At times there can be a thin line separating The Know It All from the knowledgeable. The Know it All thinks they know all about wine. Although the adage “The more you know the less you know” is never entirely correct there can be a grain of truth in it as applicable to wine. New wine producing regions, new wineries and hundreds of grapes etc. The knowledgeable is more humble than the Know it All. The Know it All doesn’t listen to anyone except his/her own voice. And it only worsens when they pontificate and lecture. Quite frankly they are annoying. The Know it All fails to realize inputs from friends, wine professionals or wine writers. There is nothing wrong with assisting and guiding the less knowledgeable but lording it over them is or can be intimidating. One may encounter a sommelier who is an arrogant prig on the verge of commanding the customer what to drink instead of listening to the customer and making suggestions. A customer will appreciate thoughtful and polite recommendations from a sommelier but get their back up when treated like a dunce.
“The Penniless Pensioner : Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous”: Chapter 40: Thank God for LSD and Pasta alla Nerano!
After my Ritz-Carlton meltdown in Manhattan for months I had no idea where I was nor did I really care. Was it post traumatic stress disorder or depression?
I was told that I had been taken on a chartered jet courtesy of Don Lupara to Naples where I was transported along the coast to a sanitorium in the beautiful village of Positano. Apparently the standard treatments were not working as I was not communicating and just rocking back and forth mumbling “GINERVA” and then I would sob for hours. I ate very little and shriveled away to dangerous body measurement.
I started to recognize myself again after eating a big bowl of Spaghetti alla Nerano. This pesto/zucchini/cheese pasta was Ginevra’s favourite and it must have jolted my memory. It was weeks later that improvements were noted. Food as medicine for the mind?
Speaking of the mind I was experiencing terrible flashbacks about John Lennon, Ginevra and the execution of those two teenagers Guido and Lino. I had made a breakthrough sparked by that bowl of pasta but had hit roadblock.
Don Lupara I learnt later had authorized an experimental treatment for extreme depression Dr. Muzzio O’Leary had pioneered in the Bolzano Psychiatric Institute. The treatment was called “fear and loathing protocol” which Dr. O’Leary had used with several Las Vegas showgirls. With the use of LSD the trauma causing the mental illness was relived in an exploratory and guided manner to have the mind explain to itself the continuing trauma was nothing but a reaction to an awful reality but no longer a debilitating reality. Medical gobbly gook but it worked extremely well in my case. Unfortunately one side effect was a craving for pesto so I ate huge quantities of pasta which. Considering my skeletal frame wasn’t all that bad.
I was housed in an exclusive asylum up in the Positano Hills with a breathtaking view of the ocean below. 14 months after my meltdown it was me I was finally dealing with. Don Lupara had popped in for a few visits and the Fat Fox had red eyes, a mottled complexion and was yellow skinned. He looked atrocious. A haggard caricature of his former self. One day he showed up for a talk with me about my future. He had a final cure in mind.
RKS Film 2023: Slamdance Presents “The Underbug”
Your first question may be what is “Slamdance”. It sounds like a play on “Sundance” doesn’t it? Slamdance is a community, a year-round experience, and a statement in which everyone is invited to take part. The first Slamdance Film Festival was held in 1995 by a wild bunch of filmmakers who were tired of relying on a large, oblique system to showcase their work. Since then, Slamdance has proven year after year that independent grassroots communities can take risks on bold talent and launch careers that change the industry. Its artist-led community continues to discover and nurture diverse, international creators through various programs throughout the year, focusing on new writers, digital and interactive art, grants and mentorship, DIY film education, film screenings and of course, the Slamdance Film Festival.
“The Underbug” is an Indian film in Hindi with English subtitles. It is a combination of a thriller and a horror film.
The film starts with closeups of bugs in a forest. Once into the film the “bug focus” makes some sense. Humanity is but a collection of bugs in their own world.
A man emerges from the forest bruised and bloodied. He enters a house which symbolizes British colonialism as it is not in architecture or contents a house one might expect in India. The man limps in the house and a radio is broadcasting about Independence Day and that there have been some riots. Between whom one can conjecture between Muslims and Hindus. Another man walks into the house also bloodied. A wall of suspicion swells up between the men each probing the other if they are Hindu or Muslim. We never do find the answer to that.
At one moment the men are at each other’s throats then managing to co-exist. The film exposes the effects of ethnic violence and on a broad level as solely opposed to the context of Indian society and history. Each ethnic group’s hatred relies on suspicions and stereotypes but when real contact is established between the groups peace can prevail as delicate as it may be.
You can view the film as totally devoid of political context and if you like categorize it as a thriller and horror film but those bugs were in the film for a purpose. It causes you to think why and you can go as deep or shallow as you wish! Yes is that little girl that appears a symbol of British imperialism? See what I mean.
The film has its world premiere at Slamdance on 21January2023 and plays again January 23rd in Park City Utah.
You can see the trailer here https://vimeo.com/783904227
RKS 2023 Film Rating 86/100.
RKS 2023 Film: “Starring Jerry as Himself”: Hook Line and Sinker
How long will it take you to realize the bigger the lie the bigger the fish. And so goes the sad story of Jerry told through lighthearted re-enactment and through the thoughts of his ex-wife and children. The conclusion of the film is less than lighthearted.
I have been in the middle of several high-level big stakes situations that Jerry found himself in. In one case the perpetrator was not as slick as he thought as he was made a couple of glaring mistakes I caught and the deal was never made. Interpol was soon after him. Another 230 million dollar situation was pulled off effortlessly by a slippery German.
“Starring Jerry” starts off big. In fact it is so big it is unbelievable but for someone like Jerry starting to suffer from cognitive decline there are some loose ends he simply failed to catch. But the “Shanghai police department” really pull off a beautiful performance until 32 minutes into the film the suspense, mystery and thrill evaporated. Jerry’s actions are cringe-worthy! How long would it take you to make the connections?
The film does an excellent job of presenting the story from Jerry’s mindset. Jerry does a superb job as an undercover agent for the Shanghai police. In fact he is the perfect agent!
Directed by Lawrence Chen. It plays at Slamdance Film Festival January 21/23.
A mix of the clever and simplistic that tells its message without being pedantic. A mandatory watch for those with elderly parents.
You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WwLaQTDtNU
RKS 2023 Film Rating 86/100.
RKS 2023 Wines: CREW 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon: Can History Repeat Itself?
Years ago, it was 2011, I rated the CREW 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon a 91/100 and for an Ontario Cabernet Sauvignon that’s remarkable. I can recall Bernard Gorski, proprietor of Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW), telling me the grapes had been harvested as late as November. Since that date I have rarely had a great Ontario Cabernet Sauvignon. In the last few years I don’t even bother with Ontario Cabernet Sauvignons but I saw a 2019 CREW Cabernet Sauvignon on the shelves and asked can history somewhat at best repeat itself?
Aromatics: Blueberry, blackberry and mocha.
Palate: Tannins are broad and moderate. Although the blackberry and blueberry are present they are anemic and the wine has an unfortunate tart characteristic. The tannins seem to gang up after each sip. The acids are not out of whack but with wine lacking fruit they certainly do nothing to add to the wine.
Personality: I am so sorry but I am suffering from anemia and need fruit injections to bring me up to snuff. You know I have a 2022 Wine Align Silver Medal Award! Last thing I need is a hot shot wine writer dissing me. Let’s not discuss the business of wine medals here and deflect everything by saying Robert K. Stephen just can’t respect Lake Erie North Shore terroir! Being obsessed with Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon wines with their richness and depth and great value is besides the point. Buy Ontario and who cares if your palate suffers. Be patriotic!
Food match: If I recall correctly Canadian wine critic Natalie Maclean wrote for the CREW 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon that it was a pizza and burger wine. I thought that inappropriate but for the 2019 I say that observation is right on.
Cellarbility: No potential.
In a nutshell: The only hope for a great Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon rests in British Columbia. History did not repeat itself!
Price: $24.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 81/100. Toronto Star Carolyn Evans Hammond 92/100.
(CREW 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, VQA Lake Erie North Shore, Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, Harrow, Ontario, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 328385, 14.2%, 750 mL)
Misadventures in Wine Chapter 7: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Affected by Memories Ones”
In the “Affected by Memories” crowd there are drinkers that fondly recall trips taken to different countries which may include wine producing regions and perhaps even wineries. Most often the memories are fond as new wines are tried, geographical delights are encountered, new foods and perhaps even new friends are all made possible by wine. These memories may be a short drive or hours of airplane travel away. It is understood that the wines discovered most likely will not be available “back home” but luck may have it that wines from that region or country may be. These people may be reliving some pleasant experiences and memories but inevitably have a streak of disappointment because of the limited number of wines a retailer can carry. It may also create a layer of resentment against the retailer for stocking the “wrong wines”. These people may have a never-ending passion to discover the world of wine. Sir Edmund Hillary’s of the wine world.
“The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous” : Chapter 39: The Worst Day of My Life: Naples An Assembly Line of Death
I wanted desperately to return to Naples to my Ginevra who I was beginning to miss terribly. Physicians at the hospital were concerned the bone chip near my heart might be an issue so travel was forbidden until a round of tests was completed. I was in gnawing pain and miserable. John Lennon gunned down in New York. I just had to leave this cesspool even if it was to the violence of Naples. Ginevra did the best she could to keep my spirits up talking about our baby kicking her in the womb like a professional soccer player. That made me chuckle but being so distant it just made me cry in utter desperation.
I took long walks in Central Park but even then it brought more sadness as it sparked memories of the wonderful walks I had in the park with John Lennon. It was as if I had no place to turn to but a depressing and lonely hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park South. I had no appetite. Nothing to do. No place to go. New York once a glowing gem for me was nothing more than a piece of fool’s gold.
Then it happened. The worst day in my life. After a walk in the frigid Central Park I returned to the Ritz and as I entered into the lobby one of the crew from Don Lupara’s family I recognized “Greasy Fingers” Alfonso. Alfonso said he wanted to check up on me as Ginevra was unable to. We went to the lobby bar and had a martini and Alfonso said my beloved Ginevra, my sweet Calabrian plum and my unborn child had been killed in a roadside explosion. It was Cyclops that claimed responsibility. Naples, an assembly line of death.
As for what happened after that I remember very little except descending into a hellish violent rage. In fact it was a rampage smashing mirrors, lamps and anything in sight. I was later told Alfonso had attempted to stop me but I tossed that muscular man aside like a toddler. Police came along with the boys in white from Bellevue. I was placed in a straight jacket and off I was whisked. Ginevra dearest had been taken from me.
RKS 2023 Film: “Silent Love”: LGBTQ Stressful Living
“Silent Love” will be showing at the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival in Utah on 21/25January. The film has a LGBTQ thread running through it but it is not solely LGBTQ themed.
In this Polish film 35-year-old Aga rushes from Frankfurt back to Warzaw to visit her mother on her death bed. Her mother, a widow, leaves behind her young teen son Milosz who is of course Aga’s brother.
Aga relinquishes her live in lesbian relationship with Maja behind in Germany to care for bother Milosz. As she wants to be the guardian for Milosz, she must apply to Polish authorities and endure questioning and a hearing so as this will take time she returns to her late mother’s village in the Polish countryside.
Aga and Maja exchange visits with Aga trying to persuade Maja to leave Germany and join her in Poland. Maja makes the decision to try and make it a permanent move. This is when the stress starts to build. The Polish village Roman Catholic priest gives a rousing sermon about the sanctity of man and woman as the foundation of a godly life all this with Aga and Maja sitting in the pews receiving a few spiteful looks from the parishioners. Aga must deal with the stress of losing her mother, having to become Milosz’s guardian including an intrusive hearing, dealing with Maja’s family in Poland learning that Maja is gay and dealing with a son who mocks faggots but fails to realize Aga and Maja are gay. Then Aga has to devise effective techniques to discipline 15-year-old Milosz who has stolen 50 zlotys to buy himself an e-cigarette. And of course, Maja has similar obstacles to the world knowing she is gay. Their love once silent is very noisy in the village gossip circuit.
Both Aga and Maja hold firm facing these life events. At the final guardianship hearing for Milosz Aga lies about her live in lesbian relationship fearing a prejudicial sting. The question is once this silent love is “exposed” would it destroy Aga’s case. Are Aga’s lies fatal to her guardianship?
The director, writer and cinematographer is Marek Kozakiewicz.
You can see the trailer here https://vimeo.com/705736699
RKS 2023 Film Rating 83/100.
RKS 2023 Film: “Godland”: Stark and Lush Characters and Cinematography
“Godland” is a Danish/Icelandic film replete with both stark and lush characters and topography. The cinematography and the soundtrack capture the stark yet lush landscape of Iceland. The characters too are both stark and rich and as a former casting agent I would venture to say absolute impeccable casting in “Godland”.
There are certain historical and political tangents running through the film. Iceland was under Danish and Norwegian rule from 1262-1944. If you look carefully and have a sharp and critical mind you’ll discern certain negative barbs at Danish colonialism but they are subtle where they could be very well rantable.
The film opens with young Danish priest Lucas sitting bolt upright listening to details about his assignment in Iceland from a senior Danish clergy official absolutely stuffing his face in a noisy and gluttonous manner. Lucas is to treat himself like an apostle to manage the strange and wild people of Iceland. Perhaps the most valuable piece of advice Lucas receives is that he must adapt to the Icelandic people and culture or his task will come to nothing. OK then a fat greedy Denmark sending an apostle to convert the heathens?
Lucas sets sale from Denmark to Iceland landing far from his destination so he can journey through Iceland to get a better idea of the country he has been sent to build a church in. He intends to photograph the country and its people. Upon meeting his guide Ragnar, the Danish priest is awkward, condescending, cold, arrogant and blundering making no connection with the Icelanders and more likely alienating them and earning their scorn. Ragnar quickly refers to Lucas as a “Danish Devil”. Due to the stupidity and arrogance of Lucas there is a death in the horse caravan taking Lucas to his destination. Throughout the film rotting animals and humans are seen but they are all absorbed into the terrain. Just a part of Icelandic life that Lucas will soon participate in.
Upon reaching his destination Lucas is nothing but a callous incompetent neither an intellectual nor a competent cleric. He is but an enormous embarrassment to his church and to all Danes but when has that ever bothered a colonial power? Lucas is failure and a fornicating and a murderous hypocrite. Iceland devours him like it does animals and humans it has conquered. Iceland conquers the Dane Lucas. Danish colonialism suffers a defeat most likely totally unnoticed or understood in Denmark. Such is the callousness of colonialism and its inherent brutality that its apostles are nothing but cannon fodder in the colonial march.
The cinematography is perhaps the biggest treat for the viewer. It is spectacular. It is stark yet incredibly rich and propels the film forward irrespective of any political message.
The casting is impeccable. Elliot Crosset Hove as Lucas conveys arrogance, stupidity and awkwardness to a sublime level. The gutsy Ragnar played by Ingvar Sigurðsson is almost a primitive incarnation of an unconquerable Iceland. Ragnar is almost godlike. Lucas is black death. The supporting cast is cast to absolute perfection.
Iceland is close to Godland and the Danish colonial intrusion is indeed devilish!
The director is Hlynur Pálmason.
You can watch the trailer here https://vimeo.com/789053419
The film opens in theatres in Canada on February 3, 2023.
RKS 2023 Film Rating 95/100.
RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Carménère: If You Can’t Do It Right Go Home!
When it is a matter of Chilean Carménère if you can’t do it right go home. The Chileans more often than not vint top rate Carménère. You come to expect a quality red wine with a bottle of Carménère. From my perspective to date raspberry and strawberry notes are a possible tip off to high quality Carménère and no I am not talking about Pinot Noir. It’s a bit like Cabernet Franc in Ontario in the sense that one can almost count on a decent bottle of Ontario Cabernet Franc and if you don’t get one well the winemaker ought to go home.
Now I have put my foot in my mouth by daring to make any comparison of Pinot Noir to Carménère so read no further but I’ll try a Primus 2019 Carménère from the Colchagua.
Aromatics: Should I be worried with the absence of raspberry and strawberry? On the nose loads of black cherry and blackberry with figs and dark chocolate. Rich and alluring.
Palate: Smooth and supple with light tannins. Blackberry rules but thank goodness not jammy. Some Balkan cherry nectar. A hint of pepper. Full bodied but agile and light footed.
Personality: You might take me for a complicated intellectual full of unintelligible vocabulary and back off thinking I am out to bamboozle you. But hoist a glass of me and you will find me serious with much to say but I am at heart simple, pure and true. The pure will be my organic parentage.
Food Match: Barbeque Hoisin Blackberry Ribs. And you though blackberries were only a breakfast starter or ingredients in a dessert.
Cellarbility: Drinking so beautifully now why bother ageing this wine. It will perhaps marginally improve in the bottle over the next two years. Drink by the end of 2026.
In a nutshell: A black fruit personality. Full bodied but smooth and very pure. Organic wines often display a purity of fruit evident in this wine. This wine was done just right so nobody must go home. If this wine is going anywhere it should be in your home.
Price: $19.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 93/100. TimAtkin.com 93.
(Primus 2019 Organic Carménère, D.O. Apalta Colchagua, Alto de Casablanca, Casablanca, Chile, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 439356, 750 mL, 14%).
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