Between the Vines: One woman's wine-soaked musings

Vintage 2011 in BC: A media preview and tasting

Today we'll join other wine media at Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver to preview, talk about, and taste some of what Wines of British Columbia calls "the finest wines" of the new vintage.

These winemakers and/or proprietors will be attending:

• Sandra Oldfield | Tinhorn Creek
• Derek Kontkanen | Jackson-Triggs
• Darryl Brooker | Cedar Creek
• John Simes | Mission Hill
• Howard Soon | Sandhill
• Bob Johnson | Baillie-Grohman
• Rolf de Bruin | Fort Berens

Cheers, all!

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen Rake. All rights reserved.

How do you know if a wine is ready to open and drink?

"So, really. How do you know if a wine is ready to open and drink?" is a question I am often asked.

My stock answer is, "Well, it depends."

I am not trying to be evasive or guard some state secret; it really does depend.

It depends on the region, sub-region, vintage, grape variety, producer, age of the vines, and so on, and so on, and so on...

That's not to say there aren't some broad and general guidelines, because there are. A vintage chart is one of the tools that can help you—generally.

Several high-profile wine-scene people provide vintage charts, but the one I like is Natalie MacLean's because it includes Canada's wine regions.

So, take a look at the chart but remember to heed Natalie's advice and let your own palate guide you.

Cheers, all!

Copyright © 2011 Kathleen Rake. All rights reserved.