Un Tres Bon Viognier...from California

2007 Mont Pellier Viognier
Who says sushi can only be paired with sake and beer?! Viognier is kind of, sort of similar to a Muscat or Riesling, but nowhere as sweet. It's much more dry (although not too dry), with distinct floral notes and low acidity. It goes well with Thai or Vietnamese food, but goes even better with sushi. (Honestly, you'd do better with a Riesling for anything spicier, but this would be okay.) Montpellier is far from being a boutique Napa winery (wine snobs, steer clear!), but it's good value for what you get.

A Perky Pinot

2008 Picton Bay Pinto Noir
As with most price-performing Pinot Noirs, this one is better than expected, but you'll still know you're drinking a "bargain". Working in its favor is the fact that it actually tastes like a Pinot. A lot of cheap Pinots don't even taste like Pinots, so this is no small thing. Hailing from New Zealand's Marlborough region, it shares the grassy notes you get from Sauvignon Blancs from there as well. Sounds weird, but it's quite nice!

Ridiculously Good Riojo

2008 Riojo...downtown Vancouver
Alright, here's the deal. You can only get it if you email Mark Hendrickson (aka Shark) at overcome@shaw.ca, but it's so good! It's what a Rioja should be. Ruby colour, sniffy nose and then a deep, yet bright taste. Got red meat? Get Mark's Rioja.

Note: We tasted this while in Vancouver, B.C. for the weekend and Mark is still brewing his own wine...but if people "in the know" learn of this, they may scoop him up to be their Lead Winemaker!

Chalk Two Up for Chalk

2007 Chalk Creek Sauvignon Blanc
Intrigued by how good the Chalk Creek Cab was, I decided to try the Sauvignon Blanc. Yep, it's good, too. Although not as interesting as, say, the Monkey Bay or Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, it's quite good and it's also half the price, so who's complaining? Not me!