Wine guy

James Nevison counts down to the winefest
 
W e're into the final stretch, with less than four weeks to go until the start of the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival. It's the event that annually has aficionados'corkscrews wound tight in anticipation and, due to the Olympics, this year's festival has required a longer wait than usual. But the five rings have moved on, and from April 19-25 the city will make way for a global array of Chardonnay and Cabernet (to name just two of the vinifera milieu). To prime palates, we'll tackle a two-part series highlighting this year's theme regions: New Zealand and Argentina. Plus, a final word of advice: the Playhouse Winefest events (62 held over seven days) often sell out well in advance, so review the schedule sooner rather than later to make sure you don't miss out on any wines (more than 1,700 will be featured in 2010) of interest. And check back next week for the wines of Argentina!

Mount Fishtail 2009 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand ($14.99, #843615)

Let's take it from the top -- the top of New Zealand's South Island, that is -- where we find the famed area of Marlborough in the island's northeast corner. Marlborough is Sauvignon Blanc country. It encompasses both a grape and a wine style that single-handedly solidified New Zealand's stature as a New World wine region worth sipping. Mount Fishtail offers an easygoing introduction to Marlborough Sauv Blanc, displaying the clean fruit flavours and bracing freshness typical to the region. Aromas of jalapeno, cut grass, and guava lead into a limeade mid-palate and a fresh but simple finish.

Bottom line: B-"Fish tacos with the Fishtail!"

Composite 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand ($18.20, #826180)

For a neat side-by-side comparison of Marlborough's reigning white grape, check out Composite's bottling. It maintains the classic herbaceous, nettles and lime style, but offers up softer, richer and juicier flavours overall. Nice balance and a grapefruit-rind finish round things out. A patio, a sunset and a good companion would make this bottle disappear in no time.

Bottom line: B+ "Fresh sipping."

Shepherds Ridge 2006 Pinot Noir, New Zealand ($29.79, #494591)

New Zealand isn't just about white wines -- Kiwi reds have also been gaining acclaim, particularly Pinot Noir. Keeping to the Marlborough region (though be sure to check out the Pinots from Central Otago at Winefest, too), Shepherds Ridge offers a

complex wine that melds the best of Pinot Noir's earth-meets-fruit, yin and yang characteristics. We're talking smoky cherry and gamy undertones backed by a silky texture and a fresh cherry finish.

Bottom line: A-"Bring on the grilled lamb chops."

THE SWIRL

California Wine Fair

Amazingly, the California Wine Fair is in its 30th year of touring across Canada! The Fair lands in Vancouver April 7 for another evening of fun and Golden State bottled goodness. From 7 p.m. at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, guests will have the chance to taste 350 wines from 100 California wineries. Tickets for the event --an Arts Club Theatre Company fundraiser -- run $60 (or $50 each for groups of six or more). Call 604-687-1644 or visit www.artsclub.comto purchase.