Category Archives: Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends
Blackwood Lane, Meritage, The Reference, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2006, 14.2% abv, C$90
When I purchased this bottle back at the beginning of my journey into serious wine interests, I definitely expected more. Looking back, I think I was rather naive and most certainly I spent too much money. Ah well, live a … Continue reading
Saignée, Culmina, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2013, 14% abv.
It’s a beautiful, sunny, June afternoon and Canada’s women’s soccer team is getting ready to play in nearby BC Place stadium. What better time than to enjoy a rosé that has been sitting in the wine fridge, just waiting for … Continue reading
Graham Beck, Cabernet Sauvignon, The Game Reserve, W.O. Western Cape, South Africa, 2011, 14.5% abv, C$19
The Western Cape is a very large geographical unit that encompasses most of the eastern wine lands of South Africa – including the Breede River Valley, the Coastal Region, Klein Karoo and Olifants River. It’s massive. Enormous. And there’s a lot … Continue reading
Les Sentius, Celler Joan Simó, Porrera, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2009, 15.5% abv, 11 Euros
This version of the Priorat comes from the Porrera celler of Joan Simó (the celler complete with wall-mounted sundial is left), but was given to me by a UK wine buyer who was at Hotel-Hostal Sport in Falset when we ate … Continue reading
Viatge al Priorat, Celler Joan Simó, Porrera, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 14.5% abv, 15 Euros
This youthful version of the Priorat comes from the Porrera celler of Joan Simó, but was given to me by a UK wine buyer who was at Hotel-Hostal Sport in Falset when we ate dinner there. As he was leaving, … Continue reading
Chateau Musar, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 1996, 13% abv.
To say Lebanese wines are some of the oldest in the world isn’t a stretch – there are production records dating back to the 8th century BC. When Gaston Hochar decided to reinvigorate the fine wine industry and increase the quality … Continue reading
Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Winery, Napa Valley, 2011, 14% abv
While at Trader Joe’s last summer on a cross-border run, I did a scan for the most expensive red wine I could buy and this was the one- a whopping $20. “Go big or go home”, I thought. I went … Continue reading
Pacific Breeze Urban Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, New Westminster, BC, 2009, 14.9% abv
Ask most Canadian winemakers about CIC wines and they become rather tetchy; after all, it’s not as if there isn’t already a lot of product floating about here on the local market. What, we have to import more?! Ask most … Continue reading
Wayne Gretzky Estates, No 99, Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Peninsula VQA, Ontario, Canada, 2013, 12.5% abv, $15.95
I’d forgotten how cold Ottawa is in the winter time. Chilly. Icy. Brrrr. But alcohol is warming, so the first thing I did after I made it to my hotel was make a beeline for the closest wine store. Of course, … Continue reading
Canoe Ridge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, 2010, 13.9% abv, US $20
I’m sure you’ve either had Canoe Ridge before or seen it on a shelf or restaurant menu. Canoe Ridge is one of Washington State’s largest wineries and is located in Horse Heaven Hills AVA, just north of the moderating influence of the … Continue reading
