Category Archives: Wine

RKS 2024 Wine: What Batman, Robin and Alfred Drink After Hours

My sources tell me that although Bruce Wayne has lots of dough he prefers inexpensive wines. Of late apparently Batman, Robin and Alfred are drinking an Italian wine named “Dark Knight”. Alfred was seen unloading a case of it from the Batmobile. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese. Aroma: Full of black cherry,Continue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: What Batman, Robin and Alfred Drink After Hours”

RKS 2024 Wine: Shuffling Around in the Bargain Bin: 2021 Carro from Yecla Region in Spain

For $14, at least in Canada, you most likely are shuffling around like my friend The Penniless Pensioner, in the bargain bin. And in the bargain bin you never know what you may discover. In this case it is a Carro 2021 from DOC Yecla in Spain. From 30-year-old plus vines this wine is aContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Shuffling Around in the Bargain Bin: 2021 Carro from Yecla Region in Spain”

RKS 2024 Wine: The Gentle Whites of Bordeaux?

When I think of white Vin de Graves from Bordeaux I think aromatic, gentle and at times high sophistication. Nothing shouts out to you but instead beckons. This Château Des Perligues 2022 is a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Aroma: Honey, marzipan, mango, peach and lychee. Palate: Smooth, muted acidity and loaded with peachContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: The Gentle Whites of Bordeaux?”

RKS 2024 Wine: Rosé from Tavel Rarely Disappoints: Tavel La Forcadière

Not a fan of those flinty pale and a bit too acidic pinkies from Provence? Well then in France look to Tavel for consistent quality. Instead of a washed-out pink expect a salmon colored pink where fruit refuses to hide behind acidity and the hype of Jolie/Pitt/Sarah Jessica Parker and Hollywood wine wannabees. Grenache NoirContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Rosé from Tavel Rarely Disappoints: Tavel La Forcadière”

RKS 2024 Wine: Château Saint Cyrgues from Costières de Nîmes

The wine is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Marselan which is cross between Grenache and Syrah. Aroma: Blackberry, black cherry with some raspberry and licorice. Palate: Moderate and broad-based tannins. A bit gravelly but even given that it is smooth with a bit of a peppery finish. The acids hover inContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Château Saint Cyrgues from Costières de Nîmes”

RKS 2024 Wine: A Red Cuvée from Cox Creek Cellars: Can They Manage a Heartbreak Grape?

Pinot Noir is often referred to as the heartbreak grape due to its thin-skinned delicate nature. In my opinion Baco Noir is also a heartbreak grape perhaps not in the field but in converting its juice into a good wine. In Ontario I am mostly disappointed with Baco Noir that tricks the nose into thinkingContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: A Red Cuvée from Cox Creek Cellars: Can They Manage a Heartbreak Grape?”

RKS 2024 Wine: A Sicilian Grillo-Chardonnay

Think Grillo then think Sicilian power. With Sicilian Chardonnays cool climate Chardonnays are left behind. It is a 50/50 blend. Aroma: Concentrated notes of pear, apple, mango, pineapple, peaches, quince, honey and a slight briny note. Palate: Full bodied medium dry wine with a long finish. Slight floral tinge with heavier notes of pear, applesauce,Continue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: A Sicilian Grillo-Chardonnay”

RKS 2024 Wine: A Grillo from Sicily’s Planeta

A bit of coincidence as tonight using cherry tomatoes and basil from my garden I enjoyed a Sicilian Pesto over fusilli. Now a Sicilian white from the Grillo grape. That is one grape that is used in Sicilian Masala. It is from the Planeta winery one of Sicily’s most respected wineries. Aroma: Lemon, honey, marzipanContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: A Grillo from Sicily’s Planeta”

RKS 2024 Wine: A Babu Reserva from Portugal’s Tejo Appellation: Another Purchase at Your Own Risk?

I tried the 2018 Babu Reserva and it fared so poorly I used the mercy rule and did not give it a numerical score instead stating, “purchase at your own risk”. I am sure that when RKS Wine speaks with such unflattering remarks a team of blending specialists descended on the winery to fix theContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: A Babu Reserva from Portugal’s Tejo Appellation: Another Purchase at Your Own Risk?”

RKS 2024 Wine: The Pavlovian Dog Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Many hearing “Malbec” salivate and bark up the Argentinian tree forgetting or not knowing that Malbec can be found in France. In fact it is one of the permitted grapes for red Bordeaux and has quite a reputation in the Cahors appellation for quality and ageability. Let’s give Prieuré de Cénac Malbec from the CahorsContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: The Pavlovian Dog Barking Up the Wrong Tree”