Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)

RKS 2023 Wine: South Africa Can Do It All!

Red, white, sweet and sparkling wine which South Africa can do and some very well. We try a Graham Beck Brut made in the traditional method i.e. the way that Champagne is made. It is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Aroma: Peach, apricot, wet stone and Challah Bread. Palate: Classic Champagne “bite”. Peach,Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: South Africa Can Do It All!”

RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Chardonnay From Itata Valley

Chilean Chardonnay encountered this year has been less than impressive. Before writing it off it deserves a couple more chances. We try a Pandolfi Price Larkün 2018 Chardonnay from Chile’s Valle Del Itata. The Itata Valley is Chile’s oldest viticultural region which has been producing wine for more than 450 years. Its abundant rainfall andContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Chardonnay From Itata Valley”

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: A Couple of Endearing Nicknames

I have previously told you that The Stephen Family had many nicknames for me. I suppose all said and done I most like “Dilby”, “Dilly” and “Pumpkin”. Alex P down the street was often outside her house on the veranda watching the world go by. Sometimes she was smoking a cigarette and had a DietContinue reading “Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: A Couple of Endearing Nicknames”

RKS 2023 Wine: Boschendal 2020 Chardonnay from South Africa

Boschendal makes a very good Chenin Blanc so what can it do with a Chardonnay? Aroma: Apple, pear, mango, guava and a smattering of pineapple. Palate: There was some oak maturation of the wine but there are no flagrant oak notes on the palate or on the nose. Fair to say the oak does “beefContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Boschendal 2020 Chardonnay from South Africa”

RKS 2023 Literature: The Appropriate Marriage (Charles Dickens)

“You to marry a second time without family! You to marry without beauty! You to marry without dignity! You to marry without connection! There is nobody in the world, not mad, who could dream of daring to entertain such a preposterous idea”! “Dombey and Son”, “Charles Dickens

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: My Sudden Respect for Cats

Many humans assume put a cat and dog in each other’s space and a dog goes on attack mode. My one combative cat experience happened when I was barely out of puphood. Out for a walk I saw a cat ahead of me on the street and to the dismay of Master Robert I slippedContinue reading “Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: My Sudden Respect for Cats”

RKS 2023 Wine: Ontario Gamay Leads the Pack For 2023

The highest scoring red wine by RKS 2023 Wine so far is an Ontario Gamay by the name of Bachelder les Villages 2020 from the Niagara Peninsula. Other Ontario Gamays are also running hot up near the leaders of the pack. Hear the wolves howling? Can the streak continue with a 13th Street Winery 2020Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Ontario Gamay Leads the Pack For 2023”

RKS Literature 2023: Woman by Day Skeleton at Night (Charles Dickens)

“Thus they remained for a long hour, without a word, until Mrs Skewton’s maid appeared, according to custom, to prepare her gradually for the night. At night she should have been a skeleton, with dart and hour-glass, rather than a woman, this attendant; for her touch was as the touch of Death. The painted objectContinue reading “RKS Literature 2023: Woman by Day Skeleton at Night (Charles Dickens)”