The YVR Wine Bloggers & Sommeliers hosted their first public meet-up on Tuesday night at Scott Landon Antiques on Granville street. The group is comprised of wine industry leaders and social media wine folks. They strive to learn from each other and raise the profile of Vancouver’s wine scene.
The purpose of Tuesday’s event was to introduce 18 different styles of wine and 2 styles of beer in a non-intimidating environment. Catering to everyone from the beginner to the experienced sommelier, ten different booths were set up with a different lesson at each booth. For example:
• What affect does climate have on wine? – when comparing two Pinot Noirs from France and Napa.
• Do you agree with the critics? – when comparing a Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina that was highly rated by Robert Parker and a Crianza from Spain which he didn’t look so highly upon
Some highlights:
Albert Ponnelle Reserve de la Chevre Noire 2006, France
• Bright cherries, nice balance of acidity and freshness that expresses the true characteristics of Pinot Noir
Elkhorn Peak 2000 Pinot Noir Napa Valley, USA
• Flavours are balanced well with the level of oak, herbaceous characteristics and some red fruit
Felino Vina Cobos 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina
• Smooth, dark, drinkable now but could wait, drinkable without food, smooth oak flavours and good tannins
Condesa de Leganza 2004 Crianza Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
• Would pair really well with food – tomato sauce, spices when you breathe out, bright acidity and hidden fruit that jumps out
Finca Flinchman Misterio 2008 Malbec Mendoza, Argentina
• Dill pickle and herbaceous notes on the nose, some caramel smoothness going down with the oak, full bodied and delicious
Jakoby-Mathy Riesling Kabinett 1999 Mosel, Germany
• Rubber and kerosene, strong on the nose, some sweetness mixed with the petrol going down – fantastic 10 year old gem!
Marc Tempe Alliance 2003 Alsace, France
• Very floral on both the nose and the palate it was like drinking a bouquet of spring flowers with just the right side of acidity
Not to let the wines overshadow the two amazing beers that were sampled at the event:
Dogfish Head 90 min IPA, USA
• So much lighter than most IPAs – sweet and hoppy with hints of chocolate
Orval Trappis Ale, Belgium
• Full of apricot, such a light and flavourful beer