Wine Diva's Love Affair with Oregon Part II
 

In December I wrote about a recent trip to Oregon and how I fell in love with the pristine rolling hills and the close knit family of wine producers. I did not need to be sold on their wines as I'd been a fan for years. But I did have the opportunity to taste many wines not available here in British Columbia. I also spent my very limited time in Portland, eating and drinking my way around the city.
Read on for restaurant and wine reviews...

Read on... 

 A Bounty From Piedmont
 Marc de Grazia-Canadian Tour

The Marc de Grazia Western Canadian tour made a stop in Vancouver on January 15th 2007. Here is a selection of Wine Diva's tasting notes from several producers.
These wines are not yet available but watch for them in specialty wine boutiques and fine restaurants in the next few months.

See all the reviews.... 

 Marc de Grazia Western Canadian tour
 Some of the wines tasted

• Claudio Alario Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Costa Fiore”Piedmont It, 2005
• Claudio Alario Barbera d’Alba “Valetta”, Piedmont It., 2004
• Claudio Alario Barolo "Riva", Piedmont It., 2004
• Matteo Correggia Langhe Bianco, Piedmont It., 2004
• Matteo Correggia Roero, Piedmont It., 2004
• Domenico Clerico Langhe Dolcetto "Visadi", Piedmont Italy, 2005
• Domenico Clerico Barolo "Ciabot Mentin Ginestra", Piedmont It., 2003
• Paulo Manzone Barolo "Serralunga", Piedmont It.,2001
• Paulo Manzone Barolo "Serralunga", Piedmont It.,2001
• Moccagatta Langhe Chardonnay "Buschet", Piedmont It., 2004

Read all the reviews... 

 Pfaffenheim Pinot Gris, Alsace France, 2005
 

A brilliant yellow hue ripe with peaches, mineral, aromatic honeysuckle, coriander and a melange of stone fruit. Gorgeous, lush and oily on the palate with vanilla, sweet herbs, a hint of nuts, white grapefruit and sweet spices.
Superb! Wine Diva tasted - January 22nd, 2007
BC - $18.99
BC CSPC Code -616144
UPC Code -03185130071025

 

 Papio Merlot California, 2004
 

This wine with its charming musical monkey was named from the Latin word for baboon-papio! As a bonus the proceeds from sales of the wine go to the preservation of primates in their natural African habitat. How's that for drinking for a good cause! The Merlot has bold, rich plum and cherry aromas with a dash of espresso. On the palate its smooth mocha with spice, leather and sweet vanilla. Wine Diva tasted - December 5th, 2006
BC Private Wine Stores - $10.00 may be more at private stores
BC CSPC Code -298083

See more reviews.... 

 Wine Diva Sure Bets
 Looking for Something New?

What's a good wine for blue cheese? How about for that spicy pad thai? My wine suggestions are just a click away. You can access the Wine Sure Bets on the left hand menu of the web site and all the wines can be added to shopping lists or you can look for similar wines using the "Show Me Similar" feature with each review.

Go to Sure Bets... 

 How Cheesy
 Le Brin, Savoie France

Le Brin, Savoie France-Cow's milk cheese.
Amber hued, washed rind hexagonal shaped cheese with a gamy/wild aroma and hints of sweet nuttiness. Soft, creamy and supple this semi-soft cheese has a creamy, milky and slightly fruity flavour.
It would be nice as a dessert cheese served with fruit.
Wine: Light-med fruity reds, medium bodied fruity whites.
Stink Factor: low
$ 7.00 (approx) puck sized individually wrapped

Read More Taste Bites...

Read more of Wine Diva's Taste Bites... 

 Show Me Similar Function
 A new feature on Wine Diva





Like a wine but want to explore? The "Show Me Similar" link at the bottom left of reviews in my Reviews section will list up to 20 other wines with similar flavour profiles. They may not be the same varietal, or even the same colour, but this will help you sashay in the right direction.

Go to the Reviews section and try it.... 

 OSake! and other Intrigues...
 

Osake Junmai Nama Genshu-Sake
The Genshu has the most overt fruitiness of the three Osake. Sweet and exotic fruit and flora with a rich, lush texture and warm smooth finish. If this was a wine it would be a Viognier from California.
Wine Diva tasted - January 15th, 2007
Winery - $32.00 at 1339 Railspur Alley Granville Is.

Read all the Sake Reviews... 

 Upcoming
 

• February- Wine Diva's 3rd Birthday
• February-wines for Romance
• March-Wines to seek at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
• April-New BC Releases wines we'll drink this summer!
• Ongoing-New Releases