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Category Archives: Terroir

Repurposed Terroir

Posted on May 24, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

We’ve been saving the corks from the Goddess’ Mystery Cases.


75 GREAT adventures will now be used in amongst the potting soil for the new plants/flowers going on the decks.

Will it make the flowers/shrubs/veggies grow more?

Can’t spell, but make nice wine

Posted on May 21, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

It’s a second label for Laughing Stock Vineyards, that was purchased by Arterra Wines Canada in 2017.

One of the first wineries on the Naramata Bench, Laughing Stock was founded in 2003 by David and Cynthia Enns. The couple, who worked in financial services in Vancouver, produced 500 cases of a red blend called Portfolio, which quickly became one of the Okanagan’s most coveted labels. At the time, Cynthia explained the winery name showed an effort to mix a “serious enterprise with a light-hearted attitude.”


This medium bodied wine offers excellent balance and a slight sweetness on the finish. Aged in 100% stainless steel.
100% sourced from Thomas Ranch Vineyards slopes located on the east side of the valley provides the perfect late afternoon sun exposure. 

The funky and catchy name makes it easy to remember that you should pick up a bottle.  We heartily enjoy our’s.

IMBZZL – DOUBLE CROSS PINOT GRIS

$19.99

13.9% alcohol

UPC: 00063657043172

Laughing Stock mystery case Pinot Gris VQA

Become a frequent purchaser

Posted on May 19, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Beira Interior is a rather disparate region covering a vast swathe of inland Portugal south of the Douro and east of Dão. Vineyards are grown at altitude on granite soils. In the north, grapes are similar to those of the Douro while the south has a whole mix of varieties. 


A wet and fertile area, the grapes ripen with moderate sugar levels and refreshing acidity, meaning that the wines are usually lowish in alcohol at about 10-11%. Astringent, low alcohol red Vinho Verde is also produced. 


Despite the challengingly arid climate here, this is a dynamic region, referred to sometimes as Portugal’s ‘new world’.


60% Loureiro, 20% Alvarinho and 20% Avesso. These grape varieties tend to produce more complex and structured wines than some of the other Vinho Verde varieties. 


The nose is fragrant, crisp flavours and a very good acidity. The mouthfeel is pleasant. It finishes long, with salty lemon flavours.


Write it on the back of your hand.  Take the picture with you.  This is a selection you want to make at your next visit to the ‘dairy’  Be Brave and adventuresome, and you’ll be rewarded with it becoming your next favourite.

VINHO VERDE – BICO AMARELO

$13.99 regularly $15.99

11.5% alcohol

UPC: 05604882810105

Alvarinho Avesso Louriero mystery case Portugal Vinho Verde

Valedictorian

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker, a person with non-speaking autism, delivered the commencement address to her class without saying a word.
https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2441246&jwsource=em

Masi never disappoints

Posted on May 14, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

This blend of Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo grapes is a pale yellow colour with aromas of ripe tropical fruit and flowers. The mouth is full of ripe fruit and mineral flavours that lead to a refreshing finish.


Verduzzo grapes for the Masianco mature after harvest on straw mats (plateau). This increases the fruit concentration. You can already feel this in the fragrance. In the bouquet of Masianco Pinot Grigio. Made using a unique blend of freshly-picked and semi-dried grapes.


Great with any ‘light’ dish and a wonderful way to ‘encourage’ the coming the summer dayz on the deck.

Masi Pinot Grigio

$16.99 regularly $19.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 03049062001652

Masi mystery case Pinot Grigio Verduzzo

Flower Power

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

The inspiration behind the name of the brand is South Africa’s national flower, Protea. It got its name from the shape-shifting Greek god Proteus because it comes in a dizzying diversity, as each blossom is somehow more exotic and special than the last one.


Protea Chenin Blanc is produced by Protea Wines, a company that belongs to Johann Rupert, owner of luxury brands like Cartier and Mont Blanc. 


Very appealing.  Tangy and crisp flavours get your attention, and holds it through a lovely fullness towards the end. 

The preceding winter was cold and wet, resulting in good dormancy and healthy dam levels prior to the growing season. The cool weather continued into spring which in turn resulted in delayed but relatively even bud break, flowering and fruit set. The moderate summer temperatures slowed the ripening period and resulted in harvest starting about two weeks later than normal. The usually hot month of February was uncharacteristically cool, allowing for the gradual ripening of fruit with good flavours and acidity. An exceptional vintage which promises to deliver outstanding wines.


Protea has a remarkably aromatic nose for a Chenin Blanc.  It’s very palatable and quite distinctive.

CHENIN BLANC – RUPERT WINES PROTEA

$13.99 regularly $14.99

13.5% Alcohol

UPC: 00086891081144

Chenin Blanc mystery case South Africa

Approaching Perfection

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir 1 Comment

Consistently this is one of Argentina’s tastiest wines.  
A very well balanced wine with lots of freshness and plenty of black fruit. It has a nice transition from the beginning to end.  Long finish.


Approaching the best Cab Franc we’ve ever had.


Go buy a bunch of this. Some to drink now.  Some for the next get together and some to hold for awhile.


CABERNET FRANC – SANTA ANA LA MASCOTA 2018

$18.49

14% Alcohol

UPC: 07790762052838

La Mascota mystery case

Trying longer than you think

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Get A Grip

Posted on May 7, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Medium ruby in colour, medium bodied, but well balanced and soft. And then, after the 3rd or 4th sip Ichanged my mind and decided that it’s somewhat bold.


Very nice on it’s own, and we certainly enjoyed it with Spaghetti one night and beef kefta the other.


You’re not going to drop this bottle, with its nobbly finger grips on the neck of the bottle.


It is always a highly rated vineyard, so look for other varietals from them when you go to pick up a second bottle of this.


PUGLIA SANGIOVESE – FARNESE FANTINI

$14.99

12.5% alcohol

UPC: 00653149111269

mystery case Puglia Sangiovese

How Separated are We?

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

When written, it was ahead of it’s time, giving us fair warning of what was to come.  Now, social media has almost made the book irrelevantfor businesses.  However, if you look at it from a personal perspective, it is still VERY relevant – IF you want your life out there!  Wherever “there”might be.


Are you trying to get a decent return on your investment in your life?  I prefer to remain clueless, but still curious.


For your business, a worthy read. For your life, I’d rather recommend The Tao of Zen by Ray Grigg.

Six Pixels of Separation, Mitch Joel, ISBN 978-0-446-54822-9

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