An adventure in dim sum
Want to learn about dim sum? A Dine Out special event: Introduction to Dim Sum, presented by A Wok Around Chinatown, runs Jan. 20, 27, 2018, for $79. Jump into the world of dim sum with local host and author Thomas Robson, a longtime resident of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. Tours begin at the Jade Dynasty Restaurant (137 E. Pender St.) at 11 a.m. The fun and informative feast includes a 36-page booklet you keep that guides you on your own dim sum adventures. The $79 ticket includes taxes, gratuity and service charge. Note: It’s a set menu with no vegetarian options available.
Amazon Alexa has a new skill to share with you: Bottles and Bubbles. It’s a joint venture with champagne producer Moët Hennessy USA and it’s designed to “empower individuals with a champagne education and help them create the perfect champagne experience in their own homes.” To engage with Bottles and Bubbles, users must enable the skill through the Alexa app or on Amazon’s website. Once enabled, consumers can say, “Alexa, open Bottles and Bubbles” to access six areas of conversational and educational content, including champagne basics with Champagne 101 and Moët Hennessy brands, as well as recommended food and champagne pairings, hosting tips and champagne-inspired playlists.
B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK
Clos du Soleil Signature 2014, Similkameen Valley $44.90 | 92/100
UPC: 857088000817
As the name implies, Signature is the calling card of this Similkameen winery, and the flagship blend of the house. All five Bordeaux reds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, made it into the ’14 Similkameen Signature off the estate vineyard in nearby Cawston. After a gentle pressing, the wines were barrel-aged for 17 months in 100 per cent French oak barrels; the vintage is classic. Ripe, savoury cassis, black cherry, black plum, anise and scrubby thorns are perfumed with blueberry and violets, and sided with grippy tannins that coax and guide the wine to the lingering finish (bottled unfined and unfiltered). Elegance and authenticity throughout, with surprising depth at this youthful age. Will reward more with another three to five years of cellaring.
WINE FOR THE CELLAR
Crasto Superior Douro 2014, Douro Valley, Portugal
$35 | 92/100
UPC: 5604123004232
This wine comes from Crasto’s Upper or “Superior” Douro estate: Quinta da Cabreira. Here the inland intensity and roasting heat of the Douro is at its most potent. Superior is a field blend of old vine touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz and the intriguing sousão, fermented in stainless steel and aged one year in French oak. The wood is felt, but matches the potency of the sun-drenched fruit. Young and tight, this easily relaxes with a splash decant, and will be even more appreciated with five-plus years in the bottle. Great value.