Our first is a Marsanne from Tahbilk. Yes you see it occasionally as a single varietal in Australia but you also see it blended with Rousanne. On the nose apricot, peach, mango with some very sweet white grapefruit. On the palate Portuguese custard tart, canned pineapple, jasmine tea and apricot nectar. Light on the acidsContinue reading “Australian White Wines Speak!”
Category Archives: Wine
Cali Cab and an Exposé about wine consumption when the rooster was crowing!
Some people out there swear that California Cabernet Sauvignon is tops. That certainly is open for debate. One thing for sure a top growth Cali Cab is not cheap and so iconic you need to be put on a wait list. Now not being a neurologist, cardiologist or social media tycoon, I don’t think manyContinue reading “Cali Cab and an Exposé about wine consumption when the rooster was crowing!”
Back to Bordeaux: Disappointing this time
As for Bordeaux reds there is, as far as the Liquor Control Board of Ontario goes, a decent supply available at reasonable prices and you are almost assured good quality wines. You can spend a bundle for the “first growths” upwards and beyond $1,000 a bottle but you can be parsimonious and spend in theContinue reading “Back to Bordeaux: Disappointing this time”
Worthy from Walla Walla Washington!
It is grand not having to associate Washington with corruption, riots and Trump. I am referring to the state of Washington that has a good reputation for its Cabernet Sauvignon. This one is from Canoe Ridge Vineyard sourcing grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills. On the nose you get a sense of new French oakContinue reading “Worthy from Walla Walla Washington!”
British Columbia’s Okanagan Wines Power On!
From British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley we have a Meritage from Sunrock Vineyards which is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Okanagan does a splendid job with these grapes on a singe varietal basis so I expect that usual high quality in a blend! Unfortunately expectations can sometimes be shattered. A lushContinue reading “British Columbia’s Okanagan Wines Power On!”
The Battle of the Portuguese Sagrados
Several years ago after attending Port Wine Day in Porto, Portugal I had a fantastic lunch with the owner of Quinta do Sagrado José Marie Calem in an outdoor restaurant overlooking the Douro River. It was a warm September day and we really dug into some incredible seafood in the old section of Porto. AfterwardsContinue reading “The Battle of the Portuguese Sagrados”
British Columbian Blue Mountain Bubbles
British Columbia can produce some excellent sparkling wine. The Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut sparkling wine is made the same way Champagne is produced which is often referred to as the “traditional method”. Its riot of tiny bubbles is a good sign. On the nose lime, apple, pear with some guava. Very clean and sharpContinue reading “British Columbian Blue Mountain Bubbles”
More British Columbia Red Wines
We’ll jump right into the fray with a Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose there is a degree of creaminess and lots of vanilla indicative of a judicious use of oak. There is a load of black cherry, coconut, blueberry pie and cranberry sauce. On the palate there are moderateContinue reading “More British Columbia Red Wines”
Canada’s British Columbia 2021: Let’s get started with a couple of whites
As far as British Columbia wines go there is a bit of tyranny of Okanagan wines made available to us here in Ontario through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. I am a happy serf with that because Okanagan wines that I have tasted have been exceptional. But a break is both appreciated and educational.Continue reading “Canada’s British Columbia 2021: Let’s get started with a couple of whites”
New Italian Grape in My Hood: Nero di Troia
Yes from Puglia in Italy comes a new grape in my hood called Nero di Troia which is primarily found in the Apulia region of Italy and is according to some rustic, tannic and very productive. It translates as “black of Troy” but DNA analysis shows no relationship to Greek grapes. On the nose aContinue reading “New Italian Grape in My Hood: Nero di Troia”
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