Fourteen of them. So ends a weekend of prolific blogging. You're welcome.
If you haven't already, read the two posts on (bad) restaurants, and wine service. We're going to shame them into changing their ways.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Video: 2006 Château Pindefleurs
I looked so suited up. I like this look - I'm sticking with it. Aquascutum jacket, Franco shirt, Paul Smith silk handkerchief, and undisputed swagger. Featuring the 2006 Château Pindefleurs, which I tasted with friends last week. Reactions were muted. That means the wine was mediocre at best. I trust my friend's judgements, and if they don't like it, I don't like it. And that's the way it is. As always, comments are welcome, and appreciated.
My Gullwing
Especially with the development of a new one. Edmunds Inside Line reviews the 2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG.
So. Will driving one of these make me more attractive? Say yes, say yes, say yes, please!
Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane...
...don't know when I'll be back again.
I've stopped going on Facebook. Except to post links from this blog, of course. But I've stopped caring what other people post on their pages. Really, how many of these tacky status updates can we take? Do I sound like a jackass? I'm not even warmed up yet.
What aggravates the most is that every other day, someone has posted pictures from their trips, as if we're supposed to be dazzled and impressed. Come on. If you really want to show off, put together an album with at least 30% of the images sharp.
For certain, this is part bitterness, part jealousy, because while I claim to love traveling, how much of it have I done in the past 12 months? No, going to the Finger f*cking Lakes doesn't count. I'd love nothing than to drop everything and just go somewhere, but.........
Man, this is getting ridiculous. You know the best thing I have to look forward to? It's a family trip back to Shanghai. Shouldn't really be complaining, because the trip is important, but traveling with your mother isn't really a recipe to find yourself.
The point is....my frustration is kind of simmering at the moment, but if one day I disappear and end up in Galicia.................
Oh, and please stop posting your stupid, shitty, blurry photos on Facebook. Your clichéd, witless commentary at the bottom doesn't help either. Unbelieeeeeeeeeevable.
I've stopped going on Facebook. Except to post links from this blog, of course. But I've stopped caring what other people post on their pages. Really, how many of these tacky status updates can we take? Do I sound like a jackass? I'm not even warmed up yet.
What aggravates the most is that every other day, someone has posted pictures from their trips, as if we're supposed to be dazzled and impressed. Come on. If you really want to show off, put together an album with at least 30% of the images sharp.
For certain, this is part bitterness, part jealousy, because while I claim to love traveling, how much of it have I done in the past 12 months? No, going to the Finger f*cking Lakes doesn't count. I'd love nothing than to drop everything and just go somewhere, but.........
Man, this is getting ridiculous. You know the best thing I have to look forward to? It's a family trip back to Shanghai. Shouldn't really be complaining, because the trip is important, but traveling with your mother isn't really a recipe to find yourself.
The point is....my frustration is kind of simmering at the moment, but if one day I disappear and end up in Galicia.................
Oh, and please stop posting your stupid, shitty, blurry photos on Facebook. Your clichéd, witless commentary at the bottom doesn't help either. Unbelieeeeeeeeeevable.
In the mood
Like all the great maestros, Tchaikovsky's work is sensual and appeals to your heart. His work is calming, serene.....what we all need, from time to time.
A day of rest
It's 1pm, I'm up, I'm up. And no hangover!
Looks grey outside. Perfect for a quiet nap in the afternoon, or lazily dozing off on the sofa, glass in hand...
I actually want to accomplish a lot today. Lots of housekeeping to do. Next week is going to be interesting. You know, as a younger lad, I would take silly frivolities like clothing seriously. I think I just stopped caring. I'm been wearing pajamas all weekend. And a t-shirt with many wine stains on it. Hair unkempt, unshaven - this is what happens when you spend 80% of your time awake thinking about wine because when you think about wine, you'll eventually open a bottle, and once you start drinking, you stop thinking about going out.
I think I'm starting to forget my friend's faces. Terrible. I see them and I always say, 'Let's have dinner', but the onus always seems on me to organize, and eventually, cook everything. But then again, I deride places like Jump for not understanding food, so I think I bring it on myself. Still - it'd be nice to be cooked for. A few friends have completed their CA exams, so we should be celebrating. I blame it on the weather.
The palate itches for another bottle to be opened. But another wine may be excessive, even for me. Maybe a pale ale instead?
Looks grey outside. Perfect for a quiet nap in the afternoon, or lazily dozing off on the sofa, glass in hand...
I actually want to accomplish a lot today. Lots of housekeeping to do. Next week is going to be interesting. You know, as a younger lad, I would take silly frivolities like clothing seriously. I think I just stopped caring. I'm been wearing pajamas all weekend. And a t-shirt with many wine stains on it. Hair unkempt, unshaven - this is what happens when you spend 80% of your time awake thinking about wine because when you think about wine, you'll eventually open a bottle, and once you start drinking, you stop thinking about going out.
I think I'm starting to forget my friend's faces. Terrible. I see them and I always say, 'Let's have dinner', but the onus always seems on me to organize, and eventually, cook everything. But then again, I deride places like Jump for not understanding food, so I think I bring it on myself. Still - it'd be nice to be cooked for. A few friends have completed their CA exams, so we should be celebrating. I blame it on the weather.
The palate itches for another bottle to be opened. But another wine may be excessive, even for me. Maybe a pale ale instead?
All-nighter
To all my friends slaving away at school, but mostly to the ones stuck in Waterloo - good luck. Sometimes, I envy you. I envy the freedom of being up at 2am, and just saying, to hell with it, I'm opening another bottle and chilling with my roommates.
So goes another uneventful weekend. Caught up on some things though. At least the wines were good. No video this week, I don't think....at least, nothing new.
So goes another uneventful weekend. Caught up on some things though. At least the wines were good. No video this week, I don't think....at least, nothing new.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Late night drink
Wine always tastes better late at night. I'm drinking a delicious Rioja - not a perfect wine by any means, nor a profound one. Just a true wine, with personality and character.
Watching CNN, which is airing a show on Walter Cronkite. I harboured dreams of going into journalism once, if just for an instant. Mr. Cronkite would be my model. A gentleman in every sense of the word. The way he conducts himself is something everyone should learn from. He reminds me of my grandfather. We don't have grand old men like that anymore. I can only hope to eventually embody those qualities.
I'm finishing this bottle. And I'm becoming wiser as I sniff and swirl and swallow. I'll become very wise over my last glass. Yes, wise and drunk, how sexy is that?
Watching CNN, which is airing a show on Walter Cronkite. I harboured dreams of going into journalism once, if just for an instant. Mr. Cronkite would be my model. A gentleman in every sense of the word. The way he conducts himself is something everyone should learn from. He reminds me of my grandfather. We don't have grand old men like that anymore. I can only hope to eventually embody those qualities.
I'm finishing this bottle. And I'm becoming wiser as I sniff and swirl and swallow. I'll become very wise over my last glass. Yes, wise and drunk, how sexy is that?
2008 Twenty Mile Bench
2008 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir, VQA Twenty Mile Bench
The busted screwcap, as referenced earlier. I stumbled at the front door, and the bottle hurtled cap-first into the ground. As you can see, the screwcap warped, and wine started leaking. Guess I wasn't meant to put another bottle of this away.
Light colour, beautiful. This might read like my last post on this wine. Great intensity on the bouquet. Lots of fresh plump rose petals, herbal notes, earthiness, and sour cherry/cranberry character. Some mocha from the oak. Very expressive and developed.
Lean on the palate, with lots of fresh fruit and rose petals. Exceptionally long finish. Lingering and delicious. Quite austere, but with the openness and generosity of the New World.
Again, I can't emphasize this enough - the finest wine ever produced by Flat Rock.
---
Moral of the story: screwcap is all good and great, but this shit wouldn't have happened with a cork. Make sure you have a good grip on your liquor bag.
Different old wines
I have a love/hate relationship with the LCBO. As we all do, with many things.
LCBO just doesn't offer enough older wines. I understand that the market dictates all, and the market demands young, easy-drinking, fruity alcoholic kool-aid. Such is the North American palate. What do you do.
Of course, the obligatory mature, overpriced Bordeaux is offered. No older Burgundy, no older Champagne, no older Brunello or Barolo. Such a shame. Is there a wine retailer with a mind other than on making money? What happened to offering consumers the best wine experiences? Damn. Everytime I walk into LCBO I feel like I should be keeping a hand on my wallet.
What they do offer is older Rheingau rieslings. Which is great - there have been opportunities to buy rieslings from the 1980's, especially in the last few months. What would be fantastic - for me - would be if older Mosel-Saar-Ruwer rieslings were released as well. Lots of younger stuff available, but in terms of mature examples.............
Until that happens, I guess I'll have to do all the cellaring. Right. Now, all I need is a proper cellar, 10 years, and few bills lying around. Simple, so simple.
LCBO just doesn't offer enough older wines. I understand that the market dictates all, and the market demands young, easy-drinking, fruity alcoholic kool-aid. Such is the North American palate. What do you do.
Of course, the obligatory mature, overpriced Bordeaux is offered. No older Burgundy, no older Champagne, no older Brunello or Barolo. Such a shame. Is there a wine retailer with a mind other than on making money? What happened to offering consumers the best wine experiences? Damn. Everytime I walk into LCBO I feel like I should be keeping a hand on my wallet.
What they do offer is older Rheingau rieslings. Which is great - there have been opportunities to buy rieslings from the 1980's, especially in the last few months. What would be fantastic - for me - would be if older Mosel-Saar-Ruwer rieslings were released as well. Lots of younger stuff available, but in terms of mature examples.............
Until that happens, I guess I'll have to do all the cellaring. Right. Now, all I need is a proper cellar, 10 years, and few bills lying around. Simple, so simple.
Wine service
No, I'm not done yet. Jump's food was horrendous, but what was more shocking and unacceptable was how they serve wine.
I know how it looks. A group of Chinese in their early 20's shows up, they couldn't possibly know a damn thing about wine right? Why would you give them the proper glasses?
Wrong glasses to start. I ordered a 2006 13th Street Sandstone Estate Chardonnay, and if the servers were really educated on wine, they would know what glasses to provide. And even if they didn't know, don't they hire a sommelier-type? For such a rich, powerful wine, the glasses we were given were a disgrace. Small bowl, cheap, with a lip that just splayed open. No way to swirl the wine without splashing yourself, your tablemate, and possibly the people sitting behind you. Error number one.
The wine was served far too cold. Iced to shit, robbing the wine of any nuance or charm. The one redeeming thing our server did was leaving the bottle on the table, without an ice bucket. Still, for 45 minutes, I didn't know if I was drinking a chardonnay or a lemonade. Error number two.
******The most egregious behaviour came next. And this is something I want everyone to notice the next time you order wine in a restaurant. It's the thinly-shielded ploy of restaurants to fill your glasses to the brim, so that they can empty the bottle in 4 pours. The idea is that when the patrons see an empty bottle, they'll be embarrassed into ordering another bottle. You see what I mean when I say theft? This is a completely unprofessional, lowbrow method for restaurants to steal your money.
Our server filled our glasses to the top, leaving only about an inch of wine left in the bottle. My friend took a sip of his, and immediately, another server came from nowhere to refill his glass!!! Just appeared out of nowhere, and before anyone could react, his glass was topped up once again. Ridiculous. This clown came back 3 more times over the course of dinner for the express purpose of filling our glasses. I wanted to fling my f*cking glass at him. If the wine wasn't bad enough, we had to deal with this wine Nazi.
So here's what you do. You tell your server to stop pouring once your glass is 1/3 full. And if they come back to refill, you physically place your hand on top of the glass and say no. You have to be abrupt to these jackasses, or else they won't get the point. You have to be firm.
This appalling behavious must be stopped. We have to shame these people into providing the proper wine service. So here it is. Never order wine at Jump Cafe and Bar if you want to enjoy your wine. And the next time you experience this nonsense, don't be afraid to tell them to back off.
Here's what other prominent wine writers think about this disgraceful practice:
Eric Asimov: Decisions, Decisions
Christopher Hitchens: Wine Drinkers of the World, Unite
I know how it looks. A group of Chinese in their early 20's shows up, they couldn't possibly know a damn thing about wine right? Why would you give them the proper glasses?
Wrong glasses to start. I ordered a 2006 13th Street Sandstone Estate Chardonnay, and if the servers were really educated on wine, they would know what glasses to provide. And even if they didn't know, don't they hire a sommelier-type? For such a rich, powerful wine, the glasses we were given were a disgrace. Small bowl, cheap, with a lip that just splayed open. No way to swirl the wine without splashing yourself, your tablemate, and possibly the people sitting behind you. Error number one.
The wine was served far too cold. Iced to shit, robbing the wine of any nuance or charm. The one redeeming thing our server did was leaving the bottle on the table, without an ice bucket. Still, for 45 minutes, I didn't know if I was drinking a chardonnay or a lemonade. Error number two.
******The most egregious behaviour came next. And this is something I want everyone to notice the next time you order wine in a restaurant. It's the thinly-shielded ploy of restaurants to fill your glasses to the brim, so that they can empty the bottle in 4 pours. The idea is that when the patrons see an empty bottle, they'll be embarrassed into ordering another bottle. You see what I mean when I say theft? This is a completely unprofessional, lowbrow method for restaurants to steal your money.
Our server filled our glasses to the top, leaving only about an inch of wine left in the bottle. My friend took a sip of his, and immediately, another server came from nowhere to refill his glass!!! Just appeared out of nowhere, and before anyone could react, his glass was topped up once again. Ridiculous. This clown came back 3 more times over the course of dinner for the express purpose of filling our glasses. I wanted to fling my f*cking glass at him. If the wine wasn't bad enough, we had to deal with this wine Nazi.
So here's what you do. You tell your server to stop pouring once your glass is 1/3 full. And if they come back to refill, you physically place your hand on top of the glass and say no. You have to be abrupt to these jackasses, or else they won't get the point. You have to be firm.
This appalling behavious must be stopped. We have to shame these people into providing the proper wine service. So here it is. Never order wine at Jump Cafe and Bar if you want to enjoy your wine. And the next time you experience this nonsense, don't be afraid to tell them to back off.
Here's what other prominent wine writers think about this disgraceful practice:
Eric Asimov: Decisions, Decisions
Christopher Hitchens: Wine Drinkers of the World, Unite
Waterlicious
Last Saturday, I attended Summerlicious with friends at Jump Cafe and Bar, in the heart of downtown Toronto's financial district. I was hesitant when I found out that our reservations were here. Jump is the type of yuppie, faux-classy establishment that somehow manages to attract the city's biggest douches (male and female).
I should preface by saying that restaurant reviews are restricted to the food and wine. My judgement is not affected by the service we were given, nor the restaurant's ambience and environment. Just the food and wine.
Summerlicious isn't exactly known for providing profound cuisine. Nevertheless, it's a snapshot of a restaurant's flair and style, and should entice you to return once the promotion ends.
To start, we began with an asparagus/endive/bacon salad and oven roasted parmesan crusted oyster mushrooms. Greasy and cold on both fronts. Why would you serve whole strips of bacon cold? It becomes leathery, instead of crispy as intended. Mushrooms turn soapy and greasy when they cool as well.
We then moved onto grilled lamb sirloin and plantain crusted cherry snapper. The lamb was cold, over-cooked, and had an odd tabasco type sauce on it. Tabasco sauce with the lamb and sautéed greens? Odd. The snapper was pan seared, and then smothered in a crumble. Greasy, and uninspired. And sticking to the theme, both dishes came out cold.
Really, is there any more point for dessert? Our coffees were the highlight of the meal. The tiramisu was not really a tiramisu. Cream and sponge don't exactly represent the taste of Italy. The chocolate mousse was a diabetic-stroke inducing mess of sugary confection.
For wine, I wanted a 2007 Lailey Unoaked Chardonnay. Of course, it was unavailable. The restaurant is called Jump Cafe and Bar right? So we went with a 2006 13th Street Sandstone Estate Chardonnay. In the typical style of this producer, a completely overblown, over-alcoholic chardonnay. Aging it on the lees until you lose all nuance does not represent terroir! If I want to drink yeast and oak, I'm not paying $45 for it!!!!!
We should have stuck to water. Waterlicious right? So that was the food. Uninspired, poorly executed, and a theft. You're charging money for this? I understand these promotions aren't exactly fun and money makers, but you need to attract customers to your food. The chef clearly doesn't care. That's what happens when these people are on salary. Why should the chef care about offering the best effort to patrons? Just uninspired. If you don't take pride in your food, change your profession.
You might be able to appease the camera-clicking slobs who fancy themselves as downtown sophisticates, but people who are serious about food are not impressed.
---
Our server was fantastic. But, there's an aspect about service here that greatly upset and disturbed me. To be elaborated on, in the next post.
I should preface by saying that restaurant reviews are restricted to the food and wine. My judgement is not affected by the service we were given, nor the restaurant's ambience and environment. Just the food and wine.
Summerlicious isn't exactly known for providing profound cuisine. Nevertheless, it's a snapshot of a restaurant's flair and style, and should entice you to return once the promotion ends.
To start, we began with an asparagus/endive/bacon salad and oven roasted parmesan crusted oyster mushrooms. Greasy and cold on both fronts. Why would you serve whole strips of bacon cold? It becomes leathery, instead of crispy as intended. Mushrooms turn soapy and greasy when they cool as well.
We then moved onto grilled lamb sirloin and plantain crusted cherry snapper. The lamb was cold, over-cooked, and had an odd tabasco type sauce on it. Tabasco sauce with the lamb and sautéed greens? Odd. The snapper was pan seared, and then smothered in a crumble. Greasy, and uninspired. And sticking to the theme, both dishes came out cold.
Really, is there any more point for dessert? Our coffees were the highlight of the meal. The tiramisu was not really a tiramisu. Cream and sponge don't exactly represent the taste of Italy. The chocolate mousse was a diabetic-stroke inducing mess of sugary confection.
For wine, I wanted a 2007 Lailey Unoaked Chardonnay. Of course, it was unavailable. The restaurant is called Jump Cafe and Bar right? So we went with a 2006 13th Street Sandstone Estate Chardonnay. In the typical style of this producer, a completely overblown, over-alcoholic chardonnay. Aging it on the lees until you lose all nuance does not represent terroir! If I want to drink yeast and oak, I'm not paying $45 for it!!!!!
We should have stuck to water. Waterlicious right? So that was the food. Uninspired, poorly executed, and a theft. You're charging money for this? I understand these promotions aren't exactly fun and money makers, but you need to attract customers to your food. The chef clearly doesn't care. That's what happens when these people are on salary. Why should the chef care about offering the best effort to patrons? Just uninspired. If you don't take pride in your food, change your profession.
You might be able to appease the camera-clicking slobs who fancy themselves as downtown sophisticates, but people who are serious about food are not impressed.
---
Our server was fantastic. But, there's an aspect about service here that greatly upset and disturbed me. To be elaborated on, in the next post.
2006 St-Émilion Grand Cru
This wine is from my 2006 Bordeaux En Primeur order. I wanted to pull a bottle, to get a sense of the vintage. Maybe I pulled the wrong bottle.
The owner of this estate also own Château Pipeau, also in St-Émilion, so the style featured can be deduced. Big, forward, plushy, modern? The taste revealed it to be so.
The assemblage is 90% merlot, 5% cabernet sauvignon, and 5% cabernet franc. Aged 12 months in 100% new oak, which is troubling. And, the greatest shock - they spray the vines with chemicals!! Oh my goodness, what happened to making wine naturally? You know, by happy peasants who sing as they tend the vines with a scraggly dog nipping at their heels? Chemicals?? Scandalous.
Dark, deep colour - blackish purple at the core, with immense saturation to the rim. Surprisingly rustic nose, with quite a noticeable brettanomyces character. Not a lot of upfront fruit - this seems a bit closed at the moment. Some earth, dark berries. The wine develops a meaty aroma, as well as subtle crystalling minerality. The oak is evident.
On the palate, this wine is clearly closed. Lots of abrupt tannins, big structure. Some confected fruit showing, but at this point, it's a crime to be drinking it. I'm judging this wine far too prematurely. A modern wine, but with some restraint. Good finish. Tannins are showing a bit bitter. Clearly not as ripe as 2005, but with impressive concentration. As I said, a modern wine in every way.
We'll see how this does in 3-5 years. Will the fruit emerge? Will the oak integrate? And will the brettanomyces recede? We'll see.
How not to
This is how you mutilate the greatest summer drink ever conceived by man. Why would you put in sugar like that? To enjoy the crunch? My goodness, simple syrup, simply syrup, simple syrup!!!! Don't put out these cocktail videos if you haven't mastered that concept yet. Damn, all that boasting about trying mojitos the world over and she still has no clue wtf she's doing. No taste at all. Simple syrup, lime juice without the lime wedges and don't crack the f*cking mint like that!!
Erratic
This week has been a strange one. My posting's erratic, random topics. Everytime I sit down to write something, I forget to write about important stuff, instead focusing on inconsequential blather.
I still have to write about this restaurant we went to last week. Priority for me, in the morning. When I've sobered up a bit. Also, more on the wines I've been drinking. And of course, putting up that video that I've been sitting on for a week.
I opened 2 bottles today. Both marvelous wines. Both reminding me that wine has that ethereal ability to lift the spirit, and create emotion. I think we get too caught up in everyday life that we forget to just enjoy things. Like just enjoying the sensual experience of wine. How a wine speaks to your soul is every bit as important as how it speaks to the palate.
We just need a reminder every once in a while.
I still have to write about this restaurant we went to last week. Priority for me, in the morning. When I've sobered up a bit. Also, more on the wines I've been drinking. And of course, putting up that video that I've been sitting on for a week.
I opened 2 bottles today. Both marvelous wines. Both reminding me that wine has that ethereal ability to lift the spirit, and create emotion. I think we get too caught up in everyday life that we forget to just enjoy things. Like just enjoying the sensual experience of wine. How a wine speaks to your soul is every bit as important as how it speaks to the palate.
We just need a reminder every once in a while.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Walter Cronkite
Walter Cronkite died today.
This gentleman is a huge inspiration to me. TV news broadcasts may no longer be relevant, but Cronkite's work lasts.
"And that's the way it is." That was Mr. Cronkite's trademark sign off. There will never be another.
This gentleman is a huge inspiration to me. TV news broadcasts may no longer be relevant, but Cronkite's work lasts.
"And that's the way it is." That was Mr. Cronkite's trademark sign off. There will never be another.
S & P
Stacked and packed. This summer's weather has been wonderful. Cool nights, perfect for sleeping tight. But more importantly, having the temperature under control means that the wine I've been holding at home is doing well.
There's several wines that I've had for a few months. I feel bad trucking one or two bottles over to my friend's place, where I store the majority of my wines. It can definitely be a problem as we have an above ground basement, so temperatures can really soar. Last year, temperatures hovered around the 25-26 mark. Not good.
This year has been fantastic. Holding onto some Champagne, a lot of Mosel riesling, and some Tuscan beauties. Waiting to pair with some great food when my friends get back, of course.
There's several wines that I've had for a few months. I feel bad trucking one or two bottles over to my friend's place, where I store the majority of my wines. It can definitely be a problem as we have an above ground basement, so temperatures can really soar. Last year, temperatures hovered around the 25-26 mark. Not good.
This year has been fantastic. Holding onto some Champagne, a lot of Mosel riesling, and some Tuscan beauties. Waiting to pair with some great food when my friends get back, of course.
Calling in a gay day
Do you think this could ever work? Hey boss, can't work today - I'm just too gay.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Taking the bad with the good
Ok, so I had a pretty rough day today. Which continued to the gym. In the gym, dickwads hide their insecurities behind big biceps and a bigger mouth. Why do you think they work out together like a giggly pubescent boy band? I don't give a shit, I'm not going to be intimidated off my workout. Yeah bitch, you wait until I'm done with the bench.
Anyways. That's not what I want to talk about. It's Thursday, so I scooted to LCBO as usual to pick up some wines. German rieslings today! Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, single-vineyard.....it really does not get any better. Wines from the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Just fantastic. Picked up some things, as well as another bottle of 2008 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir.
Which is where the fun began. I was carrying 5 bottles back in a paper bag. At the doorstep, I slip. The bottle of Flat Rock tumbles out, cap-first into the ground. Being a screwcap, it immediately sprouts a leak. Bright red wine spurts out everywhere - the ground was christened in lovely, fragrant, Niagara pinot noir.
Damn. I wanted to get another bottle to put away. But it's not to be. The bottle is now in a fridge, and I will drink it tomorrow. How could this happen? The first time I've broken a bottle - I've bought hundreds of bottles and this nonsense has never happened.
I'm a man who believes in signs. And this is a sign that now is not the time to put another bottle of this wine away. The single bottle I have sitting in my closet must suffice, for now. A sign, also, that I should visit Flat Rock again soon.
---
Oh yeah, how could I not share this. I'm sitting pretty right now with a busted lower lip. When a 15 lbs cable bar slams into your face, you lose.
Anyways. That's not what I want to talk about. It's Thursday, so I scooted to LCBO as usual to pick up some wines. German rieslings today! Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, single-vineyard.....it really does not get any better. Wines from the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Just fantastic. Picked up some things, as well as another bottle of 2008 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir.
Which is where the fun began. I was carrying 5 bottles back in a paper bag. At the doorstep, I slip. The bottle of Flat Rock tumbles out, cap-first into the ground. Being a screwcap, it immediately sprouts a leak. Bright red wine spurts out everywhere - the ground was christened in lovely, fragrant, Niagara pinot noir.
Damn. I wanted to get another bottle to put away. But it's not to be. The bottle is now in a fridge, and I will drink it tomorrow. How could this happen? The first time I've broken a bottle - I've bought hundreds of bottles and this nonsense has never happened.
I'm a man who believes in signs. And this is a sign that now is not the time to put another bottle of this wine away. The single bottle I have sitting in my closet must suffice, for now. A sign, also, that I should visit Flat Rock again soon.
---
Oh yeah, how could I not share this. I'm sitting pretty right now with a busted lower lip. When a 15 lbs cable bar slams into your face, you lose.
To Twitter?
I was surprised to see a link to my piece on 2006 Andrew Rich pinot noir posted on Twitter. Great guy, marvelous, thanks so much for spreading my work around. Thanks.
Should I Twitter? Should I Tweet whore my blog? I whore it already on Facebook and my MSN page already. I think Twitter may be too much work.
But I'm intrigued. Now, if someone would like to Tweet for me, that would work out well. How about we share a bottle of wine a week for you to Tweet at least 5 times a day for me?
Should I Twitter? Should I Tweet whore my blog? I whore it already on Facebook and my MSN page already. I think Twitter may be too much work.
But I'm intrigued. Now, if someone would like to Tweet for me, that would work out well. How about we share a bottle of wine a week for you to Tweet at least 5 times a day for me?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Geezer
I'm watching Wipeout right now. I Survived a Japanese Gameshow is coming up next. Does no one else find this stuff hilarious?
Great to hear that everyone's receiving their Carlsberg kits. Good on Carlsberg for keeping to their word.
If anyone can find out a way to get me on Wipeout, hook me up. I'd totally do that shit. For $50K, damn......I'd do things much worse than Big Balls.
Great to hear that everyone's receiving their Carlsberg kits. Good on Carlsberg for keeping to their word.
If anyone can find out a way to get me on Wipeout, hook me up. I'd totally do that shit. For $50K, damn......I'd do things much worse than Big Balls.
2006 Willamette Valley
2006 Andrew Rich Cuvée B Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
The big, burly Oregonian.
Continuing on this theme of tasting New World wines, I picked up another bottle of wine from an acclaimed pinot noir region. Oregon is quickly overtaking California as the premier American region for this grape. Again, I ask: does the quality match the hype? This wine, as the Central Otago I tasted, is not a profound example of what pinot noir can achieve.
Light red, which is promising. Good fruit, which is to be expected. Some pinot noir character. These wines should not be praised simply for having varietal correctness - it is a pinot noir, therefore it should taste like one. If it doesn't even taste like a pinot, why are we even bothering? High alcohol fumes on the nose. Should we even be surprised? Curt finish. Lots and lots and lots of alcohol.
Look at the glass I'm using. I never use these glasses. But anything else, and the alcohol just becomes choking. Need a really wipe open bowl, to dissipate some of it. And ice it to shit.
I'm disappointed. No soul in this wine. Clean, technically impeccable, yes - but there's no soul. And that is a shame.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Done, son
Today was a better day.
Found a great, free, online publication on Mosel wines of Germany, called Mosel Fine Wines. An independant publication written by Jean Fisch and David Rayer, it includes some great writeups of some of the top wines of the Mosel.
I love Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wines. My goodness, I love them. Which makes it a huge shame that I haven't drank any in at least 2 months. A huge shame.
This is the last bottle I drank, far too long ago. I can almost still taste its tingly, minerally essence. Almost.
Found a great, free, online publication on Mosel wines of Germany, called Mosel Fine Wines. An independant publication written by Jean Fisch and David Rayer, it includes some great writeups of some of the top wines of the Mosel.
I love Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wines. My goodness, I love them. Which makes it a huge shame that I haven't drank any in at least 2 months. A huge shame.
This is the last bottle I drank, far too long ago. I can almost still taste its tingly, minerally essence. Almost.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Video: 2008 Flat Rock Cellars
I'm proud of this video. 2008 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir. Maybe because I really love this wine. As always, comments are welcome and appreciated.
2008 Twenty Mile Bench
2008 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir, VQA Twenty Mile Bench
Wow. I want to begin by proclaiming this the finest bottle of wine I've ever tasted from Flat Rock.
Surprised to see this on store shelves so soon, and I really wasn't planning on opening it so soon, but here it is. From the 2008 vintage, a rainy, humid, and generally awful vintage. Which is why it's so surprising - this wine is incredible.
Light red pomegranate colour, the lightest Flat Rock I've ever seen. Intense nose of juicy, fresh rose petals and sour cherries. Very linear and transparent. Excellent pinot noir character - all the earthiness and root character of Flat Rock, but with the rose petals of the Niagara peninsula. I've noticed this character in the best pinot noir producers in Niagara, and it's wonderful to see this in Flat Rock as well.
Fantastic palate. Lots of red fruits - sour cherry, raspberry. Rose petals follow, with a chlorine minerality on the finish. Marvelous length. I drank this in bed, and I clearly had an impression of the wine on my palate in the morning. Yes, waking up to rose petals in the mouth is one of the world's great pleasures. Just marvelous.
Perfect weight, less than, or around 12% alcohol. This is a fine, aggressive, true pinot noir. Now, I have to ask the question - because Flat Rock is known for their clonal research, in terms of vines, is this a byproduct of finding the right pinot noir clone? I can't answer that until I ask them the next time I visit. But the wine speaks for itself - there can be no doubt. This is a serious wine, and a turning point for Flat Rock.
A profound wine. Bravo, bravo, bravo!!!
Hack
I feel like I got jackhammered today.
Still feeling a bit shell-shocked, not even joking. Damn. I need a drink. There's going to be an interesting release this week. Riesling, anyone? I think I know what my next video is going to be about.
Letting out my frustrations in the gym, where I'm free to grunt and groan as much as I'd like.
Still feeling a bit shell-shocked, not even joking. Damn. I need a drink. There's going to be an interesting release this week. Riesling, anyone? I think I know what my next video is going to be about.
Letting out my frustrations in the gym, where I'm free to grunt and groan as much as I'd like.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Video: 1982/1994 Rheingau
A video on the pair of wines tasted last week: 1982 Schloss Schönborn Riesling Spätlese and 1994 Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett.
Look at what I'm wearing. That is not a presentable look. Many apologies. Better quality, in all areas, will follow. As always, comments are welcome and appreciated.
Look at what I'm wearing. That is not a presentable look. Many apologies. Better quality, in all areas, will follow. As always, comments are welcome and appreciated.
Headphones on, at work
I've been quiet today - with 3 hours worth of raw footage to go through, I've been sitting in front of the computer all afternoon. Finished editing 2 new videos, with a 3rd one nearing completion.
A bit of a downturn, yet again. Had a great weekend - saw my friends again, after nearly 2 months....well, at least my favourite ones. And now they're all back in school, to finish the term. This disconnect between friends who are working and friends who are still finishing up school is distressing.
No one has the time to just relax and chill together anymore. And that's very sad.
A bit of a downturn, yet again. Had a great weekend - saw my friends again, after nearly 2 months....well, at least my favourite ones. And now they're all back in school, to finish the term. This disconnect between friends who are working and friends who are still finishing up school is distressing.
No one has the time to just relax and chill together anymore. And that's very sad.
Cool it
Is it self-absorbed to be a bit disappointed that my page views aren't consistently where I want them to be? Everytime I feel like my readership is expanding, things fall flat. Or should I be happy that I'm getting at least one hit per day?
I'm giving myself a cooling off period of 12 hours before I write something about this restaurant that I'll regret later. We went out for dinner tonight and well.............yeah, I'm going to digest things a bit before I pass judgement on the meal.
Things were brighter after dinner. Wish we could chill for a bit longer, but everyone's busy. Pindefleurs 2006 is keeping me company tonight. Should I video myself completely sauced, or would that give the wrong impression to my co-workers? No, I should leave a bit of mystique.
We were talking about names we give to material things in our lives, like cars, laptops, phones. While we're at it, I'd like you all to now refer to me as.............the Godfather. That is all.
I'm giving myself a cooling off period of 12 hours before I write something about this restaurant that I'll regret later. We went out for dinner tonight and well.............yeah, I'm going to digest things a bit before I pass judgement on the meal.
Things were brighter after dinner. Wish we could chill for a bit longer, but everyone's busy. Pindefleurs 2006 is keeping me company tonight. Should I video myself completely sauced, or would that give the wrong impression to my co-workers? No, I should leave a bit of mystique.
We were talking about names we give to material things in our lives, like cars, laptops, phones. While we're at it, I'd like you all to now refer to me as.............the Godfather. That is all.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Tingling
This dramatic weather we're experiencing in Toronto today is making my taste buds tingle. Thunder, lightning, sheets of rain - humidity, high/low pressure, tension in the air.
I'm tingling for something with lots of drama, lots of excitement, lots of verve. Lots of talk about gruner veltliner the last few days in the blogging world. Sounds enticing. Beer is always a good option. Pale ales, pilsners - bitterly refreshing.
Is there such thing as a drink to match weather types?
I'm tingling for something with lots of drama, lots of excitement, lots of verve. Lots of talk about gruner veltliner the last few days in the blogging world. Sounds enticing. Beer is always a good option. Pale ales, pilsners - bitterly refreshing.
Is there such thing as a drink to match weather types?
A taste of summer
The first big gulp is always the most delicious. This is as fresh as it gets. Picked the mint from the garden myself.
Taking a dump
I'm offloading these cell-phone photos all at once. Apologies for the non-existent quality.
For anyone curious, the city workers of Toronto have been on strike for 20 days now. That's all indoor and outdoor workers. Garbage pickers, daycare workers, swimming pools, etc. - all shut down. So that means we have to deal with our own garbage.
We dumped our garbage, as I reported yesterday, at one of the new temporary garbage dumps the city's opened up. They're all temporary - no one's picking this shit up, so as soon as the sites are full, they have to be shut down. This one was decent. No obnoxious people picketing, and the workers present actually do all the lifting for you.
Look at this mountain.
For anyone curious, the city workers of Toronto have been on strike for 20 days now. That's all indoor and outdoor workers. Garbage pickers, daycare workers, swimming pools, etc. - all shut down. So that means we have to deal with our own garbage.
We dumped our garbage, as I reported yesterday, at one of the new temporary garbage dumps the city's opened up. They're all temporary - no one's picking this shit up, so as soon as the sites are full, they have to be shut down. This one was decent. No obnoxious people picketing, and the workers present actually do all the lifting for you.
Look at this mountain.
A ride?
Bayview Village had this antiques exhibit on Canada Day. Vendors set up in the middle of the mall, to showcase their garbage treasures.
I saw this. A rickshaw straight out of old Shanghai.
I saw this. A rickshaw straight out of old Shanghai.
Not my time of day
Someone remind me - why am I up at this unholy hour, on a Saturday? During a thunderstorm, no less, the perfect setting for slumbering peacefully in my big, comfortable, soft bed.
This Saturday is starting to suck already.
This Saturday is starting to suck already.
Late night movie
Just came back from watching The Hangover.
Good guy movie. Don't go with a girl. She'll get offended and think you're a git. We originally planned on watching Bruno, but it was sold out. Really, people are that eager to watch a film about a faux-fag, faux-Austrian prankster? Excuse my French.
Drank some things tonight. Will report tomorrow, although both wines are really nothing to get excited over.
Good guy movie. Don't go with a girl. She'll get offended and think you're a git. We originally planned on watching Bruno, but it was sold out. Really, people are that eager to watch a film about a faux-fag, faux-Austrian prankster? Excuse my French.
Drank some things tonight. Will report tomorrow, although both wines are really nothing to get excited over.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Uh oh...
Oh my. Today, I gravely insulted a police officer. I may or may not have told him to go f*ck himself, the exact words escape me. But I probably did utter that exact phrase.
My mother has promised to bail me out, should I get a visit from the cops.
---
Full story:
I was driving north on Leslie, from Sunnybrook Park. I was there to dump my garbage. David Miller can go to hell. Anyways, there's a Sony building on Leslie, and apparently, there's always police there to direct traffic coming in and out of the building. There were 2 people jaywalking. Two f*ckers just taking their sweet ass time across the street. Get the f*ck off the road!!!! There are cars roaring up the hill, run that shit!! Damn, these people are just asking to get run over.
So, the cop was there in the middle of the road, hailing them across. He DID NOT signal for me to stop. I slowed down, and was about 9-10 metres away from the cop and the jaywalkers. Cop then proceeds to give me the universal "What the f*ck???!!!" gesture, and points to the jaywalkers. I guess the point he was trying to get across was, "Didn't you see the people?"
Well, I did, you uneducated, shit-brain, little f*ck. You dumb motherf*cker, what did you expect, I'd run them over in broad f*cking daylight? I responded in kind, through an open window. I screamed, among other things, "What the f*ck do you want me to do?", "You f*cking moron!!", and "Get a real f*cking job!!". Yes, I called a police officer a f*cking moron.
He kind of shrugged and walked off the road. Dumb f*ck.
I think I lost my temper a bit today. The first, and most likely the only time that I'll ever spew expletives at an officer of the law. Still, the pasty little f*cker deserved it.
My mother has promised to bail me out, should I get a visit from the cops.
---
Full story:
I was driving north on Leslie, from Sunnybrook Park. I was there to dump my garbage. David Miller can go to hell. Anyways, there's a Sony building on Leslie, and apparently, there's always police there to direct traffic coming in and out of the building. There were 2 people jaywalking. Two f*ckers just taking their sweet ass time across the street. Get the f*ck off the road!!!! There are cars roaring up the hill, run that shit!! Damn, these people are just asking to get run over.
So, the cop was there in the middle of the road, hailing them across. He DID NOT signal for me to stop. I slowed down, and was about 9-10 metres away from the cop and the jaywalkers. Cop then proceeds to give me the universal "What the f*ck???!!!" gesture, and points to the jaywalkers. I guess the point he was trying to get across was, "Didn't you see the people?"
Well, I did, you uneducated, shit-brain, little f*ck. You dumb motherf*cker, what did you expect, I'd run them over in broad f*cking daylight? I responded in kind, through an open window. I screamed, among other things, "What the f*ck do you want me to do?", "You f*cking moron!!", and "Get a real f*cking job!!". Yes, I called a police officer a f*cking moron.
He kind of shrugged and walked off the road. Dumb f*ck.
I think I lost my temper a bit today. The first, and most likely the only time that I'll ever spew expletives at an officer of the law. Still, the pasty little f*cker deserved it.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Stroke of.......something
Bryan Colangelo's stirring things up. Big changes for the Toronto Raptors, let's see how this plays out. Are they bringing back Rasho Nesterovic? That would be fantastic. And did Anthony Parker really sign with Cleveland? Carlos Delfino is not a bad player, but I really like how AP fits with the team.
Hump and the Maori are gone. Please dump O'Bryant on someone else.
More, later.
Hump and the Maori are gone. Please dump O'Bryant on someone else.
More, later.
Cool climate, epitomized
Toronto has been experiencing quite a strange summer so far. For the last 4 weeks, we haven't really seen temperatures rise to even 25°. I know people make cracks about Canadians living in igloos, but this is getting ridiculous. Totally uncharacteristic of even a Canadian summer.
We get a fairly short summer, but during those 3 months, we get intense heat and humidity. Yes, we do get heat spikes. This year, for some reason, we have yet to see any significant, prolonged heat.
Which is a good thing. Save electricity, money. Be more environmentally friendly. But also good in another way. 2009 will truly be a cool climate vintage. Perhaps it's a bit too early to make that judgement, but we're into July, with no sign of any increase in temperature.
Niagara benefits from a cooler, longer, dry growing season. That's why vintages like 2006 and 2008 were successful. I've really enjoyed the 2008 wines I've tasted so far because of the delicate bouquets, and incredible acidity. If 2009 continues as planned, these wines should be spectacular. 2008 was plagued by rain, a problem that we're not seeing so far this year.
I'm learning to enjoy minor vintages more and more, vintages that the so called experts write off. I'm finding vintages like 2008 show so well, in terms of aromatics, balance, and subtlety. My kind of wines! 2007 was a blockbuster, undoubtedly. But these may not be the best expressions for true Niagara wines - riesling, pinot noir, chardonnay. Wines like pinot noir especially benefit from cool growing conditions. The 2008 Flat Rock I drank last week - a fine wine indeed.
So don't complain that it doesn't feel tropical this summer. I, for one, am excited to see what happens.
We get a fairly short summer, but during those 3 months, we get intense heat and humidity. Yes, we do get heat spikes. This year, for some reason, we have yet to see any significant, prolonged heat.
Which is a good thing. Save electricity, money. Be more environmentally friendly. But also good in another way. 2009 will truly be a cool climate vintage. Perhaps it's a bit too early to make that judgement, but we're into July, with no sign of any increase in temperature.
Niagara benefits from a cooler, longer, dry growing season. That's why vintages like 2006 and 2008 were successful. I've really enjoyed the 2008 wines I've tasted so far because of the delicate bouquets, and incredible acidity. If 2009 continues as planned, these wines should be spectacular. 2008 was plagued by rain, a problem that we're not seeing so far this year.
I'm learning to enjoy minor vintages more and more, vintages that the so called experts write off. I'm finding vintages like 2008 show so well, in terms of aromatics, balance, and subtlety. My kind of wines! 2007 was a blockbuster, undoubtedly. But these may not be the best expressions for true Niagara wines - riesling, pinot noir, chardonnay. Wines like pinot noir especially benefit from cool growing conditions. The 2008 Flat Rock I drank last week - a fine wine indeed.
So don't complain that it doesn't feel tropical this summer. I, for one, am excited to see what happens.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Poker chips in the mail?
Just curious - has anyone received the Carlsberg Poker Kits yet? They said 4-6 weeks for delivery, so it's about time, judging from when I first posted the links.
Easy on the wallet
Another VintagesOnline release today.
Nothing interesting, which is actually a good thing. Temptation is unavoidable, so any opportunity to save money is gold.
But seriously, I would really, really like to see more Loire Valley whites, rieslings, and Austrian whites.
Nothing interesting, which is actually a good thing. Temptation is unavoidable, so any opportunity to save money is gold.
But seriously, I would really, really like to see more Loire Valley whites, rieslings, and Austrian whites.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Building a wall
If only I can build up a wall to keep out the pain in the ass in my life now. Or maybe if I just move out. Rocky, we're rooming after you graduate right?
Loyal, vinously
No one believes in loyalty anymore. Which is tragic.
Loyalty is what makes us civilized. What's society coming to, when people can sour relationships on a whim? Is there such a thing as loyal friendships anymore? I try to be a loyal friend. That entails a compromising and equal relationship. There are people that switch friends like panties. If you tire of people after 6 months, maybe you're not making the right friends. Loyalty.
This idea plays a big role for the wine lover, during the most important time of the year - Bordeaux En Primeur season. Bordeaux is one of those wines that you buy in large quantities, at once. I buy about 95% of my Bordeaux during the En Primeur campaign. These wines are wines to put away - definitely not for early drinking. Any other wine I can purchase on regular releases. Bordeaux? En Primeur is the only opportunity you'll get.
My buying decisions really depend on vintage conditions, but there are wines that I will purchase every year, regardless of vintage. For example - 2007 was not a great vintage for red wines, but was spectacular for whites and Sauternes. Those were the wines that I focused on. However, there are a few wines that I look to purchase every year. La Lagune, Chasse-Spleen, L'Arrosée, Poujeaux, and when I'm in the mood, Faizeau. No blockbusters, no super-expensive names......mostly due to finance, but the advances in modern Bordeaux means that the brand names no longer hold a premium on top quality wines.
Classicism - that is the key. No oaky, over-extracted monsters. Of course, I'll only be able to reap the benefits of amassing these verticals in, oh, about 10 years.
What are you loyal to?
Loyalty is what makes us civilized. What's society coming to, when people can sour relationships on a whim? Is there such a thing as loyal friendships anymore? I try to be a loyal friend. That entails a compromising and equal relationship. There are people that switch friends like panties. If you tire of people after 6 months, maybe you're not making the right friends. Loyalty.
This idea plays a big role for the wine lover, during the most important time of the year - Bordeaux En Primeur season. Bordeaux is one of those wines that you buy in large quantities, at once. I buy about 95% of my Bordeaux during the En Primeur campaign. These wines are wines to put away - definitely not for early drinking. Any other wine I can purchase on regular releases. Bordeaux? En Primeur is the only opportunity you'll get.
My buying decisions really depend on vintage conditions, but there are wines that I will purchase every year, regardless of vintage. For example - 2007 was not a great vintage for red wines, but was spectacular for whites and Sauternes. Those were the wines that I focused on. However, there are a few wines that I look to purchase every year. La Lagune, Chasse-Spleen, L'Arrosée, Poujeaux, and when I'm in the mood, Faizeau. No blockbusters, no super-expensive names......mostly due to finance, but the advances in modern Bordeaux means that the brand names no longer hold a premium on top quality wines.
Classicism - that is the key. No oaky, over-extracted monsters. Of course, I'll only be able to reap the benefits of amassing these verticals in, oh, about 10 years.
What are you loyal to?
En Primeur 2nd Offer
It's taken more than a month, and after a lot of nail-biting, the phone call came. Order, through, deliverable in 2 years.
My order shrunk this year, but picked some sparklers:
Figeac
Clinet
L'Arrosée
Poujeaux
D'Aiguilhe
Faizeau Vielles Vignes
Let's just hope that for once, the hype is true. That 2008 Bordeaux is a notch higher than 2004, with classicism and beauty.
My order shrunk this year, but picked some sparklers:
Figeac
Clinet
L'Arrosée
Poujeaux
D'Aiguilhe
Faizeau Vielles Vignes
Let's just hope that for once, the hype is true. That 2008 Bordeaux is a notch higher than 2004, with classicism and beauty.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Video: 2005 La Gasparde
The video featuring the 2005 Château La Gasparde. Still working out the kinks. Please enjoy - as always, comments are welcome, and appreciated.
2005 Côtes de Castillon
2005 Château La Gasparde, AC Côtes de Castillon
Getting serious. Opening a Bordeaux is always serious business.
I've been very enthused about this wine since my first taste of it, more than a year ago. So, after about 18 months of cellaring, I was anxious to see how it was showing. From the blockbuster vintage 2005, this showed very impressively in March 2008, when I last tasted. Concentrated, intense, powerful - all the attributes of a great wine. Here we go again.
Dark, deep purple in the glass, with excellent saturation to the rim. Intense fruit aromas, with lots of crushed red berries. Develops a meaty, iron character. The cabernet franc at work? This blend is about 85% merlot, 12% cabernet franc, 3% cabernet sauvignon. Crushy fruit, but with excellent balance and freshness. Extremely sweet, ripe tannins in the mouth. Silky, and very layered. Long finish.
An absolutely delicious wine. Wooly tannins, but with great density. I'm looking forward to seeing these wines age. Please take a look at my next video, which features my impressions on the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux, and on this wine.
1982 Rheingau
1982 Schloss Schönborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Spätlese, Rheingau
Opened alongside the 1994 Schloss Schönborn. The oldest white wine I've ever tasted, and it was wonderful.
Dark, moldy, stained cork. Again, still intact and drew out cleanly. Great cellars in Germany. This wine was totally different than the 1994 Kabinett. Deep golden in colour, with a luminous rim. Very open bouquet. Musky, with lots of petrol character, stewed apples, and honey. Follows through on the palate, with great balance. Sweetness holding on, counterbalancing the acidity perfectly. Very long, chlorine-like finish. Very good length.
An excellent wine, very delicious. Perfect weight, at 9.5% alcohol. Maybe could have shown better 3 or 4 years ago, but this is an exceptional wine.
Messy
Everything's kind of falling apart and going to shit, and I can't help but feel like it's a bit (or a lot) of my fault. What's going on? I'm as clueless as anyone, but I should have done something to clear up things.
I have no idea wtf is going on. Please, someone, explain the situation. Summerlicious? Who's in the reservation? What time? Place? My goodness, I have no idea wtf is going on.
Late night posting. Not going to end well. I'm a little bit drunk, a little bit irate, and a little bit tired. Good night, maybe things will look better in the morning.
---
Blogger's note: July 5, 12:51PM
Melodramatic, no? Still a bit irate, now that it's morning, but I've got a better grip on myself. Still going forward, dinner next Saturday. We see what else can happen. Earthquake takes out downtown Toronto?
I have no idea wtf is going on. Please, someone, explain the situation. Summerlicious? Who's in the reservation? What time? Place? My goodness, I have no idea wtf is going on.
Late night posting. Not going to end well. I'm a little bit drunk, a little bit irate, and a little bit tired. Good night, maybe things will look better in the morning.
---
Blogger's note: July 5, 12:51PM
Melodramatic, no? Still a bit irate, now that it's morning, but I've got a better grip on myself. Still going forward, dinner next Saturday. We see what else can happen. Earthquake takes out downtown Toronto?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
1994 Rheingau
1994 Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett, QbA Rheingau
I absolutely adore old rieslings. Who says white wine can't age? Vintage 1994, when I was but an 8 year old boy.
I've drank this wine multiple times, the last time being a few months ago. I felt that it was drying out a bit, that the acidity was overwhelming what was left of the fruit. This bottle proved otherwise.
Moldy, blackened cork, but still intact and drew out easily. Light straw colour. Vivacious nose of stewed apples, minerals, and good richness. Fantastic balance in the mouth. Still holding onto its last breath of sweetness. Solid finish.
A delicious wine. Although it would have shown better maybe 5 years ago, this is still very drinkable. Great balance, that paired so well with the vegetables and steamed fish we ate. Just a great drinking wine. I drank in big gulps - at 10% alcohol, you can do that. So delicious, in fact, that I tried to slurp every last drop out of the glass.
There's nothing quite like an old riesling.
In season
So I guess it's more or less a done deal: Turkoglu's coming to Toronto.
I like Turk. He had some great games during the playoffs. A big man that can run plays, and deadly in the clutch. Like Delfino, except bigger and (much) more skilled. Marion's gone. I don't see any possible way that they can keep him, especially if he's not going to accept anything less than $10M a year. Bosh, Bargnani, Turk, Calderon. I like that.
Mr. Colangelo: Please re-sign Anthony Parker. Please sign Pops. Tell Joey Graham to f*ck off and unload his shitty game elsewhere. And please sign Rasho Nesterovic.
I really like Orlando dealing for VC. It had to hurt to deal Courtney Lee, but that Finals Game 2 miss must have factored in. You know, the one where they were tied, and Turk inbounded to Lee? Lee had a wide, wide, WIDE open look, but missed the alley-oop. VC is a shitface, but he could have made that shot half asleep.
Shaq to Cavaliers? Danny Ferry is as big of a moron as Steve Kerr was. Absolute imbecile. Lebron is as good as gone. It's going to be extremely entertaining to see them play, but New York may as well begin hawking Lebron Knickerbocker jerseys. So ridiculous. You think Ilgauskas is going to react well to coming off the bench? You think Shaq will react well to being subbed for Big Z? This is going to be interesting to watch.
Only 4 more months. Only 4 more months........
I like Turk. He had some great games during the playoffs. A big man that can run plays, and deadly in the clutch. Like Delfino, except bigger and (much) more skilled. Marion's gone. I don't see any possible way that they can keep him, especially if he's not going to accept anything less than $10M a year. Bosh, Bargnani, Turk, Calderon. I like that.
Mr. Colangelo: Please re-sign Anthony Parker. Please sign Pops. Tell Joey Graham to f*ck off and unload his shitty game elsewhere. And please sign Rasho Nesterovic.
I really like Orlando dealing for VC. It had to hurt to deal Courtney Lee, but that Finals Game 2 miss must have factored in. You know, the one where they were tied, and Turk inbounded to Lee? Lee had a wide, wide, WIDE open look, but missed the alley-oop. VC is a shitface, but he could have made that shot half asleep.
Shaq to Cavaliers? Danny Ferry is as big of a moron as Steve Kerr was. Absolute imbecile. Lebron is as good as gone. It's going to be extremely entertaining to see them play, but New York may as well begin hawking Lebron Knickerbocker jerseys. So ridiculous. You think Ilgauskas is going to react well to coming off the bench? You think Shaq will react well to being subbed for Big Z? This is going to be interesting to watch.
Only 4 more months. Only 4 more months........
The face of Fang
I've been told that my face often shows disinterest/boredom/fatigue. I can't tell you how many times people have asked if I'm tired or if I'm bored or if I'm pissed about something.
That's just my regular look, folks. I'm not doing it on purpose. I have no idea what this 'look' looks like, so I have no idea if I'm doing it or not.
What's this ridiculousness that I have to be cheerful all the time? Maybe I don't want to around certain people. People I genuinely like know that I'm generally an optimist and otherwise happy person.
People that know me well are used to it. So please stop making me feel self-conscious about my facial expression, or lack of one. Despite the best efforts of some folks, I can't look this sunshine-y ALL the time.
That's just my regular look, folks. I'm not doing it on purpose. I have no idea what this 'look' looks like, so I have no idea if I'm doing it or not.
What's this ridiculousness that I have to be cheerful all the time? Maybe I don't want to around certain people. People I genuinely like know that I'm generally an optimist and otherwise happy person.
People that know me well are used to it. So please stop making me feel self-conscious about my facial expression, or lack of one. Despite the best efforts of some folks, I can't look this sunshine-y ALL the time.
Photo Credit: Rocky413
Friday, July 3, 2009
Abbreviated week
This week was the weirdest one I've had in a while. What kind of imbecile decides on Canada Day in the middle of the week? It totally felt like a Friday on the Tuesday, and I really struggled these last two days.
We finally got the plumbing issue fixed. Well actually, I fixed it. What can I say, I'm a problem solver.
Looking forward to next weekend. Also looking forward to the rest of this bottle. I've drank a copious amount of wine tonight, and it feels GREAT!
We finally got the plumbing issue fixed. Well actually, I fixed it. What can I say, I'm a problem solver.
Looking forward to next weekend. Also looking forward to the rest of this bottle. I've drank a copious amount of wine tonight, and it feels GREAT!
On tasting and being grand
Still working on that video. Recorded a new one today, on the wines we drank for dinner. Very exciting pair. At the moment, I'm on my 3rd wine of the night - a fragrant, flowery pinot noir that's absolutely delicious. I know, I'm turning into a raging wino.
Which brings me to how to taste. I've always believed in tasting wines in the right context. Ideally, I want to taste at least 2 wines at a time, for comparison purposes. Like tonight. I opened 2 German rieslings - same producer, different vintage. As I've mentioned to my friends, that's the approach I want to use for when we taste together. Vertical tastings appeal to me. Regionally specific tastings work too, but I prefer focusing tastings on the same producer.
I think I'm just rambling a bit. Excuse, I've been drinking.
I'd love to host these huge dinners, with 10 flights of wine, but alas, I'm not a Count. But I do my best. For my favourite friends, I'll open anything.
Come back soon, videos will be up shortly.
Which brings me to how to taste. I've always believed in tasting wines in the right context. Ideally, I want to taste at least 2 wines at a time, for comparison purposes. Like tonight. I opened 2 German rieslings - same producer, different vintage. As I've mentioned to my friends, that's the approach I want to use for when we taste together. Vertical tastings appeal to me. Regionally specific tastings work too, but I prefer focusing tastings on the same producer.
I think I'm just rambling a bit. Excuse, I've been drinking.
I'd love to host these huge dinners, with 10 flights of wine, but alas, I'm not a Count. But I do my best. For my favourite friends, I'll open anything.
Come back soon, videos will be up shortly.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
2007 Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy
2007 Domaine Pascal Bouchard Beauroy, AC Chablis Premier Cru
I've had a rocky relationship with chardonnay. It's one of those grapes that's really influenced by the producer's style. I absolutely detest what is the norm for chardonnay in the New World - big, creamy, oaky, alcohol-y. No character, no balance.
Fortunately, I found Chablis.
Chablis has that chalky soil that gives the wine great minerality, on a steely acidic backbone. The wines have the weight and creaminess of chardonnay, but this incredible freshness that makes it the perfect pairing for seafoods.
This is one of the first 2007's released by LCBO. From the Premier Cru vineyard Beauroy, I was excited to taste, as 2007 was a very cool vintage, yielding acidity that (should) give the wines austerity and presence. I decanted, on ice, and tasted after 3 hours.
A deep golden colour, but quite light at the rim. A subdued nose - very serious. Stewed apples and pears on the nose, with chalky minerals. Austere, with reserved fruit. On the palate, there is a very high acidity. Slight bitterness on the finish. Lingering. Quite delicious, in fact. This is a very serious wine.
Although not a profound experience as the 2005 I tasted, this wine is a good example of the expression that Chablis can achieve. I'm interested in seeing how these will age. Looking forward to see more 2007's being released, hopefully soon.
Pain in the Ass
Ok, I promise I won't complain for much longer. Still haven't gotten this damn faucet fixed.
I went to Home Depot at 6:30 this morning, to pick up parts. The taps are brand new, and fit nicely. Leak solved. Problem is, the handles don't fit properly. So I guess we'll still have to head out to pick up proper sized screws.
Geez, let's just get this shit over with. Please!
---
On a lighter note, I went to return some empty wine bottles today. Picked up a 6-pack of Wellington's Special Pale Ale. I wanted Boddington's, but they were sold out. Never realized that I could ever feel like a clueless amateur at the Beer Store. Apparently, Boddington's is not a pale ale.
Some nices wines released this week. Someone want to drink 2004 Lan Reserva with me?
I went to Home Depot at 6:30 this morning, to pick up parts. The taps are brand new, and fit nicely. Leak solved. Problem is, the handles don't fit properly. So I guess we'll still have to head out to pick up proper sized screws.
Geez, let's just get this shit over with. Please!
---
On a lighter note, I went to return some empty wine bottles today. Picked up a 6-pack of Wellington's Special Pale Ale. I wanted Boddington's, but they were sold out. Never realized that I could ever feel like a clueless amateur at the Beer Store. Apparently, Boddington's is not a pale ale.
Some nices wines released this week. Someone want to drink 2004 Lan Reserva with me?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Catastrophe
Wow. Things just went from bad to worse.
The plumbing situation at home has just turned into a full-out disaster. Showering was a nightmare. The leak is now so significant that the warm water is being choked out. At best, the water temp is lukewarm. The cold water tap has completely blown out.
I had to shower in the cold. My father told me to cherish the moment, because I was experiencing what it was like to bathe in a third world country. I told him to shut up and got yelled at by my mother.
I just took both taps out. I knew that the cold tap was broken, but what I didn't expect was to find the warm tap shattered as well.
So we just made a new family rule. In crisis situations, I have executive authority. I make all the decisions. This situation has just been a comedy of errors. My father has made one poor decision after the other, from trying to over-tighten the taps, to taping them down, to telling me not to go to Home Depot "because they close at 10".
No more nonsense. When there is a crisis, I'm the Chairman, I'm the President, I'm the Emperor.
The plumbing situation at home has just turned into a full-out disaster. Showering was a nightmare. The leak is now so significant that the warm water is being choked out. At best, the water temp is lukewarm. The cold water tap has completely blown out.
I had to shower in the cold. My father told me to cherish the moment, because I was experiencing what it was like to bathe in a third world country. I told him to shut up and got yelled at by my mother.
I just took both taps out. I knew that the cold tap was broken, but what I didn't expect was to find the warm tap shattered as well.
So we just made a new family rule. In crisis situations, I have executive authority. I make all the decisions. This situation has just been a comedy of errors. My father has made one poor decision after the other, from trying to over-tighten the taps, to taping them down, to telling me not to go to Home Depot "because they close at 10".
No more nonsense. When there is a crisis, I'm the Chairman, I'm the President, I'm the Emperor.
What were you drinking?
On this day...
Three years ago, I was drinking 2003 Terra D'Aligi Montepulciano d'Aruzzo DOC.
Two years ago, I was drinking 2005 Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula at Escabeche inside the Prince of Wales Hotel. What a revelation. My first taste of truly great Niagara red wine.
One year ago, I was drinking 2006 Cave Spring Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, VQA Niagara Peninsula, and 1980 Kopke Colheita Port. Delicious on both counts. Incredible textural experience on the port.
So that brings me to this year. What will we be drinking? Given the circumstances, a few shots of Remy-Martin should do just fine. Maybe Havana Club if I'm feeling exotic?
Three years ago, I was drinking 2003 Terra D'Aligi Montepulciano d'Aruzzo DOC.
Two years ago, I was drinking 2005 Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula at Escabeche inside the Prince of Wales Hotel. What a revelation. My first taste of truly great Niagara red wine.
One year ago, I was drinking 2006 Cave Spring Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, VQA Niagara Peninsula, and 1980 Kopke Colheita Port. Delicious on both counts. Incredible textural experience on the port.
So that brings me to this year. What will we be drinking? Given the circumstances, a few shots of Remy-Martin should do just fine. Maybe Havana Club if I'm feeling exotic?
Into the New World
So, with the plumbing issue still unresolved, I'm spending today's day off at home. What can you do. I'm editing a video I recorded last weekend, which should be interesting - I hope.
Which brings me to rethink my goal of tasting more New World wines. I've made an effort to do so - California, New Zealand, and next week, Oregon. So far, all I've experienced from the Californians and Kiwis are explosive fruit bombs, flinging around their alcohol and flabby sweetness like red-hot shrapnel. There are some Oregon pinot noirs coming up in the next release, and I want to try. Another Central Otago as well. But........I'm not holding my breath. I'm preparing myself for disappointment, which is irrational at these prices ($40+). But what can you do.
I find myself continually drawn towards Niagara wines, when I want a wine that combines the pure fruit of the New World with the sensibility and balance of the Old World. I will continue beating the drum for Niagara wines (riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir) until I get noticed, because we can make wines that compete with the absolute best of America and elsewhere.
This is masochism. I don't want to generalize an entire region when I've only tasted a limited number of wines, but I just have yet to experience balanced New World wines with great focus and regional character. And I'm spending a lot more money on these wines than I should have to. Over-priced and mediocre? Well, in America...........that's a recipe for success.
At least when I get tired of these monsters (2 glasses in), I can turn to any number of 9.5% alcohol German rieslings to remind me of how sublime true wine can be. Ahhh, to be a lover of subtlety! Will we ever get there?
Which brings me to rethink my goal of tasting more New World wines. I've made an effort to do so - California, New Zealand, and next week, Oregon. So far, all I've experienced from the Californians and Kiwis are explosive fruit bombs, flinging around their alcohol and flabby sweetness like red-hot shrapnel. There are some Oregon pinot noirs coming up in the next release, and I want to try. Another Central Otago as well. But........I'm not holding my breath. I'm preparing myself for disappointment, which is irrational at these prices ($40+). But what can you do.
I find myself continually drawn towards Niagara wines, when I want a wine that combines the pure fruit of the New World with the sensibility and balance of the Old World. I will continue beating the drum for Niagara wines (riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir) until I get noticed, because we can make wines that compete with the absolute best of America and elsewhere.
This is masochism. I don't want to generalize an entire region when I've only tasted a limited number of wines, but I just have yet to experience balanced New World wines with great focus and regional character. And I'm spending a lot more money on these wines than I should have to. Over-priced and mediocre? Well, in America...........that's a recipe for success.
At least when I get tired of these monsters (2 glasses in), I can turn to any number of 9.5% alcohol German rieslings to remind me of how sublime true wine can be. Ahhh, to be a lover of subtlety! Will we ever get there?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Adept
Sweated....just made it in time. One minute until midnight, one minute until July. Would have been a very unhappy man if my streak ended like that.
I occupy many roles at home, and among them is plumbing. I am the plumber of the house. I say it with pride because I pride myself in being able to fix and take care of anything.
Our shower faucet is f*cked. The inner tap is pretty old, and the cold water faucet was causing some water to leak. My mother brilliantly suggested that we take a look at it at 10:30pm, minutes after I returned from the gym. It looked fine. But, when I installed it again...........a drip-drip-drip turned into gush-gush-gush. And then, my father even more brilliantly suggested that I wrap the f*cking thing with so much plumbing tape that I didn't know if I was sealing it or mummifying the damn thing.
Guess what happened.
On my third turn, the whole thing snapped. The whole, entire, f*cking thing snapped at the neck. It's a geyser now.
So now what.
Our main water is all turned off, and since Home Depot is closed tomorrow, we'll have to wait until Thursday to buy a new tap. Until then, we're collecting water in buckets, keeping the main off for until absolutely necessary.
See, this is what happens when the plumber of the house is overruled on major decisions. Like what to do, when to do, and how to do.
I occupy many roles at home, and among them is plumbing. I am the plumber of the house. I say it with pride because I pride myself in being able to fix and take care of anything.
Our shower faucet is f*cked. The inner tap is pretty old, and the cold water faucet was causing some water to leak. My mother brilliantly suggested that we take a look at it at 10:30pm, minutes after I returned from the gym. It looked fine. But, when I installed it again...........a drip-drip-drip turned into gush-gush-gush. And then, my father even more brilliantly suggested that I wrap the f*cking thing with so much plumbing tape that I didn't know if I was sealing it or mummifying the damn thing.
Guess what happened.
On my third turn, the whole thing snapped. The whole, entire, f*cking thing snapped at the neck. It's a geyser now.
So now what.
Our main water is all turned off, and since Home Depot is closed tomorrow, we'll have to wait until Thursday to buy a new tap. Until then, we're collecting water in buckets, keeping the main off for until absolutely necessary.
See, this is what happens when the plumber of the house is overruled on major decisions. Like what to do, when to do, and how to do.
Revenge of the Fallen?? Matrix of Leadership???
Watched Transformers today. I enjoyed it, in all its cheesy glory. Don't think, just watch, and you'll have a great time. Bumblebee rocked it. You'll find the climactic duel kind of anti-climactic. Really? Optimus just absorbing spare parts, reminiscent of a magnet picking up paper clips?
The movie critics that bashed it can go eat shit. That's why these fools stopped being relevant 10 years ago. A dream of mine is to see wine critics experience the same fate into obscurity.
I went to work out tonight. Hard at work. There's a Megan Fox type trainer at my gym. Have to keep reminding myself not to stare. We gentlemen are nearly quite perfect, but we have no control of our gaze.
There were a lot of late junior high/early high school kids at the theatre today. Were we so damn obnoxious at that age? I mean, I can't believe I used to try so hard to impress these kinds of girls. My goodness. All you see is a cluster of small heads, drowning in over-sized sweatshirts.
I still know a few guys who're interested in these types of girls. You should be ashamed of yourself man.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Video: Wine Equipment - Stemware
Finally, this thing has rendered and is ready for its unveiling. It should be HD, but I still have no clue for sure. I'm so confused!
To finish this series on the topic of equipment, I go into stemware. As always, all comments are welcome and appreciated.
To finish this series on the topic of equipment, I go into stemware. As always, all comments are welcome and appreciated.
Expired
The weather's acting up again. Positively frosty today. But if the rest of summer stays this way, then I'll be happy. Cool, but sunny. Of course.
My Flickr Pro Account expires today. This is ridiculous. I was afforded a free Pro Account with my Rogers, but I guess they're reneging on the deal. So what does this mean? I don't know, I just want to keep my damn Pro Account!
Tired today. Extra early to bed tonight. Tomorrow will be a fun day.
My Flickr Pro Account expires today. This is ridiculous. I was afforded a free Pro Account with my Rogers, but I guess they're reneging on the deal. So what does this mean? I don't know, I just want to keep my damn Pro Account!
Tired today. Extra early to bed tonight. Tomorrow will be a fun day.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
2007 Creek Shores
2007 13th Street Funk Vineyard Riesling, VQA Creek Shores
The thing that Niagara rieslings do so well is satisfy those urges for cheerful, charming wines. The 2007 rieslings are incredibly rich, with great ripeness and this intense, oil minerality. This bottle was from my trip to Niagara in March, the first time I visited and tasted the wines of 13th Street.
Light straw yellow in colour. Bouncy, ripe nose of stewed pears, apple. Very overt minerality, reminiscent of oily lanolin cream. Bright, bright fruit. Tangy and tingly acidity on the palate. Higher alcohol, which is noticeable. Noble that they wanted to control the sweetness, but the alcohol is a bit shocking. Tart finish. Lingering.
A fine, cheerful riesling, with ripe fruit, decent balance, and impressive minerality. Alcohol a bit too high, at a listed 12.3%, but the wine's ripeness is able to support it.
Although at $24, better buys are available.
Royalty
Ian McShane as King Silas in Kings.
This man is absolutely brilliant as the weary King, troubled by signs that he struggle to interpret. McShane's able to bring this complex character to life - lots of grandiose speeches, but he makes all the flowery prose seem powerful and credible. His presence is undeniable, and just controls each scene.
His weathered, lined face is perfect for the role. His purposeful stride is that of royalty. Without speaking a word, he conveys absolute power. The modern, slimming silhouette of his single-button suits don't hurt either.
What a perfect role for McShane. How have I never heard of this incredible actor? It kills me that NBC is canceling this show. The networks have no courage.
Drinking habits
I'm taking advantage of this moment of clarity. My mind always works better when I'm alone and it's raining outside.
I'm really interested in knowing people's drinking habits. How often do you drink wine? How many bottles a week? A month? Who purchases the wine? How do you choose bottles? Average price? Who do you drink with?
People in the wine trade make this huge deal about the Chinese and Russian markets gobbling up the most expensive Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, and fueling speculation in traditionally UK and US markets. They spread this notion that the Chinese will pay a 25% premium on any price, and really don't care how expensive it is - that they will buy any Lafite, regardless of price, provenance or palatableness.
Now, I can't speak for the Russians (Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and Marxists alike), Brazilians, Singaporeans, Indians, or any other developing country. I can only speak for my Chinese comrades, for whom I've been observing (wine-drinking wise) for quite some time.
Chinese people don't drink wine. Let's clear that up now. Chinese people don't drink wine. I can honestly say that under 1% of Chinese drink any wine regularly, and a far less number are actual connoisseurs. And no, just because you can afford to splash $2000 on a bottle of La Tâche, does not grant you into this exclusive club of true wine lovers.
Our cuisine just does not pair well with the wines that the wine press insists that we're shocking. Tannic, structured red wines (Bordeaux) just do not pair well with Chinese cuisine. Burgundy is a better match, but the Chinese are still feeling their way around Bordeaux (outside of Lafite). Burgundy is far too confusing, even for well-lubricated wine drinkers.
The only wine that pairs wonderfully is German riesling. Other white wines as well, but it's the riesling's touch of residual sugar and steely acidity that marries it so well to rich, complex Chinese cuisine. But then, my comrades still view white wine as the drink for dainty ladies.
It's a cultural issue. Chinese people drink beer, Shaoxing wine, and other spirits with their food. At the moment, red wine is used as a way to show wealth, trendiness, etc. Anything but taste.
So to the wine press: stop spreading this nonsense about Chinese people taking over fine wine markets. It's not going to happen if my comrades aren't drinking any wine.
I'm really interested in knowing people's drinking habits. How often do you drink wine? How many bottles a week? A month? Who purchases the wine? How do you choose bottles? Average price? Who do you drink with?
People in the wine trade make this huge deal about the Chinese and Russian markets gobbling up the most expensive Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, and fueling speculation in traditionally UK and US markets. They spread this notion that the Chinese will pay a 25% premium on any price, and really don't care how expensive it is - that they will buy any Lafite, regardless of price, provenance or palatableness.
Now, I can't speak for the Russians (Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and Marxists alike), Brazilians, Singaporeans, Indians, or any other developing country. I can only speak for my Chinese comrades, for whom I've been observing (wine-drinking wise) for quite some time.
Chinese people don't drink wine. Let's clear that up now. Chinese people don't drink wine. I can honestly say that under 1% of Chinese drink any wine regularly, and a far less number are actual connoisseurs. And no, just because you can afford to splash $2000 on a bottle of La Tâche, does not grant you into this exclusive club of true wine lovers.
Our cuisine just does not pair well with the wines that the wine press insists that we're shocking. Tannic, structured red wines (Bordeaux) just do not pair well with Chinese cuisine. Burgundy is a better match, but the Chinese are still feeling their way around Bordeaux (outside of Lafite). Burgundy is far too confusing, even for well-lubricated wine drinkers.
The only wine that pairs wonderfully is German riesling. Other white wines as well, but it's the riesling's touch of residual sugar and steely acidity that marries it so well to rich, complex Chinese cuisine. But then, my comrades still view white wine as the drink for dainty ladies.
It's a cultural issue. Chinese people drink beer, Shaoxing wine, and other spirits with their food. At the moment, red wine is used as a way to show wealth, trendiness, etc. Anything but taste.
So to the wine press: stop spreading this nonsense about Chinese people taking over fine wine markets. It's not going to happen if my comrades aren't drinking any wine.
Post No. 801
It's been an interesting few months, yes? For me at least. Interesting contrast. My wine experiences have been fantastic. Social life? Not so fabulous. But I can't complain.
I think I'm done with California. I don't have the wallet, or the solid liver to deal with their over-priced, 16% alcohol nukes. New Zealand, I'll keep trying.
There's several flights of riesling I want to begin tasting, once my friends get back. Lots of old white wines that've been sitting in my closet for the last few months. We need to get drinking, mes amis.
Sunday morning, chilling in the kitchen with tea, eggs, and Hova. Going to be an abbreviated week coming up. Which is nice. But come on, what dick made Canada Day out on a Wednesday? Jackass dropping the ball somewhere on Parliament.
Summer has yet to begin, who knows what'll happen?
Rendering
Just finished my first HD video, and waiting for it to render. Looks like it may take a while. I hope it turns out well.
5 years ago, I could never do this. Going before a video camera, and then broadcasting it on youtube. I'm a nice guy, but always a shy one. I believe in what I say (honestly!) and I feel like I make valid points in the videos I do. Hopefully people feel the same way. At least this is a great documentation of my wine acumen, circa 2009.
Maybe I'll look back in 10 years and laugh at how stupid I was. Or maybe not. Hopefully, my on-camera brilliance translates now and on.
---
Blogger's note:
A slight wrinkle. After output, the 9 minute video came out as 1.26 GB. A bit of a problem, as Vimeo only allows for 500 Mb uploads. Back to editing tomorrow...
5 years ago, I could never do this. Going before a video camera, and then broadcasting it on youtube. I'm a nice guy, but always a shy one. I believe in what I say (honestly!) and I feel like I make valid points in the videos I do. Hopefully people feel the same way. At least this is a great documentation of my wine acumen, circa 2009.
Maybe I'll look back in 10 years and laugh at how stupid I was. Or maybe not. Hopefully, my on-camera brilliance translates now and on.
---
Blogger's note:
A slight wrinkle. After output, the 9 minute video came out as 1.26 GB. A bit of a problem, as Vimeo only allows for 500 Mb uploads. Back to editing tomorrow...
At work
Late night, in front of the computer........just like old times!
Only this time, I'm willingly staying up late to get some work done. Filmed some material today, and editing right now. I'm working with a new software, that supports HD, so still feeling my way through it. It feels rewarding though - video seems much more creative than just blogging.
Drank a glorious bottle of wine tonight. More details later. My teeth, gums, and tongue are stained inky purple. In fact, my mouth is so black I look like a Southeast Asian extra from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Not that great of an impression if you're taking a girl out, and order a nice bottle of red wine, only to discover that two glasses later, you look like you've been eating dirt. Stick with white wine, fellas. Or better yet, Champagne. If you have to go with red wine, go with Burgundy, or something like a sangiovese from southern Italy. Lighter-bodied wines that hopefully, won't turn your mouth into a horrifically unattractive mess of tannin-caked streaks.
Only this time, I'm willingly staying up late to get some work done. Filmed some material today, and editing right now. I'm working with a new software, that supports HD, so still feeling my way through it. It feels rewarding though - video seems much more creative than just blogging.
Drank a glorious bottle of wine tonight. More details later. My teeth, gums, and tongue are stained inky purple. In fact, my mouth is so black I look like a Southeast Asian extra from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Not that great of an impression if you're taking a girl out, and order a nice bottle of red wine, only to discover that two glasses later, you look like you've been eating dirt. Stick with white wine, fellas. Or better yet, Champagne. If you have to go with red wine, go with Burgundy, or something like a sangiovese from southern Italy. Lighter-bodied wines that hopefully, won't turn your mouth into a horrifically unattractive mess of tannin-caked streaks.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Home grown
Yes, I'm growing my own.
In a few weeks, they should be ready for consumption. Very fragrant already. My friends will be in for a great surprise.
Intolerant
Staying with the alcohol theme. It just bugs me because I've drank a number of wines these few weeks that were overblown, over-ambitious, and just difficult to enjoy.
I want wines that hold your hand and whisper sweetly into your ear, not wines that scream and shout for attention. Wines with high alcohol reflect this very North American idea that more of everything is better. That is not true! This idea is about competition - that wines should shine above everything else on the table. It has to be the focus, the centre of attention. And that is why I can't bring myself to drink these wines.
Tolerance for alcohol has nothing to do with it. People who judge connoisseurship by the amount of alcohol they can consume are the same people who think of McDonalds as a restaurant.
Wine is meant for drinking, and shouldn't be over-analyzed...it's a sensual experience above all. And the sensuality of the wine comes from the flavours and expressions of the terroir. Over-ripeness (and the resulting high alcohol) robs the wine of this expression. And that is a shame.
A wine that makes you fall asleep is no good. What happened to the wines that lift your spirits, enrich conversations, and make you think inappropriate thoughts? I guess I'm an Old World drinker after all.
I want wines that hold your hand and whisper sweetly into your ear, not wines that scream and shout for attention. Wines with high alcohol reflect this very North American idea that more of everything is better. That is not true! This idea is about competition - that wines should shine above everything else on the table. It has to be the focus, the centre of attention. And that is why I can't bring myself to drink these wines.
Tolerance for alcohol has nothing to do with it. People who judge connoisseurship by the amount of alcohol they can consume are the same people who think of McDonalds as a restaurant.
Wine is meant for drinking, and shouldn't be over-analyzed...it's a sensual experience above all. And the sensuality of the wine comes from the flavours and expressions of the terroir. Over-ripeness (and the resulting high alcohol) robs the wine of this expression. And that is a shame.
A wine that makes you fall asleep is no good. What happened to the wines that lift your spirits, enrich conversations, and make you think inappropriate thoughts? I guess I'm an Old World drinker after all.
Blinding efficiency
In an effort to become more environmentally conscious, I'm switching all the lightbulbs in the house today. We're switching to these - 60W bulbs that only use the energy of a 13W.
Unfortunately, they don't work with dimmer switches, so I have to change those too. Rewiring is tricky, and I'm in fear of killing myself everytime I take apart those wires. I'm very talented in many things, but electrical work is a bit intimidating. But, if I don't do it, who will. And that's the way it is.
After changing all four bulbs in the bathroom, I was met with a searing brightness from 240W of environmental fury. A bit much.
I'll try not to electrocute myself.
Counting sheep
I can't sleep. Something's bothering me. On a Friday night, after getting up at 7am, after 2 bottles of wine..........I still can't fall asleep.
Feeling restless. But blogging's hardly the solution. Feeling a bit lonely. But late night wine always make me feel so.
Oh, to be not bothered in the morning, what a blessing!
Feeling restless. But blogging's hardly the solution. Feeling a bit lonely. But late night wine always make me feel so.
Oh, to be not bothered in the morning, what a blessing!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sensitive
As I drink more and more, I'm becoming increasingly sensitive to alcohol in wines. I just detest high-alcohol wines, the kind that make you want to dip your head after 2 glasses.
Wine is food. Food is wine. The two are inseparable, and if you look at them as separate, competing elements of a meal, then you are sadly, sadly misguided, mistaken, and flat out moronic. If a wine does not pair well with food, it has no place on the table. End of discussion. And high-alcohol wines do not marry well with any cuisine. They relate particularly well with the fast food crowd, who need flabby monstrosities to match their greasy, processed foods, but for civilized lovers of delicacy, they serve no purpose than those times when you want to get your Italian girlfriend drunk, fast.
The more I drink German riesling, the more I value balanced, restrained wines, where alcohol plays a key, supporting role. Alcohol is important in a wine, no doubt, but it should never reveal itself. Like the music producer who stays in the shadows while the artist collects her Grammy, alcohol should never be a dominant factor in a wine. Never. The minute the fiery smell of alcohol is present in a wine's bouquet, it loses it's expression. Like an overbearing stage parent, the wine has little chance to present it's true interpretation of the terroir and vintage, if alcohol is too dominant of a force.
Americans (and Australians) are to blame for this, but really, they're to blame for the vast majority of the world's problems, so should we be surprised? Wines that are overbearingly sweet, with non-existent tannins and port-like alcohols are morbidly obese, much like the demographic they serve. Is it really a wonder that 65% of Americans are obese or overweight? Wine reflects the people, and Americans deserve their hideous wines.
Just don't force them on others, and try to convince people who have true taste that this is what wine should taste like.
As it's been said, if you can finish an entire bottle, then it could not have been bad. I can easily finish a bottle of fine, subtle, minerally Mosel riesling. Can I say the same about a 15% bomb?
Wine is food. Food is wine. The two are inseparable, and if you look at them as separate, competing elements of a meal, then you are sadly, sadly misguided, mistaken, and flat out moronic. If a wine does not pair well with food, it has no place on the table. End of discussion. And high-alcohol wines do not marry well with any cuisine. They relate particularly well with the fast food crowd, who need flabby monstrosities to match their greasy, processed foods, but for civilized lovers of delicacy, they serve no purpose than those times when you want to get your Italian girlfriend drunk, fast.
The more I drink German riesling, the more I value balanced, restrained wines, where alcohol plays a key, supporting role. Alcohol is important in a wine, no doubt, but it should never reveal itself. Like the music producer who stays in the shadows while the artist collects her Grammy, alcohol should never be a dominant factor in a wine. Never. The minute the fiery smell of alcohol is present in a wine's bouquet, it loses it's expression. Like an overbearing stage parent, the wine has little chance to present it's true interpretation of the terroir and vintage, if alcohol is too dominant of a force.
Americans (and Australians) are to blame for this, but really, they're to blame for the vast majority of the world's problems, so should we be surprised? Wines that are overbearingly sweet, with non-existent tannins and port-like alcohols are morbidly obese, much like the demographic they serve. Is it really a wonder that 65% of Americans are obese or overweight? Wine reflects the people, and Americans deserve their hideous wines.
Just don't force them on others, and try to convince people who have true taste that this is what wine should taste like.
As it's been said, if you can finish an entire bottle, then it could not have been bad. I can easily finish a bottle of fine, subtle, minerally Mosel riesling. Can I say the same about a 15% bomb?
Prism
They say rainbows portend good tidings. I certainly hope that's true. Out of the blue, bright colours, lit against a stormy sky.
Aftermath
I'm missing my friends, I haven't seen them in an age.
Good buzz from the wine we drank tonight. A duo of whites - one cheerful, one serious. Both, absolutely delicious.
I dropped by LCBO last night, to pick up a VintagesOnline order, and a catalogue. You know what I hate? When you step up to the service counter to pick up an order, but they won't allow you to pay for any bottles. I had two bottles of 2008 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir, and a Havana Club anejo blanco, but she wouldn't let me pay for it at her counter. Even though I was waiting there for my Vintages order, and she had nothing to do. I don't want to call her a lazy fat f*ck, but she was a lazy fat f*ck. Come on. Public confidence in the LCBO is at an all time low, and you don't take care of your best customers? I'm there every single week, either picking up bottles or Vintages orders, and you want me to carry all my shit over to a separate counter to pay for my wine? Come on, let's be reasonable.
In any case, my wine was in good condition, and I look forward to opening it in the next few months. I was very surprised to see the Flat Rock pinot. When I was at the winery 2 weeks ago, the little girl clearly told me that the 2008's were still in barrel, and had yet to be bottled. Yet I see them in bottle, on sale, this week. Little girl needs a bit of a re-education. Ed, your staff are kind of clueless.
Weather just feeling tropical, no? I can't complain. Not after the winter we had. But if I start seeing maggots in our garbage........grrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Good buzz from the wine we drank tonight. A duo of whites - one cheerful, one serious. Both, absolutely delicious.
I dropped by LCBO last night, to pick up a VintagesOnline order, and a catalogue. You know what I hate? When you step up to the service counter to pick up an order, but they won't allow you to pay for any bottles. I had two bottles of 2008 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir, and a Havana Club anejo blanco, but she wouldn't let me pay for it at her counter. Even though I was waiting there for my Vintages order, and she had nothing to do. I don't want to call her a lazy fat f*ck, but she was a lazy fat f*ck. Come on. Public confidence in the LCBO is at an all time low, and you don't take care of your best customers? I'm there every single week, either picking up bottles or Vintages orders, and you want me to carry all my shit over to a separate counter to pay for my wine? Come on, let's be reasonable.
In any case, my wine was in good condition, and I look forward to opening it in the next few months. I was very surprised to see the Flat Rock pinot. When I was at the winery 2 weeks ago, the little girl clearly told me that the 2008's were still in barrel, and had yet to be bottled. Yet I see them in bottle, on sale, this week. Little girl needs a bit of a re-education. Ed, your staff are kind of clueless.
Weather just feeling tropical, no? I can't complain. Not after the winter we had. But if I start seeing maggots in our garbage........grrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
King of Pop
I'm watching CNN right now, shocked to see that Michael Jackson has died. Shocked. It's too bad that the molestation trial stained his legacy - people see him as a sideshow, but I remember watching him in the early '90s and amazed at how electrifying he was.
My goodness. The greatest entertainer of all time. I'm going to listen to 'Black or White' tonight, and remember him.
My goodness. The greatest entertainer of all time. I'm going to listen to 'Black or White' tonight, and remember him.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
2006 Central Otago
2006 Carrick Pinot Noir, Central Otago NZ
Central Otago has become one of the most hyped regions in the New World for pinot noir. New Zealand on the whole has attracted so much attention, and rightly so. They understand what works, and know how to make styles that bridge between Californian bombs and Burgundian jewels. The industry there is so new, and is centered around sauvignon blanc and pinot noir - and I'm a huge fan.
You can't, however, make a judgement on a region from a single bottle, and I certainly won't make that mistake here. I believe in New Zealand, and want to explore more - this bottle simply did not meet expectations.
Good light colour, very red - just what pinot noir should be. Subtle, more subdued nose of red fruits, berries, bramble and earth - classic pinot perfume. Very bright. Fruit forward, but a much more Burgundian nose than the Palliser. My drinking companion guessed it as French, from nosing it. Quite an astute observation - this is a very subtle wine. The alcohol is quite noticeable though.
On the palate, some sweetness, silky texture, and an explosion of red fruits on the finish. Fireworks in the mouth, but which unfortunately instantly die off. Very little length on this wine. Maybe its at an awkward stage, but this wine has no strength on the finish. Just a pop of fruit, and then nothing. Very bitter alcohol.
The alcohol disturbs me very much, much like the aforementioned Palliser. Maybe it's the vintage, but the alcohol is out of control. Masks a lot of nuance, unfortunately. I don't understand these high-alcohol wines - they just don't belong on the table, as they just don't pair with any food. A hunking piece of seared, smoked and charred meat perhaps, but anything more delicate is swallowed by the alcohol.
A bit unfortunate. This is a $40 bottle, and for that price, I expect better balance and a stronger finish. Too bad. Lots of fireworks, little substance.
LCBO crisis averted...for now
Here's what the Vintages site showed today:
So it looks like disaster has been avoided. Too bad for the idiots who rushed the stores to buy up all the cheap garbage, as if preparing for an armageddon.
But then I kind of wanted to fight my way through the pickets.
So it looks like disaster has been avoided. Too bad for the idiots who rushed the stores to buy up all the cheap garbage, as if preparing for an armageddon.
But then I kind of wanted to fight my way through the pickets.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
LCBO, Night of
7000 LCBO employees prepare to hit picket line
The latest. It looks like unionized LCBO workers are going on strike at midnight tonight. Hopefully, BV will stay open, but you never know.
This situation is just getting ridiculous. I have absolutely no sympathy for these people. I would if they provided excellent, knowledgable service, but everytime I walk into LCBO with a question, I'm left sorely disappointed. I can't even remember how many times I've asked for a bottle, only to be told that it's still not on shelf. But you can't open the box and pull out 2 bottles for me? No, these people can't be bothered to help out. Go f*ck yourselves. This shit would not inherit in a decent society. Fire every single f*cking unsatisfied motherf*cker and hire people that actually want to work with wine. These disinterested workers who know nothing about wine, and less about service, don't deserve it.
Garbage is going to be a problem soon. Dammit man, how did it come to this? Toronto is not supposed to be like this, where anyone can shut down the city so long as they have the numbers. Garbage pickers don't want to pick garbage and want to earn a white-collar wage? Get a f*cking education and find a better job. Jobs are not a right - no one deserves to be guaranteed anything. Earn a living like everyone else. You greedy motherf*ckers. Absolute swine.
I'll be straight up. If we start seeing maggots in our garbage, I'm dumping everything on Leslie. Straight up dumping my shit on the road. Come try and ticket me.
The latest. It looks like unionized LCBO workers are going on strike at midnight tonight. Hopefully, BV will stay open, but you never know.
This situation is just getting ridiculous. I have absolutely no sympathy for these people. I would if they provided excellent, knowledgable service, but everytime I walk into LCBO with a question, I'm left sorely disappointed. I can't even remember how many times I've asked for a bottle, only to be told that it's still not on shelf. But you can't open the box and pull out 2 bottles for me? No, these people can't be bothered to help out. Go f*ck yourselves. This shit would not inherit in a decent society. Fire every single f*cking unsatisfied motherf*cker and hire people that actually want to work with wine. These disinterested workers who know nothing about wine, and less about service, don't deserve it.
Garbage is going to be a problem soon. Dammit man, how did it come to this? Toronto is not supposed to be like this, where anyone can shut down the city so long as they have the numbers. Garbage pickers don't want to pick garbage and want to earn a white-collar wage? Get a f*cking education and find a better job. Jobs are not a right - no one deserves to be guaranteed anything. Earn a living like everyone else. You greedy motherf*ckers. Absolute swine.
I'll be straight up. If we start seeing maggots in our garbage, I'm dumping everything on Leslie. Straight up dumping my shit on the road. Come try and ticket me.
Monday, June 22, 2009
In the sun
I may have had one too many Coronas, Make that 5 too many. The short ribs were delicious. It's nice when a friend's doing all the cooking, and all I have to do is drink and feast.
Lynch him
First, the city workers go on strike, and our garbage starts piling up. Now, word that LCBO workers may be going on strike: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/654792
This is getting ridiculous. If LCBO goes, that will be a disaster. I still have yet to get rum!
If this shit was going down anywhere else, they'd have the mayor strung up from his ass. Come on Miller, get your shit together and get in control of your city! First the tamils and now this shit? Absolutely ridiculous. Skewer his ass and display it in front of City Hall, maybe that'll send a message.
This is getting ridiculous. If LCBO goes, that will be a disaster. I still have yet to get rum!
If this shit was going down anywhere else, they'd have the mayor strung up from his ass. Come on Miller, get your shit together and get in control of your city! First the tamils and now this shit? Absolutely ridiculous. Skewer his ass and display it in front of City Hall, maybe that'll send a message.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Video: Wine Equipment - Corkscrews
My second video, on what you need to begin a hobby in wine. The first of 2 parts - still tinkering with getting it in HD. Let me know what you think.
Illuminating
Dreams often reveal what the awakened mind fails to see. I trust the dream I had last night - there's a reason things have transpired as they have.
Sociologists show that you switch friends every 7 years. That's why the size of your group stays unchanged - friends come and go, and the cycle is fairly constant. Most replace half of their friends every 7 years.
I think this friendship has run its course.
Sociologists show that you switch friends every 7 years. That's why the size of your group stays unchanged - friends come and go, and the cycle is fairly constant. Most replace half of their friends every 7 years.
I think this friendship has run its course.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Glorious empties
When everything's been emptied, when memories have been created, when the wine has been allowed to fulfill its purpose of spreading joy and togetherness......
...it's time to start recycling.
1987 Rheingau
1987 Schloss Reinhartshausen Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, QmP Rheingau Riesling Kabinett
I love riesling, but what tickles me the most is when I can find old rieslings. And this certainly qualifies as an old white wine.
Last Saturday, after drinking the Kacaba riesling, I wanted to find something less....exuberant. I last drank a bottle of the 1987 a few months ago, and noted its honeyed fruit, good weight, and high acidity. This bottle showed similarly, and I'm glad I opened it.
Deep golden colour. It almost looks heavy. Big nose of oily, stewed fruits - almost baked apples and pears. Great weight on the palate, but clearly, this wine is drying out. Long, lingering finish.
An interesting wine, but I think it should have been drunk 5 years ago. Kabinett's start off with less sugar and less ripeness, so with a lot of age, the acidity really begins to overwhelm the wine. But nevertheless, a great wine to taste.
1986 Colheita Port
1986 Dow's Colheita Port, Oporto
So, it took a while, but I finally finished this wine. It's been almost neglected in the fridge, but colheita port is an extremely robust and sturdy wine.
Colheita port is one of the rarest ports produced. It's aged for a minimum of 7 years in casks, but in many cases, it stays in wood for decades. This example was bottled in 2008, giving it 22 years in oak.
The robe is amber brown, as things are after sitting in wood. However, the core is still holding onto a shimmer of red - certainly not youthful, but with plenty of life left. A nose of dried red fruits, toffee, caramelized sugars. The brandy is a bit intrusive.
On the palate, this is very silky, but good fruit left. The brandy does not feel well-integrated into the wine, and is a bit harsh. Long finish.
Compared with finer examples, this fine lacks complexity and finesse. A more simple style, but a good introduction to colheita ports. And of course, how could I refuse a wine from my birth year?
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