Tag Archives: red wine

Ludovicus, Celler Piñol, DO Terra Alta, Tarragona, Spain, 2008, 14% abv.

The WSET Advanced Level 3 award results came through today – after waiting only 12 weeks.  I passed with Distinction in both the theory and tasting portions of the exam. Thrilled. Yup. Jumping with proverbial joy. What better way than … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Grenache / Garnacha, RED, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Regusci, Stags Leap District, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2008

What a treat and why did I wait so long to enjoy this fruity and lush 92% Californian Cab Sav blended with 8% Merlot and the remainder a dash of Cabernet Franc. With a clear, deep garnet core moving to … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, Meritage, RED | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Ciabot Mentin, Barolo DOCG, Domenico Clerico, Piedmonte, Italia, 2007, 14.5%, US $91

Birthdays on the wrong side of 45 can be a shock to the system, but gifts like this really ease the pain of it all. We drove our rental car to a suburban ‘Total Wine’ store in Northwest Vegas and … Continue reading

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Foxgrove, Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia, 13% abv, US$7 for 187 ml

It’s my birthday and I’ll drink if I want to – even at 30,000 feet out of a tiny, plastic bottle. Right away, I’m suspicious – the cute little red fox pictured on the Barbie-sized packaging, the eponymous ‘Southeastern Australia’ … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tinto Pesquera, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero DO, Alejandro Fernandez, Crianza, Spain 2009,14% abv, US $32

Rather than lug this back through customs in my tiny suitcase, I decided to liberate it on an evening in Boston. It could have waited a few years as it’s still a tad green and grippy. That said, it was … Continue reading

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Vina Ardanza, Reserva Especial, Rioja Alta, Rioja AOC, Spain, 13.5% abv, US $32

Purchased in New Haven, Connecticut, this is an 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha blend made only in special vintages – 1964, 1973 and this 2001 example. The wine has a clear, deep, rich garnet core moving to a thick bricked ruby … Continue reading

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Mon Coeur, J. L. Chave Selection, Côtes du Rhône AC, France, 14.5% abv, $29 at BC Liquor Stores

An alert from ever-helpful Raquel at the local BC Liquor brought my attention to this wine. At $10 off the regular $29 price, who was I to say no to trying out a new wine. This is a Syrah – … Continue reading

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Joseph Drouhin, Pinot Noir, Beaune Premier Cru, France, 2008, 13% abv, C$50

Here is an idea for a Pinot Noir to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner and fixings. The wine has a medium, ruby red core moving to a thin pink rim with medium legs.  Its nose has medium intensity and is developing with … Continue reading

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The Crusher, Grower’s Selection, Petite Sirah, Clarksburg, California, 13.9% abv, 2010

I admit I didn’t know much about Petite Sirah – I thought the name simply signaled a twist on my favourite, Syrah. In fact, it’s a French varietal that is virtually extinct there (since 2002) but that was historically grown in … Continue reading

Posted in California, California, Merlot, Petite Sirah, RED | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Château d’Anglès, La Clape, Grand Vin, Famille E. Fabre, 2007, 13.55% abv, $25 via Alberta Liquor Board

I read the Globe and Mail every day and love the wine reviews. The only problem is that Beppi often reviews wines we just can’t get a hold of here in BC. But thanks to my intrepid spouse and a … Continue reading

Posted in Carignan, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment