Tag Archives: red wine

Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards, Special Selection, Napa Valley, California, 1994, 13.9% abv. C$250.00

If you were going to write about a classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, this would be the one to write about. This bottle was 22 years old when we opened it. Think about that for a minute.  Twenty-two years ago in … Continue reading

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Cabernet Sauvignon, L’Appel du Vide, Columbia Valley AVA, Washington, USA, 14.3% abv.

The meaning of ‘l’appel du vide’ is, ‘the call of the wild.’  One translation says it describes the urge to engage in destructive behaviours – like when you’re walking along and have “the inexplicable urge to jump into traffic”. Seriously?  … Continue reading

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Sangiovese, Pian Dell’Orino, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italia, 2009, 14.5% abv.

Risotto was on the dinner menu and I decided it needed an Italian red.  Did I ever hit the goldmine. This wine came to me out of pure luck; I purchased a case of random, sight unseen bottles from an … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Ken Wright Cellars, Savoya Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Oregon, 12.5% abv, 2013, US$85

In August 2016, we visited Ken Wright Cellars’ tasting room in Carlton, Oregon for the second time.  We stayed at their Carlton Lofts which is very beautiful, but pricey.  It’s worth noting that Ken Wright doesn’t discount anyone for tastings … Continue reading

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Red Cuvée, Stina, Dalmatia, Croatia, 13% abv, C$20++

Put this Dalmatian gateway wine on your to drink list and get ready to visit your nearest BC liquor store. Those are words you should rarely  – if ever – expect me to write (the BCLB part).  But, I would … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Croatia, Merlot, Plavac Mali, RED, red wine, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pinot Noir, Toulouse, Alexander Valley AVA, California, 2011, 14% abv., US$28

Toulouse is located near the northwestern end of the Alexander Valley AVA, a few short kilometers after emerging from the switchback drive through the Navarro River Redwoods State Park from Mendocino on the Californian coast. We visited there in August … Continue reading

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Cabernet Franc, Les Muriers, Anjou Villages AC, Loïc Mahé, Loire Valley, France, 12.5% abv. 2013, US$20

These are a few of my favourite things.  From a site located in the western part of Savennières and north of the Loire River, Brittany native Loïc Mahé grows bio/organic grapes on shale soils and makes unfiltered wines fermented with natural … Continue reading

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Tire Bouchon, D’Ourea, Adrien Roustan, Vacqueyras, IGP, France, 2014, 13% abv.

Quick, I’m going to test your memory of high school French.  What does tire bouchon mean?  Corkscrew! And you will want your corkscrew for this – so you can drink it all by yourself. Certified organic and located in Vacqueyras, … Continue reading

Posted in Aramon Noir, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Oeillade Noire, OTHER, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Zweigelt, Upper Bench Winery, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 13.9% abv. C$26

Zwei what?  Zweigelt – a cross between St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch (aka Lemberger) created in 1922 in Austria.  In this case it’s being grown in the Okanagan at several estates. This version is an estate grown, 100% Zweigelt, fermented in … Continue reading

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Tempranillo, Flor de Pingus, Ribera del Duero DO, Spain, 2013, 14% abv. US$90

Spain is where I fell in love with wine in 2009 on a business trip. I’ve been back since to visit Priorat DOQ, and I’ll go to Jerez this year, but Ribera del Duero DO – where this wine comes … Continue reading

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