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Here in Calgary there are (at least) two great wine shops, stocking selectively from all over the world. I’m mentioned one previously that has Rockford Basket Press, early 2000s 
.
But I usually don’t buy Aussie stuff, but try to get from regions that would be hard to get in Australia (or at least Tasmania), or if I just want to try something different. Canadian wines are coming along in leaps and bounds, especially in BC.
So the other day I went in and I asked first for a BC Sav Blanc. The guy without hesitation pointed to Le Vieux Pin; had I heard of it? No. Would I like to taste it? No – if its any good, I’ll give it the respect of a decent galss or two. That was the first buy, about C$38 after tax.
Then I asked more in in hope than expectation for a Russian River (CA) zinfandel which wouldn’t require a second mortgage (they usually go for >$50, and >$75 for the better ones). I love RR zins but they are ‘premium priced’ shall we say. So there was the Ottimino, a fair dinkum RR zin for about $35. Going to be cough I thought, but its what I asked for, so that was the second bottle.
First to the old pine, from the Okanagan Valley. The guy warned me that it wouldn’t be a sweet, fruity sav blanc like NZ, and he was right. I woukld have picked it for a Chablis, with even a bit of Chardonnay!! But I’m no expert of course, but it was different. I dislike Chardonnay, but even with the hint of it here (according to me, anyway), it went down well with some sous vide cooked wild salmon, with basil and dill.
View attachment 34709
Read about it for yourself: Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc » Le Vieux Pin
Next, to the Ottimino. It was distinctly zin, probably not as peppery or spicy or long on the palate as the top line stuff, but eminently drinkable and good for the price. It went with some Albertan deer steaks on the BBQ, pretty well. Everyone asked for a bit more; alas just the one bottle between three!
View attachment 34710
Ottimino - Current Wines - Current Wines
ps 'Red Back wines' appear to be a wine importer here in Calgary. Must look 'em up - bound to be Aussies
. But I usually don’t buy Aussie stuff, but try to get from regions that would be hard to get in Australia (or at least Tasmania), or if I just want to try something different. Canadian wines are coming along in leaps and bounds, especially in BC.
So the other day I went in and I asked first for a BC Sav Blanc. The guy without hesitation pointed to Le Vieux Pin; had I heard of it? No. Would I like to taste it? No – if its any good, I’ll give it the respect of a decent galss or two. That was the first buy, about C$38 after tax.
Then I asked more in in hope than expectation for a Russian River (CA) zinfandel which wouldn’t require a second mortgage (they usually go for >$50, and >$75 for the better ones). I love RR zins but they are ‘premium priced’ shall we say. So there was the Ottimino, a fair dinkum RR zin for about $35. Going to be cough I thought, but its what I asked for, so that was the second bottle.
First to the old pine, from the Okanagan Valley. The guy warned me that it wouldn’t be a sweet, fruity sav blanc like NZ, and he was right. I woukld have picked it for a Chablis, with even a bit of Chardonnay!! But I’m no expert of course, but it was different. I dislike Chardonnay, but even with the hint of it here (according to me, anyway), it went down well with some sous vide cooked wild salmon, with basil and dill.
View attachment 34709
Read about it for yourself: Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc » Le Vieux Pin
Next, to the Ottimino. It was distinctly zin, probably not as peppery or spicy or long on the palate as the top line stuff, but eminently drinkable and good for the price. It went with some Albertan deer steaks on the BBQ, pretty well. Everyone asked for a bit more; alas just the one bottle between three!
View attachment 34710
Ottimino - Current Wines - Current Wines
ps 'Red Back wines' appear to be a wine importer here in Calgary. Must look 'em up - bound to be Aussies
. Just sitting in 1A on QF7 for departure in 15 minutes 
)
