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”
Tag Archives: Robert K. Stephen Wine reviews
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: 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”
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