Season's Greetings!
As the Christmas season comes charging at us, who are not ready for it, we grin
and bear it, and, in spite of all that there is to do, we make it to New Years.
Here are some recent arrivals that make everything worth the effort when all is
said and done:
Henry of Pelham Dry Riesling, from Ontario. This varietal captures a
delicate balance of fruit, floral scents and vital acidity that lingers into
citrus flavors. Fresh and elegant. Remember this one for Christmas dinner. About
$13. www.henryofpelham.com
Miguel Torres Santa Digna '02 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. Clear ruby
color with the spice, licorice and black currant aromas that are characteristic
of cabernet sauvignon. Has a firm backbone with smooth tightly knit fruit and
tannins, and a long elegant aftertaste. Gold medal winner at the Calgary Rocky
Mountain Wine and Food show this fall. Excellent with all meats, especially game
and bbq, or grilled meats. Will continue to improve for the next 4-6 years.
Under $14. Also, the Merlot is finally back. Last year it took Alberta by
storm--a years allotment was gone in three weeks. www.torres.es
Obikwa Shiraz '02 from South Africa. Lively ruby-red with aromas of red
berries and spices. Medium-bodied; well balanced. Can be enjoyed with red meat
dishes, Italian dishes or antipastpo. Will benefit aerating in a decanter. About
$9.
Annie's Lane Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot '99 from South Australia. Shows
great depth of fruit character--rich berry flavors, great length and finely
balanced tannins. Full-bodied. Will improve over the next 4-6 years. I ordered
in what I thought would be enough for the Christmas season, but it was gone in
two and a half weeks! More is coming on Dec 18. This is a winner, and one you
should not pass up. I never used to like cabernet sauvignon/merlot until I
tasted this one. About $19.
It has a sibling--Annie's Lane Shiraz '00. I tasted this one in Australia
and just loved it. I've been waiting for it an agent to import it for many
years, and it's finally here. Displays intense black currant and spices with
integrated smoky oak and a rich soft mulberry palate. Fine tannins contribute to
a balanced finish. Aged in oak for 18 months. Gold medal winner at the '02 Royal
Brisbane Wine Show in Queensland. About $19. A keeper, although it's now ready
to drink.
Burrowing Owl Merlot--sad to say that this is out of stock until the new
vintage is available in May or June. I can't believe how much demand there
was/is for this BC wine.
Guigal Chateau Neuf de Pape 2000--Just arrived in time for the Christmas
season. No tasting notes yet.
Cimicky Merlot 2000--Just arrived in time for the Christmas season.
I've just run out of it, but if you can find some 2001 Cookathama Cabernet
Sauvignon/Merlot, grab some. I sell it at under $13, but it is an absolutely
superb value! It has won fistfuls of medals at wine shows around the world. I
hope to get some more in the next week or two. I just hope it's the 2001
vintage.
Coming soon:
1. Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz. I know they must have made this wine for
me! It's so good! I tasted it at an International Cellars portfolio tasting in
September, and was led to believe that it probably wouldn't be available here
for at least a year. Comes in cases of 6, and will sell for under $24. Should be
here Tuesday afternoon.
2. Peter Lehmann Late Harvest Riesling--perfect for Christmas. Don't know
the price yet.
May be here Tuesday afternoon.
The '99 Peter Lehmann Mentor has just arrived. Three are spoken for which
leaves three for first come, first served.
Beer lovers, with high cholesterol levels: Just arrived--Labatt Sterling,
and Sleeman Clear. Both are low carbohydrate beers with only 2.5g of
carbohydrates, 1/4 of what regular beers have (11-17g). The average cooler has
30 - 35 g carbohydrates while light beer has 6-9 g carbohydrates. They're also
4% and have 1/3 the Calorie content of regular beer (88 Cal. vs 120 Cal.). Know
what the bonus is? They are full-bodied and taste like real beer!
Need to select a wine for Christmas?
With turkey, most wines will match reasonably well, but the following are
better than average: Gewurtztraminer, a blend of Marsanne, Rousanne & Viognier,
or Australian Verdelho. (I missed the boat on this one, and haven't any
Verdelhos in stock yet, but some may be available on Wed. Dec 23.
For reds, go with Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Merlot, a light Cote du Rhone, or a
medium bodied Shiraz.
My best suggestion--start with champagne or a sparkling wine, like Seaview
Sparkling Shiraz.
Having ham? Same as the above, but a touch sweeter for white wines.
Have a great Christmas--but don't drink and drive! Call a cab.
Also, remember, life is too short to drink poor but not necessarily cheap
wine.
Al from the Beer Box
York Hotel
101 St. & 101 Ave.
Grande Prairie, AB 532 5945, or 532 1511 ext. 305. Fax: 532 0617
WE GIVE A SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR WINE CLUB TASTINGS. CALL ME FOR DETAILS.
