Jenni reviewed this wine:

I chose this week to try 2006 The Steading by Torobreck. Initially I was drawn in by its beautiful bottle. I’m not talking about the label, but the shape itself (I really do think there is something to be said about producers caring about what they are presenting their product in). Should you be like myself where you find it very important to know all about the products you are consuming, where it came from, the story behind it, and all of those fun facts you can find lots of information on their website, please take a look! Now a little about the wine itself…. I absolutely recommend decanting as this bottle does contain sediment. In what seems like almost a tribute to the beauty of a wine with a bit of grit, the wine itself is a little on the dusty looking side, deep and amethyst in color. Its nose resonates like a perfectly aged port while also offering whiffs of clove and earthiness. Best of all… let’s taste. This wine is beautiful, with or without food, in my opinion this is a quality of greatness (versatility=greatness). It has luscious plum flavor that immediately hits the back of the throat, almost a bit gritty in mouth feel (but not confusing with actual grittiness, granted that it is filtered or decanted you shouldn’t encounter grit), and both smoky and earthy, a touch of flint. This vino comes with very soft and silky tannins and a perfectly balanced acidity. It puts the picture of sitting around an outdoor fire, watching the sunset and sipping away and listening to a good memory being retold. This wine retails at just under $40.00 in our local wine store and is worth every penny. Torbreck Barossa Valley 2006 Cheers Jenni

Jenni reviewed this wine:

2005 Forgotten Field- A Portuguese Delight I’m not sure when I picked up this particular bottle but as per my usual trips to my local I was probably just wanting to try something new. 2005 Forgotten Field Cabernet Sauvignon, Aragonez & Touriga Nacional Sometimes I’ll take a peek at the back to see what “they” have to say about what I should taste but instead I dove right in. Immediate Vanilla notes danced on my nose. I was entranced by its dazzling array of flavors which included but certainly are not exclusive to dirt, tobacco, ripe blackberries and very soft tannins. This lovely vino has great balance, structure and general likeability. A great way to be enjoying a couple indigenous varietals from the beautiful Portugal! With these particular indigenous grapes I get a sense of pride in my purchase. Aragonez is comparable to one of my favorite Italian grapes Tempranillo; which is big and juicy in flavor and well composed but serious tannins. And the noble Touriga Nacional (once considered to be the noblest grape in Portugal, or possibly world wide) which gives this blend its complexity and structure (this variety is one of the secrets behind the greatness of Vintage Port). An easily likeable and approachable blend, I suggest trying a bottle. Would par well with Pork, meaty White Fish (Halibut, Sea Bass, Basa), well-marbled Beef, or a Rotisserie Chicken. Give it a try… Delish!

Jenni reviewed this wine:

A Taste of the Greek When I was little girl I remember watching Disney’s “Fantasia”. I have always had a permanent picture in my mind of Greeks being associated with Wine, Togas, and Pegasus…. Mostly the wine bit though. I’m in pursuit to find a wine and show that not all Greeks are created equal, as in…. do not always expect a Wine from Greece to be a Retsina. (Many people stray from the Greek section of wine stores because of the notion that Greek Wines smell and taste of Retsina …Think Pine Resin) Let’s talk Whites … I went for the 2011 Boutari, Moschofilero. This was an interesting pick and not what I expected initially from an “aromatic” varietal such as Moschofilero. It appeared fairly light in color and on first inspection of the nose not very aromatic at all. With my first sip I found that the wine had taken on notes of the cork itself, though not to be confused with this wine being actually “corked”. This wine absolutely needed some time to open up, but as it did it transformed into a beautiful, aromatic and cheerful vino. I found this wine to be at its best when paired with regional foods. A simple meal of Chicken Breast with a Salsa consisting of Roma Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Avocados, Garlic and Parmesan was absolutely delightful. Pairing with these foods allowed the Citrus and Earthy characteristics of the wine to become predominant. I would absolutely suggest 2 things for this jewel of a bottle of white 1) Let it breath and open up, many of the characteristics will show their true strength and colors within an hour of opening 2) Take a look at foods of the region to pair with. I might suggest Poultry, Lamb, White Fish, Rabbit, Firm and med-high strength Cheese, Herbs, Olive Oil, Zucchini, Eggplant & Tomatoes. Anticipate this wine to have floral and citrus notes, a balanced acidity and crisp finish. A beautiful Gem of a wine for under $20.00 retail. Cheers Jenni

Jenni reviewed this wine:

It’s raining, in Edmonton, in January…. I feel like this is more than enough said. What better day for a trip to the local wine store. On this particular trip I had the good fortune to stumble upon one of my favorite Varietals with a Decent Vintage. There it was, staring at me, a 2005 Domaine Marcel Deiss Pinot Gris from Alsace France … I haven’t tried this particular winery yet but am instantly transported to a world full of lees (dead yeast cells which are much tastier than they sound) apricot pie and whatever you might equate to sugar plum fairies dancing through my head. I knew then that this was the purchase to make for the day. I get home and decide that I should wait for a bit on this wine. Perhaps save it to share with a friend or maybe for a special occasion, only of course to realize later that there is really no time like the present to take in some tasting notes. I open the bottle, and for no systematic reason whatsoever, smell the inside of the neck. Perhaps waiting has heightened the anticipation of what this glorious vase shaped vessel has in store for me. I have a front row seat to the unveiling of this beautiful golden straw liquid of such lush viscosity as it coats the inside of my glass. I look, sniff and taste and I am not disappointed. It smells of a rich mix of dairy fields during a warm summer evening and fresh rows of apple blossoms. So why would I get so excited about this wine? What’s so special? Well, I’m big on structure, I like my wine to have body and be a memorable experience. Years ago when I was just starting out in my love of wine I wanted to find out about different varietals. What struck me about wines from the region of Alsace France was the word "petrol". Why on earth would anyone enjoy something with the smell of gasoline?! Upon further discovery the word "apricot, and warm pie" also came to light. YUM! I feel like the whole "petrol" thing derives more from this structure I so feverishly seek out. This particular white grape has phenomenal ageing potential, the older it gets, the stronger, more fragrant and bigger body it possesses. Alsatian Whites also have the ability to pair well with hard to pair foods.... Have a favorite Thai dish, order a Pinot Gris from Alsace. Need a quick fix to overly spiced Indian cuisine... yup you guessed it! Reflecting on this wine, absolutely worth a try! Price point around the $32.00 range and worth every penny. Much like Rain in January in Edmonton, unique and beautiful… it reminds you of why you love those moments… those “special finds” where you feel privy to know what treasure you’ve discovered. NOTE FROM THE WRITTER…… I absolutely suggest picking up a bottle yourself. Please do keep in mind that with this varietal you’re looking at a higher price point to get this experience. I’ve had times where I was a bit let down. Unfortunate to say, I’d stray from the Pierre Sparr (hate to say, but have to be honest), it’s flavor is closer to what you might expect from a Pinot Grigio from Italy, not what I’ve described above.