Producing single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon in Ontario is a risky business as far as I can see. Most often it is a bland experience but jazzed up with generous oak it just may surprise you. Shale Ridge is located in Thedford, Ontario proximate to the shores of Lake Huron in Southwest Ontario. Their 2023 CabernetContinue reading “RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: Shale Ridge 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon: Gutsy and/or Suicidal”
Category Archives: Wine
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: A Battersea Wines White Blend
Battersea Wines is a virtual winery operating in the Collab Wine & Beverage collective based in Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake. Currently comprising 12 virtual wineries using shared production facilities and staff. Battersea Weiss is a blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Pinot Gris. Aroma: Lemon, Niagara peach, tangerine, pineapple and guava. Palate: Dry but not bone dry. ApproachesContinue reading “RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: A Battersea Wines White Blend”
RKS 2025 Wine: A Reliable Red from Greece?
Is there such a thing as a reliable wine? If there was it would have to be a wine that continually delivers in quality and sensory satisfaction irrespective of price. From a Niagara, Ontario perspective we might suggest Cabernet Franc as a reliable wine. In British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley we might say Pinot Noir. FromContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: A Reliable Red from Greece?”
RKS 2025 Wine: Spanish Hécula Monastrell
What the heck try some Hécula Monastrell from the Yecla region of Spain! It’s organic! Monastrell is the Spanish name for Mourvèdre. The grapes were grown at an altitude of 750 m in limestone soil. It has resided 6 months in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels. Aroma: Raspberry galore. Black cherry and plum.Continue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Spanish Hécula Monastrell”
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Is There Any Pizzazz in Magnotta’s Limited Edition PZaZZ?
Magnotta Wines presents us with an Ontario VQA red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is non-vintage with the winery website stating the wine is from “a combination of two outstanding vintages of premium red blends of which 50% is from appassimento wines.” What were the outstanding vintage years? The websiteContinue reading “RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Is There Any Pizzazz in Magnotta’s Limited Edition PZaZZ?”
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: & Evermore Chardonnay: Can an Ontario “Budget” Chardonnay Deliver?
If one pauses momentarily in a wave of Canadian patriotism accentuated by Trumpian carnival barking annexation of Canada aggression and decides to buy Canadian wine one may discover Canadian wines can be pricier than many Chilean, Spanish, Argentinian and Portuguese wines. Chardonnay is no exception so with interest we try a $16 & Evermore 2023Continue reading “RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: & Evermore Chardonnay: Can an Ontario “Budget” Chardonnay Deliver?”
RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: Southbrook Triomphe Merlot From Niagara
Niagara Merlot appears to be making great strides for itself whether it be Peninsula Ridge or Peller Estates. Could it be a judicious use of oak that is the key? This Southbrook Organic Merlot was wild fermented in new and used French oak barrels aged for 18 months. Aroma: Raspberry, black cherry and cassis withContinue reading “RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: Southbrook Triomphe Merlot From Niagara”
RKS 2025 Wine: DAC/Dão
On my last trip to Portugal’s Dão region I did not have the opportunity to visit Quinta Pellada where this wine was produced. The Dão is not so far from the Douro region but its topography is far different. Forested in places, green and almost verdant. Gigantic glacial boulders may appear in fields and exoticContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: DAC/Dão”
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Norman Hardie’s County Unfiltered Cabernet Franc from Ontario’s Prince Edward County
Aroma: Heavy duty and intense black cherry and raspberry jam. Blackberry and cocoa. Palate: High toned almost disinterested above it all raspberry, strawberry and Catania cactus pear. Personality: Admire my bouquet worthy of a standing ovation expecting something stellar. Taste me and you might ask what just happened with the fruit? Food Match: Pizza orContinue reading “RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Norman Hardie’s County Unfiltered Cabernet Franc from Ontario’s Prince Edward County”
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Featherstone’s Gemstone
As for price and quality Featherstone Estate Winery consistently delivers gems! This wine is a Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. Aroma: Black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, raspberry, lavender and plum. Palate: Plummy with dark fruit. It is on the after palate that the fruit and tannin makes a more forceful appearance with heavy duty blackberry, friskyContinue reading “RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Featherstone’s Gemstone”
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