RKS Wine – Page 5 – A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity

RKS Wine: The Life of Portugal’s Runner Up!

As for Portuguese wines on the California centric shelves of Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s the big guy is the Douro and in a somewhat distant second place but gaining ground are the wines from Alentejano. We try a Monte Velho from the Alentejano a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional and Syrah. On theContinue reading “RKS Wine: The Life of Portugal’s Runner Up!”

RKS Wine: Château Joinin as Château Pipeau’s Younger Brother

It is the Mestreguilhem family that vints both Château Joinin and Château Pipeau. Château Pipeau St. Émilion Grand Cru as it sits on the Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s shelves is $43.95. The Château Joinin a simple 2019 AC Bordeaux is a humble $14.95 but the 2018 I tried certainly must be a top ofContinue reading “RKS Wine: Château Joinin as Château Pipeau’s Younger Brother”

RKS Wine: Hairy Brute Wine from Spain

The red wine El Goru from Jumilla in Spain has a caveman on its label. Artistically done of course. It is a blend of Monastrell, Syrah and Petit Verdot none of which can be referred to as primal. On the nose while not a snarling cave man attacking you with a club the wine hasContinue reading “RKS Wine: Hairy Brute Wine from Spain”

RKS Wine: A Couple of Borsao Wines from Campo de Borja

Robert Parker wrote in 2016, “My favourite value winery not only in Spain, but in the world, is Bodegas Borsao in the up-and-coming appellation of Campo de Borja.” Well that was 6 years ago and no doubt he has found a new favourite value winery since then. Such is the life of wine where nothingContinue reading “RKS Wine: A Couple of Borsao Wines from Campo de Borja”

RKS Wine: Portugal’s Delaforce 2015 Touriga Nacional

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”

RKS Wine: A Clownish Wine: No Disrespect Meant!

I see a wine with a “Fitou” appellation please forgive me but I think of a clown. I am not sure why? Perhaps it is my Montreal background where I recall a Quebecois clown Bobino that had a popular television show years ago. But Fitou has no similarity to “Bobino”. Should I report this toContinue reading “RKS Wine: A Clownish Wine: No Disrespect Meant!”

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”