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

La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards

La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards

La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards

So this week I am veering into aromatic white grape territory here. I picked this up at our LCBO and thought wow, for $15.95 a bottle!

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

The wine is a Viognier and sometimes for me they can be just a touch too aromatic and over powering but for me this one hit right on the money. Aromatic yes, with typical notes as one would expect,floral, spice, white peach, with concentrations that I really enjoyed. Rich and elegant, and refreshing.From the Colchagua Valley in Chile, the wine is the La Joya Gran Reserva 2014 by Bisquertt Family Vineyards.I will seriously pick up half a dozen for the summer.

 

La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014

VINTAGES#: 168542   $15.95 per 750 mL bottle

Listen to my wine review at 6:52 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!

California Square Chardonnay…”IT IS now HIP TO BE SQUARE”…On this audio podcast we speak wit winemaker Virginia Lambrix.

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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Brancott prediction in 1973 that Marborough Sauvignon Blanc would be world famous! On this week’s audio podcast.

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Our first kiwi caller as they are affectionately known as is Jim Robertson. Jim will share with us a little about the brief history of this youthful region. The role Brancott Estate winery played at the time as well as the significance of New Zealand’s signature grape Sauvignon Blanc.

Listen to Jim Robertson at 21:35 minutes into the show.

We first met Jim back in 2012 and had the opportunity to speak with him on our online talk TV show.Check what Jim had to see on line here.

 

Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Available at the LCBO $17.75 per bottle.

Brancott Estate Letter B Sauvignon Blanc. Available at the LCBO $19.95 per bottle.

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

We explore a youthful wine region that has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity, is recognized the world over for its commitment to the environment and sustainability…is widely recognized as the “King of Sauvignon Blanc” which has become synonymous with this region,and has recently been awarded its very own Pinot Noir glass for one of its regions by the preeminent 11th generation Austrian glass maker Riedel. We can only be talking about one country and that is New Zealand!

Yealands Family Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand.

The Most Sustainable Winery in the World,Yealands Family Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand. On this week’s audio podcast.

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Sue White of Whitehaven…Totally,utterly Marlborough to the last drop!On this week’s audio podcast.

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We had the opportunity to speak to Sue White, proprietor of the multi-awarded and highly regarded winery Whitehaven located in Marlborough. Sue filled us in on some of the specifics of kiwi wines, what makes them unique, their aromatics, their taste profiles.

Listen to Sue White at 1:04 minutes into the show.

 

On this week’s show…Drink New Zealand and think the “King of Sauvignon Blanc”,sustainability and the meteoric rise in popularity!

EPISODE 21

We explore a youthful wine region that has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity. It is recognized the world over for its commitment to the environment and sustainability. Also widely recognized as the “King of Sauvignon Blanc” which has become synonymous with this region. It has recently been awarded its very own Pinot Noir glass for one of its regions by the preeminent 11th generation Austrian glass maker Riedel. We can only be talking about one country and that is New Zealand!

Spread the JOIY this holiday season! Meet winemaker and founder Chris Archer on this week’s radio show!

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!

Two Sister's Vineyards

Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011

Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011

So seeing as we are doing a little bit of a throwback today with our wine picks on the radio show,I remember a wine that we tasted when we were hosting  an event with a group of around twenty friends or so…and it was at the beautiful recently opened Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

The two sisters are Angela and Melissa of the Marotta family.

Located just next door to Peller Estates and it truly is a magnificent property set among about 75 hectares I think it was of red Bordeaux varietals.

We enjoyed several of their wines. However one of the stand outs for me was the Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011 (52% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon). We learned it was also the 2014 InterVin Gold Medal award winner. Sometimes you are just really in the mood for a deep, rich, elegant yet chewy, delicious red. This wine delivered it all. The Eleventh Post 2011 sells for $39.00 at the winery, and the 11th Post by the way is a very special place in the vineyards… for the family.

The wine is very deep in colour, inky almost, the aroma was so enticing with cocoa, creamy notes of vanilla and oak; You really can’t wait to sip after you nose the wine. On the palate full bodied, cherries and black currant, toasty oak, long finish. Congrats to Two Sisters Winery!

 Our guests enjoying a toast in the stunning barrel room at Two Sisters. It was trly a remarkable visit.

Listen to my review at 4:25 minutes into the radio show.

Episode 21

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

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2013

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2013, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2013

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2013

So my wine pick also hails from California, and I know you would love this wine too. I’m going with a Pinot Noir today that really delivers big and at a great price point. $18.90 in our market.And finding inexpensive Pinot noir is not that easy, this elusive grape that it is, so I am happy!

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

So from a family owned winery based in the Salinas Valley, Monterey County, this Pinot Noir is very enticing with an aroma of strawberries, hints of plum and spice, and full rich flavor with berries and cherries a hint of oak and spice. And to add to your Earth Day this winery was the first in Monterey to be certified SIP or Sustainable in Practice.My wine pick is the Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2013. This will definitely be a standard go to Pinot for me.

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2013

LCBO#: 226555 $18.90 per  750 mL bottle

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

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