There is nothing on the label of the 2017 Amore from Casa Dea Estates Winery indicating what grape is in the bottle. The label states “Amore is a lush, blended red wine”. A blend means more than one grape. Trying to solve the puzzle I visit the Casa Dea website and the bottle shown forContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Casa Dea 2017 Amore: The Mystery Wine: A Bit Sloppy on the Marketing but The Taste?? Did Mommy or Daddy Have an Affair?”
Category Archives: Wine
RKS 2024 Wine: Moderately Priced Bordeaux’s Surge and Portuguese Imports Disappear
Although we try yet another moderately priced Bordeaux I can’t stop contemplating where Portugal has gone. Is there some new strain of COVID or natural disaster (not a political corruption one) that has strangled the outflow of Portuguese exports of wine to Ontario? Has some strange variety of fungus attacked Portuguese vineyards? Has TAP PortugalContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Moderately Priced Bordeaux’s Surge and Portuguese Imports Disappear”
RKS 2024 Wine: Stunning Shiraz From Kangaroo Island
Just when I was thinking Australia was becoming a bit tiresome with the same wines from the same appellations my ears perked up and my eyes bulged, just a bit, when I saw a Springs Road Shiraz from Battle of Bosworth Wines on Kangaroo Island. I did a quick dig on Kangaroo Island finding outContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Stunning Shiraz From Kangaroo Island”
RKS 2024 Wine: The Great Ontario Merlot Redemption Meets Dale Carnegie
Merlot as a single varietal wine has a bleak future in Ontario. But blend it with Ontario wunderkid Cabernet Franc and lackluster Cabernet Sauvignon and you can consistently have a great Ontario Meritage in both Niagara and Lake Erie North Shore. Sometimes the sum can outshine some of the parts. For example, the Queen BeeContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: The Great Ontario Merlot Redemption Meets Dale Carnegie”
RKS 2024 Wine: Ontario Merlot and a Glutton for Punishment
As a single varietal Ontario Merlot rarely shines. Jazz it up with lots of oak then it just might work. But being a glutton for punishment I try yet another Ontario Merlot. You know that priest in the DaVinci Code that self flagellates well that might be akin to me drinking a good Ontario Merlot.Continue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Ontario Merlot and a Glutton for Punishment”
RKS 2024 Wine: So What if 2020 Was a Good Red Bordeaux Vintage?
The pundits say 2020 was a good vintage year for red Bordeaux wines. This does not mean you fall hook line and sinker for every 2020 that comes your way. Who is behind the juice is perhaps most important. Not all wineries are created equal. One should ask when the grapes were picked. What wereContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: So What if 2020 Was a Good Red Bordeaux Vintage?”
RKS 2024 Wine: Chilean Wines a Flash in the Pan? Nationalism Losing to The Wallet?
In terms of price and quality here in Canada Chilean red wines rule the roost. I await export statistics as to both volume and monetary value for 2023. In the Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s Vintages 6January2024 release there are 5 Chilean reds and they are all under $20. There are a paltry 3 CanadianContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Chilean Wines a Flash in the Pan? Nationalism Losing to The Wallet?”
RKS 2024 Wine: Do You Believe in the Score? Farmer’s Leap Random Shot 2020 Shiraz’s 96
Retailers of wine love to display over 89 wines that will capture the consumer’s eye. Yes, every once and awhile my name pops up on the shelves or in a magazine advertising the wine. Take or leave it as to scores. My advice is to find a reviewer you are consistently in agreement with andContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Do You Believe in the Score? Farmer’s Leap Random Shot 2020 Shiraz’s 96”
RKS 2024 Wine: A Nemea Agiorgitiko Reserva From Seméli in Greece
There is a lack of “knock out of the park” Greek red wines flowing into Canada. They are obviously out there somewhere and at this point stuck in Greece. We valiantly try again with a 2017 Nemea Agiorgitiko Reserva. Aroma: Rigid and tight. Blackberry, black cherry, cherry pie and dark chocolate. Palate: Very wound upContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: A Nemea Agiorgitiko Reserva From Seméli in Greece”
RKS 2024 Wine: Meyer Family Vineyard’s Spelling Mistake or My Wishful Thinking? A Tomboy Chardonnay From British Columbia
As 2023 terminates it may be time to reflect on the year. From a wine perspective it certainly has been interesting. The highlight was my media trip to Porto, Säo Miguel and Pico Island with massive wine exposure in a short time. It looks as if I will be repeating that trip in February. MoreContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Meyer Family Vineyard’s Spelling Mistake or My Wishful Thinking? A Tomboy Chardonnay From British Columbia”
