Category Archives: RED

Takar, Areni Noir, Republic of Armenia, 2012, 13% abv, 4,800 Armenian Drams (C$14)

At my hotel (Republica – it comes highly recommended) in Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, the helpful and knowledgable Maria was especially pleased I was interested in trying several of the local wines.  Their extensive winelist has Armenian, New and Old World … Continue reading

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Baco Noir, Reserve, Henry of Pelham Family Estate, VQA Ontario, 2012, 14% abv, C$24

It was a hot and sweaty day. Today my son moved into residence at university.  So, following the ritual unpacking, meeting of floormates and first cafeteria visit, I left him to his own devices (including a concert) and quickly plugged … Continue reading

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Tantalus, Rosé, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, Canada, 2014, 13.1% abv, C$19

Well, I have finally found a truly tasty one.  It has taken some time, but patience has proved to be a virtue.  The Tantalus 2014 Rosé is delicious.  Made using the direct press method from Pinot Meunier and blended with Pinot … Continue reading

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Beaux Frères, Pinot Noir, Newberg, Willamette Valley, Oregon, US, 2007, 13.8% abv.

In March 2013, we visited this winery but managed to hold onto the bottle until a special birthday happened in 2015.  Read here for details and pictures from the morning spent tasting Beaux Frères wines in Newberg with wine guide, Anna … Continue reading

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Francis Ford Coppola, Director’s Cut, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Coast, California, 2010, 13.5% abv.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Director’s Cut line is said to be made in the image that most closely resembles the Director’s vision of a film.  The label itself is a reminder of that, made in the style of a zoetrope strip, an animation device … Continue reading

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La Cave d’Augustin Florent, Tannat, Madiran AOC, Southwest France, 2012, 13.5% abv.

This wine surprised me.  Being from Madiran AOC (which is located in South West France in the Pyrénées Mountains on the border with Spain) I anticipated it would be very concentrated and tannic.  Wines from Madiran AOC may only be red (there’s … Continue reading

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Domaine de Ferrand, Philippe Bravay Vignobles, Châteauneuf du Pape, Orange, France, 2012, 15% abv, bottle #03458, US$54

Here’s a GSM from 5 ha of vines located in the region of La Gardiole and Cabrières near Orange, in the northern part of Châteauneuf du Pape.  The recipe on this wine is 95% Grenache with 2% Syrah, 2% Mourvèdre and a … Continue reading

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Ca’ Di Pian, Barbera d’Asti, La Spinetta, Catagnole Lanze DOCG, Italia, 2010, 14% abv.

Made from the Barbera grape in Piedmonte, northwestern Italy, this is a wine showing deep garnet with a nose of purple Italian plum, black fruit, herb and star anise. The palate is dry with softly ripe, velvety tannins, slightly high … Continue reading

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The Hatch, Brut Rosé, Okanagan, BC, 12.6% abv, NV, C$28

I’m always on the search for a tasty Rosé. Here is one from a new winery with a plethora of options made from grapes sources from all parts of the Okanagan and a tasting room located in West Kelowna.  We … Continue reading

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Church & State, Cabernet Franc, Coyote Bowl, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2010, 14.7% abv.

I had to double check the label!  On the first glass, I thought I was drinking a svelte Syrah from BC’s Okanagan Valley.  Nope – Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet in colour, this wine offers classic Cab Franc aromas of pine … Continue reading

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