Hot Off The Vine


2014 Kleinhoekkloof Jupiter

2014 Kleinhoekkloof Jupiter


Posted on Dec 22, 2018

South Africa wine

Just one of the amazing wine views in South Africa.

Tucked in South Africa’s Langeberg Mountain range in the Robertson Wine Valley is small family owned winery that is making a big impression. Kleinhoekkloof Wines is the very definition of a handcrafted boutique winery. At just under 12 Hectares under vine, they grow 6 grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Shiraz, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir. 80% of the farm is registered under the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) and they use the power of gravity in the vineyards and cellar. For example, they use drip irrigation via the fountain and dam they have up in the mountain and use forklifts to raise the tanks to drain off the juice. The first time the wine goes through a pump or is filtered is when it is bottled.

Read More
2007 Woodward Canyon Merlot

2007 Woodward Canyon Merlot


Posted on Oct 7, 2018

Washington Wine2007 Woodward Canyon Merlot

We have long been fans of Woodward Canyon and in our books, it is one of the most consistently terrific wines out there. This offering of theirs is no different. Medium red in colour, the initial aromatics are black cherry, wood, pepper, and a hint of coffee. Secondary notes of plum, mint and vanilla round off this beautifully complex wine. A “cab-lover’s Merlot” this is a full-bodied wine that has a terrific structure keeping everything in balance with a ridiculously long finish. Another winner from one of our favourite Washington wineries.

Excellent+

Read More
2011 Avennia Gravura

2011 Avennia Gravura


Posted on Aug 24, 2018

Columbia Valley wine2011 Avennia Gravura

One of our favourite new world Bordeaux blends, we have yet to have anything from Avennia that has disappointed. Made up of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot & 8% Cabernet Franc, it had a beautiful aroma from the moment we opened it with dark fruits dominating the nose backed with cedar and earthy notes. This is a powerful, full bodied wine with a silky smooth mouthfeel and lovely long finish.

Excellent+

Read More
2007 Chateau de Beaucastel

2007 Chateau de Beaucastel


Posted on Jul 15, 2018

Chateauneuf du pape wine

2007 Chateau de Beaucastel

2007 Chateau de Beaucastel

Gorgeous wine that is brimming with black cherry and plum fruit that gains lots of complexity from the espresso, dried herbs and spice secondary notes. Just entering maturity now, this should provide great drinking for another decade at least. Medium/full body with polished tannin this has a tremendous mouthfeel: full and round without being heavy. We have drank Beaucastel going back to the 1998 vintage and this is their best effort yet.

Extraordinary

Read More
Willamette Valley oregon wine

2007 Merry Edwards Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir

2007 Merry Edwards Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir

From respected winemaker Merry Edwards, this Russian River Valley offering is a perfect example of why this region in Sonoma has a world-class reputation for Pinot Noir. A very expressive wine with dark cherry and plum backed with secondary notes spice and earth. We had to double check the label that this was actually 11 years old! Still lots of structure and very fresh, making us think it still has a few years ahead of it. Great mouth feel and quite a long finish for a Pinot Noir.

Excellent

 

Read More
2016 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay

2016 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay


Posted on Jun 30, 2018

South Africa Wine

2016 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay

2016 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay

Apple and pear dominate the aromatic and flavor profile of this wine. This has medium body and good back end acidity and one could be forgiven for guessing Burgundy in a blind tasting. Already complex there are notes of citrus, minerals and nuts to underscore the fruit. The finish is long with hints of spice. Elegance dominates but there is underlying power as well. Very classy!

Excellent (CAD$54 +taxes at BC Liquor Stores)

Read More