I love this time of year, Spring is in the air, the best of the best vie for Lord Stanley’s cup, and all wine types are on my mind.  What better way to bring all those things together than to host the 2013 Stanley Cup of Wine.  This will be the second year, and as I reflected on last year’s contest I realized changes had to be made.

This year, instead of tasting the wines first and then letting the tournament progress, I am making this more interactive….especially for one of you.  I will purchase 2 bottles of the eventual champion of the SCOW.  I will taste one for a future show, and the other will be awarded to 1 lucky entrant (of course this will only be possible if all the laws and such can be properly obeyed.  If it is not possible I will work with the winner for something local).  You will get one entry per round you submit votes in.

How the SCOW Works

I have already selected the wines to pair with each team, for the first round of voting the teams and wines will align themselves based on the NHL’s Stanley Cup seedings.  You will cast your votes for your favorites based on their descriptions provided, not for which NHL team you think will win.  Voting will last for 1 week at which point the winners move forward and will be re-seeded for the next round.  This will continue each week until we crown our 2nd SCOW champion.  Will the New York Rangers (finger lakes Riesling) come out on top again?  Or will an upstart from a different region hoist the coveted, imaginary, digital, Stanley Cup of Wine.  Only you can decide.

Round 1

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins vs NY Islanders

1. Pittsburgh Penguins – Represented by Little Penguin Chardonnay - Starlight brightness, with light straw hues. The nose displays fresh, tropical fruits with hints of melon and Hawaiian pineapple, leading into zippy fresh Chardonnay fruit. Lovely balance and elegance.

8. NY Islanders – Represented by  St. Barthelemy Cellars Pinot Noir Port Green Island Vineyard - A blend of the 2004 and 2005 vintages and a beautiful clear garnet color, this Port embodies the character for which Pinot Noir is known and loved. A slightly smoky aroma is followed by more intense dried strawberry and peach scents. A pleasing, velvety smooth mouth-feel is rich yet lively. Combined flavors of strawberry and cherry are followed by licorice, spice and honey on the finish.

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Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators

2. Montreal Canadiens – Represented by 2011 Winemaker’s Series Brae Burn Vineyard Viognier - This Viognier shows floral and citrus notes on the nose; while on the palate, concentrated flavours of orange peel, lime and a hint of spice balance a crisp lingering finish.

7. Ottawa Senators – Represented by ZK28 Power Play 2010 - Flavours of black cherry and rich, ripe plums make this blend of barrel-aged Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is sure to please any crowd. With a fruitful sweetness and a lovely finish, this well-balanced, easy drinking wine is an excellent choice for any occasion.

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Washington Capitals vs NY Rangers

3. Washington Capitals – Represented by Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - Medium red. Enticing aromas of currant, cherry, mocha, lavender and sweet oak. Lush, suave and seamless, with mineral and spice notes giving definition to the middle palate and leavening the impression of volume. Finishes uncompromisingly dry, subtle and long, with captivating perfume and perfectly integrated tannins.

6. NY Rangers – Represented by Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling 2011 -  Hints of lime and orange blossom on the nose set the stage for a succulent palate of apricot and grapefruit. Our trademark minerality creates a beautiful texture that carries into a long, lingering finish.

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Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

4. Boston Bruins – Represented by BearBoat Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 - BearBoat Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, made of 100% Pinot Nor grapes, is pale ruby color with moderately intense aromas of strawberry and vanilla notes. It is aged at varied intervals in barrels of tightly grained oak, which leads to layers of complexity and balance.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs – Represented by Turning Leaf Sauvingnon Blanc - Light and fresh on the nose, with aromas of fresh citrus layered with melon and delightful hints of sweet pea. Grapefruit, lime, and melon flavors lead to a touch of cleansing acidity before a crisp and refreshing finish.

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Western Conference

Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild

1. Chicago Blackhawks – Represented by Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon - This is textbook California Cabernet Sauvignon, with ripe black cherry and cassis flavors, and hints of chaparral, cedar, toast, brown-sugar spice and earthy minerality. The tannins are substantial yet smooth in this medium-full-bodied, herb-inflected wine.

8. Minnesota Wild – Represented by Northstar Stella Maris 2008 - ”Stella,” as Northstar affectionately refers to this Reserve red blend, is always a fun wine to create and the 2008 vintage is no exception. Layers of smoke, vanilla, spice, raspberry, and cherry flavors on a soft and silky palate make this a very approachable, versatile wine that can be enjoyed with everything from pizza to prime rib. Blend: 46% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah

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Anaheim Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings

2. Anaheim Ducks – Represented by Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2010 - With firm tannins and exceptional length, this is a lovely and age-worthy wine that shows how much Merlot can excel in a cooler growing season. The aromas are rich and inviting with layers of amaretto, sweet spice and cedar. On the palate, lush flavors of plum, blackberry and cherry dominate, with the tannins adding structure and depth.

7. Detroit Red Wings - Red Truck California red wine - Dark jammy blackberry and blueberry aromas abound while hints of eucalyptus and black tea offer a beautiful beginning. With a smooth medium-body, this wine can be enjoyed with family and friends. Fill’er up and Enjoy!

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Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks

3. Vancouver Canucks – Represented by 2009 S.L.C. Merlot from Mission Hill - A rich full bodied Merlot packed with aromas of dark fruits, cocoa, cedar, cigar box and mint. Concentrated flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry, mingle with subtle notes of chocolate, all-spice and forest floor. Rich, supple tannins will ensure that this is a wine which will benefit from some time in the cellar.

6. San Jose Sharks – Represented by J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 - The 2010 Seven Oaks is red-purple in color with a bright hue at release. Ripe fruit aromas of black plum, blueberry and cherry are mixed into a bouquet of roasted hazelnut, vanilla and coconut from a year in barrel. Mature and round on the palate, this well-structured vintage has a generous fruit signature and soft finish.

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St. Louis Blues vs L.A. Kings

4. St. Louis – Represented by 2009 “The Melody” Red Rhône Blend - A classically styled Grenache based Rhône blend featuring Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, and Petite Sirah as the complementary grapes. Like a well-played violin, the bigger more opulent notes of raspberry and bing cherry are layered with softer notes of sweet vanilla, clove and gentle spice. A light hint of black pepper and Herbs de Provence harmoniously complete the melody.

5. L.A. Kings – Represented by Two Angels Petite Sirah 2008 - The 2008 Two Angels Petite Sirah is very dark purple (nearly black) and boasts savory aromas of ripe, dark berries (blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry), violets, and ripe plum, with a hint of roast game. Abundant fruit flavors in this well- structured wine are nicely integrated with toasted oak and a touch of black licorice.

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Submit your name and email address to be entered into the champions wine giveaway. You can make your picks without submitting your name/email.  This information is being collected only for contacting the winner of the wine drawing.

Stanley Cup of Wine