Gray Monk Odyssey Sparkling, Okanagan BC, 2003
 

A golden-hued, traditional method sparkling wine with rich toasty/leesy aromas, wild honey, apples and obvious mineral notes. Creamy and full-bodied on the palate with ample mousse, stone fruit flavours and lemon zest lingering on the palate.
A wonderful example of BC bubbly made from Chardonnay and Riesling!
$26.99 BC Private wine stores
(+711218)

Had this wine? Rate it!

19 more wines for romance... 

 Caldora Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Italy, 2006
 

All the juicy elements you crave with a price that will make you giggle with glee!
The Caldora is oozing ripe berry fruit and dark floral aromas with undertones of leather and sweet vanilla. Lush fruit on the palate with balanced acidity, a supple velvety mouth-feel and lingering spice on the finish. And like that - snap - it's gone.
$10.89 BC
(+418335)

Had this wine? Rate it!

More Valentine's Day picks... 

 Anakena Viognier, Rapel Valley Chile, 2006
 *voted TOP 5 by Wine Diva readers

Just what I look for in a Viognier...
White peach, lifted honeysuckle, soft exotic spices and tropical notes. Juicy and bright on the palate with crisp fruit, a lush texture and long spiced finish.
Not to be missed!
$15.95 BC
(+329755)

Had this wine? Rate it!

More... 

 Chateau Haut Vigneau, Pessac-Leognan France, 2005
 

From the well-established negociant Compagnie Medocaine des Grands Crus comes this attractively priced red Bordeaux from the exceptional (and tres cher) 2005 vintage.
Great intensity with aromas of black currants and smoked plums, leather, pencil shavings, minerals and roasted coffee beans. Youthful on the palate showing dense berries, earth and cedary flavours, balanced acidity, drying tannins and a chewy finish with oak-spice and coffee hints.
Decant before serving to your Valentine.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
$32.99 BC
(+243139)

Had this wine? Rate it!

More romance if you can bear it... 

 Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot, California, 2004
 

Craving Merlot?
When you crave Merlot - smooth, rich and fruity - this one will satisfy.
Deep fruit aromas - plums and raspberries - earthy dark chocolate with faint minty notes. Supple on the palate with lovely balanced acidity, good, classic merlot flavours showing dark fruit, toasted oak and lingering sweetly spiced vanilla on the finish.
Pair with fun, casual Valentine's fare - heart shaped pizzas...
$19.99 BC
(+534255)

Had this wine? Rate it!

More Valentine's picks... 

 More Heart Warming Wines for your Valentine
 

• Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut
• Col de Salici Prosecco
• Segura Viudas Heredad Brut
• Saintsbury Pinot Noir
• Chateau de Serame Viognier
• Ironstone Obsession "Symphony"
• Quails' Gate Rose
• Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cave de Tain Hermitage
• Chamarre Cabernet-Grenache

These and more heart warming wines... 

 Who's coming to Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival?
 Saxenburg Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch S.Africa, 2006

There will be no fooling anyone with this wine. The Saxenburg isn't trying to be anything but what it is - full- throttle Sauvignon Blanc! Assertive aromas - passion fruit, tropical floral, fresh cut grass, snap peas with gooseberry and mineral notes. Vibrant and superbly crisp on the entry with fresh herbal, snappy citrus and white nectarine flavours, softly rounded mid-palate texture and a long, smooth finish.
Delicious!
$19.99+ BC Private Wine Stores
(+141267)

Had this wine? Rate it!

More of Wine Fest wines... 

 Who's coming to Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival?
 Savardo Pinot Nero Superiore, Breganze Italy, 2005

If Pinot Noir is the grape for romance, what could possibly be more romantic than a Pinot Noir from Italy?
The Savardo Pinot Nero will impress you with its flavour and guests with your originality. We don't see many Pinot Noirs from Italy so enjoy the sweet red cherry and raspberry aromas with violets and mixed dried flowers, leather and woodsy cedar notes. Good intensity on the palate - fresh and earthy with sweet smooth fruit, balanced acidity, toasted spice and peppery hints with a not unpleasant sour finish.
Pair with a nice creamy Tallegio cheese.
$23.50 BC
(+335893)
The 2005 vintage will be available to preview during the VPIWF!

More of Wine Fest wines... 

 Cheese -Chèvre des Neiges Triple Cream Brie
 A creamy smooth option packaged for romance

What is it about Valentine's that makes small, individually wrapped items so appealing?
Hershey's Kisses, small velvet boxes, half bottles of pink Champagne and of course - creamy cheese.
This widely available Quebec-made triple cream goats milk brie from Alexis de Portneuf is a fist- full of creamy love. Brie can be boring, but goats milk gives an extra kick of flavour and being triple cream makes the texture less rubbery and much more seductive. It has a sweet, creamy buttery flavour with less of the typical mushroom notes cows milk brie has but maintains elements of earth and grassiness.
A perfect darling addition for your dinner duo.

approx.$6.95 160g individually wrapped
Stink Factor: Low

More cheesy options... 

 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
 













The 30th annual Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Fest is just around the corner (seriously) - February 25-March 2.
The theme country is Italy (cin cin) and the global focus is bubbles (cheers)!
Event, seminar, tasting and dinner tickets are on sale now.

Do not miss out!

For tickets and information click here... 

 The Tasting Room
 











"...Th e Tasting Room is the radio version of an audio blend, a Meritage for the soul."
Terry David Mulligan and his guests discuss food, wine, viticulture, art...
Listen each Saturday to hear Wine Diva's weekly wine reviews.

The Tasting Room - Saturdays 10am - noon
on am 1150 in the Okanagan or listen on www.thetastingroomradio.com

Link to The Tasting Room Radio...