Tuesday, June 8th: Participated in two webinar tastings – one for Alsace and one for Austria. Along with other wine writers around the world I had been sent samples in small bottles. (I was unable to taste everything in the two-day sessions but will review other wines in subsequent blog entries.)
Bott Frères wines
Little Engine wines
Little Engine is a small winery in Penticton, BC, owned by Steven French and his wife, Nicole. They’re located at the southern entrance of the Naramata Bench. Their winemaker is Scott Robinson. (See https://www.littleenginewines.com/) Continue reading
Township 7 Reserve 7 2018
Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby-purple in colour; cedary, savoury, black fruits on the nose with a light floral note; medium-bodied, dry, earthy, black plum and dark chocolate flavours. (90) Continue reading
Empress 1908 gin
Friday, May 14th: I participated in a Zoom tasting of Empress 1908, a gin inspired by the Empress Hotel on Vancouver Island, famous for its afternoon teas. Now, I am not a gin drinker and usually not fond of this spirit – but this was unique. Indigo blue in colour, it was distilled in Sydney, BC, and launched in 2017 to highlight the hotel’s tea, Blue Suede Shoes. The colour comes from the Butterfly Pea flower native to Thailand. Apart from juniper, the other botanicals used are Empress black and white teas, dried grapefruit, coriander, cinnamon and ginger. Continue reading
A trio of Albariños
Abellio Albariño 2019 (Rias Baixas)
Bright, pale straw in colour; minerally, spicy apricot pit nose with citrus notes; medium-bodied, dry, peach and lemon flavours with a hint of lychee; elegant with fresh acidity, (90)
La Caña Albariño 2020 (Rias Baixas)
Straw yellow in colour; lightly minerally, peachy-lemon nose; medium-bodied, dry, richly extracted white peach and grapefruit flavours carried on lively acidity; lovely mouth-feel and great balance. (91)
Paco y Lola Albariño 2020 (Rias Baixas)
Pale straw colour; minerally nose of green plum and fresh herbs with a floral top note; medium-bodied, dry, lively acidity with lemon, grapefruit and green plum flavours. Long mouth-watering finish. (91) Continue reading
 | Frank Fraser on A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 759… |
 | Bob Josefchak on A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 749… |
 | Michael Scott on Wine of the Week for January 2… |
 | Cynthia & David… on A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 749… |
 | Dale on A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 746… |
