Category Archives: Wine

RKS Wine: An Odd Bird from Tuscany: Fattoria Le Pupille Poggio Argentato

I say this wine is a bit of a Tuscan odd bird with a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, Traminer and Semillon. The Petit Manseng constitutes 25% of the blend and has been fermented in oak and the other grapes in stainless steel. On the nose there is Orri tangerine, marzipan, ruby red grapefruitContinue reading “RKS Wine: An Odd Bird from Tuscany: Fattoria Le Pupille Poggio Argentato”

RKS Wine: Croix de Bonpas Côtes-du-Rhône Villages

The Croix de Bonpas Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2019 is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. On the aromatic side notes of big fat almost overly ripe strawberries, blueberries, cactus pear and a tad of black licorice. On the palate moderate tannins, rhubarb pie, white pepper, blackberry and blueberry clafouti. Moderately long finish.Continue reading “RKS Wine: Croix de Bonpas Côtes-du-Rhône Villages”

RKS Wine: Stag’s Hollow 2021 Muscat Frizzante

I know Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia’s Okanagan for some very serious high-quality wines. They are also not shy about pushing the boundaries with their Albariño, Dolcetto and Tempranillo. And they are at it again with a Muscat Frizzante. You will not see much Muscat wine produced in Canada. More than a decade ago IContinue reading “RKS Wine: Stag’s Hollow 2021 Muscat Frizzante”

RKS Wines: Bonarda, Should Malbec Be Worried?

Years ago the Argentinians launched International Malbec Day. I suppose then we won’t be seeing Bonarda Day? There is a certain mass appeal to the plush and lush Malbec. Perhaps that is why you see so much more Argentinian Malbec than Bonarda in Canada. How about the Lamadrid Bonarda which was ranked #37 in WineContinue reading “RKS Wines: Bonarda, Should Malbec Be Worried?”

RKS Wine: A Douro Delight? Prova Cega Sparks Demonstrations Against Canadian Wine Writer in Portugal!

Spoilt brats like me get so accustomed to consistent excellence of Douro reds from Portugal they often fail to become excited by them and instead nonchalantly assume excellence. Poor spoilt brat! What pressure on Douro winemakers to be held in such high esteem! I have had some knockouts at under $15 so money doesn’t necessarilyContinue reading “RKS Wine: A Douro Delight? Prova Cega Sparks Demonstrations Against Canadian Wine Writer in Portugal!”

RKS Wine:  Mendoza Malbecs Power on But Not Always! Malbec Disaster!

I wouldn’t go so far as to say there isn’t a Malbec that disappoints but from Mendoza they rarely disappoint. There may be a looming problem that Argentinian Malbecs are perceived as Argentina’s signature wine to the detriment of other Argentinian wines. Perhaps the identical problem facing New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc. Malbec producers enjoy theContinue reading “RKS Wine:  Mendoza Malbecs Power on But Not Always! Malbec Disaster!”

RKS Wine: Does Lions’ Circle Shiraz Roar or Meow?

The Plantagenet Lion’s Circle 2018 from Western Australia might roar, meow or perhaps even purr. Western Australian wines can be lighter than a Barossa or McLaren Vale Shiraz. Let’s see! As for aromatics there is an earthy characteristic that on a blind tasting I might mistake this for a South African Shiraz. Notes of blackContinue reading “RKS Wine: Does Lions’ Circle Shiraz Roar or Meow?”

RKS Wine: Inexpensive French Wine: Pays d’Oc

Generally speaking Southern France, particularly Pays d’Oc, can be a good region for inexpensive wine with quality a bit of a hit and miss but isn’t that the case for just about all wine regions? The Gayda Syrah 2020 retails for $14.95 in Ontario. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s description in its April 16,Continue reading “RKS Wine: Inexpensive French Wine: Pays d’Oc”

RKS Wine: Entirely Consistent and Reliable: Trius Red

Year after year Trius Red maintains its consistency and remains an enjoyable quaff. Can it continue on a roll with its 2019? It is Cabernet Franc with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. While Ontario Cabernet Franc is just about a winner every time Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can be problematic. Aged 12 months in French oak.Continue reading “RKS Wine: Entirely Consistent and Reliable: Trius Red”

RKS Wine: The Great Ontario Pinot Noir Hope

I think it was 15 years ago I received my first invitation to a media wine tasting and it was for Clos Jordanne Pinot Noirs. It was at a snazzy bar in Toronto’s Manulife Centre way up at the top. Their Pinot Noirs won me over but my interest began to fade as they changedContinue reading “RKS Wine: The Great Ontario Pinot Noir Hope”