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December 18, 2008 photo: Champagne crowns at Schlossgut Diel in Nahe 
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As the last newsletter of 2008 - #27 to be precise - I find it suitable to finish the year off with some celebratory bubbly. Of course bubbles are perfect anytime of the year and I certainly have no problem ingesting my part of the suggested yearly dosage of sparkling wine (health benefits y'know).

But at this time, celebrations are in order, the Holiday season is in full swing, Christmas is around the corner, Vancouver has some lovely, weird white fluffy stuff everywhere and despite the current economy, our spirits are still high.
I want to raise a glass and thank you all for your ongoing support.
In November, WineDiva.ca and WineScores.ca blew my expectations out of the water with 650,000 hits and as growth continues I have a magnum-sized surprise for you in the New Year - to make finding that perfect bottle of wine easy...curious yet?

In January, my third annual Budget Bottles (under $17) and a recap of fabulous Chile.
And, in February Wine Diva turns five years old - any thoughts on cake flavours?

On that note I say cheers, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all.
I'll see you again in 2009!

Daenna

 Bubbly for every Budget
 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne Brut, NV

Veuve The classic yellow label guarantees enduring quality and a full, rich Champers. Toasty, toasty with loads of citrus and minerals a hint of spice and brioche. The palate is buttery, toasty and creamy with mouth- watering acidity and bold citrus throughout followed by apple peel and mineral flavours with a zesty linger on the finish.
$69 BC

92 points winescores.ca


More bubbly... 


 Bubbly for every Budget
 Segura Viudas Aria Brut, NV

Aria brut A very feminine Cava - aptly titled, with alluring aromas of peach, pear, honeysuckle and talc. Secondary aromas are quite tropical and ripe - banana and exotic citrus with minerals and leesy notes to round it out. Fresh and bright on the palate - a kiss of sweetness with a full mousse and a vibrant fruity, crisp finish. Very pretty.
$21.99

90 points winescores.ca


More bubbly... 


 Bubbly for every Budget
 Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique Rose, NV

Jacquart rose NEW - classy with great packaging!
A very, compelling, pretty, pale pink rose with continuous streams of bubbles. Creamy, yeasty, summer berries and apples, spring flowers and some peach skin aromas with honey and mandarin peel. Super fresh, smooth and vibrant with creamy berries, ginger and peachy flavours.
Elegant.
about $42+ 375ml or $73+ 750ml in private stores

92 points winescores.ca


More bubbly... 


 Sweets & Treats
 Tinhorn Creek Kerner Icewine, Okangan, 2007

TC kerner icewine Sweet and concentrated - apricot jam and chamomile tea with honey and perhaps some star-fruit and citrus zest on the palate - nice acidity too. Would pair well with creme brulee or dulce de tres leches.
$24.99 200ml

91 points winescores.ca


More sweet treats... 


 Sweets & Treats
 See Ya Later Ranch Ehrenfelser Icewine, Okanagan, 2006

sylr ehrenfleser icewine I love the energetic qualities of Ehrenfelser and in icewine it sings. Loads of bright pink grapefruit, honey, candied ginger, nectarine and honeysuckle throughout. Sweet and slick but zippy on the palate - it won't disappoint with its vibrancy and its snappy acidity.
$24.99 200ml

92 points winescores.ca


more sweets... 


 Sweets & Treats
 Quinta Do Noval LBV Port, 2003

Noval LBV Fresh and bright aromas - strawberry jam, cherries, grapey notes - chocolate, sweet spices and cedar box. Plush and sweet, summer berries and jam, cacao and espresso flavours, white pepper, cloves and cinnamon with fine chocolaty tannins and spice lingering warmly on the finish.
$33

92 points winescores.ca



Pairings with this port... 


 More Bubbles...
 

Wolf Blass bubbles

  • Paul Zinck - Alsace
  • Codorniu - Spain
  • Piper~Heidsieck - Champagne
  • Sumac Ridge - BC
  • Segura Viudas - Spain
  • Nicolas Feuillatte - Champagne
  • Mount Riley - New Zealand
  • Cantina Breganze - Italy
  • Summerhill - BC


more bubbles here... 


 More Sweets & Treats
 

Mission Hill icewine





  • Elephant Island - BC
  • Graham's - Portugal
  • Mission Hill - BC
  • Gonzalez Byass - Spain
  • Salt Spring Vineyards - BC
  • Inniskillin - Ontario


More sweets... 


 Sure Bets - Wine & Food Pairing
 on WineDiva.ca and WineScores.ca

cheese and wine




Don't forget about the wine and food pairing suggestions on both sites. From goats cheese to shellfish, junk foods to girls night out and barbecues to weddings simply click on the picture link and you'll find a loaded selection of wines and reviews to pair with your chosen dish.
Every time I review a wine its is placed into one (or more) of these specific food or situational dining pages...


link to food and wine pairings... 


 The Tasting Room
 

Tasting Room

"...The 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...

Listen across Canada each Saturday to hear Wine Diva's weekly wine reviews.

The Tasting Room - is on Saturday...
10am - noon am 1150 in the Okanagan or listen on www.thetastingroomradio.com
and now...
Vancouver 5-7pm on "The Buzz" am 1410 (formerly CFUN)
and Sundays in Toronto at 7:30 am on the "Best of the Best" am 740
Saturdays in Edmonton on the "TEAM" am 1260

This week - December 20 Icewine and Port and my own party picks for affordable wines.
December 27 - Bubbles!...


Link to The Tasting Room Radio... 


 Taste this!
 

red wine glass illus





Taste this:

Early Bird tickets are on sale for the 2009 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival on March 23 - 29...


Some event details on WineDiva's events page... 


Coming up in January:
Wine Diva's annual Budget Bottles (under $17) and Chilean wine adventures...
and

Don't forget to visit winescores.ca and winediva.ca for new wine reviews every day!

Happy Holidays!

Pink and Cheeky...

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