Report from ... A Tasting of British Columbia Wines - April 30, 2012

Terroir Wine and Spirits came by to visit with the members of the Wine Writers`Circle of Canada for a sampling of the BC wines they are bringing into the province.  These Ontario born and bred boys (Alex Pyne & Jamie Crain) fell in love with "the competition" while visiting the West Coast about 4 years ago - they started their passion project agency in 2008 to promote the wines they fell in love with.  They say they have been called traitors on occasion, for bringing in the wines of BC - but as the LCBO shows us time and time again, there is always room for wines other than Ontario-made here in the province.  The focus of Terroir Wine and Spirits is boutique wineries of the Pacific Rim - mainly BC (they represent 35 wineries) - plus 6 Washington, 3 Oregon, and 1 California.  Most of their wines are available through private order and restaurants, though some have made it onto the shelves of the liquor monopoly of this province (approximately 15-20% of what they bring in are available thru vintages outlets).  Below is a list of some of their wines and some notes and scores about each ... I have to say that that majority of the reds were wonderful, while the whites ... well, let`s just say that Ontario still has a leg up on our West Coast counter-parts in that department.  You'll also notice that the prices once they get into our province isn`t cheap (must the currency exchange that makes them cost more ... yeah, that's it)

Blackwood Lane ...
2008 Vicuna Roja ($47.95) ... red cherry, hint of dark chocolate, red currant and cassis, red licorice, touch of anise; nice plummy finish (****+)

Cassini Maximus

Cassini Cellars ...
2009 Maximus ($47.95) ... lots of fruit, cherry and strawberry, lovely big fruited good tannin balance with decent acidity, bittersweet chocolate, peppery notes that compliment the complexity of the fruit - lots of chalkiness (**** 1/2)
2009 Collector's Series Syrah ($47.95) ... lovely sweet fruit notes, blackberry, touch of milk chocolate, raspberry jam, cherry and anise notes (****)

Aces Wine ...
2009 Seven Deuce ($27.95) ... juicy, plummy, black cherry, cassis, nice peppery notes (****)
2007 Pocket Kings ($39.95) ... black cherry, smoky vanilla, smoked meat spice, hint of white pepper and touch of chocolate (*** 1/2)

Moon Curser Winery (formerly Twisted Tree) ...
2009 Dead of Night ($44.95) ... Tannat-Syrah blend - chocolate nose, chocolate and licorice on the palate, deep dark black cherry and lovely spice and white pepper on the finish; just a lovely smooth and delicious wine (**** 1/2)

Moon Curser Merlot

2009 Merlot ($44.95) ... this is just lovely and chocolatey, dark fruited with juicy deliciousness and a hint of pepper (**** 1/2)
2009 Border Vines ($44.95) ... alcohol is noticeable, but there is an element of chocolate; big spice but still smooth over the palate; a nice silkiness (*** 1/2+)

Mt. Boucherie ...
2010 Pinot Gris ($21.95) ... grapefruit cocktail, with a hint of sweetness on the palate, the 14% alcohol keeps it from being delicate but it is tasty. (*** 1/2+)
2007 Summit Reserve Merlot ($29.95) ... juiciness of fruit and a bit of chalkiness; interesting wine with some depth (*** 1/2+)

Lulu Island Winery ...
2010 Meritage ($24.95) ... dark cherry, which follows nose to mouth, juicy cherry, though it seems to be almost a one note wonder with that fruit (*** 1/2)

Church & State ...
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($43.95) ... nice mouth feel, big tannins, acidity is okay, almost too woody, needs some time to see if everything will come into balance (*** 1/2)

Eau Vivre ...
2008 Pinot Noir ($24.95) ... juicy, cranberry, cherry, hints of strawberry with nice acidity (*** 1/2+)
2009 Cabernet Franc ($29.95) ... tobacco spice and black cherry, a little tough almost chewy, nice stony component to the finish (*** 1/2+)

Silkscarf ...
2011 Ensemble Blanc ($32.95) ... Gewurztraminer / Pinto Gris / Riesling - sweet floral notes, Gew is all over this. (***)
2008 Ensemble ($46.95) ... juicy and red cherry, simple yet pleasureable (***+)

Fort Berens ...
2009 Meritage ($49.95) ... silky smooth, cherry liqueur, cassis and kirsch (****)

Meyer - Reimer Pinot Noir

Meyer Family ...
2010 Chardonnay - McLean Creek Road Vineyard ($44.95) ... creamy, buttery, vanilla - very Chardonnay. (***)
2010 Chardonnay - Sonja Gaudet Tribute Series ($44.95) ... nicest of the Chardonnay tasted, some creaminess and supple of fruit and flavour; nice creamed vanilla and with a little limeade and meringue (*** 1/2+)
2010 Chardonnay - Okanagan Valley ($44.95) ... almost spritzy, minerally, apple and lemon notes (*** 1/2)
2010 Pinot Noir - McLean Creek Road Vineyard ($59.95) ... floral, sweet cranberry, cherry, nice acidity (****)
2010 Pinot Noir - Reimer Vineyard ($59.95) ... intense cinnamon and vanilla, spice and cherry, lovely acid balance, good dark fruit with elegance, finesse of fruit and a great finish. (****+)

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