The Port of Wines show is on in Halifax this weekend, and I have the honor of pouring for one of the brands. I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect back on some of my favorites from last year.
This is one of the wines I personally will be pouring this weekend, and was one of my favorites from last year. A fantastic value, coming in under $20, and a great tasting wine. I’m excited about being able to talk about this wine, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. It’s full, rich and dark with hints of pencil shavings, tobacco and spice.
Here’s another of my favorites from last year. La Vite Lucente 2011 is a complex and subtle Italian red wine. A rich blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon so it has those gorgeous blackberry flavors with notes of smoke and cedar. Let it breathe for an hour and this wine is good to go.
This was probably the most famous wine at the Port of Wines show last year. It was definitely the wine that had the most press internationally. The 2013 Jolie-Pitt Perrin Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose was actually very good. Given 90+ points or higher across the board, critics were probably even a little more critical when trying this one, as they can be when reviewing celebrity wines. However, every review said this one hit the mark. Gorgeous flavors of strawberries with a floral note, this wine has great acidity. Delicious on its own, it would also make a great wine for appetizers and nibbling cheese.
My new wine of the week…….
Petite Sirah has been known for being a great wine for blends, California has started a surge of Petite Sirah wines that stand alone, and I am loving it. McMannis Family Vineyards makes a great one, and this is a new one I’ve tried this past week. The Crusher Petite Sirah is grown east of the Napa Valley and the cool nights and hot days make for a deep concentrated wine. Crusher also uses wild yeast for this wine. What is wild yeast you may ask? They use yeast that is naturally present in the environment and has not been modified in any way. This helps make a wine that is a great expression of local terroir. Perfect wine for BBQ, pork or wild game meats.
Had a great time at the Port of wines last year with my friend Rayell, and I’m looking forward to this year’s festival as well.
I will tell you all about it next week. Till then, Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 