Luscious Libation: St-Germain Cocktail

St-Germain is the "it" liqueur. Up until 3 years ago, it wasn't even available in Canada. Now, it's a part of every Gastown mixologist's daily double. At $50-$60 per bottle, it's an investment, but well worth it. Its light elderflower taste compliments a variety of cocktails and is especially lovely during the warmer months.

Here's an easy favourite of mine:

2 parts Champy or dry sparkling

1 1/2 parts St-Germain

2 parts sparkling water 

Pour, in the above order, into a glass filled with ice. Stir and enjoy!

It's Friday -- treat yourself!

 

Luscious Libation: St-Germain Cocktail

St-Germain is the "it" liqueur. Up until 3 years ago, it wasn't even available in Canada. Now, it's a part of every Gastown mixologist's daily double. At $50-$60 per bottle, it's an investment, but well worth it. Its light elderflower taste compliments a variety of cocktails and is especially lovely during the warmer months.

Here's an easy favourite of mine:

2 parts Champy or dry sparkling

1 1/2 parts St-Germain

2 parts sparkling water 

Pour, in the above order, into a glass filled with ice. Stir and enjoy!

It's Friday -- treat yourself!

 

Changing Locations...I think

I've been posting updates HERE. I find it easier to use my Tumblr app.

New Favs!

RED:

Shiraz Viognier has become a go-to for me lately. Australia seems to have it down to an art.

The Black Chook $20/btl

Discovered this while lunching at Jules. 

 Definitely my new favourite Pinot Gris. Perhaps for Christmas Day afternoon?

Garry Oaks  $20/btl

Road 13 Cab Sav

This was opened to celebrate a friend's birthday. Cab Savs are always a safe bet and you can buy great ones for much cheaper, but we love supporting BC wineries and we have yet to have a bad wine from Road 13.

$26/bottle

More Gray Monk Goodness

My dear friend Julie introduced me to Gray Monk Pinot Gris a couple of summers ago and now I've discovered another Gray Monk white. I'm loving their Pinot Auxerrois. This was brought over as a gift awhile back and I finally had a chance to try it. So refreshing!

$17/bottle

Fuzion

To celebrate Krissy's departure to Buenos Aires...a little Argentine goodness. Actually, it was Jenni who introduced me to this wine. A fantastic find and, at $9/bottle, you can't go wrong picking a couple up "just to have".

Cedar Creek does it again

**please excuse the empty bottle of Tapestry in the background. No judging!**

I am normally not a fan of Gewurztraminer, but Cedar Creek's is divine. I would buy it again and again. In fact, my bro will be getting some of this under the Christmas tree. (a HUGE Gewurztraminer fan)

$18/bottle

Osoyoos Larose

For a 60th Birthday, you have to step-up the wine selection.

I chose this Osoyoos Larose 2006 Le Grand Vin (hint: 2006 was a VERY hot year in the Okanagan so there were lots of good wines produced).

This is a "staple" in that you're safe giving it to a red-wine drinker - they'll love it!

$45/bottle

Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris

One word: buttery

$20/bottle

 

Slightly Obsessed...

The Stump Jump Red.

Delicious and cheap. 

Oh, and from Australia.

$14/bottle

Moving Forward....

As the weather gets a bit crisper and we get cozy in boots and sweaters, my wine selection becomes full-bodied. A friend recommended Stag's Hollow Cab Sav. I recommend for a red meat dish or a rainy night.


Opened for Thanksgiving dinner:

 Johnny Q Shiraz Viognier
$15/bottle
**has won a lot of awards - worth it, especially for a cheap price**

Red Rooster Reserve Merlot 2007
$30/bottle
**this was fabulous after it decanted for an hour**

Sunny day means another White

My brother & sister in-law served this for a pre-dinner wine. Nine by Intrigue is a blend of Riesling, Gewürztraminer and a touch of Semillon. Sweet and delicious. $15/bottle

Fall MishMash

Little Straw Vineyards

2009 Tapestry

This vintage sold out at the winery, but I've located a nearby VQA store that has some left :)

Inniskillin Marsanne Rousanne

$20/bottle

I discovered a couple of wines from Tinhorn Creek that I'm a fan of:

Tinhorn Creek Cab Franc

$18/bottle

Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris

$17/bottle

Black Hills Nota Bene

My dad feels any occasion is a special occasion, so he did not hesitate to open this baby up when I gave it to him for Father's Day. I did not complain. Black Hills Nota Bene is a fantastic Bordeaux blend straight from the Okanagan. Worth the price. (Thanks to Marquis for providing me with a couple of bottles. I also noticed they have Laughing Stock Portfolio so I'll definitely be heading back!)

$57/bottle

Cassini

As much as I've been loving Pinot Gris this summer, lobster (see below) called for a nice Chardonnay. 

While in Osoyoos, a quick taste test of Cassini Cellars' Pinot Gris left me wanting more so I decided to try their Chard out. It suited the meal well!

$18/bottle

FYI, 5 lbs of lobster is a lot. Unless you're into lobster grill cheese and lobster omelets for days on end, I suggest a smaller size...

What goes well with pork tenderloin?

Why, a pinot noir, of course! In particular, a Road 13 Jackpot Pinot Noir...

$35/bottle

Wine of the Weekend!

And here I was thinking I'd be drinking Pinot Gris all summer!

At Hester Creek this weekend, I indulged in their Pinot Blanc. I immediately tasted hints of green apple, which won my heart!

$16.00/bottle (available in BC only)

Okanagan Vineyards

Wineries Visited:

Road 13:
**Had to pay $5 for tasting**

Had to buy - Jackpot Syrah, Jackpot Pinot Noir

Inniskillin:

**currently being renovated**

Glad I tried: Marsanne Roussanne; Tempranillo

Hester Creek:

**Gorgeous; newly reno'd**

Had to buy: Reserve Cabernet Franc; Pinot Blanc Late Harvest

Gehringer Brothers:

So cheap, Had to buy: Desert Sun x2; Gewurztraminer; Merlot; Cabernet Franc Late Harvest

Blasted Church:

Had to buy: Pinot Gris; Nothing Sacred

Poplar Grove:

Had to buy: Pinot Gris

Wanted to buy: The Legacy

Nk'Mip (pronounced Inkameep):

*A must-visit to check out the amazing restaurant, patio and facilities*

Had to buy: Q Merlot

Burrowing Owl:

*Gorgeous; a must-see; restaurant is extremely popular*

Had to buy: Merlot

STONEBRIDGE (pic missing)

*boutique winery*

Had to buy: Pinot Gris Reserve, Pinot Noir

Oliver Twist:

Had to buy: Syrah

Not a fan: their whites - too sweet

Twisted Tree:

Had to buy: Everything

Actually bought: Marsanne Roussane, Tempranillo, Syrah, Voignier

Lack of Words

Hester Creek Cab/Merlot

meh.

2nd Crossing Sav Blanc

Mmmm.