33% Merlot. 33% Cabernet Franc. 33% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc thrives in Ontario and almost always makes wines that do not disappoint. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are most often mundane but when judiciously oaked can shine. Each varietal was individually fermented. The Merlot was fermented and aged in French oak barrels. The Cabernets were fermentedContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Featherstone 2020 Onyx from Niagara”
Tag Archives: RKS 2024 Wine
RKS 2024 Wine: Château Calet Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
Blaye is where affordability and quality can happily co-exist. Aroma: Blackberry, blueberry, chocolate and licorice. Palate: The long finish is the first factor that meets your palate. Gentle tannins. Some chalkiness. Where’s the fruit? Personality: I am about as exciting as a day-old baguette. Food Match: Scrambled eggs with grilled tomatoes and Mennonite summer sausageContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Château Calet Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux”
RKS 2024 Wine: An Ontario Cabernet Franc from The Accidental Winery
Ever discovered an orphaned winery so far from its brothers and sisters? Well on my way from Toronto to Elora in the middle of cornfields there she lay….Cox Creek Cellars on the outer limits of Guelph, Ontario. Beautiful grounds and a simple tasting room and retail outlet and yes they host weddings too! We tryContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: An Ontario Cabernet Franc from The Accidental Winery”
RKS 2024 Wine: What Batman, Robin and Alfred Drink After Hours
My sources tell me that although Bruce Wayne has lots of dough he prefers inexpensive wines. Of late apparently Batman, Robin and Alfred are drinking an Italian wine named “Dark Knight”. Alfred was seen unloading a case of it from the Batmobile. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese. Aroma: Full of black cherry,Continue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: What Batman, Robin and Alfred Drink After Hours”
RKS 2024 Wine: Shuffling Around in the Bargain Bin: 2021 Carro from Yecla Region in Spain
For $14, at least in Canada, you most likely are shuffling around like my friend The Penniless Pensioner, in the bargain bin. And in the bargain bin you never know what you may discover. In this case it is a Carro 2021 from DOC Yecla in Spain. From 30-year-old plus vines this wine is aContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Shuffling Around in the Bargain Bin: 2021 Carro from Yecla Region in Spain”
RKS 2024 Wine: The Gentle Whites of Bordeaux?
When I think of white Vin de Graves from Bordeaux I think aromatic, gentle and at times high sophistication. Nothing shouts out to you but instead beckons. This Château Des Perligues 2022 is a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Aroma: Honey, marzipan, mango, peach and lychee. Palate: Smooth, muted acidity and loaded with peachContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: The Gentle Whites of Bordeaux?”
RKS 2024 Wine: Rosé from Tavel Rarely Disappoints: Tavel La Forcadière
Not a fan of those flinty pale and a bit too acidic pinkies from Provence? Well then in France look to Tavel for consistent quality. Instead of a washed-out pink expect a salmon colored pink where fruit refuses to hide behind acidity and the hype of Jolie/Pitt/Sarah Jessica Parker and Hollywood wine wannabees. Grenache NoirContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Rosé from Tavel Rarely Disappoints: Tavel La Forcadière”
RKS 2024 Wine: Château Saint Cyrgues from Costières de Nîmes
The wine is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Marselan which is cross between Grenache and Syrah. Aroma: Blackberry, black cherry with some raspberry and licorice. Palate: Moderate and broad-based tannins. A bit gravelly but even given that it is smooth with a bit of a peppery finish. The acids hover inContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Château Saint Cyrgues from Costières de Nîmes”
RKS 2024 Wine: A Red Cuvée from Cox Creek Cellars: Can They Manage a Heartbreak Grape?
Pinot Noir is often referred to as the heartbreak grape due to its thin-skinned delicate nature. In my opinion Baco Noir is also a heartbreak grape perhaps not in the field but in converting its juice into a good wine. In Ontario I am mostly disappointed with Baco Noir that tricks the nose into thinkingContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: A Red Cuvée from Cox Creek Cellars: Can They Manage a Heartbreak Grape?”
RKS 2024 Wine: A Sicilian Grillo-Chardonnay
Think Grillo then think Sicilian power. With Sicilian Chardonnays cool climate Chardonnays are left behind. It is a 50/50 blend. Aroma: Concentrated notes of pear, apple, mango, pineapple, peaches, quince, honey and a slight briny note. Palate: Full bodied medium dry wine with a long finish. Slight floral tinge with heavier notes of pear, applesauce,Continue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: A Sicilian Grillo-Chardonnay”
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