Joie - A Noble Blend 2016

Joie - A Noble Blend 2016 (SKU 882027, $26.44 tax included)

It was another case of name recognition when I noticed this white wine from B.C. Earlier vintages of this white wine blend was very attractive. I tasted it with some baked vegetable. The body and the nose were light. There was a taste of sweet pear on the palate. It is a blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois and Schöenberger. It would go well with Chinese food. There is ample supply in the LDB stores throughout the Lower Mainland.

Vina Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2012

Vina Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2012

 (SKU 275594, $21.26 tax included)

I was wandering through the liquor store when I saw a Limited Time Offer sign with this wine. I was very familiar with the earlier fine vintages of 2004 and 2005. This was a Chilean red wine of the Cabernet Sauvignon variety. Since it was on sale, I thought I should give it a try and I opened it with some baked chicken thigh. The nose was plain but there was a bit of spice on the palate. There was still some tannin and the body was medium full. Further tasting showed some vanilla and dark fruit. The finish was not too long. This was definitely not in the same league as the 2004 and 2005 vintages. But it would be a good pairing with a piece of steak from the barbeque in the summer since one would not want to drink too heavy a red wine with the hot weather. There was no Wine Spectator rating but I would not give it more than 86 points. At this price, it would be a good value food wine that may be cellared for a year or two. The price will go back up to $24.14 including taxes on July 1, 2017, so buy it now if you want to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday with some red meat.

La Montesa Rioja Crianza 2013

La Montesa Rioja Crianza 2013 (US$12.10 tax included, WS91 pts)

I was shopping for wine at the Alderwood Costco and missed this economical offering. Luckily my daughter caught the fine print and pointed it out to me that is was Wine Spectator's No. 52 Wine of the Year in 2016. At US$10.99 plus tax, I could not resist. I brought it back home and immediately opened it while enjoying some sushi. It was amazingly approachable and went well with the food. The nose was fragrant and the palate had taste of vanilla and juicy berry. Being a Tempranillo, it was a bit dry but there was lots of fruit. Even though the wine had a 14.5% alcohol content, it was very easy drinking. Two of us finished three quarters of a bottle without feeling any of the effects of the alcohol. Crianza meant that it was aged for at least two years. Wine Spectator indicated it was good from 2017 to 2023. I would drink it now if you can get your hands on some. I apologize for introducing a wine that is not locally available but this was such an exciting wine that I have to tell you about it. At this price, it is a great deal. It is also available at the Kirkland Costco, so I assume that it is available throughout the Costco chain in the U.S.

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley 2013

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley 2013 (SKU 322586, $27.59 tax included, WS90 pts)

This was a Christmas gift for me and I opened it to drink while having a pork tenderloin roast. The nose was light and the body was thin. It still had some tannins but the finish was short. The wine was overpowered by the meat. My tasting panel was not impressed on the first night. I drank the leftover the next night with some home-cooked Chinese food and take-out barbeque duck. It tasted more full and went well with the food. I guess this would be a nice everyday dinner wine. Compared to the Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon that I tasted last month, this Chilean offering was definitely one step behind. Wine Spectator gave it 90 points and I thought that was a bit generous. I would place it between 86 to 88 points. Although Wine Spectator indicated that this wine could be cellared until 2020, I would mark it for immediate consumption. At this price, this would be a good daily dinner wine. There is ample stock in the LDB system.

Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013 (SKU 255513, $34.49 tax included, WS90 pts)

I saw this wine on sale at the LDB stores $6 off regular price. I haven't seen a decent Napa wine at this price for a long time, so I decided to try it. It was a full body Napa Cab with quite a bit of tannins still. The nose was fruity and the taste was filled with loads of berries. I drank it with some take-out Chinese food but it did not matter since it was very powerful. Of course it will go better with a nice piece of steak or some rack of lamb. Wine Spectator indicated that it is good from 2016 to 2028, so it was still early to drink. I suggest decanting for an hour or two. Mondavi had been one of my favourte wineries and their Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Reserve had always been a powerful red wine to be enjoyed especially on Princess Cruises for a great bargain. At this sale price, this is a better deal than most B. C. wines. There is ample stock in the LDB stores.