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”
Tag Archives: RKS Wine
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”
RKS Wine: Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône
The Château de Montfaucon 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan 10% Cinsault and 5% Counoise. Counoise plays a small part in Southern Rhône red blends. It adds body and fruit to blends. What aromas do we encounter? It has an earthiness to it mixed with hot pebblesContinue reading “RKS Wine: Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône”
RKS Wine: On the Hunt for an Under $20 Cabernet Sauvignon: Santa Alicia 2018 Gran Reserva from Chile
Finding a 92 plus Cabernet Sauvignon for under $20 (CDN) is a chore. In 2022 the only one so far I have discovered is a 2018 Tapiz Alta Collection Cabernet Sauvignon from the Uco Valley in Argentina at $19.95. I note that COVID has ravaged local and international wine tastings restricting many professional palates toContinue reading “RKS Wine: On the Hunt for an Under $20 Cabernet Sauvignon: Santa Alicia 2018 Gran Reserva from Chile”
RKS Wine: d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne McLaren Vale 2021
This wine seems to be scuttling into Toronto at least three times a year. In fact I recall for at least 15 years it’s been on the Liquor Control Board of Ontario shelves. I also remember reviewing it a few years ago and thinking it might match shrimp, lobster and crab. I suppose it isContinue reading “RKS Wine: d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne McLaren Vale 2021”
RKS Wine: Valdelacierva Rioja, Crianza 2016/Viña Pomal 2017 Rioja Crianza: Both Disappoint
Riojas are from Spain. They are often on the light side infused with cheerful cherry notes. Crianzas must be aged a minimum of two years one of which must be in oak barrels. These are usually the least impressive Rioja’s. This one has received a 91 from the esteemed Wine Spectator. On the nose thereContinue reading “RKS Wine: Valdelacierva Rioja, Crianza 2016/Viña Pomal 2017 Rioja Crianza: Both Disappoint”
RKS Wine: “Christmas in April” Part Two: Stag’s Hollow “Tragically Vidal”
Vidal is an unremarkable grape that can shine as a second Icewine cousin to Riesling. It is by acreage the number one white grape in Ontario and #15 in British Columbia. When I saw the Vidal wine sent to me by Stag’s Hollow called “Tragically Vidal” I winced hoping the results in the bottle wereContinue reading “RKS Wine: “Christmas in April” Part Two: Stag’s Hollow “Tragically Vidal””
RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1
Imagine driving the other half to downtown Toronto and heading back after the drop off to buy ¾ of a tank of gas for $90. Then a package at the doorstep from Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine district. Unexpected as if Santa was pleased at me for being such a good boy notContinue reading “RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1”
RKS Wine: 2019 Alice Vieira de Souza: Another Douro Winner?
Quality control is the name of the game in Portugal’s Douro region perhaps due to the thoroughness of its “regulator” Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP). I must say over the years there have been almost no corked or low-quality wines I have encountered from the Douro. And price can be deceptive.Continue reading “RKS Wine: 2019 Alice Vieira de Souza: Another Douro Winner?”
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