94's Blog

Not sure how but I typed Jarod's name wrong the second time... Sure someone noticed. I sure did ;-) Okay, back to our regularly scheduled newsletter.

Red Bag

Last week was sooooo easy... gotta trip you all up on occasion. Syrah from Washington, of course. Keep an eye out for this producer. Just hitting the market and they have a great philosophy.

Grape -

Most widely planted red grape in this country since the 1960s.
This grape is gradually being replaced with more distinctive and aromatic varieties.
Hates the damp. Love the sun.
The berries are bluish-black, round and fairly large, with fairly thick, astringent skins.
They hang in large, rather compact clusters that are short-stemmed, difficult to harvest, and susceptible to grape worms.
They also rot easily.
Buds and ripens late.
Aromas: black fruits, black pepper, licorice
An acre of this grape can produce 10 to 12 tons of fruit.
Currently 25 clones of this grape are government recognized.
Produces wines that have high color, acidity, and tannin.
Without proper care and attention wine from this grape is often unexciting.

Region -

After the industrial revolution in the 1950's this regions wine was the stuff you could strip paint with and would stain the glass bottles red. By the 80s care and science, combined with centuries of traditional "know how" changed the scene to what it is today.
Beaches are a 30 minute drive and cater for all tastes (naturist beaches are close by).
The Templars and the Cathars built many magnificent fortresses and fortified towns in this region.

Producer -

50 Year old vines of this grape combined with harsh rocky soils allow them to produce an outstanding wine from this grape.
Received a agriculture certification in 2003 as a result of pioneering efforts to farm sustainably since their inception in 1998.

Your Best Guess???

New Arrivals

New Wine

Chef has made a new very special category just for this wine…
"When I tried this wine I closed my eyes and was transported directly to a beautiful café in Bourdeaux.
The wine is actually from Canada. Made from a typical Bourdeaux blend expertly produced by a master of his trade. The price is amazing. I was able to obtain one perfect case. Please enjoy…" Celinda
Osoyoos Larose Merlot, Caberbet, Malbec,Petite Verdot, Cab Franc 2003 VQA Okanogan Valley

New Cheese

I doubt I'll have any "extra special" treats left from my excursion north of the border by the wine dinner, but if you stop by within the next week I'm sure I'll have a little something to share. Just ask!

As I just got back into work today I haven't had time to write the new descriptions for the following Canadian cheeses. I'll post the full details on the blog in the next couple days.

Moonstruck Organic Cheese - Salt Spring Island, BC
Beddis Blue, White Grace, and White Moon

Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan Inc. - Kelowna, BC
Blue Velvet, Moon Light, and Lior Special Edition

Did you book your wine dinner seats yet?