Category Archives: Wine

RKS 2023 Wine: For All You Pour Souls Stuck on California Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa this. Sonoma that. Lake District? Mendocino? Caught in the California Cabernet Sauvignon factory or possibly propaganda machine? What about British Columbia? What about Ontario? For that matter what about the rest of the world? Washington State can produce some top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Is this Intrinsic Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon one of them? Wild label.Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: For All You Pour Souls Stuck on California Cabernet Sauvignon”

RKS 2023 Wine: Campanian Memories! A Campanian Aglianico

In 2019 I received an invitation from the Italian Trade Commission in Toronto for a June press trip to Naples. It was mostly wine but there was a trip for a few of us to Pompeii and a walking tour of Naples. What a way to fall in love with Naples and then extend myContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Campanian Memories! A Campanian Aglianico”

RKS 2023 Wine: The French Blush from Tavel! The Great Compromise

We have one of those darker pinkies which will reduce the anxiety of red wine drinkers not drinking red wine with this Rosé in their glass! Yet it might cause a fright to white wine drinkers. Is Tavel Rosé the Great Compromise? Aroma: A very large raspberry assault. And since the blend is Syrah, ClairetteContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: The French Blush from Tavel! The Great Compromise”

RKS 2023 Wine: Yalumba Organic Shiraz

Yalumba makes an impeccable organic Viognier. Can they repeat that with their organic Shiraz? Aroma: Full of rich black fruit particularly blackberries and black plums. Palate: Initially the tannins present themselves as softies but increase, not greatly, in intensity. Blackberries, blueberries with a licorice twist. Considering the wine is from South Australia one might categorizeContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Yalumba Organic Shiraz”

RKS 2023 Wine: Yalumba Organic Viognier: Gewurztraminer in Handcuffs?

Reasonably priced Viognier is difficult to find. One of the better “budget” Viogniers I have encountered is the Yalumba Y Series Viognier found in the general list of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) which sells for $15.40. And more often than not it is sold out. How does Yalumba’s 2021 organic Viognier fare?Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Yalumba Organic Viognier: Gewurztraminer in Handcuffs?”

RKS 2023 Wine: Greek Up n Comer: Assyrtiko?

Greek white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape may be leading the charge for “the white wine” of Greece. Santorini with its volcanic terroir is the most famous producer of wines made from Assyrtiko but prices are high for these Santorini wines. Mega Spileo in the Achaia region of Greece produces a more affordable Assyrtiko.Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Greek Up n Comer: Assyrtiko?”

RKS 2023 Wine: Massive Portuguese Producer José Maria da Fonseca’s Periquita 2020 Reserva

JMF was founded in 1834 and still sails on. The Periquita 2020 Reserva is 54% Castellan, 28% Touriga Nacional and 18% Touriga Franca. It is produced in the Setúbal Peninsula. Close to 1,000,000 bottles were produced. That’s a lot of wine. Can quality survive this volume? Aged 8 months in French and American oak. GrownContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Massive Portuguese Producer José Maria da Fonseca’s Periquita 2020 Reserva”

RKS 2023 Wine: Sick and Tired of Argentinian Malbec! Canaries in a Coal Mine?

In the past week alone I have heard two friends say they are sick and tired of Argentinian Malbec. Is this how the winemakers of Argentina are rewarded for a never-ending stream of excellent Malbec! Yes wine is a fickle business. The cure for Malbec fatigue is simply to drink it occasionally. These Malbec veteransContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Sick and Tired of Argentinian Malbec! Canaries in a Coal Mine?”

RKS 2023 Wine: Valpolicella Rarely Disappoints

We try a Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso from Italy of course. Valpolicella rarely disappoints with an easy drinking personality. Mellow, smooth and warm perhaps is a good way of describing it. And to continue in non-technical terms choco cherry! 50% Corvina, 25% Corvinone and 25% Rondinella. What does this Ripasso mean? It derives from the verbContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Valpolicella Rarely Disappoints”

RKS 2023 Wine: Bordeaux The Quieter Side of Sauvignon Blanc

Many of you love your New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. But have you given thought to how forceful it can be? Happily trying to avoid generalizations I have found Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc to be quieter and gentler than its Zealie cousin. We try a Cap Royal 2021 Sauvignon Blanc. Aroma: Lemon, vanilla, white grapefruit, tangerine, gingerContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Bordeaux The Quieter Side of Sauvignon Blanc”