Exaggerating somewhat the red grape Touriga Nacional for Portugal is the equivalent of what apple pie is for the United States! Unfortunately I mention this grape to non-wine professionals and I receive blank stares except from Port drinkers who are always familiar with this grape of the Holy Grail. From what I have seen andContinue reading “RKS Wine: Portugal’s Delaforce 2015 Touriga Nacional”
Category Archives: Wine
RKS Wine: Quinta do Bom Retiro in The Douro: Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed!
If my memory serves me correct I flew to Porto from Toronto in November 2014 on my very first European media tour. I was travelling with B a writer freelancing for a major Canadian newspaper. From the airport we were picked by our driver Mr. Antonio and guide L from the Instituto dos Vinhos doContinue reading “RKS Wine: Quinta do Bom Retiro in The Douro: Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed!”
RKS Wine: Wineflation: Los Clop Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon: Management Discussion with Analysts
Many wine aficionados literally run to the LCBO for highly rated wine. It is a game to snatch a winner before others beat you to it. In this case it is a Los Clop Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 from Argentina rated a 97 by Decanter Magazine. When I see a score like this I thinkContinue reading “RKS Wine: Wineflation: Los Clop Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon: Management Discussion with Analysts”
RKS Wine: Niagara-on-the-Lake’s leaning post 2021 Rosé
The leaning post 2021 Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir. The nose presents watermelon, raspberry, strawberry and field tomato. A very summery greeting to the nose. The palate is energetic and enthusiastic like some toddler dancing to “Baby Shark”. But giving that simile a nudge, this is no flippant candy cane Rosé. It is a veryContinue reading “RKS Wine: Niagara-on-the-Lake’s leaning post 2021 Rosé”
RKS Wine: The Perils of a 17-Year-Old Wine: French Wine Gods Have Mercy Please!
I had a friend over for a flank steak with chimichurri sauce recently. It is a classic Argentinian dish. The Merquen and young Ontario garlic can create a bit of a piquant sauce. I chose a 17-year-old Château Monbrison Margaux. 2005 was an exceptional vintage in Bordeaux and I have 8 bottles left. I can’tContinue reading “RKS Wine: The Perils of a 17-Year-Old Wine: French Wine Gods Have Mercy Please!”
RKS Wine: Château Puybarbe from Côtes de Bourg: Example of Out of Whack Acid
Côtes de Bourg has been long known as a bit of an affordable gem for Bordeaux reds. Will this $15.95 2019 Château Puybarbe fall into this category? It is a blend of 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The nose presents black cherry, blackberry and blueberry with aContinue reading “RKS Wine: Château Puybarbe from Côtes de Bourg: Example of Out of Whack Acid”
RKS Wine: Kacaba and a Trip Down Memory Lane
Years ago while on a trip the Ontario Wine Society took to several Niagara wineries I picked up a bottle of Kacaba Rebecca Rosé and it was superb. But that was years ago and a trip down memory lane can bring smiles to one’s face but that was then and today is now. So whatContinue reading “RKS Wine: Kacaba and a Trip Down Memory Lane”
RKS Wine: The Dão’s Morgado Silgueiros Touriga Nacional
The Dão region of Portugal may not be as spectacular as the Douro as far as scenery goes but it’s huge glacial boulders give some of the Dão an otherworldly look. This is a co-operative produced wine. I have not been to their production facility but they are headquartered in Viseu a charming city notContinue reading “RKS Wine: The Dão’s Morgado Silgueiros Touriga Nacional”
RKS Wine: L’Ardoise Bachelder 2020 Niagara Chardonnay
Thomas Bachelder is the winemaker behind the Clos Jordanne label. But he also has his own endeavours including Niagara. He has a golden reputation for his Chardonnays. So lets try his Ardoise Chardonnay from Beamsville, Ontario which was made from grapes grown throughout the Niagara Peninsula. Most likely aged in neutral French oak barrels asContinue reading “RKS Wine: L’Ardoise Bachelder 2020 Niagara Chardonnay”
RKS Wine: Is the Hegemony of Argentinian Malbec Threatened by Cabernet Sauvignon?: Welcome to a Wine Mugging
How long will it take wine consumers to put aside their Argentinian Malbec and move to Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon? Given the hype over Argentinian Malbec in the past 15 years with the Argentinian government onside promoting an annual Malbec Day throughout the world it could be some time before Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon matches up andContinue reading “RKS Wine: Is the Hegemony of Argentinian Malbec Threatened by Cabernet Sauvignon?: Welcome to a Wine Mugging”
