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.