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Panel Wine Picks.
Our Wine Panel members thought it would be fun to uncork a few of their personal favourites, and tell you how they found it, and why they love it. Who knows? You might even find the perfect panel member to match your taste buds - and they can do the tasting for you!
July 01, 2011
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My New Zealand Pick - Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010, New Zealand
Please try this wine - you will love it! This is a cheeky Sauvignon Blanc that has all the great characteristics of a Sauvignon Blanc, but with a twist. It is fruity, well balanced, and soft on the pallet for a Sauvignon Blanc. This wine was hard to find in the past but now much more available to enjoy. This is great value for a great wine. Around $21.99. SKU #100594
 | Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
May 13, 2011
C. Amunategui's Pick
My Zinfandel PIck - Alderbrook Old Vines Zinfandel
Check out our guest panel member Charina's Zinfandel Pick. Thanks Charina!
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
May 01, 2011
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Zinfandel Pick - Cline Zinfandel 2008, US
Oh my gosh, if you haven't had this Zinfandel you do not know what you're missing! This wine is so full of smooth rich flavours and fresh cherry zip that it will knock your socks off! I have yet to recommend this wine to anyone that didn't love it. Truly unbelievable value at $19.99.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
April 01, 2011
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Pacific Northwest Pick - Blasted Church Chardonnay Musque 2009 VQA, Okanagan Valley
Winemaker Richard Kanazawa points to the Chardonnay Musque clone as the secret behind the aromatic tropical flavours and citrus notes of this uniquely complex, one of a kind wine. The mouthfeel is vibrant, with ripe fruit flavours, well balanced acidity, and a bright finish. Pairs well with West coast seafood, pan-Asian and East meets West dishes.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
April 01, 2011
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Pacific Northwest Pick - Columbia Crest Reserve Merlot 2007, Washington State
Columbia Crest has been a special winery to me for many years. I first enjoyed Columbia Crest Merlot back in the mid 90s, and it continues to be a staple in my wine collection. It is one of my favourites to serve to any and all types of guests to wow them with a great wine. The Reserve Merlot 2006 vintage received 90 points from the Wine Spectator magazine, so I guess they agree with me! The wine is .82.5% Merlot, 16.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, .8% Cabernet Franc (to be exact!).
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
March 31, 2011
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
My Pacific Northwest Pick - Col Solare Red Washington, US
Col Solare Red Table Wine 2007 Washington State, US SKU#586024 UPC#088586000171 Price $95.00 and up
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
March 03, 2011
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Great Cult Wine PIck - Frances Coppola Red Label Zinfandel, California
I love the Frances Coppola wines! This Zinfandel is spectacular and well worth trying. Check the specialty stores to find it as it is limited in availability in Canada. Priced around $29.99.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
March 02, 2011
George Piper's Pick
My Great Cult Wine PIck - Glaetzer Wines Amon Ra Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia
GLAETZER WINES Amon Ra Shiraz, Barossa Valley from the Glaetzer family is second to none. This is one of my favourite cult wines.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
March 01, 2011
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Great Cult Wine Pick - Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2004, Columbia Valley
I am a big fan of Washington State's Long shadows wines and this is m favourite Merlot. This winery is a joint project between wine visionary and former CEO of Chateau Ste. Michele Winery Allen Shoup and international wine consultant Michel Rolland, aka Mr. Merlot. Pedestal, a rich and elegant blend, is full-bodied with hot chocolate and cranberry aromas. It's 75% Merlot complemented by 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. The 2006 is available at Everything Wine - cellar and drink between 2013 and 2026.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
February 02, 2011
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Sparkling Pick - See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut Non-vintage, VQA, Okanagan Valley
This is my "house" bubble. It's a high quality sparkler made by the methode traditionale (bottle fermentation and aging) with an added touch of Riesling, raising it to a higher calibre. An excellent food wine, this crisp and clean bubbly can stand up to almost all Asian cuisines - Indian Tandoori, Thai curries, Japanese sushi, and deep-fried Chinese dishes. It's a good match with smoked salmon, shellfish, and difficult to match omelets and soups.
 | Rating: 4 (1 vote) |
February 01, 2011
George Piper's Pick
My Sparkling Pick - Shingleback
Enjoy this exciting and unique sparkling - Shingleback "Black Bubbles" Sparkling Shiraz from Australia is my pick for the month. Enjoy!
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
February 01, 2011
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Sparkling Pick - Emeri Pink Moscato, Australia
This is a fun sparkling that I really enjoyed when I tried it. It is on the sweeter side, but has a fun fruity flavour that won't disappoint. You can enjoy it on its own as a refreshing treat, an opener before dinner, or a with brunch. Only $16.99 SKU #588392
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
January 13, 2011
George Piper's Pick
My under $10 pick - Castillo de Monséran Garnacha, Cariñena, Aragon, Spain
Castillo de Monséran Garnacha, Cariñena, Aragon, Spain is a wonderful wine, and such quality under $10 can't be beat. UPC 197806
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
January 12, 2011
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Under $10 Pick - Finca Flichman Malbec 2008, Argentina
I love this wine and have it on my rack all the time. I like to have it around for the casual occasional glass of wine with friends or to cook with. Its a consistent, happy, balanced wine and the price cannot be beat. If you haven't tried it, you really should. Priced at $9.99 max in most markets.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 20, 2010
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
My Gift Pick - Emiliana Coyam 2007 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Chile
The aromatics and nose are the best yet replete with blackberries, savoury red fruits, floral mineral aspects and a dusting of toffee, chocolate and coffee. The palate is rich and smooth. Its dark fruit flavours preview a glossy, slippery texture that slides down effortlessly. Quintessential biodynamic fruit alive with flavours and textures. The bio dynamically farmed grapes come off the 150-hectare Los Robles vineyard surrounded by oak trees or Coyam in the native dialect. The latest blend is a 38/17/21/21 mix of syrah, merlot, carmenère, cabernet sauvignon. Priced at $35
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 20, 2010
George Piper's Pick
My Gift Pick - D’Arenberg “The Dead Arm” Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia
This is the perfect wine to give as a gift to the wine lover on your list. Priced at $69.99 SKU 599431
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 20, 2010
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Gift Pick - Mission Hill Compendium 2007, Okanagan Valley, BC
I just tried this wine again last week and boy was it wonderful! The wine itself is stunning, and has a top quality taste profile that would appeal to all wine drinkers. As a bonus, the presentation is also stunning, with a larger bottle size, thicker glass, and beautiful label. All the requirements for a great gift wine. priced at $40
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 20, 2010
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Gift Pick - J Vineyards Chardonnay 2007, Russian River Valley, CA, US
If you are into a Mersault-style chardonnay, then you’ll be thrilled with a bottle of the 2007 J Vineyards. Not an inexpensive wine, it’s a serious one blended from more than 30 lots in the Russian River Valley and it commands notice with a long and luxurious finish. This is a wine that keeps on giving. Priced at $44.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 08, 2010
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Big Red Pick - Rodney Strong Zinfandel
Rodney Strong Zinfandel is one of my favourite Zinfandels ever. This wine is lively, full bodied, and rich, and can stand up to food well. I had the opportunity to work with Rodney Strong several times during my sales days, and he was just like his wines, lively and exciting. His story about the history of the winery and vineyards is an interesting one. This wine can be tough to find, but well worth sourcing out. Priced at around $22.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 08, 2010
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
My Big Red Pick - Antinori Tignanello 2007, Tuscany, Italy
An excellent vintage and according to Antinori the best fruit ever pick at Tignanello is behind the 2007 vintage. Full, ripe, round and rich as you would expect the black cherry, cassis and peppery fruit is counterbalanced by floral meaty, smoky, tobacco, liquorice notes. Balanced with fine potential to age another five to seven years. One of the best yet. Priced at $97.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 03, 2010
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Big Red Pick - Paul Dolan Zinfandel, California, US, 2007
Grown in an organic and biodynamic certified vineyard in Mendocino, Dolan's deep purplish-red coloured wine with ripe raspberry aroma is a straight-ahead zinfandel. This is a Zin that gets respect paired with braised, roasted or barbecued beef, leg of lamb or turkey. Priced at around $33.99, you can find it at "Everything Wine" Retail Store in BC, or Willowpark Wines.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
November 03, 2010
George Piper's Pick
My Big Red Pick - Peter Lehmann “Clancy’s” Red Blend, Barossa Valley, Australia
This is a wine that, once you try it, you won't forget it. Priced at around $19.99, it is quite well distributed and available, and should be sold in all markets. SKU # is 611467 Priced at around $19.99.
| Rating: 3 (1 vote) |
August 31, 2010
Kasey Wilson's Pick
Hugel Gentil 2008, Alsace, France
One of my go-to picnic wines is Hugel's Gentil from Alsace. This wine revives an ancient Alsace tradition in which wines blended from noble grape varieties were generically known as "Gentil". Hugel's hip version introduced in 1992 combines the spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of Sylvaner. It's fresh and easy style perfectly pairs with no-fuss picnics of make-ahead baguette sandwiches and summer salads.
| Rating: 4 (1 vote) |
August 31, 2010
George Piper's Pick
Vaqueyras - Perrin Les Christins Rhone, France
This is a fine bottle from a great producer and a great terroir; it will go perfectly with beef and lamb dishes. While the flavour profile is definitively Rhone, dark berry fruits and a hint of spice, the structure and style is what really makes me want to drink it again. Full-bodied but not big, the wine is gentle on the palate, but not at all oaky or aggressive in any way. SKU #585315 Around $26.99
| Rating: 4 (1 vote) |
August 29, 2010
Nancy Hayward's Pick
Three Winds Syrah 2008, France
This is a great value from France. It is a full bodied, well balanced Syrah, and is perfectly fine with food or on its own. Priced around $13.99 it can't miss.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
August 04, 2010
George Piper's Pick
My Barbeque Pick - The Show Malbec, Argentina
What sold me on this wine was the delicious black fruit character, great structure, and ripe soft tannins. i probably could not improve on the description put forward by the producers of this wine (The Three Thieves) "Everything we want and love in a red wine is there, and it happens so easily and at such a fair price." SKU #442525 Around $18.99
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
August 03, 2010
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
My Barbeque Pick - Glimmer of Hope Shiraz 2008, South Australia
This all McLaren Vale red is rich and dense looking with deep colour and a powerful nose of chocolate and red fruit. The palate is awash in blueberries, spice and chocolates. It delivers the goods for the price and should be a hit with Oz Shiraz fans. Price at around $15.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
August 02, 2010
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Barbeque Pick - Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa
I've loved this wine for a long time, which proves if nothing else its consistency. It's a nice full Cabernet Sauvignon, but with a smooth, soft, and fruity finish. It is a perfectly balanced wine to pair with many different barbecued meats (or non meats). I love it with some great steak fajitas. But I also love it by a fire in the winter, so don't forget about it once summer's gone. SKU #111526 $12.99
| Rating: 4 (1 vote) |
August 01, 2010
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Barbeque Pick - Selbach S Riesling 2008/2009, Germany
I've like low alcohol Rieslings from Germany with barbecue ever since pairing them with pulled pork in Charlotte, North Carolina where almost everyone drinks beer with barbecue. It's hard to beat the food-friendly slightly off-dry Selbach S Riesling with any kind of barbecued pork dish-it's the balance of savoury and sweet and once you've tasted this combination, you'll understand why the Germans have paired pork dishes for centuries.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
June 30, 2010
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Rose Pick - Le Vieux Pin Petit Rose 2008 British Columbia, Canada
I love the often underrated and overlooked rose wines-they're for women and savvy males. One of my favourites is this British Columbia rose made with Syrah grapes. It's perfect when you're out for dinner and everybody orders a different dish-it goes with everything from spicy Szechuan dishes to charcuterie. If you're stumped about what to serve with a salad besides a Sauvignon Blanc, this rose is perfect and its blush colour provides an attractive visual aesthetic. Find it at Everything Wine or Willow Park.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
June 30, 2010
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
My Rose Pick - Quails' Gate Rose 2009, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The QQ pink is 100 per cent Gamay and technically dry although its delicious ripe fruit appears so sweet and round on the palate. Expect a mix of sweaty, grapefruit and strawberries with a twist of rhubarb that finishes crisp and dry. Serve well-chilled all. Good value here priced at around $15.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
June 30, 2010
George Piper's Pick
My Rose Pick - Cotes Du Ventoux Rose - La Vieille Ferme 2009, Rhone, France
A blend of 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, and 10 %Syrah, this wine has a lovely deep pink hue, floral notes on the nose, and a dry refreshing finish. This wine is a crowd pleaser and is second to none as a versatile wine to pair with a variety of foods. Great value is a bonus. SKU #559393 Around $12.99
| Rating: 4 (1 vote) |
June 30, 2010
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Rose Pick - Jumilla Rose - Olivares 2009, Spain
This is a fun, simple rose perfect for summer. Not too sweet, as people often expect Roses to be, It's well balanced, pleasant character is light and easy to drink. SKU #803841 Around $13.99
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
May 26, 2010
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
My BC Pick - Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Marsanne Roussane 2008, Okanagan Valley, BC
Inniskillin's desire to get off the beaten path has given us this delightfully fresh and floral white wine with its hints of honey, ginger, and mineral aromas. We love the lemon, orange, honey, ginger flavours too. This Pan Asian food and fun and you are set to go. Price at $25.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
May 25, 2010
George Piper's Pick
My BC Pick - Mission Hill 2008 Five Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Okanagan Valley, BC
A wonderful wine for all occasions. I love the wine, the quality, and the value. SKU 563981, around $15.99 Enjoy!
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
May 25, 2010
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My BC Pick - Red Rooster 2008 Gewurztraminer, British Columbia
My mantra is it never hurts to drink Gewurtz and I especially like Red Rooster's drier style of this hard-to-pronounce varietal. It's typical of the British Columbia style of Gewurztraminer - lighter than the Alsatian grape and a good match for earls Jeera chicken. When I 'take out' this favourite Indian preparation, I always pick up a bottle (or two) of this spicy food-friendly wine. Priced at around $15.99.
| Rating: 0 (0 votes) |
May 25, 2010
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My BC Pick - Nk'Mip Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir 2007
Pronounced "in-ka-meep' , this fabulous winery is North America's first owned and operated Aboriginal winery. When you visit, they share not only their wonderful wines, but also their history and traditions. Nk'Mip Qwam Qwmt is one of my favourite Pinot Noirs. It can sometimes be hard to find as it sells out so quickly, but just give the winery, or one of your favourite wine shops, a call and they can help you locate it. It usually sells for around $25.
| Rating: 5 (1 vote) |
March 23, 2010
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
My Festival Pick - Ruca Malen Yauquen Malbec 2008, Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina
What we love about Argentine Malbec are the glossy texture and the dense soft sweet fruit. Add some smoky, savoury, mineral, black plum flavours and you have a recipe for the great barbecue red. Steaks anyone? Good value. Priced at $20.
| Rating: 3.67 (3 votes) |
March 23, 2010
George Piper's Pick
My Festival Pick - Don Miguel Gascon Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Agentina
This wine is a real palate pleaser with tons of ripe fruit, velvety texture and a long smooth finish. Priced around $16.99 it won't disappoint.
| Rating: 3.67 (3 votes) |
March 23, 2010
Kasey Wilson's Pick
My Festival Pick - Bodegas Escorihuela 1884 Malbec 2007, Argentina
This smooth Malbec (Argentina's signature grape) has notes of red and black fruit with soft plum overtones. It was named after Frances Mallman's 1884 Mendoza restaurant located adjacent to the Escorihuela winery. It has firm tannins that help it pair beautifully with grilled steak. Al pleasure to drink, this wine will convert Malbec doubters.
| Rating: 4 (3 votes) |
March 23, 2010
Nancy Hayward's Pick
My Festival Pick - Finca Flichman Malbec 2008, Argentina
I decided to share one of my "true value" wines with you from Argentina. I love this wine for the price, and there aren't many wines left you can buy, and enjoy, for under $10. It has great fruit flavours, and a well balanced, easy to drink style. For under $10, it can't be beat. I hope you enjoy it, and when you are voting, don't forget to consider the price!
| Rating: 4 (4 votes) |
October 16, 2009
Anthony Gismondi's Pick
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120, Chile.
One of my favourite go-to, weeknight cabernets is the Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 from the Valle del Rapel in Chile. I love its soft, silky, cedar fruit reminiscent of blackberries and bay leaves. The palate is soft and supple with bits of earth and mushrooms. A touch of French oak rounds out the finish. It’s a perfect match for grilled meats or great piece of cheese. Crazy value. Priced at $12.
| Rating: 4.33 (3 votes) |
October 15, 2009
George Piper's Pick
Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Washington State, US
Produced by The Magnificent Wine Company; Un-filtered and un-fined, this wine is honest, tasty and real. It delivers great quality & value for a Columbia Valley Cab. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. There are only 5000 cases made so don't delay if you want to try it. Priced at $22 to $25
| Rating: 4.5 (2 votes) |
October 15, 2009
Nancy Hayward's Pick
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2005/2006, California, US
I love this wine! I discovered it many years ago from a friend in the wine industry, and have enjoyed it often. It has yet to disappoint! I love the big, rich fruit and balancein this wine, and its full body and delightful colour! I hope you love it as much as I do. Priced at $23.99
| Rating: 5 (3 votes) |
October 15, 2009
Kasey Wilson's Pick
Bonterra Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, California, US
An elegant wine that pairs well with rich, meaty dishes like grilled, roasted and stewed beef. It’s also great with a wedge of Parmesan cheese. The Bonus: it’s made with organic grapes. Priced at $21.99 to $23.99
| Rating: 4.67 (3 votes) |
October 13, 2009
David Scholefield's Pick
My Festival Pick - Pascual Toso 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina
There may cheaper cabs on the market, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better value than Pascual Toso. This is one of the world's best secret bargains. It's smooth, round, and supple in the classic Argentinean way, and packed with flavour and complexity too: blackcurrants, plums, and herbs, with undertones of smoke and leather. Grilled beef is a natural, but adaptable enough to enjoy with anything from ribs or wings to burgers, satays, or roast chicken. Priced at $19.99
| Rating: 4.5 (2 votes) |
