Rustenberg John X Merriman 2005

Another experiment in South African wines, this comes from a well respected producer of red blends. The nose on this Cabernet based blend was oaky and heavy in cassis (I find a lot of SA wines to be a bit too oaky or woody). However, while this was perhaps too oaky, the oak DID give structure and depth to the fruit that probably would not have been there otherwise. Simple, but concentrated flavour, this is pretty good for the price point and worth a try for those interested in exploring a more worldly milieu.

Very Good

$35 at BCLDB

Ben Marco Malbec 2005

A gift from a friend giving me a lesson in South American Terroir. I found this Argentian (Mendoza) Malbec plummy, with a small amount of earthiness and very smooth if maybe somewhat flabby tannins. Simple but pleasant. Very sweet, though - but this paired well with the Dominos Pizza I ate with it (what can I say? I don't always go upscale), which has sweetened tomato sauce. Nothing special, though - but a good lesson in what you get from Mendoza at this price point. I also imagine this would appeal to those who are still transitioning from sugared wines to dry wines (the extreme fruit-forwardness gives the wine the impression of sweetness).

Fair

~$25

Hirsch Gaisberg Riesling 2005

Austria - most North Americans unfortunately don't get a chance to experience the beauty of Austrian white wines. Producing dry versions of Riesling and the indigenous grape Gruner Veltiner, Austria is exciting, surprisingly modern, and relatively good value.

This Hirsch offering from a very good vintage was 13.5% abv and had smoky vanilla oak aromas coupled with clay and white minerals. The palate introduced some very pleasurable notes of honeysuckle along with the typical citrus. Very full and complex, this was also refined and balanced. A very nice Riesling, even if lacking the total complexity I've been longing for from Riesling.

$28 on sale (normally $40) at Marquis

Very Good+

Thelema Mountain Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Now here is a brilliant South African Producer. This Sauv Blanc was fresh, very aromatic and filled with complex rocky and stony mineral flavours, powerful pomello rind, and a touch of grassyness. Bone dry and unoaked, what made this so special was the exceptional structure and very robust depth to the flavour profile. If you like Sauv Blanc at all this is a must try and definitely a best in class type of bottle. I can't wait to try their Cabernet.

Excellent

$25 at Marquis (also available at other private stores)

J. Daan Pinot Noir 2006

Another Willamette Pinot which came highly recommended from a good wine shop. However, this was just too typical for me. This can be described in 3 parts:

1. bitter barnyard

2. sweet strawberry

3. lack of integration

Typical Oregon and lacking elegance and excitement. I still can't say this was bad, but it just doesn't do it for me anymore.

Very Good

$40 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar

Pascal Jolivet La Grande Cuvee Sancerre 2002

Great potential, but corked! This would probably have been amazing. As it stood, it went down the drain. Sad.

Luigi Einaudi Barolo 2001

Being from Piemonte, I figured this Barolo would pair well with another Italian Northwestern treat: truffles. Or, more accurately Cacio Di Basco Al Tartufo cheese. The nose on this was all intense blackbery coupled with tobacco and tar. All of this continued on the palate, which was quite tart, with a dose of savory herbal flavours. The finish was mostly tarry and earthy, which I liked a fair amount. The tannins were pretty and refined, especially for a Barolo. A very nice effort from a very good year and definitely better than the 97 I tried earlier.

Excellent

$90 at BCLDB