Blind tasting reviews are a fun game to play with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town. I pour a glass from a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind.  By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

Wine reviewed by Jason Yamasaki, a member of Chambar’s wine team. Jason is certified by the International Sommelier Guild, he has a WSET Advanced certificate and he’s worked a vintage in Austria. He’s a wealth of knowledge and has read just about every book on wine – and remembers most of the contents. Long story short: he’s pretty much the biggest wine geek around.

JoieFarm Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2011

ABV: 12.2%

Category: Chardonnay

Country/Region: Okanagan Valley, BC

Winemaker: JoieFarm

Appearance: Virtually water-white with a hint of lemon-green.

Nose: Pure, bright aromas of fresh apples and pear with a touch of herbaceousness and a pleasant minerality.

Palate: A dry wine but expressing ripe fruit character and a sunshine-bright gulpability. Actually finishes with a little banana-esque flavour.

Assessment of quality: Perfectly suited to the warming spring weather. Tote to the beach or the park and let the flavour just be an extension of the crystal-clear day.

Further comments upon reveal: Ah! A lovely producer for local deliciousness.

Availability: From the winery, private liquor stores and restaurants.

Pricing: $22.90 from winery, $25-30 in private liquor stores.

Blind tasting reviews are a fun game to play with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town. I pour a glass from a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Erin Chambers, manager of Vij's

Wine reviewed by Erin Chambers, manager of Vij’s. Erin grew up in Vancouver and has been at Vij’s for four years, where she also runs the wine education program for servers. She has a diploma from the International Sommelier Guild and is currently pursuing her Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma. She’s no stranger to the fruits of the vine.

Hecht & Bannier Saint Chinian AOC 2009
ABV: 13.5%
Category: Mainly Syrah (Grenache, Mourvèdre)
Country/Region: Saint Chinian AOC, Languedoc Roussillon, France
Winemaker: hechtbannier.com

Appearance: High intensity ruby with a hint of purple and a pale ruby rim.

Nose: Clean with medium-plus intensity of blackberries, red licorice, black pepper, violets and leather.
Palate: Dry with medium-plus structural elements including body, acidity, alcohol and soft tannins. Medium flavour intensity of blackberries, sweet oak, black pepper and violets. Medium length.

Assessment of quality: Good quality wine. Well balanced between the fruit concentration and the tannic structure, although it shows more complexity on the nose than the palate. Drink now or will hold two to three years. A straightforward, quaffable wine.

Further comments upon revealing the wine: Reasonable value for quality. Has typicity of the syrah varietal. Will benefit from decanting. It needs food – preferably something rich and fatty such as braised lamb or cassoulet.

Availability: Available at BC Liquor Stores.

Pricing: $30

Blind tasting reviews are a fun game to play with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town. I pour a glass from a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind.  By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Colin Davidson from the wine team at Hawksworth Restaurant

Wine reviewed by Colin Davidson, a member of the wine team at Hawksworth Restaurant. Originally from P.E.I., Colin began his wine education in Ottawa, earning a Sommelier Diploma at Algonquin College. He continued his studies with the International Sommelier Guild Diploma, became a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, and then a French Wine Scholar. He is currently pursuing his Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma.  In short, he knows a thing or two about wine.

Canepa Novisimo Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

ABV: 13%

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country/Region: Central Valley, Chile

Winemaker: www.canepawines.cl

Appearance: Bright ruby of moderate intensity.

Nose: Pronounced nose with red fruit, earth, green pepper and fresh herbs.

Palate: Dry, medium acidity, medium-plus body and alcohol with soft, powdery tannins.  Moderate-plus intensity of flavours that include red fruit, earth and sweet spice. Medium length.

Assessment of quality: Good quality, although a little hot on the finish, but otherwise balanced. Showing moderate complexity with good structure and length.

Further comments upon revealing the wine: Reasonable value, showing typicity for a Chilean Cabernet at this price point.

Availability: Available at Firefly Fine Wines and Ales and other private liquor stores.
Pricing: $14-16

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Mr. Pino Posteraro, chef and owner of Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill and Enoteca.

2008 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Category: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region/Country: Sonoma County, California USA
Winemaker: www.rodneystrong.com
Agent: Mark Anthony
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: ~ 3.5
Expression: 3.5 ~ “A bit alcoholic at first.”
Complexity: 3.5 ~ “Quite complex and round.”
Balance: 4 ~ “Well-balanced.”
Value: 4 ~ “Great value.”
Score: 18.5/25

Availability: Available at select private liquor stores.
Pricing: $30-35

Editor’s Note: Pino has a remarkable palate; after a few careful swirls and sips, he was able to discern the varietal, region, year, and alcohol % without seeing the bottle. Well done!

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town and beyond where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Mr. Kevin van Hullebush, general manager and sommelier of ensemble restaurant.

2007 NK’Mip Qwam Qwmt Meritage
ABV: 14.5%
Category: Meritage
Region/Country: Okanagan Valley, BC Canada
Winemaker: www.nkmipcellars.com
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: ~ 4 “Bright dark berry. Slight smoke and oak.”
Expression: 4 ~ “Big, rich, currant fruit on the palate. Bright acidity.”
Complexity: 3 ~ “Moderately.”
Balance: 3.5 ~ “Well-balanced. Youngish. Slight greeness.
Value: 3.5 
Score: 18/25

Further Tasting Notes: “Cabernet blend from BC.”

Availability: Available at Legacy Liquor Store or select BC Liquor stores.
Pricing: $30-35

Wine review by Kevin van Hullebush, general manager and sommelier of ensemble restaurant.

I have been playing a game with restaurant bartenders across town, where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the product is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

ABV: 43%
Category: Cognac
Country: France

Appearance: ~ 3 “Light, goldden brown, clean.”
Nose:  ~ 2.5 ” Bright citrus (orange, lemon) toasted oak, light vanilla.”
Finish: ~ 4 “Mid-length on the finish, good acidity (mouth watering) – lingering oaky finish. Slightly smokey.”
Value: ~ 3

Further notes: “Strong cognac with robust flavours.”

Total Score: 16/25

Availability: Limited availability at select BC Liquor stores.
Pricing: $75.99

Cocktail recipe: The Blackened Cherry

• 5 or 6 guinette cherries muddled

• 1.5 ounce of Hennessy Black

• 0.5 ounce of St. Germain

• 0.5 ounce of Aperol liquer

• 0.5 ounce of lemon/orange juice

• dash of bitters

Serve in a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist

Disclosure: http://CMP.LY/2/So5gPQ – product sample from distributor

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town and beyond where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestants…

^ Chester Carey and Doug Hutchison of Brewery Creek Liquor Store

ABV: 12.9%
Category: Sauvignon Blanc
Region/Country: Durbanville, South Africa
Agent: Mark Anthony Group
Winemaker: Nederburg

Chester Carey:

Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: ~ 2 “Asparagus, lemongrass, lime.”
Expression: 3 ~ “Dry, medium acidity, no tannins, finish of lemongrass and lime zest, lingering moldy aftertaste.”
Complexity: 2
Balance: 3
Value: 4
Score: 14/25

Doug Hutchison:

Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: ~ 2 “…meh…not a stand-out.”
Expression: 3 ~ “Shows basic, fairly typical sauvignon blanc notes. Varietal correct.”
Complexity: 3 ~ “Complex enough.”
Balance: 3
Value: 4
Score: 15/25

Availability: Available widely at BC Liquor stores.
Pricing: $10.99

Wine review by Chester Carey and Doug Hutchison of Brewery Creek Liquor Store

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town and beyond where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Mr. Keith Nicholson, veteran sommelier and wine agent for Liquid Art.

2009 Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah
ABV: 14.65%
Category: Syrah
Region/Country: Franschhoek Valley, South Africa
Agent: Mark Anthony Group
Winemaker: www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: ~ 4.25 “Lots of warmth and spice, full palate. Definitely New World style.”
Expression: 4.25 ~ “Bright fruit, rich mid-palate, love the spice. Lush.”
Complexity: 3.25 ~ “Mostly upfront, and easy to enjoy.”
Balance: 3
Value: 4 ~ “4 on the yum factor.” 
Score: 18.75/25

Further Tasting Notes: “Apres reveal: wow, what a nice surprise!”

Availability: Available widely at BC Liquor stores.
Pricing: $17.99

Wine review by  Mr. Keith Nicholson, sommelier and wine agent for Liquid Art.

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town and beyond where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Mr. Steve Da Cruz, proprietor and wine director of Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe

2007 Doña Paula Los Cardos Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14%
Category: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Mendoza, Argentina
Agent: Mark Anthony Group
Winemaker: Doña Paula
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: ~ 2 “Hot note, high alcohol, little tight in the bouquet, spicy shrub.”
Expression: 3 ~ “Boysenberries a plenty, tastes less robust than the nose–good thing. Not a bad mouth-feel.”
Complexity: 3 ~ “Not very complex, but I like the hint of licorice on the finish.”
Balance: 3 ~ “Good balance, the tannins aren’t over the top.”
Value: 3.5
Score: 14.5/25

Further Tasting Notes: “For $13 bucks, totally quaffable and probably dynamite with some braised ribs.”
Availability: Available widely at BC Liquor stores.
Pricing: $12.99-14.99

Wine review by Steve Da Cruz of Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town and beyond where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved.

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Mr. Edwyn Kumar, General Manager of The Hart House Restaurant in Burnaby.

2009 Peter Lehmann Barossa Blonde
ABV: 11%
Category: White Blend (36% Riesling, 30% Chenin Blanc, 20% Semillon, 14% Sauvignon Blanc)
Country: Barossa, Australia
Agent: International Cellars
Winemaker: Peter Lehmann
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: ~ 3 “Hard to say, because they don’t tell the varietal. But for a blend, it’s lovely. Likely Semillon, Sauvignon, and Chenin?”
Expression: 3.5 ~ “Soft and enticing on the nose, melon and papaya. Full on the palate, medium bodied, kiwi and lime. Excellent acidity.”
Complexity: 3 ~ “Moderately complex. Doesn’t have to be mind blowing, because primary flavours are very enjoyable.”
Balance: 4 ~ “Even tempered with consistent flavour throughout. Hints of oak balance the acidity and adds structure.”
Value: 4 ~ “A lot of wine for the price point. Happy times.”
Score: 17.5/25

Further Tasting Notes: “Nice clarity, greenish hue, tropical fruit and supple.”
Availability: Available at select private liquor stores (spec product).
Pricing: $14.99-17.99

Wine review by Mr. Edwyn Kumar, General Manager of The Hart House Restaurant in Burnaby.

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town and beyond where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved. ~ PK

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

(Image courtesy of Top Table)

^ Miss Samantha Rahn, wine director of Araxi Restaurant in Whistler.

2008 Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Icewine
ABV: 9.5%
Category: Riesling Icewine
Country: Okanagan, BC
Winemaker: Mission Hill
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness:  ~ 2.75 “Hints of citrus blossom show varietal character on the nose, slightly bitter on the finish. Honey character a bit confusing for ice wine…”
Expression: 3.5 ~ “Nose shows some varietal character but would like some more…rich, palate texture is nice finish.”
Complexity: 2.75 ~ “Pretty good – would like more layers and more fruit nuances.”
Balance: 2.75 ~ “Initially very sweet, could have a bit more acid to balance, especially as the finish.”
Value: 3.25 ~ “Good value in its category, especially as an introduction for the average consumer for ice wine. Very friendly style.”
Score: 15/25

Further Tasting Notes: “Finish has a slightly oxidative (apple skin) character, not off putting, just noted.
Availability: direct from the winery,  Artisan Wine Shops, select BC Liquor Stores
Pricing: $59.90

Wine review Miss Samantha Rahn, wine director of Araxi Restaurant in Whistler.

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town and beyond where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved. ~ PK

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Mr. Dave Foran, wine director of Sidecut Restaurant in the Four Season’s Resort in Whistler.

2009 JoieFarm Riesling
ABV: 11%
Category: Riesling
Country: Naramata, BC
Winemaker: JoieFarm
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness:  ~ 3.5 “VC on the nose is slightly restrained. Ripe stonefruit comes through as consistent with warmer climate.”
Expression: 3
Complexity: 3.5 ~ “Fairly straightforward with minimal complexity. Some mineral notes are nicely reflected.”
Balance: 4 ~ “Respectable balance between acidity, fruit and minor residual sugar.”
Value: 4 ~ “The wine improved with each taste, which I liked. This is an admirable sign of subtle complexity. Fair value.”
Score: 18/25
Availability: Brewery Creek Liquor Store, Firefly Fine Wines and Ales, Liberty Wine Merchants
Pricing: $22.90

Wine review by Dave Foran, wine director of Sidecut Restaurant in the Four Season’s Resort in Whistler.

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind. By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved. ~ PK

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Mr. Antoine Dumont of the Smoking Dog Bistro.

2008 Luberon – Marrenon Classic
ABV: 12.5%
Category: white blend (40% Grenache Blanc, 40% Vermentino, 20% Ugni blanc)
Country: France
Winemaker: Marrenon
Agency: Waldorf Wines
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness:  ~ 3 “Missing some body, some character, maybe some oak.”
Expression: 4 ~ “Good nose, mineral and green fruit smell.”
Complexity: 4 ~ “Not complex at all, missing some structure, but not pretentious.”
Balance: 3 ~ “Acidity too high at the end. Missing a nice finish (maybe accentuated the prune taste at the end).”
Value: 4 ~ “It has to be in this price range, it is not a very good wine, but it is not expensive.”
Score: 19/25
Availability: Firefly Fine Wines and Ales, Liberty Wine Merchants
Pricing: $15-17

Wine review by Mr. Antoine Dumont of the Smoking Dog Bistro in Kitsilano.

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind.  By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved. ~ PK

Come inside and read the review of our next contestants…

Simone Bainbridge and Jay Jones of Pourhouse.

Schloss Schonborn 2008 Estate Riesling
ABV: 9.5%
Category: Riesling
Country: Rheingau, Germany
Winemaker: Schloss Schonborn
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: 4
Expression: 3.75
Complexity: 3
Balance: 3.75 ~ Simone: “No distinctive flavour on the palate, well-rounded, coated the mouth, long finish.”
Jay: “Off dry with a touch of heat in the finish.”
Value: 3.75 ~ Jay: “Gives a lot for the price.”
Score: 18.25/25
Further Tasting Notes: ~ Simone: “Buttery.” Jay: “Be interesting to taste in a few years.”
Availability: BC Liquor stores
Pricing: $19.99

Wine review by Simone Bainbridge and Jay Jones of Pourhouse.

I have been playing a wine game with restaurant sommeliers and wine nerds across town where I show up with a mystery bottle and ask them to review it blind.  By not knowing what the wine is or who represents it, hopefully, an honest-no-bs-review is achieved. ~ PK

Come inside and read the review of our next contestant…

^ Michelle Bouffard and Michaela Morris of House Wine.2008 Château Roquetaillade La Grange
ABV: 13.5%
Category: White Bordeaux blend (Semillon 60%, Sauvignon 20%, Muscadelle 20%)
Country: Bordeaux, France
Winemaker: Château Roquetaillade La Grange
Varietal Character/Distinctiveness: 4 ~ “True to is grape.”
Expression: 2.5 ~ “Expressive, but lacks freshness and vibrancy.”
Complexity: 2 ~ “Very simple and straight-forward, not complex.”
Balance: 3 ~ “Lacks balance. Slightly hot. Good fruit mid-palate. Very good acidity.”
Value: 3 ~ “Overpriced in comparison to wines from other regions in the world, but reasonable for Bordeaux.”
Score: 14.5/25
Further Tasting Notes: “Appearance quite dark – suggestive of some age or a larger percentage of Semillon in the blend. Perhaps, suffered from synthetic cork. Conclusion: drink now, don’t wait anymore if you have a bottle at home. Not bad, just a bit tired.”
Availability: Dunbar Liquor Boutique, 5648 Dunbar Street Vancouver 604-267-2337
Pricing: $22.99

Wine review by Michelle Bouffard and Michaela Morris of House Wine.