For my first three days in British Columbia, Canada, I was being shown around by David Scholefield (aka ‘The Prof’, pictured above). He’s a total dude and we shared some nice bottles together, which I thought I would write up.
Sea Star Siegerrebe 2013 Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada
Not the greatest wine in the world, but of interest because of where it comes from. Very fresh, mineral and spicy with some sweet grapey notes, citrus, and a hint of pear. Nice focus and balance to this crisp wine, which smells a bit sweet but tastes very dry and mineral. 89/100
Bartier Bros Semillon Cequeira Vineyard 2012 Okanagan Valley, Canada
Very fine, fresh, pure and bright with lemony fruit and a smoky, herbal twist. Lovely freshness and precision, with real varietal character. 91/100
Clos des Fous is a collaboration between Pedro Parra (celebrated terroir expert), François Massoc and Paco Leyton (the winemakers), and Albert Cussen. The goal is to focus on interesting Chilean terroirs, and then make wines that express them. Pedro has been working with David Scholefield at Haywire, which is why David brought the wines along.
Clos des Fous Cauquenina 2011 Maule, Chile
This is a blend of 36% Carignano/Carignan, 18% Malbec, 15% Syrah/Shiraz and 15% Pais, fermented in cement. 13.5% alcohol. Fresh, supple and elegant with sweet cherry and plum fruit, with a hint of pastille-like character that made me spot it as Chilean when I was served it blind. There’s real finesse here, with supple, sweet raspberry and cherry fruit. Juicy and focused. 91/100
Clos des Fous Grillos Cantores Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Cachapoal, Chile
Sweet blackberry and black cherry fruit with a smooth texture. There’s a hint of green sappiness, and even some green pepper. Quite Chilean, but with some real elegance. 90/100
Clos Des Fous Locura Chardonnay 2012 Alto Cachapoal, Chile
A taut Chardonnay with notes of pear, spice, herbs and minerals. Ripe, pithy and lively with nice precision. 90/100
Vincent Delaporte Sancerre Rouge 2011 Loire, France
Lovely texture: ripe and sappy with lovely warmth and a distinct mineral quality. Nice grainy structure under the black cherries and plums. Really lovely weight to this wine. 93/100
Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Derrière la Grange 2010 Burgundy, France
Cherries, herbs and ripe fruit, with a warm texture. Minerally and smooth with nice graininess under the ripe fruit. There are hints of chalk and mint in the background. Just so easy to drink. 93/100
Ridge Lytton Springs 2005 California
77% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah and 6% Carignan. 14.4% alcohol. I was served this blind, and was really impressed. It tasted like a ripe, high end, aged Bordeaux, with real complexity. It turned out to be a Zinfandel, but from Ridge! Warm, sweet, spicy blackberry and black cherry fruit with lovely chalky, minerally texture. Delicious, warm and really complex. 94/100
Terres Dorées L’Ancien 2012 Beaujolais, France
Very fresh and supple with some lively, sappy cherry fruit as well as peppery hints and a sweet, silky texture. Delicious and fine with a lovely texture. 92/100
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2011 Okanagan, Canada
Very lively with apples, citrus and pear fruit, as well as some herbal overtones. Precise palate with keen acidity and good concentration, showing herbs and minerals. Dry, with real intensity. 92/100