Tag Archives: mystery case

Is it the 1%?

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33% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 33% Mourvedre & 1% Other

Berries, Cherries and Plums are the predominant flavours. Lots of silky, smooth bright cherry, blueberry and spicy.

Carbonic maceration is typically undertaken with light to medium-bodied wines to make them fruitier and to soften their tannins.  The grapes are not crushed, rather put whole bunch into a fermentation vessel then carbon dioxide is added and the vessel sealed so no oxygen can interact with the grapes.  There is no yeast to cause the grapes to ferment.  The fermentation happens within the grape where the carbon dioxide is used to break down the sugars and malic acid within the grape. Once the alcohol level reaches 2%, the berries burst to release their juice and at this point fermentation using yeast is undertaken to convert the remaining sugars from the grape juice to produce the wine.

Other reviewers give this a 91 points. I’m tempted to go a little higher. It’s robust and exceptional value.

CORBIERES AN 806 GRENACHE SYRAH MOURVEDRE – GERARD BERTRAND

$17.99 $19.99 regularly

14% alcohol

UPC: 03514123101768

Off to the movies

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Usually I shy away from Celebrity owned/backed wines and spirits, but did approach this one with an open mind and was sorta/kinda rewarded. Nothing to fault it. This is a good, solid Cab Sauv. But, we’ve had nicer ones from small obscure vintners off shore.

Very smooth tannins and an aromatic nose. The earthy flavours complimented the mussels in a white wine sauce.

The Goddess made a nice selection adding it to the Mystery Case.

Frances Coppola Diamond Collection Claret Cabernet Sauvignon

$26.99 regularly $29.99

13.5% Alcohol

Approach with Abandon

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Approach with Abandon

Biodynamics has existed for nearly a century and is a trusted method for many small and large producers around the world. The varietals in this French white might not be all that familiar to you, but they are absolutely worth getting to know!

Vermentino is similar in style to Sauvignon Blanc, so is an easy transition for anyone looking to try something new without getting too adventurous.

When paired together with the more popular, medium-bodied, low tannin Viognier, you get a beautiful blend that is a nicely balanced wine.


The harvest is made at night to protect the grapes from oxydation and preserve optimum freshness. Grapes are then directly pressed without maceration, the wine is cooled down and left one fine lees. The two grapes varieties are blended and aged on fine lees in neutral content to bring complexity to the wine.


Viognier can be a tough sell around here.  I’m very glad the Goddess of Wine persists, with new adventures like this. Very worthwhile choice for the Mystery Case.

Thoughts of Roses and lilies come to mind..  It is surprisingly Fresh.Tingly.  but not effervescent.


La Tournee Ferraton Vermentino Viognier

$19.99 Regularly $21.99

13.5% Alcohol

We have character

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Cantina Tollo is known worldwide for the production of high quality wines over many price points.

The winery won the prestigious Gambero Rosso Winery of the Year for 2008, and is the only cooperative operation ever awarded the Gran Vinitaly Award. Cantina Tollo, founded in 1960, is a cooperative winery made up of 700 members.  

The wines have been organic since 2016.

Supple. Expressive. Aromatic. Smooth and easy to drink.  Great Balance.

It went perfectly with Treehouse garlic chicken pasta. 


MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO – TOLLO COLLE SECCO RUBINO

$16.49 regularly $17.99

13.5 % alcohol

UPC: 08002001047086

Blossoms to the table

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Chocalan is a family winery located about 25 kilometres form the Pacific in the Maipo Valley.  It means “yellow Blossoms” reflecting the landscape of the Valley hills that are close to the coast.


Even before it went on sale this is outstanding value for price.  Fruit and blossom up front. Mineral Undertones.  Vibrant finish.

SAUVIGNON BLANC – CHOCALAN RESERVA

$13.99 regularly $15.99

13.5 % alcohol

UPC: 07804603661223

Firm Character

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North Eastern Hungary is one of the oldest wine regions in the world.  The soil is a rich volcanic rhyolite containing crystalline fragments that foster wines with a firm character.

Furmint is Hungary’s most important white wine grape and it shines here, blended with a touch of Harslevelu and Yellow Muscat.


Our “goalie” visited the region often as a kid growing up.  Lucky bugger remembers the caves where the wines are stored.  I think this would be an ideal place to have our next tasting.

Aromatic and fruity (hints of lemons and limes).  Its lovely and dry and super smooth.  A crisp and very clean finish.  


I think this one will age very well.


Furmint Dry Chateau Megyer Tokaji 2019

$23.49

12% Alcohol

Classic Beginning to end

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Christmas dinner was a good way to share this great white blend. 

Lots of our favourite aromas and flavours come to the forefront. Tropical and Balanced.

Grenache Blanc and Viognier grown in the Gard, blended with Roussanne and Clairette grown in the Vaucluse.

It’s easy not to let this one hang around – best had when fresh as it arrives at your favourite dairy.

Medium-bodied, just dry enough.  There’s not a lot of complexity here … but it’s classic Rhone.

Saint Vincent, born during the 3rd century in Spain, is considered the patron saint of winegrowers. Vincent means triumphant in Latin. 

COTES DU RHONE BLANC – MEFFRE SAINT VINCENT

$15.99 regularly $17.99 

13.5% Alcohol

UPC:03142920026306

We have a shortage of Rascals

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West of Alba, in the Roero Appellation of Piedmont.


Traditionally, this white grape (Arneis) was planted more in an effort to attract birds and bees away from the red grapes rather than for its actual quality for drinking. It was teetering on extinction in the 60s.  Not easy to grow, hence being called “little rascal”.  Low yield, prone to mildew.


But the reward is a rich, aromatic white wine that is savoury with an elegant finish, nice acidity and balanced structure.


A perfect example of why we have a Goddess of Wine to guide us.  It immediately zooms into the top 5 whites we have had this year.  And now, it doesn’t even show up on the Government Dairy Website.

Take the picture of the bottle for your next visit and try to find some for yourself.

Roero Arneis – Marchesi

$27.99

13% Alcohol

Got it Right

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Decidedly worth of the 93 point rating

AB would approve of his homeland’s efforts.  Dark Berry flavours leading to a slightly chocolaty finish.
18 months in French Oak barrels.

First night was with Treehouse Pizza and second night was with grilled Pork Tenderloin. Definitely Happy with both.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – SIDEWOOD ESTATE STABLEMATE

$19.99 regularly $22.99

14% alcohol

UPC: 09342333002339

The scent of rain on dry earth

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A perfect BC word.  Petrichor  describes the stone-like earthy smell associated with rain. 

The estate vineyard that produces Petrichor wines is nestled in the Southern Okanagan Valley.  Just like the scent released into the air when raindrops meet the ground, Petricor’s Cabernet Merlot will delight your senses.

The Cabernet Merlot is structured and has strong tasting notes of black and red fruits. It pair well with anything carnivores love: beef, lamb, and cheeses. 

PETRICHOR – CABERNET MERLOT

$16.99 regularly $18.99

14% Alcohol

UPC: 00776545600912