Lucky for me my friend Dan Schell reps a number of great BC Wines and is kind enough to offer me a seat when one’s available. Black Widow winemaker, Dick Lancaster, was in town this week to present his wines along food pairings from Chef Nick Gazdag at Central Bistro. A steal of a deal at $50 all in, this was a great way to taste the Naramata Bench without leaving Vancouver.
Dick and his wife, Shona, purchased the vineyard in 2000, and established Black Widow Winery in 2006. The winery is a family business and also offers a Bed and Breakfast along with the Tasting Room and Patio.
The meal began with their 2011 Syrah Rose, which is unfortunately sold out as there were only 35 cases made. The rosé is off-dry and has aromas and flavours of pomegranate, strawberries and a hint of spice. Rather luscious and full bodied for a rose.
Chef Gazdag paired the wine with a tin Quilcene Oyster with a citrusy kumkwat chip and a spicy pepper mignonette. Perfect combo for a afternoon on a patio.
Next up was Black Widow’s 2011 Pinot Gris, a Gold Medal winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships. The wine was full of apple and pear aromas and flavours with some citrus and melon notes and a hint of minerality.
The Gris came with a baked cod full of tomato, garlic and herb flavours and some crunch French beans. Another hit with the crowd.
Onto a red wine, we were poured a glass of the 2010 Phobia, a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% merlot, 100% Naramata fruit. On the nose there’s black cherry, cassis, black currant and some leather. The palate is smooth with black fruit, good acidity and medium tannins.
This juicy glass came with a juicy Lamb Rack with roasted fingerlings and sauce vierge.
To finish the 2011 Oasis was poured. This wine is a blend of their own Schonburger, Gewurztramier and Pinot Gris. Made in an off-dry style the wine has aromas and flavours of tropical fruits, melon and a hint of spice, a good companion for the tasty Fruit Packages in phyllo dough with buttermilk ice cream.
Chef Nick Gazdag and Winemaker Dick Lancaster wrap up the night.
Look out for more Central Bistro wine and beer dinners. It’s a great little spot that offers good value and a chance to mingle with the wine and beer makers and learn a little more about what’s in your glass.
