Monthly Archives: April 2009

CHATEAU ST. GERMAIN 2006

I had this wine as the table wine at Moxxies so I bought a bottle. For the price, why not. It is not a bad wine with reasonable depth and complexity for a wine of this price. Not a fabulous … Continue reading

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Vintages April 29th Release (Online)

Today’s online Vintages release contains very few low to mid range priced wines (sub $100) but of the choices here are the two I’d take a stab at: 2005 Hartford Court Four Hearts Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, $52 … Continue reading

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MISSION HILL RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006

I’ve blogged about this one before. We tasted it at the BC wine event a while back. So based on how much I liked it at the tasting I bought one. I was not disappointed. This wine is perfect right … Continue reading

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2004 Vignerons du Mont Ventoux Elite

When I bought this Rhône, I did so for a few reasons, the most prevalant was my sure belief that no Rhône worth it’s weight could be priced sub $20 in Ontario. If we see a red from France in … Continue reading

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2005 Gevrey-Chambertin en Billard (Alain Burguet)

It is rare that we bring back a bottle from some trip and open a bottle right away, but on this occasion we were concerned about a potential corked situation and we were in the mood for a good bottle … Continue reading

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CHATEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMERES 2006

The rating makes on this wine caught my eye, it looks like a bargain. The wine is 65% Grenache Noir, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan. As usual I find Parker is high in his rating. I believe this one really deserves … Continue reading

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ROBERTSON WINERY KINGS RIVER CHARDONNAY 2006

This is an absoloutely middle of the road mild chard. Color is typical honey, on the nose this is a light wine. There is a little bit of butteryness but not a lot and no creamyness. There is a bit … Continue reading

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INNISKILLIN 2007 RIESLING

I had this wine at the Keg paired with King Crab. The wine is a VERY mild Riesling. The finish is quite short and there is not a lot going on here. It is a varietal Riesling but nothing too … Continue reading

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Eating in Paris, part 4

Nothing is sadder then rounding up a trip in Paris, but really vacations are no more then escapes from everyday life and, after all, reality awaits everyone eventually. Here are a few more eating ideas in Paris that will suit … Continue reading

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CATHEDRAL CELLAR PINOTAGE 2005

This was recommended by Gord Stimmel from the star as a good Pinotage. So I thought I would give it a whirl. This is a very harsh wine. Burning the throat when first opened. 1 hour worth of breathing helped. … Continue reading

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PILLAR BOX RED 2005

I have some of the 2005 and the 2006. This is a big bold classic Aussie wine. The dominant flavor is Shiraz with some edge taken off by the blending grapes. The wine is quite high in alcohol. I recommend … Continue reading

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Eating in Paris, part 3

If you are looking for the perfect Paris dining experience that does not require a Michelin guide entry, look no further then Chez Janou in the 3ieme. Cramped, noisy, chalkboard menus and reservations required, this local Bistrot is fantastic. In … Continue reading

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Eating in Paris, part 2

Paris is a huge melting pot of people and cultures, with this comes culinary delights from many nations. on night three we chose to head off to our favorite Moroccan restaurant, Le 404 in the 3ieme. Just north of the … Continue reading

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WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005

This is an absolutely varietal Aussie cab. There are all the typical flavors and aromas of a cab mixed in with a very slight pepperyness on the finish as is typical for an Aussie. Terroir can never be underestimated and … Continue reading

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TOMÀS CUISINÉ VILOSELL 2005

I bought this wine back in June of last year. Looks like there isn’t any more at the LCBO, which is a crying shame. I actually went back and grabbed more it was so good. Out of the bottle there … Continue reading

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Eating in Paris, part 1

Being in Paris means opening our culinary trip with a tried and tested family favorite. Relais de Venise is the benchmark for l’Entrecote (‘steak and frites’) in Paris. It remains the only place that locals queue nightly in order to … Continue reading

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HENRY OF PELHAM OFF-DRY RESERVE RIESLING 2007

I cracked this one the other night. This is a smack in the middle Riesling. Not too sweet, but also not that long in flavor. It is varietal on the nose, with a pale color. This wine is in the … Continue reading

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Leffe on Tap

Nothing says Paris like taking a pit stop at a brasserie (does it matter which one?), grabbing a table and watching the world walk by. As we sit close to Congres (Maillot) we are enjoying one of the finest Belgian … Continue reading

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Hello from Paris!

It has been a world wind two weeks for CWG (if you have been following status updates on my Facebook page you’d have gotten whiplash). Having travelled to north eastern Russia (Yakutsk) and back, Mrs CWG and I boarded a … Continue reading

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Basics of decanting

To decant or not to decant. A question often asked so I thought I would give my thoughts on the subject. Decanting is all about allowing some oxygen at the wine. Growing up I always thought taking the cork off … Continue reading

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Waterstone Cabernet Sauvigonon 2005

We attended the California wine event. The majority of the wines were not available at the LCBO. There was a dizzying array of wines at the event and not one of them was bad. I was quite impressed. Never did … Continue reading

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D’ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2006

I’ve had this one before and has been consistently quite good. Out of the bottle this had quite a bitter taste to it. Decanting 45 min fixed this and left what I have come to expect from this wine which … Continue reading

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GANTON & LARSEN PROSPECT WINERY LARCH TREE HILL RIESLING 2007

Another one from the Global wine tour’s BC event. This wine is a reasonable Riesling, varietal in flavor and nose. It had a slight effervescent tingle on the tongue. It had a nice bit of tartness on the finish and … Continue reading

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Sumac Ridge Private Reserve Merlot/Cabernet 2005

This is a lovely Bordeaux blend that includes Merlot, Cab Sauv and Cab Franc. The Cab Franc is noticeable but not overwhelming. The wine is well under control with reasonable tannins, and a nice finish. A good solid wine priced … Continue reading

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Fast Hello from Yakutsk, Russia

With John picking up all the slack with posts, there is a reason why. I have just spent the past 3 days travelling from Canada to get to Yakutsk. I would talk about the wine if I would dare drink … Continue reading

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