This just in...

But before the wine education, some breaking wine news.

Big things are in store for Pembina Fine Wines this year, as they are set to move from their current location (2099 Pembina Hwy.) to new digs at Kenaston Common (on Route 90) shortly after Valentine's Day. In addition to moving into a burgeoning retail hub (with IKEA on the horizon, that might be a very smart relocation), the store will also grow significantly in size (from 2,000 to 3,500 square feet) and undergo a name change, which makes sense. So -- watch for The Winehouse in mid-February.

The Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts (MICA) at Brandon's Assiniboine Community College hosts the fifth annual International Wine and Food Festival next Thursday (Jan. 29). The event features more than 50 wine and food pairings as chosen by Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management students. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. If you're lucky -- the event has a history of selling out -- you can still snag a ticket or two (they're $50 each), by calling (204) 725-8738 or by popping in to MICA's 1st Street North campus (room 117).

Have you ever tasted a Ginger Grouse? Ever sipped on a Bleeding Caesar? Either way, Winnipeg's inaugural Flatlander's Spirit Festival will help beat the February blahs. The fest will feature more than 100 cocktails, and takes place Thursday, Feb. 5 from 7-9 p.m. at the Delta Winnipeg (350 St. Mary Ave.). Tickets for the event are $34.95 plus all regular taxes, etc., and are available at Liquor Marts. The price includes all samples, and attendees also leave with a booklet that includes all the recipes. Like the Flatlander's Beer Festival, proceeds benefit the Manitoba Moose Yearling Foundation.

After a two-year absence, the California Wine Fair returns to Winnipeg (the Delta Winnipeg, specifically) on Friday, Feb. 27. I'm really excited this is coming back. I've been bugging the fine folks at the California Wine Institute about coming back to town since we were replaced by Moncton, N.B. in 2007. The event runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 (or $45 for blocks of 10) and can be obtained by calling 982-7330. They will also be available at Liquor Marts after Feb. 5. Visit www.calwine.ca for more.

Do yourself a favour and have fun while learning about wine. Visit your favourite Liquor Mart or private wine store (or their website) and ask about wine education classes.

Barefoot NV Cabernet Sauvignon (California -- $10.03, available at Liquor Marts and beyond)

This non-vintage California red shows light aromas of blueberry jam, spearmint and perfume. It's a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that lacks the big weight and seriousness of many of its pricier counterparts, but does a good enough job with the light, pretty fruit flavours.

Punt Road 2005 Shiraz (Yarra Valley, Australia -- $24.99, available at Liquor Marts and beyond)

The complexity on the nose of the Punt Road is quite attractive, with black pepper, vanilla and green spice notes complementing the dark cherry core. Full-bodied and chewy, the intense, slightly tart cherry flavours are ramped up by a supporting cast of cola, pepper and blackberry. Some velvety tannin and light acidity make for a very nice texture on the palate as well. Very nice.

Cave de Tain 2003 "Les Hauts de Fief" Crozes Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France -- $29.75, available at Liquor Marts and beyond)

A northern Rhône Valley red made from Syrah in a hot vintage, this wine is in stark contrast with a New World equivalent like the Punt Road. The nose offers aromas of raisins (almost as if they had been stewed) and some light olive notes, while the cherry liqueur and raisin flavours on this full-bodied red are wrapped in dry, chalky tannins. A pleasant, earthy component shows nicely throughout.

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Wine website of the week:

89 Project

This blog reviews only wines that have received 89 out of a possible 100 from wine critics. It's a score that constantly frustrates winemakers -- it's good but doesn't have the commercial pull of a wine rated 90 or higher.

uncorked@mts.net

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 24, 2009 F3