podcast…

Wine World News… Hot off the Press with UK’s Wine Critic Jancis Robinson PLUS the Pacific Northwest Winning Wine Regions, BC and Oregon.

Extra, extra, read all about it! We have the latest scoop on what is happening in the world of wine. Coming to you today from one of the greatest authorities on wine worldwide. She hails from the UK and is Jancis Robinson.

You’ll hear all about what is happening in China’s vineyards. Yes they grow grapes, they make wine and in fact are the 5th largest producer of wine in the world.

We’ll chat about climate change. Is it affecting our vineyards and how? And finally we have red wine, white, rose and yellow, but have you heard of “orange wine”? And no it is not made with oranges!

We like to stay on top with what’s going on in our market here as well. So as we just recently had a Vintages release of some of the wines of the Great Pacific Northwest, we thought we would take this opportunity to share with you what is going on in two of it’s exciting regions.
Our next two guests hail from award winning wineries representing BC  and Oregon.

 

Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay

Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2012

Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2012

Listen to Susanne’s wine review at 5:39 minutes in the show.

I have a very rich, flavourful juicy, vibrant and delicious wine with tremendous power and delight and it is a white wine.

Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2012 

VINTAGES#: 421941  $29.95

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

 The Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2012 was just released here in the first week in August here in our market. It won’t be around for too long. The grapes were hand harvested, whole-cluster pressed and then barrel fermented in French oak. The wine aged in the barrel “sur lie” for 9 months and then bottled. The wine is rich, juicy, full bodied, with aromas of pear, apple and notes of vanilla and oak spice. Flavours of more pear, hints of lemon and a touch of brioche with a lasting finish.

On this week’s radio show…

EPISODE 30

Celebrating local summer bounty and bubbly and masterly crafted small batch spirits!

We are in the month of August, the middle of summer and as lovers of food, great food, wine and drink… like most everybody, one our most favorite things about the summer is all the fresh, amazing local produce we get to enjoy here in Ontario.

And so today’s show is all about celebrating our summer and our fresh, local bounty with a few knock out recipes, a very unique and special bubbly, and some local small batch masterly crafted spirits and cocktails.

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

I rediscovered a wine that was right up my alley. As a fan of Sauvignon Blanc I find myself once again gravitating to this citrus, fresh and delightful Sauvignon Blanc.  The winery is Villa Maria  New Zealand’s Most Awarded Winery.

The wine is the Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2014 from Marlborough, this is a family owned winery that is known for being a leader in sustainability and great quality.I loved it, and I picked it up for $16.95, a good buy!

On this week’s radio show…

South America Sizzles with Sensational Sips and Sights! Exploring Chile, Argentina and Peru

We have a super lineup of guests this week. Our topic today Sizzling South America with their red hot wines, incredible gastronomy and the exploring of what one of our favorite Globe and Mail columnist recently called the “hippest sip of the moment”, that is Pisco.

EPISODE WL 08-09-2015

Listen to my wine review at 6:20 minutes into the show.

 BRAND NEW SHOWS every Monday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 2:00 pm or listen ON DEMAND on line anytime.

Villa Maria Winery, New Zealand’s “Most Awarded Winery”. Meet Ollie Powrie head viticulturist on this week’s radio show.

Tawse Gamay Noir 2013, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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 I’m thinking about summer entertaining too and came upon this red wine that is made with the Gamay grape. The grape of Beaujolias of course and I really enjoyed it. Gamay and Beaujolais have sort of been off my radar so this was very much a welcome surprise.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

This wine has great bright fruit of cherry, plum and hint of spice on the nose, it has vibrant acidity, and mouth filling flavours of more plum and cherry and a touch of toasted or baking spice, very satisfying, lingering finish.Quite the Gamay!

It is the Tawse Gamay Noir 2013, which sells for $18.95 at the winery Tawse Winery, located on the lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment.

This is the 3rd year Tawse Winery is making their Gamay. The grapes are sourced from select Niagara Peninsula vineyards they are hand harvested and the wine is aged in French oak for about 8 months.Tawse Winery of course is certified biodynamic and I love that too.

This wine was released July 2015 here in our market in Vintages.

On this week’s radio show…

Summer cocktails, beers and wines…dish it up! Lindeman’s 1000 Moments Of Sunshine. Sip and Sleuth to Win – $100.00 Neal Brothers Foods tote bag filled with goodies and snacks.

We are well into the throws of summer and we hope you are all enjoying a little summer fun, whether at the cottage, on a beach or maybe on your patio or wherever you are. On today’s show we are going to share with you some spectacular summer drinks, cocktails, wines, super craft beers and snacks to help make your vaca days even that much more delicious!

Listen to Susanne’s wine review at 4:40 minutes into the radio show.

Episode 28

Statue greets visitors at Nk'Mip Cellars, Osoyoos, B.C.

Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Nk'Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

We are celebrating Canada from coast toast here today. So for my wine pick I have selected a wine from a winery located in the west, the stunning Okanagan and specifically the Osoyoos wine region, the Okanagan’s most southern tip, Canada’s only real desert. This is red wine country and home to North America’s first aboriginal winery, Nk’Mip Cellars.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Winemaker Randy Picton Nk’Mip

Winemaker Randy Picton Nk’Mip

 

Several years ago Georgia and I had the opportunity to visit Nk’Mip winery, interviewed the winemaker Randy Picton and in fact stayed at the Nk’Mip Resort a beautiful spot that showcases  a rich native heritage.

Nk”Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

For my wine pick I have selected the Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011. This wine had a rich cocoa and cherry palate with soft, supple tannins. Delicious, available in our market here through VINTAGES at the LCBO for $27.95 per bottle. Agent: Constellation.

Happy Canada Day! Introducing our new weekly radio segment SIP and SLEUTH To Win!

On this week’s radio show…

Happy Canada Day

Episode 26

We have a super show lined up for you today, with Canada Day around the corner and a fabulous lineup of guests,all connected in someway to our fabulous country celebrating its 138th birthday. PLUS we are also really excited about introducing a brand new segment to our show SIP and SLEUTH To Win!!!

Ask The Wine Ladies…Can you tell me about NK’Mip Cellars in British Columbia?

Joel Peterson

Ravenswood Besieged 2013, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Joel Peterson, affectionaly known as the “Godfather of Zin.”

With Father’s Day approaching I thought I would pick something that would appeal to Dad’s and their love of the almighty BBQ. I am sure that’s how a majority of Dad’s out there will be celebrating their Father’s Day and we know that Dad’s  love their beef, from burgers to steaks and a rack of ribs.

My pick to celebrate this Father’s Day is a wine that is brand new to our market. It is the Ravenswood Besieged 2013 from Sonoma California. Awhile back we had the  opportunity to meet Joel Petersen,the  founder of Ravenswood several years ago and it was at a BBQ!

Ravenswood Besieged 2013

Red Blend

—VINTAGES#: 414136

$24.95

This wine is a beautiful blend of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Zinfandel, Syrah, Barbera, Alicante, Bouschet, and Mourvedre. The grapes are sourced form 6 different vineyards, including the Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and others.
The wine is big and juicy, fruit driven, ripe red berry with plenty of structuring tannins. Something super special for Dad… $24.95 here in our market.

Listen to my wine review at 3:59 minutes into this week’s radio show.

On this week’s radio show…Happy Father’s Day

Calling all Dads out there.This show is for you! We have you covered  for your special day Fathers Day!

Coming up we’re going to talk about what might be some of your favorite things…like lip smacking delicious, bold burgers or crunchy flavor filled spicy homemade tacos or to quench your thirst how about a small batch craft beer chock full of flavor,no additives,all natural, just 100% pure delicious.Or straight from the small, rugged and remote Scottish island of Islay comes the authentic premium single malt Scotch whisky,a wee dram for you lads perhaps?

And for the fine wine, food and film buff we bring you the 2nd annual Niagara Integrated Film Festival, taking place on Father’s Day weekend where you can choose from a plethora of wine tasting dinners, movie premiers, short film screenings, and much more!

And finally the tables are turned on The Wine Ladies when we are interviewed by Laura Wolfe a student who is studying the art of social media and blogging. We give her our thoughts on social media!

Alright so its time now to salute all the Dads out there, Happy Father’s Day, lets start!!!

Episode 25

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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So we always like to share some of our “The Wine Ladies” wine experiences with all of you and last week we attended one at the beautiful Bosk restaurant located in the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Toronto. We had the opportunity to meet James Healey who was visiting here from Marlborough and James is one of the two founders of the prestigious New Zealand winery, Dog Point Vineyard and also the former winemaker of Cloudy Bay.

We had a great time and Nigel Sowman the head viticulturist at Dog Point Vineyard was also there (loved his accent) as well as Richard Dittmar the VP of Trialto, the agency that represents this winery here in Canada.Between the 5 of us we had some great wine and some great conversation.

James, Nigel, (on the left) Richard on the right) and Susanne and Georgia.

James, Nigel, (on the left) Richard on the right) and Susanne and Georgia.

Susanne with James Healey and Nigel Sowman of Dog Point Vineyards tasting theDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014.

Susanne with James Healey and Nigel Sowman of Dog Point Vineyards tasting theDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014.

Although difficult to choose my favourite among the wines we tasted, I also wanted to pick something that everyone could enjoy right here in our market. As I am such a fan of Sauvignon Blanc. My wine pick this week is the Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014 from the New Zealand region of Marlborough famously known for its Sauv Blanc. $24.95 in our market. A little more of a premium price, but well worth i. For the few extra bucks I loved the zesty lemon, and the racy acidity, the round texture and long finish, I am down, sold!

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014—VINTAGES#: 677450   |   $24.95 per 750 mL bottle

Listen to my wine review at 3:35 minutes into the show.

On this week’s radio show…

Discover Washington wines. Make your own wine in time for the holidays. Discover the secret anti aging ingredient and Canada’s most southerly wine region Pelee Island and Pelee Island Winery.

Episode 33

Colio Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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So for me this week, I am going to our wine growing region of Lake Erie North Shore, our most southerly wine region. Colio Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012 is my wine pick this week.The winery we are very familiar with Colio Estate Wines.  

Colio’s Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012

Colio’s Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

In fact we commandeered the mechanical harvester in the Sauvignon Blanc vineyards not too far back.. and have stomped grapes in the barrel cellar…we’ve got quite the intimate relationship with this winery!

 My pick is Colio’s Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012 (vintages 395277)…which by the way Cab Franc is the Papa of the King Cabernet Sauvignon.And Colio’s Cab Franc vines are in the oldest part of their vineyard, so called the “Old Farm”, not one to gravitate naturally to Cab Franc but this time I did and I am glad I did.

For $19.95 big bouquet of blackberries, raspberry touch of spice, of pepper and on the palate big flavor of more blackberry and cassis, I really like it… with my roasted lamb chops I made on my Himalayan salt stones! Great by for $19.95

Listen to my wine review at 5:12 minutes into this week’s radio show.

 

On this week’s show…I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st.

Episode 22

Our subject,narrow, yet very broad, global in scope of importance to many many wine makers, and certainly wine lovers,and drinkers alike…around the world……we will be dedicating this show and honoring one of the most popular and prolifically grown white, wine grape varietals!

Here is a description of the varietal. Can you guess?

I am a white grape, of noble heritage of the species vitis vinifera.
I am planted in over 400,000 acres worldwide.
I can be made in many styles.
I am NOT finicky.
I have a club named after me…the ABC Club.
There are also numerous spas using me as their namesake, and even baby girls are being named after me.
I am so special that I have a special day that has been named in my honor, on which 1000’s of people around the world celebrate my heritage, what I am and the kind of wines I can make.

I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st, hence our dedication to this illustrious grape here today!

 

Wente Vineyards The First Family of Chardonnay…Come Celebrate National Chardonnay Day May 21st with us!

  

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Pillitteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Pillitteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

Pillitteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

So for my wine pick this week I tried something very special this past weekend from one of our local wineries here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. As you know back in January we had our annual Shimmer of Gold Icewine Tour and visited Charlie Pillitteri of Pillitteri Estates Winery.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

 Pillitteri Estates Winery is the world’s largest estate producer of Icewine.

We had a beautiful tasting of Charlie's  wines in their stunning barrel room.

We had a beautiful tasting of Charlie’s  wines in their stunning barrel room.

Pilletteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

Although there were many fine wines,the Pilletteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 was a standout in my opinion. Charlie, gave me a bottle and well this weekend I tried it again. It proved to be a stunner once more!.

Pilletteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

Pilletteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

Full bodied, barrel aged, appassimento style Cabernet Sauvignon.Notes of cedar, dried fruits with a meaty and eucalyptus finish.  Age 10-15 years, smooth firm tannins.Definitely something for a special occasion. Available at the winery $78.20. www.Pillitteri.com

Listen to my review at 2:58 minutes into the radio show.

Drink New Zealand and think the “King of Sauvignon Blanc”,sustainability and the meteoric rise in popularity!

EPISODE 21

On this week’s audio podcast…Icewine, Canada’s Nectar of the Gods!

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013

So Georgia and I recently attended the Wines of California tasting and hit upon a couple of “hits” one of which I’ve chosen as my wine pick.For me as a huge Sauvignon Blanc fan… one of the very first wines I tasted happened to be one of my faves….It was the St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013.Just $24.95 in our market, and worth every penny. I believe the 2013 is still in stores and the 2014 should be arriving soon.

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013

VINTAGES#: 339663   $24.95 per 750 mL bottle

St Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery is a family owned business and they’re located in Napa Valley in the Rutherford growing region and all their wines are estate grown and produced. This Sauvignon Blanc was so tantalizing on the nose and in flavor with intense citrus notes, grapefruit, lime and lemon and brilliant freshness, simply delicious! A bonus for me, with Earth Day being today these guys are certified Napa Green.

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2014

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Enjoying a glass of wine at International Sauvignon Day with Andrew Von Teichman of Vonterra Premium Wine & Spirits

Listen to my review at 4:05 minutes into the radio show.

BRAND NEW SHOWS every Monday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 2:00 pm or listen ON DEMAND on line anytime.

This week’s episode….Episode #21  (WL-04-25-2015)

A taste of Italy…Amarone,Grappa and Italian cuisine.

On this week’s radio show…A taste of Italy…Amarone, Grappa & Italian cuisine.Introducing Fabulous Finds For Foodies… Alioli Ristorante, Mississauga, Ontario