This is how it works around here

I do my taxes, I get Kir Royale. Yeah baby. That's the way it works.

Sparkling wine is Sumac Ridge Stellar's Jay Brut 2004 with a healthy dollop of Chambord Liqueur Royale de France. This is what we call a reward.

Disapproving cat is extra.

Casa La Joya Reserve Viognier 2007 (back to the cleavage)

Back to this particular wine blog's raison d'etre I bring you the extremely cleavage-worthy Casa La Joya Reserve Viognier 2007 from Viña Bisquertt in Chile's Colchagua Valley.

I was surprised by this elegant, restrained wine. The nose was very mild, green clover with bare hints of wild strawberry, not at all the voluptuous nose most Viognier presents. On the palate, smooth and creamy with some lychee but lots of mineral. A very nice balance and elegant intensity.

A very interesting, intellectual wine. I picked it up at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival wine store. Though it's currently not available at BC Liquor stores, they do carry other Casa La Joya wines so I hope this lovely Viognier will join the lineup soon.

Wines of Mexico Fest, in Vancouver Thursday

I've been intrigued by Mexican wines ever since I travelled to Mexico City last May. I haven't tasted very many -- only two in fact: this tasty Chenin Columbard from Monte Xanic, and a delicious Viognier from Bodega de Santo Tomas. I had the Viognier at fabulous La Hacienda de Los Morales, an 18th Century mansion in tony Polanco.

Since then I've been dying to explore more Mexican wines. So imagine my disappointment -- I have to miss the Wines of Mexico Fest. The fest is this Thursday, April 2 at the Metropolitan Hotel. Tickets are $35 through and can be purchased through the website.

Mexican wines are practically unknown in Canada, but the Fest will no doubt include some very rare, interesting, quality wines. Don't miss this opportunity to taste where barely any Canadian has tasted before!!



One of the many courtyards at La Hacienda de Los Morales.