Profiles

Fancy Farm Girl from Sue-Ann Staff

Fancy Farm Girl from Sue-Ann Staff

2012 Flamboyant Red – $17.95 – Loaded with bright red fruit and tannin on the finish that isn’t overbearing.  This bottle isn’t just a flashy label… but let’s face it the artwork on both the White and the Red are fantastic.  This Red blend is well worth the price of...

You Should Drink Ontario Sparkling Wine tonight.

You Should Drink Ontario Sparkling Wine tonight.

I was recently asked by a friend what Sparkling wine should I get for New Years… I have a sixty dollar budget.  The great news about a sixty dollar budget is there are A LOT of options on what you can pick up.  Champagne can get quite expensive.  A bottle...

Books for the Wine Lover on Your List (or yourself)

Books for the Wine Lover on Your List (or yourself)

The Five Minute Wine Book by Tony Aspler – The fact that the first story in this collection of writings describes a fishing trip in Northern Saskatchewan will explain to everyone why I got hooked on the book immediately (in case you didn’t know I am originally from Regina, and...

The Bricklayer’s Reward is SO GOOD!

The Bricklayer’s Reward is SO GOOD!

In the fall I had a chance to attend a dinner where the revamped portfolio for Colio was released.  I have been very pleased with what I’ve tasted so far from the Bricklayer’s wines that have made it through the LCBO so far (http://tmblr.co/ZZ_vXw1GQYrtT) but when I had to a...

Tarot Cards Look Nice on Wine Bottles

Tarot Cards Look Nice on Wine Bottles

2013 The Empress Chardonnay – LCBO 346791 – $12.75 – This is sunshine in a bottle.  Even though this wine only has 9 g/l sugar (this is very dry) you will share that this is off dry.  Fruit flavours are bright and intense with Apple, Peach and Lemon.  The finish on...

Are you Black Paw or Red Paw? – Coyote’s Run Pinot Noir

Are you Black Paw or Red Paw? – Coyote’s Run Pinot Noir

Every year I look forward to the next vintage of the Coyote’s Run Pinot Noir from their Black Paw and Red Paw vineyards.  They set the benchmark for consistency and quality as far as affordable Pinot Noir is concerned in Niagara.  I find the question isn’t whether or not these...

Amaral Sauvignon Blanc

Amaral Sauvignon Blanc

I recently had the chance to check out some Chilean wines at a dinner at Wildfire Steak House downtown.  The highlight of the evening was getting a chance to experience a detailed tour of the terroir found in the Amaral vineyards.  I had the opportunity to taste the Sauvignon Blanc...

Eye on Angel’s Gate – Rage/Revenge

Eye on Angel’s Gate – Rage/Revenge

Angel’s Gate are continuing a makeover that you may have already noticed with the Handsome Brut that is currently available in the LCBO but you will also notice a couple of new bottles called Rage and Revenge.  Easy drinking and accessible these fun bottles will make a great addition to...

Wine Review Extra – Kacaba 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Review Extra – Kacaba 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Kacaba Cabernet Sauvignon – $24.95 – The great thing about 2011 (and 2013) are that the red wines being released from these vintages are much more approachable than the big reds that have been released from 2010 and 2012, two of the best vintages EVER in Ontario.  What can...

It’s a Good Time to Drink Ontario Merlot

It’s a Good Time to Drink Ontario Merlot

2012 AJ Lepp Reserve Merlot – Winery Only (http://www.peninsularidge.com) – $19.95 – This has become a perennial favorite of mine and definitely did not disappoint.  Very smooth and loaded with ripe flavours of Raspberry and Cherry.  The finish has hints of Mocha and Dark Chocolate and is very smooth.  This...

Eye on Charles Baker

Eye on Charles Baker

2011 Charles Baker Picone Riesling – Vintages 241182 – $35.20 – There aren’t many wines that head north of thirty dollars that I write about … but right from your first sniff of the wine in the glass you know you’ve got something special in front of you.  Perfectly balanced,...