Category Archives: Wine

RKS 2023 Wines: CREW 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon: Can History Repeat Itself?

Years ago, it was 2011, I rated the CREW 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon a 91/100 and for an Ontario Cabernet Sauvignon that’s remarkable. I can recall Bernard Gorski, proprietor of Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW), telling me the grapes had been harvested as late as November. Since that date I have rarely had a great OntarioContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wines: CREW 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon: Can History Repeat Itself?”

Misadventures in Wine Chapter 7: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Affected by Memories Ones”

In the “Affected by Memories” crowd there are drinkers that fondly recall trips taken to different countries which may include wine producing regions and perhaps even wineries. Most often the memories are fond as new wines are tried, geographical delights are encountered, new foods and perhaps even new friends are all made possible by wine.Continue reading “Misadventures in Wine Chapter 7: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Affected by Memories Ones””

RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Carménère: If You Can’t Do It Right Go Home!

When it is a matter of Chilean Carménère if you can’t do it right go home. The Chileans more often than not vint top rate Carménère. You come to expect a quality red wine with a bottle of Carménère. From my perspective to date raspberry and strawberry notes are a possible tip off to highContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Carménère: If You Can’t Do It Right Go Home!”

RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon Doing 50/50 So Far

Late in 2022 and early into 2023 Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is 50/50. The Maipo leads in the top 50% and the Cachapoal is in the bottom 50…the real bottom. The 2019 Primus Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Maipo yet the 2020 vintage will be from Colchagua being released in Ontario on 21January2023. In Ontario thereContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon Doing 50/50 So Far”

Misadventures in Wine Chapter 6: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Intimidated”

Do you ever see someone in the aisles looking overwhelmed? What wine to purchase! So many countries! So many regions! So many appellations! Different price ranges! This may the driving reason for the “I don’t care” crowd or the “stuck in the rut” folks. Stick to a limited choice range and preserve your mental health.Continue reading “Misadventures in Wine Chapter 6: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Intimidated””

Misadventures in Wine Chapter 5: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Explorer”

An Explorer dislikes being stuck in a rut or comfort zone. The Explorer may have favourite wines but refuses to be imprisoned by them and constantly looks for new wines, new wine regions and new producers. There is the Random Explorer who has no agenda in wine selection but buys on newness. There is alsoContinue reading “Misadventures in Wine Chapter 5: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Explorer””

Misadventures in Wine Chapter 4: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Higher the Price the Better the Wine”

This could be known as The Filthy Rich Club where money is no object other than a means to glorify “good taste”. A Chilean Carménère at $18.95 could be rated a 93/100 but isn’t that a marker of rotgut…..cheap wines. In no way fitting for a mighty industrialist, tech baron, cardiologist, big time corporate lawyerContinue reading “Misadventures in Wine Chapter 4: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Higher the Price the Better the Wine””

RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Carménère: Siegel Gran Reserva Carménère

Aromatics:  Heavy raspberry markers with black cherry and strawberry in tow. Palate: The tannins are not quite reaching the moderate level. Plenty of stuffing in this wine. Virtually bursting with black cherry but held in a straight jacket for the moment, Put another way the wine may just be on a holding pattern before landingContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Chilean Carménère: Siegel Gran Reserva Carménère”

Misadventures in Wine Chapter 3: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Point Slaves”

Today don’t we have so many people and institutions thinking for us? The Point Slaves rely on the wine writer in their purchase decisions. Just walk the aisles of your liquor retailer and see how many 90 plus signs and stickers you see. I wonder how much the winery is charged for appending a 92Continue reading “Misadventures in Wine Chapter 3: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Point Slaves””

Misadventures in Wine: Chapter 2: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Nationalists”

The Nationalist supports the wineries in the country or territory resided in. The support may be even narrower than that and be limited to provinces/states within a country. For example a Canadian residing in the province of Ontario could decide to drink wines from all provinces of Canada or may focus on wines from Ontario.Continue reading “Misadventures in Wine: Chapter 2: Wine Drinker Profiles: “The Nationalists””