BC VQA Okanagan Valley $24.95
In his first solo vintage, winemaker Richard Kanazawa (ex Red Rooster, ex Blasted Church) is already making an impression with Nomu, his unoaked 70/30 blend of mostly viognier and semillon, plus a splash of muscat.
"The 2011 vintage was one of the most challenging in 10 years due to poor weather throughout the summer," says Mr. Kanazawa, "but luckily, it warmed up in the fall and extended the growing season, ensuring good grapes to growers who had a balanced crop."
Nomu (it means to drink in Japanese) is fresh and minerally with floral and apricot aromas and flavours of citrus fruit and a tangy acidity. Being mostly viognier and a young wine makes it an ideal choice to accompany the Thanksgiving turkey or a glazed ham. Drink this young. Available in private wine shops and at Hawksworth Restaurant. There will be a tasting of Kanazawa wines today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Sutton Place Wine Merchant (855 Burrard St.).