DD Leobard Winery NV Tansi - 80pts

DD Leobrad Winery Non-Vintage Tansi (Manitoba Prairies) Canada

Decanted: ohr

Cost: $14 (Private Wine Stores)

Date: August 9th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is an oddity of a wine from Winnipeg's sole producer; DD Leobard Winery. This semi-sweet wine is made from fermenting the sap tapped from Manitoban Birch trees.

A nose of damp, freshly-cut wood and mild fruit notes precedes a palate of muted tropical fruits and short finish. Where this wine redeems itself is from its surprisingly advantageous pairing with food. The wine came alive when it was matched with spicy Indian samosas. The garam masala spice of the samosa unlocked the wine's chastity belt and made the drinking of it a worthwhile experience. This wine cannot handle the pressure of performing solo, it should only be served with food of a spicy nature. - LC

Yellow Tail 2007 Reserve Shiraz - 86pts

Yellow Tail 2007 "The Reserve" Shiraz - Australia

Decanted: 1/2 hr

Cost: $17.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Date: August 19, 2009

Tasting Notes: This was the second wine poured at the Cookworks' Chef's Table event held at their flagship store in Vancouver (Granville & Broadway). Shiraz is a varietal that Yellow Tail do very well and the Reserve offering is no exception. However, at roughly $5 more than its standard-level cousin I would expect a bit more complexity in the glass.

Nevertheless, this easy-drinking and approachable Shiraz offers cracked black pepper and spices on the nose. A deep purple-ruby colour, this dry red is a full-bodied Shiraz with berries and more spice on the palate. Well structured tannins finish the experience that leaves you wanting more but does not offer any intrigue.

This wine paired very well with the lone meat course at the Chef's Table event; Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Enoki Mushrooms and Laughing Cow Cheese. - LC

Wolf Blass Yellow Label 2007 Chardonnay - 87pts

Wolf Blass Yellow Label 2007 Chardonnay - (South Australia) Australia

Decanted: 0 hrs

Cost: $16.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Tasting Notes: Enjoyed this wine on a trip to Winnipeg at a wine bar in the financial center of downtown. This oaked Chardonnay has a nice aroma or tropical fruits: melon and kiwi. On the palate you can taste mango and kiwi.

The dry wine has a nice long finish as you would hope to get from a chardonnay but in my humble opinion is slightly too acidic. A fine sipper nonetheless. - LC

Francis Ford Coppola 2007 Pinot Noir - 88 pts

Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Series 2007 Silver Label Pinot Noir (Montery County) USA

Decanted: 1/2 hrs

Cost: $27-30 (Private Liquor Stores)

Tasting Notes: Lovers of new world Pinot Noir should not rush out to purchase this wine as the ultimate representation of what can be accomplished with this hardest of grapes to produce. However, for the price it is a fine Pinot Noir that will pair nicely with light game, mild fruits and can be enjoyed on its own.

This light ruby/purple wine has a nose of sweet berries and plums. On the pallet this easy-drinking pinot offers fine white pepper, more berry flavours and subtle tannis. This is a very approachable pinot that could be used to introduce non-pinot drinkers to this wondrous grape; winemaker Corey Beck should be proud. - LC

Stoneboat 2007 Pinot Gris - 88 pts

Stoneboat 2007 Pinot Gris (Black Sage Bench - South Okanagan BC)

Decanted: 0 min

Cost: $18.83 (VQA Wine Store)

Tasting Notes: A quality white. Citrus and floral on the nose. The palate is citrus sweetened by nectarine and a beautiful and obvious mineral finish. Stone boat is definitely in the contender class for Icon Scores.

The tasting room at the winery is simple and modern but not stuffy, the business end twin is approachable and informative, and the wine making twin and father are excellent at the craft. All the ingredients for a successful winery. Keep your eyes open for their Pinotage and Chorus.

I enjoyed this wine in stinking hot Vancouver heat with sausages on the BBQ and a light potato salad. This was one of those nights loafing on the patio while watching my beautiful wife water the flowers. Doesn't get much better than this. Well...maybe if The Dead Weather was playing. - HC

Francis Ford Coppola 2006 Claret - 89 pts

Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Series 2006 Claret - Black Label (Napa Valley) USA

Decanted: 1 hour

Cost: $30 (BC Liquor Stores)

Tasting Notes: The FFC Claret is fine new world Meritage blend made to make the drinker think of a fine old world Bordeaux. The winemaker does this admirably. This is one tasty red blend of %79 Cab Sauv, %9 Petit Verdot, %7 Melot, %3 Malbec and %2 Cab Franc.

This wine is a fine sipper on its own, but is best appreciated with food. The very strong tannins will help prepare your pallet for the next bite of any bold flavoured red meat dish. Yum. - LC

Fuzion 2008 Shiraz/Malbec - 84pts

Fuzion 2008 Shiraz/Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Decanted: 1/2 hrs

Cost: $8.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Tasting Notes: I decanted this bottle for 30 minutes but ended up drinking the bottle over a few days using the convenience of the screw-top enclosure. The wine improved on day two: much smoother finish on the second day. I recommend decanting this wine for 2 + hrs if you will be consuming it in one evening.

The first tasting had a bit of a tough finish and the balance was a bit acidic but you get the nice body from the Shiraz and fruit flavours from the Malbec. Inky black/red in colour, this wine offers amazing value for dollar with proper decanting.
 - Liam Carrier

Baron Philippe De Rothschild 2007 Pinot Noir - 82 pts

Baron Philippe De Rothschild 2007 Pinot Noir - Vin de Pays D'Oc (Languedoc Rousillo) France

Decanted: 1/2 hrs

Cost: $14 (BC Liquor Stores)

Tasting Notes: BPDR produces an amazing amount of drinkable wines. The Vin de Pays D'Oc brand is no exception, but it is far from exceptional. This red wine is tasty but has none of the unique Pinot characteristics I was hoping for. The colour is dark red/purple and could be mistaken for any red table wine. The nose has discernible fruit notes of black cherry but lacks complexity. A saving grace is a decent, fresh finish with silky tannins.

I'm searching for my favourite Pinot Noir under $15 and this isn't it. However, it is very drinkable and pleasant enough so don't turn it down if you are offered a glass. - LC

Saxenburg 2006 Guinea Fowl - 87pts

Saxenburg 2005 Guinea Fowl (Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Decanted: 1 hr

Cost: $18.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Tasting Notes: A lovely blend of 48% Merlot, 28% Shiraz and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon from South African producer Saxenburg. A full flavoured wine like a good Bordeaux, but the peppery Shiraz shines through. Decanted for an hour however, its complexity changed in the glass with further exposure.

Dark purple/red colour with intense smoke, leather and chocolate aromas. Black fruits, pepper and smoked meats on the palate. Intense tannins don't counter the long and satisfying finish.

This wine will pair nicely with game and red meats. A very good bargain at $18.99. - LC