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Forgive Me For I Have Zinned - Tuesday May 27 - By Eric

Posted on May 30, 2014

I love Zinfandel drinkers.  I had the privilege earlier in the week of spending time with a group of people that just wanted to hangout, drink some killer wine, and shoot the proverbial you-know-what.  And isn’t that what Zin’s all about?!  Zinfandel leaves pretention at the door, shoves flavour into your grill, and doesn’t give a…

Anyways, the company was great, the wines were awesome, and here’s how it went down:



2011 Casa Girelli Primitivo “La Borgata” (Puglia, Italy) - $17.  Poor little “La Borgata” Primitivo… never had a chance.  The group had nice things to say about this wine, but it struggled against wines that all were at least around twice its price.  It delivered a ton of easy-drinking, red-fruit laced value for only 17 bucks.  It just didn’t have the depth, or intensity of the wines to follow.
2010 Carol Shelton Zinfandel “Wild Thing” (Mendocino County, California) - $33.  This was probably the most sophisticated Zin of the evening.  Named after the wild yeasts used to produce this wine, it was the least up-front out of all the Zinfandels.  Fennel and smoky notes balanced out the cran-raspberry fruit character.  I loved this nuanced, medium-bodied Zin – full of character, charm, and authenticity.   It tied for 3rd place.
2011 Jelly Jar Zinfandel Nova Vineyard (Lake County, California) - $32. The other bronze medal winner.  This wine packed a huge punch for being the second least expensive wine of the night.  Zinfandel drinkers generally look for rich, smooth, red-fruit flavoured wines that offer high levels of deliciousness, and this small-production Zinfandel delivered those qualities in spades.  So, who’s got the ribs?!
2012 Prisoner Wine Company Zinfandel “Saldo” (California) - $50.  Containing small amounts of Petite Sirah and Syrah, this wine struggled to justify its price tag.  Most, if not all loved it, but the group saw too many similarities to the Jelly Jar to get too excited about it.
2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Pagani Ranch Vineyard (Sonoma Valley, California) - $55.  My favourite of the night – what a wine.  From vines planted in 1890, which small dollops of those all-so-common grape varieties Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir (?!), Petite Sirah and Carignan.  This wine seemed to bring endless layers of fruit, but always with a solid underpinning of refreshing acidity.  This was the group’s second place finisher.
2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Vineyard (Russian River Valley, Calif...

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Glencadam, Tomintoul & Friends with Bob Kyle of Rare Drams Tuesday May 20, 2014

Posted on May 30, 2014



We were thrilled to have Mr. Bob Kyle of Rare Drams in the house for a Glencadam, Tomintoul & Friends tasting on Tuesday May 20th here at KWM. Bob and I threw together a lineup including a Glencadam 10 and 21 year old, Tomintoul 12 Year Port Wood Finish and 16 Year, and two bottlings from Carn Mor: Mortlach 18 Year and Celebration of the Cask Tamdhu 1991. To cap it all off, we also crack a stunning 1977 vintage Tamdhu. Mr. Kyle is a native Scot, and not afraid of sharing an opinion or two, whether on whisky or things beyond. He did set a fine tone however, repeatedly intoning: "It's a Dram, not a Drama!" Here's our range:



Tomintoul 16 Year - 40% - My Tasting Note: "Nose: fruit cake, spices, browning apple, leather and chocolate; caramel sauce emerges with orange peels and prominent malt; Palate: more fruit cake, caramel sauce, browning apples and chocolate; some creamy vanilla notes emerge with crisp spices, Demerara sugar and candied orange; Finish: pleasant, mid-length, creamy and fruity with fading spices, more browning apples and spices." - $80.99
Glencadam 10 Year - 46% - Matured entirely in American Oak- My Tasting Note: "Nose: very malty with shredded coconut, floral tones, soft toasted oak; dried apple cubes and thinly sliced pears; Palate: dry and toasty, very sweet with more floral tones, dusty malt and citric candies; the apple and pear notes still dominate with clotted cream; Finish: long and creamy with a fading floral sweetness."  - $66.99
Tomintoul 12 Year Port Wood - 46% - My Tasting Note: "Nose: earthy and faintly spicy with dried fruits and brown sugar; soft leather and chocolate notes develop with a base of grassy malt; Palate: dark, fruity and leathery with some macerated dates and raisins; more chocolate and malt, emerging spices, orange peel and tobacco; Finish: medium length, some creamy vanilla and more dark fruit with chocolate." - $74.99
Glencadam 21 Year - 46% - Matured in American Oak- My Tasting Note: "Nose: soft, decadent and floral like the 10 year (but more subtly so); some spices and a lot of sugars with toasted oak and chunky malt; lots of honey and crisp white fruits with notes of melon; Palate: creamy, tropical and floral with loads of white fruits and more decadent sugars; the melon is still there along with the white fruits, but also some tangy pineapple and blood orange; the oak is toasty, peppery and slightly drying, starting to show its age; Finish: stays toasty and floral with more fading tropical fruits and decadent sugars." - $129.99
Carn Mor Mortlach 1995 18 Year - 46% - 693 Bottles from 2 Casks - My Tasting Note: "Nose: loads of soft berry fruits, cherries, liquid honey, creamy tones and some soft floral notes; leather, wet leaves and some meatier tones emerge; Palate: more leather, wet leaves, earthy spices and dried fruits with some musty dunnage warehouse notes...

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Blockbusters Single Malts w/ Hunter S. - May 13 2014

Posted on May 29, 2014



I would like to start by saying what an awesome tasting this was! The whiskies were fantastic, the food was delightful (a big thank you you to Peasant for the impeccable cheese & charcuterie), and finally, the amazing crowd. Everyone was engaged and participated in stirring up some really interesting tasting notes. Our goal was to introduce the group to some of the hidden gems of the whisky world, whiskies that those that are in the know are likely to keep to themselves. Here is a summary of our range, and the bottom, you'll see the highlights!



Hepburns Choice Auchentoshan 11 Year - This summery, bubbly and zesty whisky wasn't voted as one of the favourites, but it was unanimously agreed that it was the best choice for a summer sipper! Something best consumed on a hot day, sitting on the deck in the sun. Citrus notes of lemon and orange is is prominent on the nose followed by grassy fields leading into a zippy finish. Everybody liked it at the beginning, but it was lost in the wake of the bolder whiskies which followed. - $84.99 / SOLD OUT

AnCnoc 16 Year - Curiously our Scotch Guy visited this distillery for the first time on the day of the tasting. One of the best selling bottles that night, this one showcased a delight of pear drops, peach bits, creamy toffee, hinting at lychee all encompassed by a toasty oak and vanilla sweetness. It is pretty obvious as to why this was one of favourites. - $119.99

Duncan Taylor Deanston 1994 KWM Octave - The 2nd highest rated whisky of the night and most purchased as well. The general consensus showed that even at 57%, it was still a very well rounded dram managing the alcohol content, reducing it to a subtle subtext. Spicy to smell, rife with cinnamon and allspice, moving into a gingerbread fusion with toffee sauce. This could easily substitute for dessert. - $179.99

Aberlour A'bunadh - This secret of a distillery is well hidden due to the fact that they keep their amazing product under wraps. Few advertisements and even less publicity, they leave most of that stuff to the big guys. The way Aberlour makes their name stand out amongst the rest is by producing outstanding whisky for reasonable prices. This cask strength release is a cigar lovers delight, showing off the nature of a smoking room. Leather armchairs, polished wood floors all circling the essence of a humidor laden with dried, sunbaked fruits. An irresistible concoction. - $81.99

Kavalan Vinho - The shocker of the night. Imagine tasting one of the best whiskies you have ever had, smooth, rich, decadent; and after enjoying all this learning that a)It's 3 years old, b)It's 60%, finally c)it's Taiwanese. Jaw dropper. Oily richness, vibrant tropical fruit reminiscent of mangos sitting in simple syrup, melted brown sugar and lovely berry compote. This was another of the clear shot winners of the night, obviously the clear shot winner would spo...

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Anam Cara Dinner at Brasserie Kensington - May 21st 2014

Posted on May 26, 2014

Anam Cara Dinner at the Brasserie May 21 2014

Let’s celebrate Pinot Noir! Nick Nicholas owner/ winemaker/ storyteller joined us  for an intimate dinner. There were 19 eager guests ready to taste and enjoy an evening out on the town. Once everyone arrived, I realized we were all friends with Nick from previous visits.

The words Anam Cara are Celtic for "friend of my soul" and represent rare friendships that transcend time and distance. Welcome to the Brasserie kitchen party!

As always, the Brasserie was prepared and ready to go. Our dinner, prepared by Chef Jurel, was offered up family style .We started with an amuse bouche of shrimp lightly flavored with lemon  and paired perfectly with the 2012 Riesling.

Next up was the salad and a fantastic lobster bisque (not quite as good as mine) but a pretty honest attempt. It paired nicely with the Chardonnay 2011. If you don’t like Chardonnay, think again! This wine could change your mind. Their hands off approach to Chardonnay offer us an elegant expression of clean non oaked fruit.

Hosting the event, I was attempting to jump into conversations.  As the evening progressed, clearly this was not going to happen as Nick was able to secure the attention of all. So, I sat back and watched as he talked with pride about what he calls his “baby”.

Next  course  was a beautiful platter of pan whole roasted trout in brown butter almandine with vegetables and it was paired with the Rose of Pinot Noir 2011. Nick tells us he does not like Rose. You would not be aware of this due to the full elegant flavor and the reception it received. It was a perfect pairing. Anam Cara only makes Rose every second year and it easily runs out. Go to their website, it is not even listed. We secured the last case.

Grilled hangar steak with red wine jus, frites and haricot vert paired side by side with Nicholas 2010 (their flagship wine); light red fruits of raspberry and cranberry with fantastic mouthfeel, finishing with black plums and a touch of clove and Heathers 2009 vineyards Cherries are the theme with hints of savory herbs and oak. Silky and feminine in style.  Easily gobbled up and it was agreed it was a fine combination.

To finish the evening we devoured a platter of chocolates, cookies, fresh fruit,  all paired with the Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2012. From only one acre of Gewürztraminer vines, planted on the steepest slope of their vineyard, this dessert wine has opulent aromas of apricot, white flowers and bosc pears which join ripe cantaloupe, warm juicy peaches and tropical fruits on the palate.



It ended with hugs and lots of laughter. Another successful dinner.  Next year we have decided to do what Nick is known for, a crab feastââ‚...

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Winefest 2014 - Kensington Wine Market Birthday Celebration

Posted on May 21, 2014

“Have you ever been to New York, walked past buildings looking into windows and wondered, what are those cool people doing in there?” That’s what Mike Morrison said about our Spring Wine Festival last Thursday night. He was right, the joint was jumpin’. Hip lounge music played by DJ Blaine King set the perfect tone for the event. Passer by-ers peered in curiously as eighty guests enjoyed a store-wide roam-about with many of our exclusive wines opened for taste.



Italy was crowned king, as the first, second and third favourites of the night were from the Italian table:

1.        Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG $26.99

2.        Bussola L’Errante IGT $74.99

3.        Solengo Argiano $79.99

Many local businesses were involved in making the night extra special. The fondue table by Peasant Cheese was a hit! Our famous Domaine des Aubuisieres Organic Brut was a key ingredient in the recipe! Next time you have a party, impress your friends with a bottle of our Aubuisieres bubbly and Crystal’s fondue cheese! Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Throughout the night, one could catch Niko from Niko’s Italian Bistro hand-delivering hot plates to their stations. As always, his creations were well received and there was not a crumb left over.

We had the charming Matt Leslie from Brasserie pour Anam Cara wines from Oregon. Did you know that famed winemaker, Nick Nicholas, will be in YYC next week? Do you like wines from Oregon? If you said yes, then registering for the Anam Cara Winemaker’s Tasting at our store on Friday May 23rd is a MUST! He will take you through their range of wines with style and laughter! Call the store 403-283-8000 or sign up on our website:www.kensigntonwinemarket.com to register - make sure to sign-up quick, because spots are filling up fast!

To wind down the night we drew for door prizes – Congratulations to James Malowney who won the $50 KWM Gift Certificate, Warren LaFountain who won two tickets to the Anam Cara Oregon Tasting and Carrie Sanders who won a $50 cheese board from Peasant Cheese Shop.

We would like to thank everyone who came out for such an enjoyable evening! Also, a big thank-you to everyone involved, we couldn’t have done it without you! Let’s all do it again in the fall!...

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