Happy Hour - Tasting Notes

CANET FAMILY RÉSERVE, MINERVOIS WINE REVIEW – C260, LOT 9843

2018 VINTAGE NOW AVAILABLE – C269, LOT 1477

Geri Rinehart, Area Representative, Huronia Chapter

An excellent reflection of a terroir-driven winery, Chateau Canet is the epitome of a small wine estate in southern France. Made from old vine Syrah and Grenache, this Canet ‘Family Reserve’ is a Gilbert & Gaillard Gold winning wine loaded with fruit forward blackberry, cherry and blackcurrant aromas typical of Syrah.  At first the sweet, dark berry fruit dominates the palate, followed by spice flavours and smooth velvety tannins that add a complex finish to the wine. It can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve over the next five years.

VIGNOBLES CANET, PICPOUL DE PINET, AOP, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, 2017 – C260, LOT 9839
2018 VINTAGE NOW AVAILABLE – C269, LOT 1474

By Leah Reid, Area Representative, Regina Chapter

I can’t get enough of this wine. If you don’t have any in your cellar, order some now! Crazy fresh minerality on the nose. You might even smell baby’s breath or dandelion. Take a sip and you won’t be able to stop going back for more — Meyer lemon and stone fruits take the show. I found the white peach finish so incredibly awesome that one bottle was not enough, so I opened two. This wine pairs with a patio and friends, along with any fresh summer salad you can think of.

Domaine Peirière Réserve Syrah, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2017 – C260, Lot 9865

2018 VINTAGE NOW AVAILABLE – C269, LOT 1458

Lia A. Daborn, Area Representative, Fredericton Chapter

This lovely ruby red wine showed some purple hints and popped with aroma the minute we took out the cork. The ripe cherry, Juicy blueberry and violet notes had my mouth watering before that first sip, which delivered as promised!  Dry with high acidity and medium (+) tannins, on the palate were additional savoury elements and peppery notes. Definitely good to drink now, but I’d love to try it in a year to see how it matures.

Katie Jones, Rouge, vin de France, 2016 – C251, Lot 9275

2018 VINTAGE NOW AVAILABLE – C269, LOT 1466

Kevin Mintenko and Simon Litherland, Area Representatives – Vancouver and Lower Mainland

I found the nose restrained, slightly gamey notes, with a few touches of bramble and slate. On the palate it is medium bodied, mouth filling, and juicy. It shows supple tannins, beautiful acidic structure and a long, lingering mineral/slate finish, accented by a pleasant bitterness. Enjoy this wine now, or over the next two years, with at least 30 minutes decanting.

Tortoise Creek Carignan “Vieilles Vignes” 2016 Pays d’Herault IGP – C251, LOT 9283

2018 VINTAGE NOW AVAILABLE, C269 – LOT 1463

By Heather Downey, Area Representative, Northeastern Ontario Chapter

What a great, easy-drinking “Vieilles Vignes” Carignan. This nectar shows plenty of ripe blackberries, vanilla, cured meat and chocolate. An easy drinking medium-bodied wine that can pair nicely with grilled meats. Although there may be a little more time on this wine, I would dig it out of my cellar and enjoy it with grilled red meats over the BBQ this season.