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Victoria Wine Society Volume 18 Issue 5 November 2009

“The BC Challenge”

Dear Wine Enthusiast:
The next Victoria Wine Society event is a throw back to the wine festival with a head to head blind tasting of BC’s best against their International peers in a boardroom format. Cheeses from Ottavio and breads from Bond Bonds to accompany, hope to see you there.

The line up; TBC

Event: BC Challenge blind tasting
Date: Monday, Nov 30
Speaker: Panel; TBC
Location: Ambrosia Event Centre, 638 Fisgard St.
Time: The tasting commences at 7PM
Price: $30 members & $40 non-members

*Please refrain from wearing strong cologne or perfume at the tasting!

To register for the tasting, payment must be received in advance to reserve a space and there will be no exceptions, availability is limited. For membership renewals and tasting fees drop by BC Wineguys 2579 Cadboro Bay Road, call 592.8466 or Cook St. Village Liquor Store 109 – 230 Cook Street, call 995.2665.

March – Finale tasting

April – 3 Decades of Chateau Beaucastel lead by Thomas Perrin plus a reception style event to follow at Brasserie L’ecole

Sept 2009
Hi everyone; there are lot’s of new products at both stores and a few events of note

Cadboro Bay Road;
Released over the last month;
- Averill Creek 2007 Pinot Gris & Provost
- Black Hills 2008 Alibi (Sauv Blanc)
- Lake Breeze 7 Poplars 2007 Chard, 06 Merlot & Pinot Noir
- Laughing Stock 2006 Portfolio
- Quinta Ferreira Mistura Branca, Syrah, Sauv Blanc, Rose and Unoaked Chard
- See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Chardonnay & Jimmy My Pal has been released
- Twisted Tree 2007 Six Vines, Syrah & 2008 Viognier Roussane

Glenn’s VQA pick of month; See Ya Later Ranch, aka Hawthorne Mt. Vineyards has always grown great fruit (white grapes) at one of the highest elevations in the Okanagan. The Chard and the Gris are both top examples of barrel fermented wines that retain lots of fresh acidity with a solid price/quality ratio. However the bargain hunter in me has come to love the value that Jimmy My Pal offers (a blend of the two aforementioned grapes and $4 cheaper). If you like a lush but still bright white with a hint of that Gris pepperiness on the finish, make sure to try this one.

Cook Street Village Liquor;
Released over the last month;
Beer;
- Phillips Ginger Ale (one time buy)
- Alhambra 1925 Cerveza Extra
- Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA is back in 6 packs
- Brooklyn Variety 12 Pack & Brooklyner-Schneider
- Brussels Apple Beer
- Coney Island Lager, Albino White Python & Human Blockhead
- Deschutes Mirror Pond Ale & Black Butte Porter
- Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA & India Brown Ale
- Lindeman’s Peche, Cassis, Kriek & Frambois Lambic Ales
- North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner
- Pike Tandem Double Ale
- Rogue Captain Sig’s Deadliest Ale
- Steam Whistle Pilsner
- Yukon Gold Ale
Wine wise;
- Blasted Church 2008 Rose
- Chateau de St. Cosme 2005 Gigondas
- Joie 2008 Noble Blend & Rose Magnums
- Kettle Valley 2006 McGraw Estate Merlot
- Paul Mas 2007 Montpellier
- Poplar Grove Merlot & Monster Vineyard Manmade White in a 3 Litre Box!
- Springfield Life from Stone 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Spirits;
- 3 Vodka (made from Soy beans!)
- An Cnoc 12 & Ardbeg 10 Islay single malts, Springbank 10 Campbeltown
- Quintessential Warrington Dry Gin
Arriving soon;
- Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
- Half Pints Little Scrapper IPA & Sweet Nikki Brown
- Schramm Potato Vodka from Pemberton, BC

Glenn’s other pick; d’Arenberg Hermit Crab is a Viognier Marsanne blend that has just flipped to the 2007 vintage and received 90 points wine spectator. It has all the pretty characteristics of the Viognier but the Marsanne adds a nutty, earthy richness that makes the wine special. It’s packed with flavour and a great value at $24.

Events;
The next Victoria Wine Society tasting offers 10 Pinot Noirs from around the world on Monday, September 28th at Ambrosia Event Centre. Tickets are $40 for members and $50 non-members. Call BCWineguys VQA Store at 592.8466 or Cook St. Village Liquor at 995.2665.

Yes it’s that time of year when Feast of Fields tickets start evaporating but there are still some left at both stores. It is slated for 1pm on Sunday, September 20th at Providence Farm in Duncan.

On Thursday September 24th starting at 5pm the merchants of Willows Centre will be having a grand opening with bites and libations for donations to the Willows School Heritage Fund. BCWineguys will be pouring over 20 new wines, Slater’s Meats will be manning the BBQ and Bistro 28 has some taste treats you won’t want to miss. It’s a synergy of flavours that we hope will become an annual event.

See you at Beerfest! Glenn

Hello from the gals at BC Wineguys!

Welcome and thank you for perusing the August edition of the BC Wineguys newsletter. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please reply and we will kindly take you off of our mailing list.

SATURDAY TASTINGS
Held at the BC Wineguys store at 2579 Cadboro Bay Rd, from 2pm - 4pm.
The tastings are complimentary and are drop in, no purchase necessary.

UPCOMING IN STORE TASTINGS

August 1 - Twisted Tree Viognier/Rousanne, Syrah and Six Vine
August 8 – Quinta Ferreira Estate Vineyard
August 15 – Garry Oak Vineyards
August 22 – Bubble-tastic!
August 28 – Sticky wines

STAFF PICKS FOR AUGUST
Ame’s Picks – During these hot summer months, white wine seems to be the sensible choice but, my choice still remains red. Although, I have gone from heavy reds to lighter reds so that some lighter fair such as Salmon and chicken can be enjoyed as well. The Mt Boucherie 2008 Gamay is a must try. Light, fresh and fruity. You can even chill this one down a touch just to keep things cool.

We usually start with a glass of white before the meal and my choice right now is the Quail’s Gate 2008 Gewurztraminer. This aromatic little number is sure to please with loads of Alsatian charm. Just off dry with good acidity for freshness.

Lesley’s Picks. -so many new whites to get amongst it’s makin’ my head spin. However, I’m one smitten kitten when it comes to the Road 13 old vines Chenin. Loads of tropical fruit yet so clean and crisp. Word on the street is there’s a sparkling version that I’d love to get my paws on. The St. Hubertus rose is a killer l’il patio vino with strawberry n’ cherry fruits and a refreshing hit of effervescence. And as far as reds go the Sandhill Gamay seems to be my wine of choice. It’s got a l’il more backbone and ripe juicy black cherry fruit to accompany it that seems to agree with a lot of the lighter dishes that hit our table this time of year. Deelish!

LOCAL EVENTS

- Grape and Graze, August 1st - Come and sip, nosh and savour your favorite tastes under the warm summer sun.
A $25.00 ticket will include 6 tastings. Additional tastings will be available, 3 for $10.00. For more info call 250-656-3616
- Symphony Splash, August 2nd – Pre-concert entertainment starting at 4pm. For more info call 250-385-9771
- North Saanich flavour Trail , August 22nd and 23rd - Hands on Activities at farms wineries and nurseries, showcasing North Saanich food production. For more information visit www.NorthSaanich.ca

In Search of New Eats….check out “Lucy’s in the Square”. Located at 1296 Gladstone Ave. Fernwood Square.
“Bistro 28” is now open at 2583 Cadboro Bay Rd. in Willows Centre
Edward Tuson’s “The Edge” at 6688 Sooke Rd. www.edgerestaurant.ca
“Veneto” is now open in the Rialto Hotel at 1450 Douglas St.
Open Monday thru Sunday 4pm to 1am

IN STORE DRAWFor the month of August our in store draw is for another wine basket. The basket includes a bottle of Arrowleaf Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, 2 wine glasses, and Mya’s Crunch Chocolate.
The draw date is Friday September 4, 2009. No purchase necessary. Good Luck!

LIMITED RELEASES
Cedar Creek 2006 Estate Merlot
Quinta Ferreira Sauvignon Blanc, Mistura Blanca, and Rose
Garry Oak Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir
Twisted Tree Viognier/Rousanne, Syrah, and Six Vines
Averill Creek Pinot Gris and there Marchal Foch red blend

SOON TO ARRIVE AT THE SHOP:D’Angelo 2005 Setta Coppa
Dirty Laundry Woo Woo Gewurztraminer

Once again, thank you for joining us for our monthly newsletter. We look forward to seeing you in the store. Stop in for friendly and knowledgeable wine advice. We love pairing food and wine and would love to talk to you about your upcoming events. We would be happy to help you out by pairing up a particular menu for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, retirement or any other special occasion. With the purchase of wine from our store, we can offer you the use of our glassware. We can also chill and deliver the product on the day of your event. No additional charge for any of these services.

Cheers, From the gals at BC Wineguys

Hi everyone; here are the in and outs for the month

Cadboro Bay Road;

Released over the last month;

- D’Angelo Pinot Noir, Merlot Cabernet, Sette Coppa & Tempranillo

- Gary Oaks Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir & Fetish

- Red Rooster Reserve Merlot

- Vista D’Oro port style wine

Glenn’s VQA pick of month; hands down the Quails’ Gate 2007 Family Reserve Chardonnay. The complexity, richness and balance are a benchmark on an international scale.

Cook Street Village Liquor;

Released over the last month;

Beer;

- Phillips Showcase 12pack mixer

- Central City Red Racer Lager

- North Coast Acme IPA, Pale Ale & Old #38 Stout

- Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA is back

- St. Peter’s Organic English Ale

Wine wise;

- Monseran Old Vine Garnacha

- Kettle Valley Pinot Noir

- Dragonfly Hill Vineyards Ortega, Cabernet Merlot & Bumble Berry dessert wine

- Mad Housewife Chardonnay

- Redtree Petite Sirah

- Prosecco Colli Trevignani – Sachetto

- Gazela Rose

- Mulderbosch Sauv Blanc

- Middle of Everywhere Shiraz

- Nazares – Tempranillo is back!

- Blasted Church Dam Flood is also back

Spirits;

- Limoncello – Materdomini

- Bruichladdich - Waves

Arriving soon;

- Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

- Phillips Raspberry Wheat & 12 pack mixed case

- Campo Alto 2003 Rioja Crianza

Glenn’s other pick; d’Arenberg Derelict Vineyard Grenache, I took it to a BBQ and didn’t take notes but it was full throttle Aussie goodness in a glass. It is a Liberty exclusive.

The next Victoria Wine Society tasting is the annual Champagne event at Brasserie L’ecole on Sunday, July 12th at 3pm. Tickets are $60 for members and $70 non-members. SOLD OUT!

Victoria Wine Society Volume 18 Issue 2 July 2009

“Champagne”

Dear Wine Enthusiast:
The next Victoria Wine Society event is the annual summer Champagne tasting, which includes food accompaniments from Chef Sean Brennan. Tickets are limited for this popular tasting and please note that it takes place on Sunday afternoon at 3pm.

*Please refrain from wearing strong cologne or perfume at the tasting!

The line up;

• Mumm, Napa Valley $26.00 Reception
• Montaudon Brut Champagne $49.99
• Ca’ del Bosca, Franciacorta, Italy $54.00
• Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose $69.99
• Taittinger Prelude Grand Cru Brut $69.99
• Henry Billiot Fils Brut 2002 $84.99
• Duval Leroy - Femme 1996 $99.99

Event: Champagne
Date: Sunday, July 12 at 3PM
Speaker: None
Location: Brasserie L’ecole, Government St.
Time: The tasting commences at 3PM
Price: $60 members & $70 non-members

To register for the tasting, payment must be received in advance to reserve a space and there will be no exceptions, availability is limited. For membership renewals and tasting fees drop by BC Wineguys 2579 Cadboro Bay Road, call 592.8466 or Cook St. Village Liquor Store 109 – 230 Cook Street, call 995.2665.

Sept – TBC
Oct – Bordeaux
Nov – BC Challenge blind tasting
March – Finale tasting & social featuring wines of the Cotes du Rhone

Hi everyone; it’s all about product this time of year so I’ll get straight to it.

Cadboro Bay Road;

Released over the last month;

- Calona Vineyards 2008 Pinot Gris

- Desert Hill Gamay Noir & Mirage

- Road 13 2008 Old Vines Chenin – delicious!

- Gray Monk 2008 Ehrenfelser & Kerner Late Harvest

- Hester Creek 2008 Pinot Gris

- See Ya Later Ranch Nelly Rose & Semillon

- Prospect Winery 2007 Fats Johnson Pinot noir

- New vintages of Tinhorn

- Stoneboat Nebbia

Glenn’s VQA pick of month; if you are looking for a richer style Rose that is just off dry, the Nelly is lip smacking juicy and a first time release. For full on big tropical fruit combined with crunchy acidity, don’t miss the Road 13 OV Chenin. From 30 year old vines, this wine packs a punch and is very limited in quantity so don’t miss it.

Cook Street Village Liquor;

Released over the last month;

Beer;

- Phillips ESB Accusation Ale

- Central City Red Racer IPA

- Fuller’s Organic Honey Dew Ale (sooo good)

- Nelson Wild Honey Ale & Organic Ale

- Weston’s Organic Cider

- Tin Whistle Peaches & Cream, Chocolate Cherry Porter

- Mill Street Organic Lager & Coffee Porter is back

Wine wise;

- d’Arenberg Derelict Grenache

- Innocent Bystander Moscato

- Chakana Sauvignon Blanc

- Alasia Dolcetto

- Some Young Punks “Drink & Stick” Mataro Shiraz

- Sea Cider Cyser (Mead like dessert) & Wild English (Dry)

- Quady Vya Sweet & Extra Dry Vermouth

- Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz

Spirits;

- Ileach Cask Strength Scotch Whiskey, Skye

- Buffalo Trace Bourbon

- Red Breast 12 year old Irish Whiskey

- Aha Toro Anejo Tequila (aged 2 years in Jack Daniel’s barrels)

- Grappa di Moscato (serve chilled)

Arriving soon;

- Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

- Innis & Gunn Canadian Barrel

- Rogue Kell’s & Smoke Ale

- Monseran Old Vine Garnacha

- Innis & Gunn Canadian Cask

- Phillips Raspberry Wheat & 12 pack mixed case

- Campo Alto 2003 Rioja Crianza

Glenn’s other pick; Chateau de Trignon 2005 Gigondas, which I tasted with the staff after some new world wines. So much complexity in the nose & depth of flavour it spun heads, decant if you can plus throw a few in the cellar.

The next Victoria Wine Society tasting is the annual Champagne event at Brasserie L’ecole on Sunday, July 12th at 3pm. Tickets are $60 for members and $70 non-members. Tickets are available at both stores and are already selling for this afternoon of fizz & good eats. The lineup has been selected and I will send it out in a separate notice.

May 2009
Hi everyone; lot’s of new products landing at both stores, a new place to eat in Oak Bay and a couple events are detailed in this notice.

Cadboro Bay Road; the restaurant next door has been leased and we are looking forward to the opening of Bistro 28 in June. Sam Chalmers is the Chef / Owner, formerly at Bon Rouge and the Superior with his formal training at the Dubrulle Institute in Vancouver. The booths have been ripped out and the bar will be expanded to 8 seats. He’s been buying a lot of wine from us to try and the small plates menu I saw looked tasty, so a comfortable little hangout with many wines by the glass is what to expect.

Released over the last month;
-    Black Hills 2007 Nota Bene
-    Cedar Creek 2008 Ehrenfelser, Dry Riesling & Gewürztraminer
-    Dirty Laundry 2007 Cabernet Merlot
-    Gehringer Brothers Dry Rock 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
-    Herder 2008 Pinot Gris
-    Lake Breeze 2008 Pinot Blanc
-    Monster Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer, Manmade White
-    Nk Mip 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon & Pinot Noir
-    Poplar Grove 2005 Legacy & 2007 Chardonnay
-    Quails’ Gate 2008 Gewurzt, Chasselas & Rose, Family Reserve 07 Chard & 06 Pinot Noir
-    Road 13 2008 Old Vine Chenin Blanc
-    See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Rose & 2007 Semillon
-    Township 7 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Glenn’s VQA pick of month; consistently the black label Jackson Triggs Sauvignon Blanc is one of the top selling wines out of the store and yet the Grand Reserve (copper label) gets little attention. It is still unoaked, the best lots of fruit and perennial medal winner at the Okanagan festival. The current vintage is 2006 displaying candied lemon aromas with a hint of cut grass that is super lush on the palate and long on the finish, all for $19.

Cook Street Village Liquor; it continues to be awkward getting into our wonderful “paid parking lot” during the day with an active construction site just meters away but by the end of summer our little nightmare should be a dream location.  We are trying to sort out a handful of things with the landlord so bear with us on this issue and bring a quarter for the meter, tear off the bottom and get your two bits back.  Though bells and whistles like the Ode to Lorraine continue to roll in my focus at the wine festival was value under $30 and I was pleasantly surprised by many, please see the list below.

Released over the last month;
Beer;
-    Phillips Double Barrel Scotch Ale is going fast, Wheat King this week
-    Driftwood just released the Crooked Coast Amber Ale, Blackstone Porter is gone
-    Lighthouse released Riptide Pale Ale
-    Hebrew Genesis Pale Ale & Messiah Bold Brown (yes they are Kosher!)
-    Coopers Premium Lager & Best Extra Stout (a taste of Oz)
-    Tin Whistle Killer Bee Dark Honey
-    Saison Dupont is back in stock
-    Pike IPA, Kilt Lifter & Naughty Nellie

Wine wise;
-    Alasia Sorlaria Roero Arneis (super plush white from Piedmont)
-    Apollonio Squinzano (braise me some meat)
-    Azul Portugal Ribatejo Tinto (a big plush mouthful for under $20)
-    Castilla Aruspide Trio (another value red from Spain)
-    Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir (what can I say except these guys make great wine)
-    Elderton Ode to Lorraine CSM (95 pts wine spectator, Liberty exclusive)
-    Elephant Island Cherry & Pink Elephant (BC’s top fruit wine producer)
-    Espelt, 2 whites & 3 reds (all killer values from Spain)
-    Good Hope Old Vine Chenin (it’s smack you in the face good)
-    Gres Saint Paul Libertine Dry Muscat (fragrant, juicy & crisp)
-    Kettle Valley 2005 Reserve Adra Station Chardonnay (toasty & rich)
-    Mad Housewife Cabernet Sauvignon (good wine & great packaging)
-    Paul Mas Grenache (session wine)
-    Poplar Grove 2005 Merlot & 2007 Monster Merlot (my top BC picks)
-    Sokol Blosser Meditrina (juicy big red from Oregon)
-    Spy Valley Riesling (not just great Sauv Blanc)
-    Taittinger Prelude Grand Cru (it’s the bomb)
-    The Velvet Devil Merlot (Washington power)
-    Trivento Reserve Syrah (big Argentinean for under $15)
-    Vitoria ECCO Organic (Rioja value)
-    Oh and we have some Nota Bene as well…

Arriving soon;
-    Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
-    Innocent Bystander Moscato
-    Chakana Sauvignon Blanc
-    Alasia Dolcetto
-    Some Young Punks “Drink & Stick” Mataro Shiraz

The next Victoria Wine Society tasting, Australian Shiraz & blends is less than 2 weeks away on May 25th and there are still some seats left.  I will pop out the event notice complete with line up very shortly.

Don’t miss “Defending Our Back Yard” on Sunday May 31st at Fort Rod Hill. It’s a Feast of Fields style of event produced by the Island Chef’s Collaborative with tickets available at both of our stores, $45 adult, $25 youth (9 to 15) and $99 for a family (2 adults & 2 youth), under 8 is free. Checkout http://www.iccbc.ca/public/events/newpage.html for more information.

Please take the time to read through this poster. Such a great event and for a cause dear to our hearts!

Welcome to the 4th edition of the BC Wineguys newsletter. Spring has apparently

 sprung and April is jam packed full of local events.

SATURDAY TASTINGS

Held at the BC Wineguys store at 2579 Cadboro Bay Rd, from 2pm - 4pm.
The tastings are complimentary and are drop in, no purchase necessary.

UPCOMING IN STORE TASTINGS

April 4 – spring releases for April Fools
April 11- wines for Easter dinner
April 18- Cabernet Franc
April 25- “I’ve been in the garden all day” vino

Staff Monthly Faves………

Ame is lovin’ the Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Noir…it is great to see a good wine reduced by a sizable margin. Regular $29.99 on sale for $21.99. Enjoy this one with veal or pork tenderloin!
If you like big red wines, then the 2004 Jackson Triggs Sunrock Vineyards Shiraz is a must try. This amazing red wine does not come from the best vintage but, you wouldn’t think so after trying this monster, $35.00!

Lesley hearts the 06’ Innisikillin Discovery Series Chenin Blanc. This well balanced l’il beauty had a cornucopia of delicious fruits and a crisp snap of a finish. All for $15.  (It was reduced by $2.)  Hands down the 2006 Arrowleaf Zweigelt is one to try. This cooler climate, Austrian varietal is soft n’ juicy and ready to take you straight from a casual glass to one burgertastic evening! $18

LOCAL EVENTS

April 13 -The First Annual Wine Island Vintners Tasting. The event will be held Easter Monday, April 13,2009 at the Laurel Point. Tickets are $20. For further info go to www.wineislands.ca

April 14-18 - Quebec Week at Ottavio’sThe focus is Quebec and and rest assured Ottavio’s will represent in both the deli and café. Get amongst the delicious maple syrup, cheese and Ottavio’s own poutine with hand cut fries.

April 18 - Qualicum Beach Wine FestivalTickets are $25. This event is held at the Civic Center. For more info call 250-738-0140

April 22- Poplar Grove Winemakers Dinner Tickets are $125. For more information or tickets contact the 6 Mile Liquor Store 250-391-4458.

April 23- Naramata Bench Wineries Spring Release & Wine AuctionTickets are $59- and will be held at The Inn at Laurel Point from 6-8:30 p.m. For more information or tickets call 1-800-663-1900 or www.naramatabench.com

April 25 -The Big Cheese Cut @ Ottavio’s. The annual cheese rolling at its finest.

April 25 – Organic Salad Workshopjoin Bryron Cook, Head Gardner, Sooke Harbour House. $30 pp or $60 including a 3 course lunch. For more information call 250-642-3421 or go to www.sookeharbourhouse.com

IN STORE DRAW
We are drawing for our Easter Basket on Thursday April 9/09. The lucky winner will be notified by telephone or e-mail. Good Luck!
For the remaining days of April and all of May there will be an in store draw for a Prospect Winery Basket which will include His and Her T-shirts, Prospect Pinot Grigio, Prospect Shiraz and glasses!

LIMITED RELEASES
2008 Aromatic whites are starting to roll in; Quail’s Gate Chasselas/ Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris and the Prospect Winery Devil’s Lair Pinot Grigio.
2007 Thornhaven Pinot Gris