Chocolatier goes big for youth sport

The talented Vancouver chocolatier Thomas Haas is holding his annual Charitable Easter Egg Raffle offering 40 delectable Easter prizes, including two giant signature chocolate creations valued at over $1,000 each.

The draw will be held March 30 at 2 p.m. simultaneously at the Thomas Haas cafes in North Vancouver and Kitsilano. Raffle tickets are $3 each or four for $10 with 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to youth sport charities Kid Sport B.C. and Athletics for Kids.

If you love wine and food, and the oceans, you are invited to taste Ocean Wise seafood offerings and the latest spring releases from the Naramata Bench at Wine for Waves, featuring the Naramata Bench Wineries Association and an impressive lineup of sustainable seafood restaurants.

Ticket holders will meet the winemakers and bid on silent auction items that include exclusive Naramata wine packages and experiences. All proceeds directly benefit the Ocean Wise seafood program. Tickets are $115 and are available online at vanaqua.org.

WINE OF THE WEEK

Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Micro Cuvee McLean Creek Vineyards 2016, Okanagan Falls $60 | 93/100

UPC: 808755010677

The Micro Cuvee is meant to be the best of the Meyer Pinots every year. All 150 cases are grown at McLean Creek Road, and what winemaker Chris Carson calls a “most harmonious blend.” A joyous 13.5 per cent alcohol, it’s awash in silky, textured Pinot, redolent in rich earthy dark plum flavours, bright acidity and length and a long persistent, mouth-filling finish. After a warm year, early September showers retreated, leaving a perfect fall finish. The harvest commenced Sept. 21 and ran through Oct. 5. A must buy for Pinot lovers. Winery direct.

WINE FOR THE CELLAR

Vaglio Chango Red Blend 2015, Argentina

$23.49 | 90/100

UPC: 7798068482793

Chango is a 65/20/15 mix of Malbec, Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon, all grown at an average 1,700 metres above sea level. The Malbec and Cabernet come from Altamira in the Uco Valley, while the Tannat comes from Cafayate, Salta. Some 40 per cent of the wine is aged in one-year-old barriques. The nose is exuberant, with bright cassis and ripe strawberries dusted with dried herbs. The attack is juicy with more intense red and blue fruits with a stony mineral undercurrent and structure that lives through the finish. You can drink this or cellar it through 2020. Serve now with grilled meats or mature cheeses.