Category Archives: OTHER

Semillon, Santa Monica, DO Rancagua, Rapel Valley, Chile, 1993, 12.5% abv

My friend Sean N. is one of those intrepid folks who always manages to find a bottle that is unusual and unique – and then has the class to share it.  Come to think of it, I have met many … Continue reading

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Mastroberardino, Aglianico, Campania IGT, Italy, 2007, 13% abv

Here is a fly-under-the-radar, smokin’ hot deal of a wine.  From southern Italy’s Campania region, it is an unoaked example of pristine fruit and complexity. With a medium ruby hue and deep legs, this wine has medium plus aromas of boysenberry, plum and … Continue reading

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AE Dor, XO Cognac, AOC Fine Champagne, France, 40% abv, 95 GBP (C$170)

This arrived safely nestled in a suitcase following a trip to England.  None is imported into Canada although some finds its way to the US via various importers, and it is available in some of the finest European and Japanese restaurants. The … Continue reading

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Viognier, Paul Mas, Pays D’Oc, IGP, Languedoc, France, 2013, 13.5% abv, C$14

Looking for a wine that is easy to find, not terribly pricey, tasty and isn’t Sauvignon Blanc?  I thought so. This Viognier could be the one.  It has a clear, medium lemon colour with light legs and aromas of minerals, apricots … Continue reading

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The Dalmore, 15 year old, Highland Single Malt Whisky, Scotland, 40% abv

Mmmm…Scotch. Here we have The Dalmore – owned by Whyte & Mackay, which is in turn owned by India’s United Breweries (UB).  Did you know; India is the world’s largest market for whisky?  Most that is sold there consists of … Continue reading

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Adir Winery, Shiraz, Kerem Ben Zimra, Upper Galilee, Israel, 2011, 14% abv (0217/3,900), C$27 or 90 NIS

Fess up, now.  Who hasn’t wondered at one point or another about turning water into wine. Well, if you remember anything about Sunday School, you may recall that Galilee is where the story of the wedding of Cana is thought … Continue reading

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De Ponte Cellars, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2009, 14.1% abv

Friends, Americans, neighbours to the south, what are you going to drink with your Thanksgiving turkey? Yes, you can drink red wine with this meal, you really can.  There are many options to choose from.  Pinot from Oregon’s Willamette Valley … Continue reading

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The Tyrconnell, Single Malt, Irish Whiskey, Andrew A Watt & Co., Ireland, 40% abv, C$60

The Tyrconnell was a horse owned by the Watt family that was entered into the Irish national stakes in 1876 and won against enormous odds of 100-1. Now the name is used for this Irish whiskey produced at the Cooley Distillery, … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Proposal Bloc, J Wrigley Vineyards, McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2012, 14% abv

Little brother Allan purchased this across the border in Bellingham, WA where the owner of the winery and winemaker, John Wrigley, was doing a tasting. I have a soft spot for McMinnville having visited several wineries there in August, 2013.  There … Continue reading

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Church & State, Chardonnay, Gravelbourg Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada, 2010, 14.3% abv, C$25

Church & State is one of my stalwart Okanagan favourites – due in large part to the fine winemaking abilities of Jeff del Nin.  The other part is heavily influenced (I cannot lie) by the dramatically stunning backdrop provided at their … Continue reading

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