Category Archives: RED
Clos du Joncuas, Gigondas AC, Southern Rhône Valley, France, 2006, 14.5% abv.
Gigondas (yes, you pronounce the ‘s’) is an appellation in France’s Southern Rhône Valley often referred to as the ‘little brother’ of better known Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its wines are known more for their power than their elegance and they are only allowed to … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Boulder Bluff, Adelsheim, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2010, 13.6% abv.
It’s Thanksgiving again – so here is the requisite post about a Pinot Noir and pairing it with your turkey. Medium plus garnet with some ruby tinges and deep, broad aromas of plum with boysenberry and spiced tobacco, here is … Continue reading
Chateau Thieuley, Reserve Francis Courselle, Bordeaux Supérieur AC, Bordeaux, France, 2002, 13% abv, US$19
This Bordeaux Supérieur is a deep garnet with some bricking near the rim and aromas of blueberry and ripe plum with vanilla and baking spice. The palate is dry with well-integrated alcohol and the tannins are strained and become … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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