Unfortunately, in Ontario we receive only a small amount of Greek red wine and that which has flowed our way on the retail shelves of our state liquor monopoly fails to impress much of it Xinomavro if not aged sufficiently can be unpleasantly tannic. I was piqued when I saw this Dyo Elies from theContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: No Indigenous Greek Grapes Here”
Tag Archives: Wine
RKS 2024 Wine: The Great Ontario Merlot Redemption Meets Dale Carnegie
Merlot as a single varietal wine has a bleak future in Ontario. But blend it with Ontario wunderkid Cabernet Franc and lackluster Cabernet Sauvignon and you can consistently have a great Ontario Meritage in both Niagara and Lake Erie North Shore. Sometimes the sum can outshine some of the parts. For example, the Queen BeeContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: The Great Ontario Merlot Redemption Meets Dale Carnegie”
RKS 2024 Wine: Ontario Merlot and a Glutton for Punishment
As a single varietal Ontario Merlot rarely shines. Jazz it up with lots of oak then it just might work. But being a glutton for punishment I try yet another Ontario Merlot. You know that priest in the DaVinci Code that self flagellates well that might be akin to me drinking a good Ontario Merlot.Continue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Ontario Merlot and a Glutton for Punishment”
RKS 2024 Wine: So What if 2020 Was a Good Red Bordeaux Vintage?
The pundits say 2020 was a good vintage year for red Bordeaux wines. This does not mean you fall hook line and sinker for every 2020 that comes your way. Who is behind the juice is perhaps most important. Not all wineries are created equal. One should ask when the grapes were picked. What wereContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: So What if 2020 Was a Good Red Bordeaux Vintage?”
RKS 2024 Wine: Chilean Wines a Flash in the Pan? Nationalism Losing to The Wallet?
In terms of price and quality here in Canada Chilean red wines rule the roost. I await export statistics as to both volume and monetary value for 2023. In the Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s Vintages 6January2024 release there are 5 Chilean reds and they are all under $20. There are a paltry 3 CanadianContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Chilean Wines a Flash in the Pan? Nationalism Losing to The Wallet?”
RKS 2024 Wine: Do You Believe in the Score? Farmer’s Leap Random Shot 2020 Shiraz’s 96
Retailers of wine love to display over 89 wines that will capture the consumer’s eye. Yes, every once and awhile my name pops up on the shelves or in a magazine advertising the wine. Take or leave it as to scores. My advice is to find a reviewer you are consistently in agreement with andContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Do You Believe in the Score? Farmer’s Leap Random Shot 2020 Shiraz’s 96”
RKS 2024 Wine: Meyer Family Vineyard’s Spelling Mistake or My Wishful Thinking? A Tomboy Chardonnay From British Columbia
As 2023 terminates it may be time to reflect on the year. From a wine perspective it certainly has been interesting. The highlight was my media trip to Porto, Säo Miguel and Pico Island with massive wine exposure in a short time. It looks as if I will be repeating that trip in February. MoreContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Meyer Family Vineyard’s Spelling Mistake or My Wishful Thinking? A Tomboy Chardonnay From British Columbia”
RKS 2024 Wine: Meyer Family Vineyards Has Benched Me!
In most sports being “benched” is indicative of poor performance or naughty manners. So when I received from Meyer Family Vineyards in British Columbia a Chardonnay from their Old Main Road Vineyard located on the Naramata Bench I raised no objection. I deserve no penalty for misconduct in reviewing MFV wines or at least theyContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Meyer Family Vineyards Has Benched Me!”
RKS 2024 Wine: The Great McLean Creek Road Vineyard Challenge at Meyer Family Vineyards
The 2022 Meyer Family Vineyards’ Pinot Noir from the McLean Creek Road Vineyard was exceptional, at least in my humble opinion, with a score of 94. So how does its Chardonnay counterpart fare. Do grapes challenge each other or are they simply unfeeling grape juice? Only the finest, purest juice from the early stages ofContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: The Great McLean Creek Road Vineyard Challenge at Meyer Family Vineyards”
RKS 2024 Wine: Riding the Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Merry Go Round: No Follies in its Youth!
For a few years I have been riding the Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir merry go round. Like a child I don’t want to hop off because I am having so much fun. Quality consistency even in the face of challenging growing seasons. The winery says, “The 2022 vintage was a classic Okanagan growing season….”Continue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Riding the Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Merry Go Round: No Follies in its Youth!”
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