Anthony Gismondi: Wine events of the week
Credit to Author: agismondi| Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2019 19:00:57 +0000
Marquis Wine Cellars hosts its 13th annual, in-store, Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting, Saturday, Nov. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s tasting benefits the Ovarian Cancer Society of Canada, so they will be collecting donations, and at the end, they will match the total contributions amassed for the day. From Cava to Cramant to Champagne, there will be a little of everything that sparkles. The store is at 1034 Davie Street in Vancouver’s West End. The cost is free, but they would be grateful if you could RSVP your attendance.
Les Amis du Fromage is going as green as they can, offering any of their delectable cheeses on Art Glass platters you can return after your event. For an additional charge, you can also order the same cheese plate on a disposable platter that is available upon request. No matter the occasion, a meeting, reception or cocktail party, you only get select cheeses of the highest quality. Additionally, all platters include a garnish of grapes and dried fruits and are labelled for your convenience, all you need do is add the wine. Prices range from $57 to $149. They suggest you order early for the holidays — complete information at buycheese.com.
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Black Hills Syrah 2016, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
$39.90 I 88/100
UPC: 00626990061625
The 2016 growing season got off to a great start under record heat, but eventually, temperatures subsided, and the season lengthened to the advantage of the syrah. Less bacon fat and white pepper is the story in 2016, making this wine more fun to drink for syrah aficionados. Floral, with black and blue fruits, the soft, supple tannin carries the flavours on a long ride to the back of the palate. It is more hedonistic than complex; there is an acidic twang on the back end than needs to be fully integrated into the wine with three to five more years of bottle age. Love the 13.9 percent alcohol that doesn’t dominate the wine.
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut N/V, Champagne, France
$87.99 I 92/100
UPC: 3052853075909
The Bollinger house style is rich and powerful. The blend is 60/25/15 pinot noir/ chardonnay/ pinot meunier that gets a small amount of reserve wine spanning 15 years. Some fifty percent of this cuvée ferments in oak casks, and you can’ t miss the rich, toasted, hazelnut nose that draws you into the glass. Add some red fruits, creamy texture, and you end up with a long expansive food-worthy sparkler with equally compelling acidity that captures the imagination. As good as this is now, you can effortlessly age it a decade. Also available in 1.5 litre ($209.99) and .375-litre ($50) formats.