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RED WINE Heartland Stickleback Red 2008, Australia, $15.99-18.00 Stickleback ain’t no city wine, pardon my English! It is a big, brawny blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolcetto with a dollop Lagrein to get you wondering. Aged for 12 months in a combination of American and French oak, Stickleback is bright ruby red with aromas of sun-kissed earth, tobacco, blackberries and spicy oak. Richly textured with layers of ripe fruit flavours and a long persistent finish! Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone 2009, France, $21.20-24.00 The 2009 vintage is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Counoise. It is bright and vibrant with bramble, plum, black pepper and spice aromas, sweet fruit flavours, a patina of soft tannins and a long supple finish. Very highly recommended! Clos du Val Carneros Pinot Noir 2006, California, $34.99-38.00 Very Burgundian I thought to myself upon tasting this California gem. Perhaps Gevrey, it certainly has the structure! The nose is bursting with raspberry, black cherry, and spice aromas but it is the plush texture and complex layers of ripe berry flavours and subtle oak nuances that really impress. Full-bodied with nicely integrated oak and silky tannins! Delicious!!! Viu Manent Carmenere Reserve 2009, Chile, $20.00-23.00 Viu 1, at seventy bucks a pop, is arguably one of the best Malbecs produced in Chile today! The Carmenere Reserve at a mere twenty is cheap in comparison but not lacking in attributes. The 2009 Reserve was recently awarded the Carmenere Trophy for best wine in its category at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition held in London! Need I say more? Inky black with dark fruit, mocha and herbal aromas, concentrated and powerful with rich berry flavours, well-integrated oak and a firm tannic structure. A keeper! Santa Cristina Chianti Superiore DOCG 2008, Italy, $18.99-21.00 There’s a lot going on here, with layers of red cherry, spice and dusty earth aromas. Medium-bodied, with soft fruit flavours nicely balanced with good acidity and a rasp of fine-grained tannins. Wooden Nickle Lodi Petite Sirah 2009, California, $29.99-33.00 This is one big fruit bomb! Soft and lush, with a silky texture and gobs of sweet, juicy cherry, blackberry and plum flavours. Not a whole lot of finesse just a whole lot of fruit! VALUE RED Viu Manent Estate Collection Malbec 2009 Chile $13.00-15.00 This violet hued beauty from the sunny vineyards of Chile’s Colchagua Valley is all a thirsty aficionado could ask of a bottle of wine. Medium-bodied with ripe raspberry, plum and mocha flavours, a rasp of fine-grained tannins and a long firm finish. Very fresh, very tasty.
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Full marks for your appreciation of 4-diamond Dining in Victoria.
Experience the Island Wineries of BC with Chef David Mincey In celebration of the new book Island Wineries of British Columbia, join us for an evening dedicated to the unique wines that can only be found on the islands off the west coast of BC. Sommelier and EAT online DRINK editor Treve Ring will be your host as you sample offerings from local winery owner Andy Johnston of Averill Creek.
In the restaurant world, 4-diamonds means the very best. So indulge your taste for the finer things in life and join us at The Mark for an exquisite dining experience.
Chef David Mincey of Camille's Restaurant will be creating a special West Coast menu to pair with each wine being offered, while Treve explains the unique flavours of our island wines, how to pair these wines with our distinctive cuisine, and how Island Wineries of British Columbia can lead you on your next wine-tasting adventure. Don't miss this exquisite evening of fine wine, gourmet food, and a brand new book on our wine-island paradise. Friday, March 25th, 2011, 6 PM Cook Culture, 1317 Blanshard St, The Atrium Building, Victoria, BC Tickets are available in person at Cook Culture or online at www.cookculture.com and follow the “Cooking Class” links. Tickets: $65, includes a copy of Island Wineries of British Columbia Must be of legal drinking age.
For reservations call 1-800-663-7550 or visit us online at hotelgrandpacific.com
Fine Dining at t h e H o t e l G ra n d P a c i f i c
www.eatmagazine.ca MARCH | APRIL 2011
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