NOBODY sets the record straight quite like Jane Ferrari, Yalumba's dynamic ambassador/ winemaker, who's rarely - if ever - lost for words.
"The Australian category has copped a hammering in the last little bit but the tide has turned," she observes.
Indeed, it has turned, mainly because last year our Down Under friends made tremendous inroads into the Quebec market and regained lost market share in Ontario. Although, thanks in great part to Ferrari the tireless globetrotter, we're pretty sure the fortunes of Australia's oldest family-owned winery have never really been that much at risk.
At least, we couldn't help but think that as we tasted our way through a few of Yalumba's drops at last week's Ferrari-hosted tasting in Vancouver.
The 2011 Y series Viognier - the wine a lot of people identify with as their introduction to Viognier, is still the honeysuckle and stone-fruited drop that turned so many on to the varietal. 89 pts. BCLS $17.99). Then again, if you're a serious viognista, life wouldn't be complete without tasting the remarkable Yalumba Virgilius '08: with luscious mouthfeel, peach and apricot toned layers, structured, complex- and utterly delicious. 92 pts $49.99
The Pewsey Vale Riesling 2011 is still a baby but shows lemon lime and emerging mineral notes (Jane says it reminds her of those Barrett Sherbet Fountains. Agreed!) and will develop nicely in the next few years. 89 pts BCLS $23.99
Yalumba Bush Vines Grenache 2010 remains the real deal in the line-up. We first met up with this wine about a decade ago and have been a fan ever since.. Luscious raspberry notes with layers of fruit and herbal notes before a spicy end, 90 pts BCLS $24.99.
Another fun thing about tasting with Jane is that she never misses a chance to bring food into the picture. As for what to enjoy with the somewhat less-than-shy Barossa Signature Cab Sauv '06? One of those classic Irish pies packed with a rich stew, would go really well, she suggests. Grab it while you can she says - and we'd agree - for the lifted red and black fruit, smart marriage of structured Cab and plush Yalumba Barossa Shiraz, immensely broad palate, silky tannins wrapped up in juicy acidity that just adds up to one layered and complex package. Could be the perfect Thanksgiving treat; 92 pts. $59.99.
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Better hustle if you want tickets to the 11th annual North Shore Rotary Food & Wine Festival (Sat., Oct 20th, 7-10 p.m.) presented by Park Royal. Some 40 wineries will be represented, with more than 200 wines to pair with bites from 25 leading North Shore restaurants, along with no shortage of music and entertainment in elegant surroundings at Park Royal North. Proceeds go to support of North Shore Youth Safe House and North Shore Schizophrenic Society. Buy tix ($60) at www. northshorewinefest.ca.
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Experience Argentina's value and variety at Park Royal BC Signature BC Liquor Store, Oct. 12, 3-7 p.m., a free tasting of wines paired with traditional empanadas from Panaderia Latina Bakery. Also enter for a chance to win a two-night getaway at Victoria's just opened, all new Oak Bay Beach Hotel, www. winesofargentina.ca.
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Belly's Budget Best ? Crios Torrontes 2012. Here's a great intro to Torrontes, from pioneering Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, made by her son Jose Lovaglio. A blend of northern fruit (from Cafayaté) and Uco (Mendoza) fruit, it delivers layers of tropical, peach and floral notes with good mouthfeel and balanced acidty. Look for the 'big hand' label. BCLS $15.99,89 pts.
