Domaine de la Provenquiere Chardonnay-Viognier 2010

Very pale straw in the glass; apple, mineral, light smoke and grass on the nose, and pleasantly herbaceously smoky on the tongue. A smoldering grass pile, possibly lit by a stray magnifying glass then doused with lime juice.

According to Wikipedia, Jancis Robinson has noted that, in a blind tasting, a hint of smokiness is a good indication that what you're drinking is a chardonnay. That's a great insight; a good one to remember if you've got a paper bagged bottle of white in front of you.

This wine, from the Pays d'Oc, has a mild indication of smokiness, but also the flowery essence that, to me, suggests you're confronting viognier. It helps, of course, that I know what I'm drinking. The label is facing me on my kitchen table, as my curry lentil soup simmers aromatically behind me and 54-40's Nice to Luv You rumbles on Rock 101.1 through my parents' 30-year-old speakers. Not sure I'd have been able to come up with that combo in a blind tasting.

I bought this wine from the Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver, for whom this wine was specially made. Great value. I'd buy it again.


13%
$15 at Marquis Wine Cellars

Annex Kloof Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay 2008

Sometimes I get stuck in a rut, especially with white wines and routes to Dairy Queen. You want to try something new but for some reason you end up hiking past the Biltmore, crossing Kingsway and heading down 12th Ave to Main Street where you turn left and then before you know it you're eating a Peanut Buster Parfait.

Same with white wines. But this one was different. First off, it was a deeper gold colour than other whites I've had recently. The flavours as well, unfamiliar. I'd summarize it as "tart stone fruit." More peach than apple, more honey than pineapple. A little sulphury, a bit of asparagus. A little nutty.

Overall, clearly complex. Like the route to Dairy Queen.

Magnotta Limited Edition Vidal Icewine 2006

Golden amber colour, medium sweetness, flavours of honey, herbs, vanilla, prune. Pretty nice. Enjoyed it with a group of friends for the feast of the Epiphany. Sheena got the almond, so good fortune is hers this year.

Evesham Wood Pinot Noir 2010

Boy, that Willamette Valley is something. The Pinots from there are almost always What my palate is looking for. This one is no exception, with a chocolatey cherry nose and flavour, and warm spicy pepper, with a medium tart finish.

It's pouring rain right now, Joe Walsh just came on the radio and we're getting to go see The Artist with Ria and James. Nice day.

Back to work tomorrow.