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all the evaluations for
the MAY
Release National Post Weekly Wine & Spirits Columnist Saturday, May 10, 2003 With Mother’s Day tomorrow, a full moon Thursday and
Victoria Day next weekend, I am thinking of bright and fruity. Checking
out today’s Vintages release of 80 items, some fit the bill perfectly.
Established in 1972 by George and Trudy Heiss, Gray Monk has over fifty acres of
vineyards overlooking beautiful Lake Okanagan. Most of the Pinot
Gris came from the winery’s own vineyards and were picked at about 22
Brix. In order to retain freshness, it was fermented in stainless without
any secondary (or malolactic) fermentation. It is relatively low in
alcohol (11.6%) with a touch of residual sugar (under 1%) and fine bright
acidity (TA of 8.1). When I tasted it at the Canadian Wine Awards in
August 2002, I awarded it a Gold medal. Fortunately, it is just about as
good today! Gray Monk is one of a few wineries that is not afraid to let
Pinot Gris’ grayish-blue/brownish-pink skins to slightly colour the
wine. The owner’s son and winemaker,
George Heiss Jr.
feels
that longer skin contact produces a fuller flavoured wine. As a result,
there is a slight hint of pink to the wine’s light yellow colour. In Hungary, Pinot Gris is called Szurkebarat,
which translates into Gray Friar
or Gray Monk. As Gray Monk’s claim to fame (almost 10,000 cases are
produced), I am pleased to report that this grape has finally come into
its own in BC. Naturally, I would have been happier if the LCBO could have
matched the BC price of only $13.95. Also, for comparative purposes, it would have been great if the LCBO
could have snagged some premium Gray
Monk 2001 Odyssey Pinot Gris, which is made from their own
original 25-year old vines imported from Alsace and planted in 1976. These
mature, low yielding vines (only 2 tons per acre) were picked at over 25
Brix resulting in a richer, concentrated, more flavourful white. It sells
for $19.95 at the winery and can be ordered (in say a mixed case of 12)
for delivery by courier to Ontario at approximately $40. For further
information, call the winery direct at 1-800- 663-4205.
Dollar for dollar, my favourite Chard may not be bargain-priced, but it
is very tasty. Chateau St. Jean 2000 Sonoma County
Chardonnay at $27.95 is incorrectly identified as 2001 the Vintages
Catalogue. A big thumb’s up for the buttery-toasty, ripe lemon
nose, which is followed up by well-structured, lemony, Anjou pear, lime
flavours and a fine lingering finish.
Of the 162 items, Vintage
Assessments presents the most comprehensive detailed tasting notes
covering 151 (94%) items! You can get this today (Click
Here)
and ensure that you connect with the wines/spirits you want. Ontario’s
leading professional wine buyers agree that Vintage
Assessments is “the most
widely-used, indispensable and reliable guide to Vintages available.” Subscribe to Vintage Assessments Today • Click Here
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Copyright Food & Beverage Testing Institute of Canada
2004 |