Written By Treve Ring Libations / Wine Festivals Nov 9, 2012 Wines of Worth: Last Minute Guide to Cornucopia SHARE VIA: Facebook Twitter Pinterest Cornucopia: abundance of riches. Nothing could be closer to truth in labeling for Whistler’s Cornucopia. You have the awesome atmosphere of Whistler in the early shades of winter, some of western Canada’s top wine talent leading seminars, Chefs on stage, Chefs to the Farm, Chefs being Challenged. Oh yeah, and the hundreds of wines making their way up the Sea to Sky. Not to rest on its laurels in its 16th year, this year’s feast for the senses offers brand new events spread over five days: dinners, tastings, trade events, demonstrations, galas, parties, after-parties and after-after-parties.Cornucopia kicked off Wednesday this week, but there are still a multitude of events across all price points available. Highlights include Divine and Distilled, Eau de Vie – A Spirited Affair, the Chef’s Trip to the Farm, Sunday Sausage Party and the inaugural Cornucopia Night Market – A Taste of Asia. Seminar topics are strong this year: Brave – and Tasty – New World, Winners at Every Price Point, Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards Stand Outs, Wines for a Blue Moon and Bubble-icious are among the sessions that will be both educational and thirst-quenching.Of course, being a wine geek, I’m always interested in the Top 25 Celebratory Reception on Saturday evening at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Judges selected their favourite 25 wines from a blind tasting earlier this month, and they’re available to taste en masse at this popular event. Of course, you can taste all of these selections – plus countless more – at the main event, Crush Gala Grand Tasting.If you can’t make it up to Whistler, you needn’t miss out on the top 25. The list is below, along with my tasting notes for the top three category winners. TOP RED WINEMarchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 DOCG Chianti, Italy $45-55*This is an alluring and generous red, with ample plush dark cherry, elegant floral, anise and vanilla. Beautifully balanced, with sweet, round tannins cushioning Sangiovese’s structured and French oaked frame. Lovely minerality through the finish. TOP WHITE WINEBlue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Chardonnay 2011 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC $21-26*It’s fantsatic to see one of BC’s top family producers take the top of the podium – and it’s easy to see why. A blend of 5 clones adds subtle nuances, 22 year old vines add intricate complexities. The whole is a delight to drink – lemon freshness blends with ripe apple and pear, leesy roundess, and ends on a pleasant herbal note. TOP SPARKLING WINEJaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava N/V Cava DOC, Spain $13-17This cheery bubble and its Rosado cousin is no stranger to the top 25 at Cornucopia. Value for money? Incredible! Traditional method sparkling, with fresh citrus and green apple and bright, lively acid. Dry and crisp, with a round mouthfeel and lingering finish. The other Top 25 this year are:Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée BrutStoneboat Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2011Stoneboat Vineyards Chorus 2011Therapy Vineyards Freud’s Ego 2009Villa Matilde Aglianico della Campania IGT 2009Peter Dennis Shiraz 2010Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2009Canella Prosecco DOCAntano Crianza Rioja 2008DeAngelis Anghelos Marche Rosso IGT 2008Speri’La Roverina’ Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC 2009Stoneboat Vineyards Pinotage 2009Frontaura Crianza 2005Signorello Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya 2009Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Gris 2011O. Fournier Urban Uco Malbec-Tempranillo 2011Bottega Prosecco Spumante DOC 2011Rodney Strong Vineyards Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009Perseus Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2011The complete schedule of events, plus available tickets are on the Whistler Cornucopia website. DRINKing Guide: How to use our purchasing information.*Asterisks denote wines that are only available at the winery or select private liquor stores. Some may be in limited quantities. All other wines are available through BC Liquor Stores – visit www.bcliquorstores.com or download the free BC LiquorStores iPhone App for locations and availability. Prices may vary.CornucopiaWines of Worth SHARE VIA: Facebook Twitter Pinterest Written By: Treve Ring Treve Ring is a wine writer, editor, judge, consultant and certified sommelier, and has been with EAT Magazine for over a decade.\r\n\r\nIn addition to her work with EAT, she is a Wine Critic and National Judge for ... 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