Naramata Bench spring release offers unexpected treats
Winemakers gather to show off new spring releases and not-yet-released wine barrels, paired with delicious eats from Vancouver's finest restaurants.
It was an evening of unexpected treats as fellow oenophiles gathered at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver this week to sample the spring releases from the sunny and picturesque Naramata Bench wine country, along with an exclusive wine auction hosted by Terry David Mulligan. Partial proceeds from the auction are donated to The Vancouver Art Gallery.
Naramata Bench is home to wineries located on idyllic rolling hillsides, and others are perched at the edge of cliffs that fall perilously toward Okanagan Lake.
Highlights of the April 21 event include not-yet-released barrel tastings like the amazing Hillside Estate Winery 2009 Merlot-Malbec (with black fruit, blueberry tea and a hint of orange, with a generous long finish) and the Elephant Island Orchard Wines Stella Port.
Vikram Vij was spotted serving his Garam Masala beef shortrib curry with green beans (which attracted a large queue), to be paired with Poplar Grove Winery's 2006 Legacy, an elegant blend that stood up to the spice. Perennial favourite Laughing Stock Vineyards served up their fabulous, award-winning 2008 Portfolio with CinCin's smoked duck breast with truffle and artichoke salad, focaccia crisp and foie-gras stuffed cherry.
An unexpected treat was Twisted Fork Bistro's almond tuile cones with lavender-infused caramel mousse, fresh raspberries and homemade maple syrup ice cream. There were many happy gasps and sighs around this table as guests sampled them, along with La Frenz Winery's 2009 Reserve Chardonnay or Merlot. Another crowd favourite was Elephant Island's 2009 Pink Elephant Methode Classique Sparkling Wine. I adored its attractive and kitschy label.
I particularly enjoyed Township 7's 2007 Merlot, bursting with dark fruit, chocolate and cedar notes and a subtly spicy finish.
Another enthusiastic recommendation was Perseus Winery's 2009 Invictus Bordeaux Blend(pictured above): bold, complex and elegant. Red Rooster Winery's 2010 aromatic Riesling paired well with Adesso Bistro's delectable prosciutto arancini with gorgonzola fondula.
Lesser known labels earnestly displayed great results like Marichel Vineyard's 2008 Splitrock Viognier and 2008 Syrah paired with Westin Bayshore's spiced lamb kofta with crisp parsnip and blackberry gel. Serendipity Winery received many compliments for their 2008 Serenata Bordeaux Blend and Therapy Vineyard's refreshing 2010 Freudian Sip and 2008 Freud's Ego was a definite treat, as it's not carried in many stores.
(1) Comments
There were many tasty wines and interesting pairings. I wrote an article too on the wines. I enjoyed that there were a variety of appetizers to try with the wines. Many tastings have only bread or crackers to go with the wine, but having appetizers really gives you a different impression of a wine. Here is the link if you are interested: http://mywinepal.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/naramata-bench-2011-spring-win...