RKS Wines: Best Rosé and Sparklers 2021

Stag’s Hollow 2020 Blanc de Noir Okanagan Valley BC VQA $25 (95) (British Columbia, Canada)

Sandhill 2020 Rosé BC VQA $21.95 (93) (British Columbia, Canada)

Meyer Family Vineyard 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé Okanagan Valley BC VQA (92) (British Columbia, Canada)

Featherstone Rosé 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (94) (Ontario, Canada)

Stag’s Hollow 2020 Syrah Rosé Okanagan Valley BC VQA $24 (94) (British Columbia, Canada)

Blue Mountain Brut Gold Label BC VQA $34.95 (92) (British Columbia, Canada)

Angel’s Gate Estate Winery 2016 Sparkling White VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.80 (92) (Ontario, Canada)

Ha Ha Hawkes Bay 2020 Rosé $18.95 (92) (New Zealand)

Mayhem 2020 Rosé, Okanagan Valley, Anarchist Mountain Vineyard, (produced under license of Meyer Family Vineyards), BC VQA, $20 (92) (British Columbia, Canada)

Malivoire Lady Bug Rosé 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (92) (Ontario, Canada)

Pump Me Up with The Juice Big Pharma!

Big Pharma
riding on the profit kharma
you said initially the vaccine was 96% effective but you never mentioned any time frame
sneaky bastards playing the profit game?
Now suddenly where has your great wisdom slithered?
we’ve been dithered
two jabs are nowhere near the 96% keeping the virus at bay
three jabs now is not a question of defeating the virus but simply keeping out of a hospital stay
and if you had your way keep on jabbing with never ending boosters
that we are so full of your untested potions
I can equally “guarantee” your juice will lead to advanced dementia in 6 years
but you have no liability deals
with desperate governments that will stymie our injured squeals
Big Pharma you are indeed smart
like Jack the Ripper slicing up a tart

Robert K. Stephen

RKS Wine: Best Whites of 2021

Stag’s Hollow 2020 Albariño Okanagan Valley BC VQA $24 (96) (British Columbia, Canada)

Meyer Family Vineyards Okanagan Valley Naramata Bench 2020 Tribute Series Chardonnay-Terry Threfall, BC VQA  Okanagan Falls, British Columbia $ 30.52 (95) (British Columbia, Canada)

Meyer Family Vineyards 2020 McLean Creek Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Falls BC VQA Gewurztraminer $16.61 (94) (British Columbia, Canada)

Mayhem 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Naramata Bench Okanagan Valley BC VQA $20 (94) (British Columbia, Canada)

The White Knight 2019 California Viognier Sebastiani & Sons $19.95 (94) (California, USA)

Eradus 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Atawere Vallley $19.95 (94) (New Zealand)

Paul Mas Single Vineyard Collection Reserve Viognier 2019 $14.95 (94) (France)

Mt. Boucherie Pinot Gris 2019 Similkameen Valley BC VQA $19.95 (94) (British Columbia, Canada)

Quadrus Vinho Branco Douro 2020 Douro DOC $19.75 (92) (Portugal)

Meyer Family Vineyards 2019 Okanagan Valley Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard BC VQA  $30.52 (92) (British Columbia)

Il Poggio Taburno Falanghina del Sannio 2018 DOP $16.95 (92) (Italy)

RKS Film: “JonBenét’s Tricycle”; Compelling and Chilling

Many of us may remember the murder of JonBenét Ramsey in Boulder Colorado years ago. The murder has not been solved and as we progress through the documentary there is a strong assumption made the crime scene was contaminated by inept police not used to investigating murders in Boulder. Then a spat between a plea bargain obsessed District Attorney and Boulder police did nothing to advance the investigation. DNA testing was also bungled.

So we start this documentary focusing on ephemera collector Andrew Novick who has JonBenét’s tricycle and in addition has a garage full of ephemera. We are challenged as to whether Novick is a hoarder or a pop culture “collector”. That is a discussion you may wish to delve into.

The documentary moves beyond the quirky ephemera collector Andrew Novick to a more critical analysis of a bungled murder investigation. Psychics and paranormal personalities add their often chilling and accurate observations of the death of 6 year old JonBenét.

The documentary examines pop culture’s obsession with tragedy and horror and challenges you about what you think about this. Psychics are used to determine what they feel about the trike and they are nibling around the edge. Their observations are accurate if not a bit fuzzy.

It is amazing how JonBenét’s trike as an image of pop culture in America has spawned a rich and sick tale of tabloid trash.

The end result is no conclusions and of course no convictions despite a parade of suspicious characters.

The documentary is provocative, tragic, disgusting, haunting, fascinating, captivating, obscene and outrageous.

Initially you may think this is on the edge of reality but stick with it and enjoy the ride. Officially one supposes the investigation has concluded in an inept fashion but the poor soul of JonBenét deserves an answer and the truth and until then can her soul ascend to where it belongs.

You can catch the tailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2_iwyzpMA8

Andrew Novick is the director of his own film.

Now available on various VOD platforms.

As a closing remark are you drawn in by the name JonBenét Ramsey and the picture of her trike? Answer that question before watching the documentary and you’ll understand the documentary. Very spooky recreations of her riding her trike which Novick rescued from the garbage as well as unopened bag of popcorn. Spooky!

RKS Film Rating 93/100.

Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog is Back: Will the Canadians Shine at the Academy Awards?

We had an uneventful flight from Dulles to LAX. Nicole had arranged for a limo to take us to her Malibu home and when we arrived at her spectacular home the housekeeper took us to the beach guest house and then returned with a huge platter of sushi. Nicole, Mr. Urban and their children Faith and Sunday were out at a party but Nicole left us a note welcoming us and that she and her family were looking forward to meeting us for breakfast at the main house. We had our sushi and went for an evening walk on the beach. Dylan the Westie hates water with a passion so we stayed a good distance from the water. Oh it is so calming to smell the saltwater and hear the waves! Thank goodness there are no saltwater crocodiles in Malibu!

We were so very tired we were in bed sound asleep by 10 p.m. which is 1 a.m. Toronto time. We awoke to a beautiful sunny day. Nicole gave us a call and we headed up to the main house for breakfast. It was great seeing Nicole again! Mr. Urban is a friendly guy and her children Faith and Sunday are well mannered and right after breakfast the children take us to the grounds to chase tennis balls. The humans chat away drinking tea. Nicole tells us we have a press conference at a nearby hotel at three with me, Dylan the Westie, Mr. Gordon Lightfoot, Martin Malivoire, Russell Crowe and Nicole. I have been in so many of these media scrums they rarely excite me. The usual questions. Been there done that! Word is out about our Presidential Medal of Honour. At the entrance of the hotel there are hundreds of children wanting to see me and Dylan the Westie. Nicole’s management team hands out pictures of me and Dylan the Westie with our paw prints on them! Nicole is a very smart lady and has a great head for business.

Nicole has invited Mr. Gordon Lightfoot, Martin Malivoire and Russell Crowe for dinner in a private dining room in nearby ritzy restaurant. And yes Mr. Gordon Lightfoot starts the evening off by singing “Paco A Girl’s Best Friend” and then Mr. Urban and Mr. Gordon Lightfoot sing and play “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” like never heard before. They had been rehearsing that a few days earlier. Mr. Gordon Lightfoot and Mr. Urban are going to collaborate on Mr. Urban’s new album!

We have a quiet breakfast in our beach house prepared by Nicole’s housekeeper. We have another walk on the beach and poor Bob gets a sunburn so his face looks like a cherry! We all have a short nap and prepare for the big night. Bob and Fay look really snazzy and Fay has her make-up and hair done by a well-known Hollywood make-up artist. Dylan the Westie and I have a bath and a good brush. We dogs decided we want to wear our Hamilton Tiger Cats jersey to give Hamilton a big shout out to the huge audience watching the Oscars.

Nicole looks smashing! We hop into the limo and go to something called the Red Carpet which is jammed full of movie stars, models and celebrities. Fay is holding me and Bob is holding Dylan the Westie. Many ask Bob about the Hamilton Tiger Cats jersey not surprising as they know little about Canadian football.

Bob takes us for a walk just before the televised event begins and we are surrounded by eager fans wishing us the best.

The lights dim and we are live!

We hold our breath as the nominees for best song are announced. And the winner is…….Gordon Lightfoot for “Paco A Girl’s Best Friend”! Mr. Gordon Lightfoot grabs me and takes me on the stage. He has 90 seconds to speak to the world. “I would like to thank the Academy. I would not be here without the inspiration that Reggie has given me. A street dog from Cairo who has conquered the hearts of millions. “Paco a Girl’s Best Friend” is my biggest hit ever. Reggie I love you!” He then hoists me up over his head to thunderous applause.

Then it is the best special effects award. And the winner is Martin Malivoire for “A Dog Saved My Life”! Canada is cleaning up! That special effects fight between me and the saltwater crocodile was a masterpiece said Variety Magazine.

Then for best supporting actor…” And the winners are Dylan the Westie and Rick Mercer.” We Canadians are red hot!

Is it my turn next? And the winner for best actor is Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog and Russell Crowe. This is unreal. Wake me up please! Russell says, “Thank you Academy members. I was doing Reggie’s voice and there was such a range of emotions trying to portray them was perhaps the most difficult job in my career. Reggie is super intelligent and at times I thought he was a human. After working with him for 4 months I know he is embarrassed and very shy but both of us thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

And the winner for Best Actress is Nicole Kidman for “A Dog Saved My Life”. The crowd erupts but there is a stir. Why is Nicole walking up the stairs in the wrong direction? What is the matter? Nicole has come to get us and she puts a double leash and takes Dylan the Westie and I to the stage. We sit at her feet. Nicole speaks, “I have had a close working relationship with Reggie and his pal Dylan the Westie. At Reggie’s screen test I knew this was the dog for the film. Obedient and he acted like he understood the human language and knowing him I think he understands us humans sometimes better than we know ourselves. Reggie and Dylan you have done yourselves proud. A very special thanks to my husband and two children here tonight for being without me as we filmed for 4 months in Darwin.”

The crowd is up on its feet chanting “REGGIE. DYLAN. NICOLE.”

What a party afterwards! Dylan the Westie and I feel like movie stars. No wait. WE ARE MOVIE STARS! We meet so many famous people. Robert de Niro wants to have us visit him in New York. Countless offers are made for film projects and Bob collected some 65 business cards. It is all a blur. Then the room goes silent and an announcement is made to watch the screens in the room. God bless his soul it is our friend Joe Biden who congratulates everyone in the room and gives a special shout out to “my good friends” Dylan and Reggie. This stuns most of the people in the room not knowing that two dogs are good friends of the American President.

At two in the morning the limo comes to take us back to Malibu. Dylan the Westie and I are so exhausted when we get back home Bob and Fay had to carry two sleeping dogs back to their doggie beds with a presidential seal on them.

We have a farewell breakfast and drive off to Palm Springs for a few days rest. Before we leave Bob and Fay invite Nicole and her family to our Toronto home for Canadian Thanksgiving. Joe and Jill Biden have also been invited. This may work!

Golf and Your Mental Game: The Wisdom and Cowardice of Fear

Suppose you are 200 yards from the green and over the creek you must go to reach it. You will need an awesome shot. The carrot is being dangled! You are fearful if you don’t have enough distance in the creek you go. If you come in too fast and low you’ll skid off the green into the sand trap. You can look at the situation two ways. Fear has set in as you have doubts as to your ability to softly land on the green. Could this be all your experience supercomputing in your head telling you the odds are you won’t make it over the creek? Is this your golf wisdom kicking in? Or could it simply be cowardice and the unwillingness to face a challenge. I suppose it depends on your mindset. Are you a prisoner of your fear or are you wise because your past experience leans toward your inability to clear the creek? That shot may lead to your wisdom kicking in and laying up. Is this cowardice or wisdom? Make your decision and live with it. At least in this situation you felt you had a chance. Where will your mindset lead you?

On the other hand there is a situation where a slice on the tee over some very tall trees will land you on the green. But you need a spectacular and highly unlikely shot to clear those trees. In this case you realize although you enjoy the challenge the odds of making such a shot are virtually impossible so fear may be leading to wisdom. The risk is so great it could be seen as stupid trying to make such a shot

Then there is the situation where your score has tanked and you have nothing to lose by trying to make that impossible shot. Through your desperation you are going to challenge yourself and add to your golf memory bank which will be data you can rely on in the future.

All this points to the mental nature of a golf game. You are going to have to continually evaluate your skill against the risk and probabilities. Are you now seeing how much of a mental and emotional game golf can be!

Ontario Conservative Party and COVID Doublespeak

Have you noticed the new term in government press releases?
Activities are no longer prohibited but they are “paused”
Tiny Tim is tiptoeing through the flowers
hoping that the smell of incessant governmental emergency orders
acrid as they may be will be muffled by the sweet smelling flowers

Robert K. Stephen

So Inspired!

This morning I am so proud to be a Canadian
Our Prime Minister Trudeau received the vax on the telescreen
Making the reticent so keen
Smiling with thumbs up!
So brave with no grimace

He’ll show those anti-vaxxers the politically correct course of action!
The man is a beacon of courage and inspiration
Yes I can see it now a rush for the booster
like a headless rooster
inspired by a great statesman
I feel like I have eaten too much bran!

Robert K. Stephen

Golf and Your Mental Game: Self Compassion and Acceptance: Fear and Loathing on the Golf Course

In a perfect world you make a bad shot and you accept it then you move on with a clear head and attitude to your next shot. Moving on to that next shot not suffering mentally takes practice and discipline. Unfortunately, many golfers I encountered as a golf Marshall have difficulty accepting a bad shot particularly if they have had a string of bad shots. Then a negativity storm starts brewing in the golfer’s head. Sort of like that priest in the Da Vinci Code who self flagellates! I have seen many golfers criticize themselves out loud for being stupid by trying to get that extra long drive over the creek but ending up in the creek. It is almost as if there is a bad case of self loathing, anger, frustration and the inability to detach the mind from the bad shot. The mind refuses to back down and face the fact a bad shot has been made and accept it non-judgementally. I say try and accept that shot then offer yourself some self compassion. You are far from perfect. You are entitled to bad shots as that is part of the game of golf. What good does beating up yourself do? It increases your suffering to the point you start disliking yourself and even demeaning yourself. This is more than “keeping a stiff upper lip” but accepting the negative and forgiving yourself. So if you end up in the creek accept what you can’t change and if necessary forgive yourself.

RKS Wines: Two Sisters 2015 Cabernet Franc From Niagara

Given the veritable lunacy of travelling outside of Canada these days our sights were directed 2 hours away from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). My past experiences there have been unpleasant. However, after three trips there during the plague I have come to like NOTL. Not its main street but what lies behind that Walt Disney façade. It is quite a charming place to visit if you stay away from the crowds. You are close to many wineries and during COVID Niagara Falls was actually deserted and you felt you had the Falls all to yourself. Although Niagara Falls as a town is tawdry and cheap. NOTL is aristocratic and grand in comparison.

I passed by many wineries I recognize by name and product. Some I don’t like. Two Sisters which looks like a high-end Napa winery caught my eye. I tried their Merlot recently and it was the best Ontario Merlot I have had. Ontario Merlot on the whole is rather spotty but somehow Two Sisters made it spectacular.

Cabernet Franc is one of Ontario’s signature grapes. It does well in Lake Erie North Shore, Prince Edward County and in Niagara. What can Two Sisters do with it?

In colour a dark ruby red. As for aromas raging black cherry, cranberry, milk chocolate and Quebec raisin pie. On the palate if you are expecting soft and mellow you won’t find it in this wine. There are tannins but a delayed release so as to speak but they are broad based and gentle. The wine is firm and stands tall and proud and tough. Quite frankly it wants to take no hostages but will quietly surrender itself to wine drinkers willing to test the waters with what is an out of character Ontario Cabernet Franc. But that is not a criticism. Its palate is powerful and assertive with black cherry, muted chili pepper and black currant. At 7 years of age I venture to say it is just hitting its stride and I foresee improvement in the bottle over the next five years. Quite remarkable for a Cabernet Franc from Ontario. Ontario Proud.

Its power suggests a good match with game such as venison or a marinated Lac Brome duck breast. Beef in a peppercorn sauce will do quite nicely. For vegheads a mushroom Wellington or a mushroom ragout in a red wine sauce over homemade Polenta. Their ritzy restaurant Kitchen 76 suggests this would suit a truffle pizza. Agreed.

Winemaker Adam Pearce is a genius as the wine has been aged 34 months in French oak and the oak is beautifully integrated into the wine. Now the price of $75.80 might be best suited for a corporate lawyer on Bay Street or perhaps a neurologist or cardiologist who has a jazzy cellar. This is a trophy wine for sure or perhaps for us common folk a rare treat which will not disappoint.

(Two Sisters 2015 Cabernet Franc, VQA Niagara River, Two Sisters Vineyard, Niagara- on- the- Lake, $75.80, 750 mL, 14.5%, Robert K. Stephen Rating 94/100).

Buy direct from the winery at https://www.twosistersvineyards.com/

WINE DRINKER PROFILE: A collector willing to cellar for the next 3-5 years. Must have deep pockets. A commoner would enjoy as a rare treat.