RKS Wine: Cave Spring 2019 Cabernet Franc

As for aromatics dense black cherry, cherry cola, blackberries interlaced with chocolate covered cherries. On the palate tannins are on the light side and the acids are well integrated into the wine. Lots of blackberry with a wide swath of blueberry. The finish of this medium-bodied wine is moderately long. The wine was aged forContinue reading “RKS Wine: Cave Spring 2019 Cabernet Franc”

RKS Wines: Wines of Chile: Emiliana Organic Vineyards: On the Softer Side of Red?

As we continue our Wines of Chile adventure the best we can as we are not amongst Chilean wineries we might ask if Chile can produce a memorable Pinot Noir. Chile can produce full throttle Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Can it tone down matters a bit and make a gentler Pinot NoirContinue reading “RKS Wines: Wines of Chile: Emiliana Organic Vineyards: On the Softer Side of Red?”

RKS Wine: Wines of Chile: Pérez Cruz Chaski 2018 Petit Verdot

Chile’s Pérez Cruz has been hitting a very high average of late. I was first attracted to their wines at Drink Chile 2022 in Toronto in early November. I focused solely on Carmenère from 7 producers and Perez Cruz 2020 Limited Edition ($19.95) came out on top spot. Subsequent to that their Grenache and CabernetContinue reading “RKS Wine: Wines of Chile: Pérez Cruz Chaski 2018 Petit Verdot”

RKS Wine: Perez Cruz 2019 Limited Edition Cabernet Franc

The Perez Cruz 2019 Limited Edition Cabernet Franc was fermented in stainless steel and aged 14 months in oak. Cabernet Franc is one of Ontario’s signature grapes so is Chile muscling in on Ontario’s territory? Upon opening the bottle the aroma of the wine exudes some barnyard which in small amounts can add charm butContinue reading “RKS Wine: Perez Cruz 2019 Limited Edition Cabernet Franc”

RKS Wine: Perez Cruz Grenache 2020: This Will Be Chile’s Year: Scotty Beam Me Down to Chile!

There has been an astounding jump in the price of most wines of late here in Ontario. It could be due to the LCBO thinking it is the holiday season so people are willing to spend more being in the “festive spirit”. Are you feeling festive enough to spend $383.95 on a Dom Pérignon BrutContinue reading “RKS Wine: Perez Cruz Grenache 2020: This Will Be Chile’s Year: Scotty Beam Me Down to Chile!”

RKS Wine: Cave Spring 2019 Estate Chardonnay

When it comes to readily available white table wine from Niagara, Riesling and Chardonnay rule the roost. I have a challenging time with Ontario Rieslings for a multitude of reasons but not so with Chardonnay. Cave Spring was kind enough to send me a bottle of their 2019 Estate Chardonnay for review just before aContinue reading “RKS Wine: Cave Spring 2019 Estate Chardonnay”

RKS Wine: Nyarai Cellars 2020 Folklore Sparkling Wine: Festive Tinged with Gratitude

Champagne producers have done an impeccable job making Champagne seemingly mandatory for celebrations. However, after chatting with Sharon Little the Director of Marketing and Promotions for Nyarai Cellars in St. Davids, Ontario she advised me that the wine was crafted in gratitude of the struggle, sacrifices and hardships endured by our ancestors. It is aContinue reading “RKS Wine: Nyarai Cellars 2020 Folklore Sparkling Wine: Festive Tinged with Gratitude”

RKS Wine: Malivoire Analog Demo Series 2021 Gamay and Cabernet Franc

Somewhat like a West Highland terrier busily digging in the garden for goodness knows what Malivoire is busily digging about in the Gamay wine world experimenting with discovering Ontario’s Gamays. I think at present they have 8 different Gamays in the bottle. It would be interesting to line them all up for a tasting butContinue reading “RKS Wine: Malivoire Analog Demo Series 2021 Gamay and Cabernet Franc”

RKS Wine: Wines of Chile: Dagaz Carménère: A Case of Mistaken Grape Identity

Chile is driving for a sustainable wine identity and this wine bucks that trend by not being sustainable but not playing the “party line” does not mean it should be put on a Stalinist show trial. Argentina has its wine identity anchored in Malbec and it could be Chile’s is with Carménère. It originated inContinue reading “RKS Wine: Wines of Chile: Dagaz Carménère: A Case of Mistaken Grape Identity”

RKS Wine: Visiting the Man with the Big Head’s Winery

While staying at The Woodbourne Inn in St. Davids in the Niagara region in early November I expressed some reluctance to visit Chateau de Charmes winery a 5-minute drive away due to its Disneyland appearance and its less than stellar wines. It also has room for tourist buses! My friends at the Woodbourne Inn suggestedContinue reading “RKS Wine: Visiting the Man with the Big Head’s Winery”