Life isn't fair. I know, what with not being jealous of the fortunes of others. But why is it that garbage plonk makers like the myriad of Australian wineries thrive while good people like Marynissen flounder in obscurity? Why, in the wine world, is uniformity and hopeless mediocrity rewarded with financial success, while honest winemakers who make interesting, unique, and expressive wines ignored?
Cheap, callow, uneducated palates who don't bother with intellectually engaging in wine. The type who chug it down their gullets, without any care as to quality. These are the heathens that are ruining the industry. This really upsets me. When you have absolute brainless turkeys who buy mass-produced plonk en masse, that's what's going to drive the market. There's no room for small producers. Who can compete with someone who has the facilities to pump out 3 million cases a year? Push yields up to 3 times what they should be, and make your money through volume.
I'm bothered by this, and still deeply upset. What's going to happen to small producers who place quality and expression of the terroir first, ahead of profits? Is the only way to survive in Niagara going to take after Jackson-Triggs? Sell out like a whimpering dog, willing to beg anyone to stay afloat? Pathetic.
The day multinational holding companies own the wines I love is the day I will give up wine.
Monday, January 5, 2009
John Marynissen
I learned about something very sad today. John Marynissen died, at the age of 84.
I'm so sorry to hear. I really came to admire and love his wines - they just spoke to me. They spoke to me of the hot Niagara clay, of our cold northern climate, and of a dedication to cabernet. Marynissen wines are some of the finest cabernet blends I've ever tasted. Honest, sensible, and unabashedly true to Niagara terroir. Canada has lost an extraordinary steward of the land.
Now what's next? I'll be heading up to Marynissen soon. I sincerely hope the tradition of making exceptional wines continues there - it'd be such a shame to lose this jewel of Niagara winemaking. Thank you to Marynissen, for your wines. You live on through them.
I'm so sorry to hear. I really came to admire and love his wines - they just spoke to me. They spoke to me of the hot Niagara clay, of our cold northern climate, and of a dedication to cabernet. Marynissen wines are some of the finest cabernet blends I've ever tasted. Honest, sensible, and unabashedly true to Niagara terroir. Canada has lost an extraordinary steward of the land.
Now what's next? I'll be heading up to Marynissen soon. I sincerely hope the tradition of making exceptional wines continues there - it'd be such a shame to lose this jewel of Niagara winemaking. Thank you to Marynissen, for your wines. You live on through them.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Wish list
Christmas is over, but how come there's still so many things I want?
VAIO notebook
Nikon D-SLR
Zalto Champagne glasses
Vintage ports, Brunello, Barolo, Champagne
Peacoat
Monk straps
Let's get to it. Money, money, money!
VAIO notebook
Nikon D-SLR
Zalto Champagne glasses
Vintage ports, Brunello, Barolo, Champagne
Peacoat
Monk straps
Let's get to it. Money, money, money!
Hot wine
My cousin brought over this bottle last night for dinner. Lovely, another bottle of aged Shaoxing wine. Heated in decanter, this is dark amber. Rich, sweet, with some barley characters and spiciness to keep things interesting. There is nothing more impressive than drinking rice wines with Chinese cuisine. I would risk the wrath of Canadian customs to smuggle some bottles in.
Farewell, Kopke
To my pair of Colheita Ports, thank you for opening my eyes and enriching my palate, your sweetness lingers on and on and on........
2000 Saint-Joseph
Yet another (older) Northern Rhone. 2000 Yves Cuilleron "Les Serines", AC St-Joseph.
I've had this bottle for several years as well. Since we're keeping up the theme of drinking Saint-Joseph, I thought it'd be perfect to drink this with dinner. I was cooking rabbit with wild mushrooms and stewed shallots, as well as a curry beef broth. Nice Sino-Franco combination, no?
The label on my wine looks a bit rugged, but no matter. Nice, lustrous, deep red. Impressive saturation from core to rim. Beautiful nose of ripe, red cherries, lilac, and smoke. Unfortunately, this is another lean wine. Graphite notes, but otherwise, not much in the way of varietal character. Unfortunately. The esteemed writer, The Winedoctor, shares my views, albeit for the 2001 vintage: http://www.thewinedoctor.com/tastingsprofile/cuilleron.shtml
Anyways, the rabbit turned out well. Simmered in white wine, the shallots and garlic turned translucent, and were absolutely delicious on their own. The mushrooms added such a rustic quality and thickness to the sauce. Do I sound pleased with myself? I am.
Ahh, la mer!
Can't sleep, so back here. I can't believe at all, that it's been a year since Nice. France and the Mediterranean, how perfect. I really, really fell in love with the south of France. Spending 2 weeks there was a dream. The sea - the sea is calling to me. And how can I forget Margot, the beautifully natural girl at La Resto? My heart flutters like a prepubescent boy's. Ahh, la mer!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Saturday the first
First weekend of 2009, and let's start things off right. I'm typing now with a glass of Remy Martin VSOP Cognac in my left hand, so you know I'm in good spirits.
We had dinner with my cousin today. He's back from a trip East. Brought over a bottle of excellent rice wine, which is always appreciated. Ate and drank myself silly.
Let's start the year strong. It's hard, but I'll try to keep to as regular a schedule during weekdays as possible. Early to bed, early to rise............right?
I have an important announcement to make. A rather morbid announcement, actually. I'm out of wine. No more wine that's ready to drink in the house anymore. Pathetic, considering all the wine I've been buying. Am I hoarding, instead of enjoying? That's it - for the next 6 months, all the wine I buy will be for drinking within the month.
Which leads to something interesting - I posted 83 pieces in the month of December. That's more pieces than the first 7 months of this blog combined. Clearly, I have far too much idle time.
Getting cold outside, isn't it? Such is life in Canada. Next few months will be a good time for hearty reds, and luscious ports. Curvy wines, with body and character. I'd suggest drinking more cognac, but my parents most likely won't tolerate my hobby any longer if it included hard liquor. But then - it's also made out of grapes, right?
I know, I know - if you wanted to read random thoughts and incoherent statements, you'd turn on CNN right? Just whetting your appetite, I'll start putting up some more interesting pieces soon. As I've demonstrated throughout my University career, I've never let a lack of subject matter understanding stand in the way of making a bold argument. Get ready for it, I'll let you decide which end I'm talking out of, mouth or ass.
Let me give you a taste. I'll make an argument for terroir, presenting a thesis of my understanding of the term. I'll explain why I think (well-integrated) stink makes a wine better. And I'll argue why this New World method of planting a wide variety of grape varietals is a straight road to hell.
Along the way, I'll keep writing about interesting wines I've drank, and that've excited me. I'll be planning a trip back down to Niagara soon. There's a few acclaimed wineries that I have yet to visit, and whose wines have yet to pass my lips. And since I'm one of the first to graduate amongst my friends, I want to do more dinners and more tastings with everyone. What good is wine if you can't share it?
Ok, I swear, I promise, this is my last post about this upcoming year. For the last time, let's toast to the new year, to a fresh start. Here's to a 2009 filled with wine and food and happiness.
We had dinner with my cousin today. He's back from a trip East. Brought over a bottle of excellent rice wine, which is always appreciated. Ate and drank myself silly.
Let's start the year strong. It's hard, but I'll try to keep to as regular a schedule during weekdays as possible. Early to bed, early to rise............right?
I have an important announcement to make. A rather morbid announcement, actually. I'm out of wine. No more wine that's ready to drink in the house anymore. Pathetic, considering all the wine I've been buying. Am I hoarding, instead of enjoying? That's it - for the next 6 months, all the wine I buy will be for drinking within the month.
Which leads to something interesting - I posted 83 pieces in the month of December. That's more pieces than the first 7 months of this blog combined. Clearly, I have far too much idle time.
Getting cold outside, isn't it? Such is life in Canada. Next few months will be a good time for hearty reds, and luscious ports. Curvy wines, with body and character. I'd suggest drinking more cognac, but my parents most likely won't tolerate my hobby any longer if it included hard liquor. But then - it's also made out of grapes, right?
I know, I know - if you wanted to read random thoughts and incoherent statements, you'd turn on CNN right? Just whetting your appetite, I'll start putting up some more interesting pieces soon. As I've demonstrated throughout my University career, I've never let a lack of subject matter understanding stand in the way of making a bold argument. Get ready for it, I'll let you decide which end I'm talking out of, mouth or ass.
Let me give you a taste. I'll make an argument for terroir, presenting a thesis of my understanding of the term. I'll explain why I think (well-integrated) stink makes a wine better. And I'll argue why this New World method of planting a wide variety of grape varietals is a straight road to hell.
Along the way, I'll keep writing about interesting wines I've drank, and that've excited me. I'll be planning a trip back down to Niagara soon. There's a few acclaimed wineries that I have yet to visit, and whose wines have yet to pass my lips. And since I'm one of the first to graduate amongst my friends, I want to do more dinners and more tastings with everyone. What good is wine if you can't share it?
Ok, I swear, I promise, this is my last post about this upcoming year. For the last time, let's toast to the new year, to a fresh start. Here's to a 2009 filled with wine and food and happiness.
Nikon D70
My buddy Rocky's left for San Diego. He was kind enough to lend me his DSLR for the next four months. So guess what - the photos here should be getting better!
Thanks Rocky, leave a reply when you're settled in!
Thanks Rocky, leave a reply when you're settled in!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Sigh
Another slight disappoint. Opened another old wine I've had for quite some time, didn't turn out as expected. Such is wine. Name and reputation and price sometimes have little bearing on what's actually in the bottle.
Snowed a bit today, hope it's not too cold out. Heading out soon. I'll post more on this wine later. Momentous, because it's my last bottle of drinkable wine in the house. Drinkable in the sense that it's ready to drink now, as opposed to wine meant to be put away. So what to drink? Definitely not beer. Find a few more value for money wines? Staying away from Chile, that's for sure. And Australia. And Argentina. Portugal? Perhaps.
Snowed a bit today, hope it's not too cold out. Heading out soon. I'll post more on this wine later. Momentous, because it's my last bottle of drinkable wine in the house. Drinkable in the sense that it's ready to drink now, as opposed to wine meant to be put away. So what to drink? Definitely not beer. Find a few more value for money wines? Staying away from Chile, that's for sure. And Australia. And Argentina. Portugal? Perhaps.
Counter
You know how I said I got 600 page views? I think I might be mistaken.
Apparently, profile page views are different from actual blog page views. So, hopefully, there have been more than 600 times when people visited. I've put in a hits counter, to catalog page views. Think we can get to 2000 views a year?
Apparently, profile page views are different from actual blog page views. So, hopefully, there have been more than 600 times when people visited. I've put in a hits counter, to catalog page views. Think we can get to 2000 views a year?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
1981 Porto
Ahh, 1981 Kopke Colheita Port.
What more can I say about this wine? So delicious, so complex, so unique. That's what it's all about, isn't it? I don't think I'll ever have the chance to drink something so special again.
Beautiful nose of toffee, flowers, herbs and dried red berries. Such a silky texture on the palate - doesn't have the crunchiness of the 1980, but this is so elegant. A lasting finish, incredible purity and vibrancy. The acidity brings out the brandy a bit more, but this is perfect for after dinner.
Sigh.........all good things must come to an end.
Kabalevsky and Chopin
Thanks for that little performance. Now my mother won't stop nagging me about playing more at home. But you know what......I've still got it. The young studs still have a long way to go. In piano, as in all things, it's the experience that counts. And of course, an ego the size of a 10' concert grand.
Here...
...we go again! Just like any other day, right?
Lots going on in January, a lot to keep me distracted. The first wine release in many weeks on January 10. There's a bottle of vintage port that I've been eyeing....
Out and about this month. How I'm going to do the CSC Exam 2 alongside, I have no idea. Hope for the bell curve? Damn, there's no such thing.
Need to balance my wine purchases. No more maniacal buying. Tops, absolutely tops, $100 per release. Rest, into a savings account. Out of sight, out of mind. Remove the temptation, and you're tempted no more.
I know what I want for Christmas next year! Zalto Denk'Art Champagne glasses. Yes, they're pricey, but the people who complain about expensive glassware are the people who don't mind drinking out of a paper cup. So you're willing to spend $75 on a bottle of wine, but drink it out of dipshit $1.99 IKEA glasses?
Which leads to my next point. I promise to curtail the cursing. I'm not a Mormon, I can't promise to be a saintly choirboy. But........I try my best to cut out unnecessary profanity. Because only bad writers need to swear, right? And I'm not a bad writer, just a mediocre one.
Wow, I am lusting after those Champagne glasses. My mind's a mess of thoughts of music, food, wine, and family, but lately, all I can think about is how great it'd be to have a proper set of Champagne glasses. I've been drinking out of my tulip glasses, which works, but...anyways, at least I'm avoiding flutes. And, and........they can double as Sauternes glasses! Almost the same shape, right?
I got pretty toasted last night. I'll put up some pictures later, but we ended up going to a family friend's just before midnight. The kids there were putting on this piano rehearsal - a couple of them are preparing to do their ARCT exams. These kids are a lot better than we were at their age. And a lot more spoiled. When I was 15, my Christmas gifts mainly consisted of maybe clothing or books. These kids - one got a cell phone, another got a Wii, another got a pack of video games..........gifts going well into the 3-digits. Wow. My family didn't even exchange gifts this year. We're practical people - we just go out and buy stuff. Stuff that we can all use. See the Wusthot Chef's knife, and the Riedel glasses. Like I said, practical.
Anyways, the kids were playing away at the piano, and I was dozing off a bit. Technically, they hit each note, but this emotion you need to play Chopin, it only comes with age. One of my uncles handed me a Stella Artois, and I was gone. I don't even remember how many we had - apparently, he was as bored as I was. I remember......clapping violently at all the wrong spots, and generally making an ass of myself. But at least I was dressed nicely.
Which leads to my next point. I promise to curtail the cursing. I'm not a Mormon, I can't promise to be a saintly choirboy. But........I try my best to cut out unnecessary profanity. Because only bad writers need to swear, right? And I'm not a bad writer, just a mediocre one.
Wow, I am lusting after those Champagne glasses. My mind's a mess of thoughts of music, food, wine, and family, but lately, all I can think about is how great it'd be to have a proper set of Champagne glasses. I've been drinking out of my tulip glasses, which works, but...anyways, at least I'm avoiding flutes. And, and........they can double as Sauternes glasses! Almost the same shape, right?
I got pretty toasted last night. I'll put up some pictures later, but we ended up going to a family friend's just before midnight. The kids there were putting on this piano rehearsal - a couple of them are preparing to do their ARCT exams. These kids are a lot better than we were at their age. And a lot more spoiled. When I was 15, my Christmas gifts mainly consisted of maybe clothing or books. These kids - one got a cell phone, another got a Wii, another got a pack of video games..........gifts going well into the 3-digits. Wow. My family didn't even exchange gifts this year. We're practical people - we just go out and buy stuff. Stuff that we can all use. See the Wusthot Chef's knife, and the Riedel glasses. Like I said, practical.
Anyways, the kids were playing away at the piano, and I was dozing off a bit. Technically, they hit each note, but this emotion you need to play Chopin, it only comes with age. One of my uncles handed me a Stella Artois, and I was gone. I don't even remember how many we had - apparently, he was as bored as I was. I remember......clapping violently at all the wrong spots, and generally making an ass of myself. But at least I was dressed nicely.
Whisper
Still up, still up. Just drank the last of my 1981 Kopke Colheita Port. A wine that whispers into your mouth, of warmth and of sweetness. A wine to remember, forever.
Jan. 1
It's a new year! What to do for this year? I'm not one to set resolutions, and I think people who take that stuff seriously are silly. The whole idea of new year's resolutions is silly, to be frank. But in the spirit of the demise of 2008 and rise of 2009, I'll promise to just live this year. To live my life without being pushed around. To never just go through the motions, to just get through each day.
Havn't tallied it up, but I suspect I've drank my fair share of wine in 2008. Really explored Niagara, meeting some interesting characters. In 2009, I want to set out and explore more of what the wine world has to offer - Central Otago pinot noir, South African cabernet, Rias Baixas, vin jaune, and of course, a lot of cremant and Chinon. Let's watch out for the obscure, the interesting, and of course, the value-driven. To a 2009 filled with exciting possibilities in wine!
Havn't tallied it up, but I suspect I've drank my fair share of wine in 2008. Really explored Niagara, meeting some interesting characters. In 2009, I want to set out and explore more of what the wine world has to offer - Central Otago pinot noir, South African cabernet, Rias Baixas, vin jaune, and of course, a lot of cremant and Chinon. Let's watch out for the obscure, the interesting, and of course, the value-driven. To a 2009 filled with exciting possibilities in wine!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Music, fireworks, mirth!
Heading out to a friend's to celebrate the New Year! Good night, bonne année!!
2001 Saint-Joseph
2001 Jean Luc Colombo ''Le Prieuré'', AC St-Joseph.
A very special bottle to me. A Northern Rhone wine that I bought 2 years ago. This one's unfortunately a bit oxidized, or similarly damaged. Bad storage, shame on me.
100% syrah. Decanted for 6 hours. Deep saturation, deep purple core. Lively. Beautiful floral nose, lots of blackberries and dark cherries. Pure. Very sharp palate, quite acidic. A wonderful food wine. A bit listless in the mouth. Develops graphite notes. Are we sure this is not a Bordeaux? Not a lot of varietal typicity, unfortunately.
A good footnote to the last bottle of wine I'll open in 2008. Maybe it didn't really live up to expectations, but no matter. It fulfilled its purpose, nonetheless.
New Year
Two thousand and eight is winding down. It's been a tough year, but havn't I been saying that a bit too much? No excuses, no more complaints. It's all in the past now. New beginnings, and a new energy for 2009. Of course, spiritually, my new year won't really begin until the end of January, on Chinese New Year.
Simple dinner tonight. Not a time to be extravagant. Having a Northern Rhone wine, a St. Joseph from Jean Luc Columbo. Maybe toast the New Year with some port. Otherwise, a muted celebration. If you can call it that.
Happy New Year to all!
Simple dinner tonight. Not a time to be extravagant. Having a Northern Rhone wine, a St. Joseph from Jean Luc Columbo. Maybe toast the New Year with some port. Otherwise, a muted celebration. If you can call it that.
Happy New Year to all!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A year of wine
I guess it's that time of the year, when we look back at some of the amazing wine experiences of 2008. I've had a lot of fantastic wines, a lot due to the kindness and generosity of friends, and many just of sheer luck. Whatever their provenance, I'm extremely grateful for these experiences - I've learned a lot, improved my tasting abilities, and began writing more in earnest. Thanks for reading, I feel like I've shared these wines with you as well. A year in wine...
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Wines of Provence: Drank many humble, local wines in Nice, and they were perfect in that setting. Simple wines to go with rustic dishes, what could be more fitting? And yes, I drank a fair share of Provencal rosé. Best memory was the red wine I had with my entrecote. The name of the wine? Un verre de vin rouge.
2005 Chateau Morin, AC St-Estephe: My introduction to the 2005 Bordeaux vintage. One of the first 2005's released by LCBO at the time. More importantly, shared it over dinner with a lovely girl. Alas, the affection was one-sided.
2001 Chateau de Monbazillac: Another new region tasted, of the same namesake. An intensely, minerally sweet wine, a reminder that good desert wines don't necessarily have to be from Sauternes.
NV Champagne Drappier Brut, Carte D'Or: We opened this bottle for my mother's birthday. Who says rich and creamy Champagne has to cost over $50?
2006 Flat Rock Pinot Noir, VQA Twenty Mile Bench: What a revelation for me, perception-wise, about Niagara red wines! Earthy, intense, balanced wine that bowled me over.
2002 Marynissen Cabernet/Merlot, VQA Niagara: Likewise, this proves that Niagara can produce wines of density, purity, and longevity. Too bad no one else has figured it out yet.
2001 Beronia, DOC Rioja Reserva: Enjoyed over dinner at a friend's place, with lots of food and laughter. Earthy, complex - the wine that made me pause for a minute amidst all the mirth, in contemplation.
2005 Chateau La Gasparde, AC Cotes de Castillon: What more can I say about this wine, and the Cotes de Castillon. Absolutely my favourite wine of the year. So intense, so rich, so dense, so complex. Inky dark, floral and fresh. Immense aging potential. It blows my mind that this wine is $15. Cotes de Castillon needs to be recognized for the amazing merlot-dominated wines it produces. What a wine!
2003 Couly-Dutheil "La Baronnie Madeleine", AC Chinon: After a few disappoints from the Loire, this was the wine that got me hooked on the region, and restored my faith. Unabashedly green and vegetal, but so complex and interesting. Lots of regional typicity, this is undeniably Chinon.
2003 Marques de Riscal, DOC Rioja Reserva: Wrapped in a net, I was afraid of a gimicky wine, but this was anything but. Rustic, rich, with subtle oak - this is a wine only Rioja can produce!
2004 Castellani Burchina Antiche Tenute, DOC Chianti Superiore: With all the controversy in Tuscany, can we trust sangiovese wines anymore? I'm willing to, based on how this wine drank. Dusty tannins, earthy cherries, the archetype of fine sangiovese.
2005 Cantine Grotta Del Sole, DOC Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio: Of all the places to find a Lacryma Christi, I find this in Yokohama. In Japan, for goodness! So fragrant, high acidity, earthy wines that speak of the hot clay, high altitude, and the rustic Italian countryside.
2006 Thirty Bench Wine Maker's Riesling, VQA Beamsville Bench: My first wine from this estate, instantly mesmerized. Racy acidity, almost aggressive - who else but a visionary could craft such a wine? The saviour of Niagara.
2004 Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula: After some bottle age, what complexities you have developed! Unmistakable Niagara nose of hot clay and cherries, perfectly balanced. I piss on this estate all the time, but this is the one wine they make I absolutely love.
NV Champagne Gardet, Cuvée Foudres Selected Reserve, AC Chigny-Les-Roses: With all the extended time on the lees before disgorging, this wine is like reduced nose of Champagne. So yeasty, so minerally, so.......incredibly unique. Bread, anyone?
1999 Bodegas Lan, DOC Rioja Reserva: Anyone who thinks these wines can't age in the bottle can shove one up their................Absolutely delicious red berries and floral notes, dusty tannins, fine texture. So much life let, this is barely adolescent.
2007 Lailey Pinot Noir, barrel sample: We had good fortune to taste this wine out of barrel in the Lailey cellars. A wine for Niagara history, in the best vintage ever seen. Intense, tannic, but with beautiful balance and fruit. The Lailey style, but speaks so much of Niagara. Thank you for the taste, and for the insight.
1991 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, AC Pauillac: How many times in your life can you say that you've tasted a Premier Grand Cru Classe? This is one of those times. Even in a weak vintage, great Bordeaux always shows its pedigree. It just builds and builds in an arcing crescendo of hot clay, mocha, and dried fruits. So complex, so warm - a wine that entrances you and leaves you with a hauntingly long finish. I'll never forget this wine.
1980 Kopke Colheita Port: Drinking wine older than you should be a mandatory experience for everyone who denies the spirituality of wine. Such a complex wine: caramel, toffee, with a crunch wafer finish. Heady.
2006 Shalestone Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes: What a surprise - great red wine from the Finger Lakes. A surprise, given all the shit we tasted our whole time there. Shit, that the Americans attempted to pass off as wine. But this cabernet franc, well........amazing. Great density, that tightness. Wow! Thank you Rob, you never really know what treasures you'll find when you keep an open mind.
2002 Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken, Ockfener Bockstein, QmP Riesling Kabinett, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer: I love these grand statements that white wine can't age, and shouldn't be aged. True Wine Drinkers know better. Intense minerality, great riesling characters, an age-worthy wine that was opened 10 years too soon.
NV Champagne Chapuy, Brut Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru: To celebrate the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. So untrue, that Grand Cru, 100% chardonnay Champagne has to be expensive. A lovely wine for a momentous occasion.
1994 Schloss Schonborn Riesling, QbA Rheingau: With this wine, my love for German rieslings is official. So rich, so complex, but yet, this wine is so alive! And still quite young. Perfect balance in the minerality, citrus notes, acidity, and slight sweetness.
1998 Bolla ''Le Origini'', DOC Amarone Della Valpolicella: Saved for sentimental reasons. Amarone can be too much when young - this is perfect. Dried prunes and currants, great acidity, what a wonderful accompaniment to dinner!
1999 Domaine Huet Brut, AC Vouvray: France produces so many excellent sparkling wines besides Champagne, and I'm going to try them all. This one's been kept for some time. Deep golden, buttery, with lots of citrus zest. Fine mousse, to compete with the best of Champagne.
2005 Lailey Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula: The greatness of Niagara, exemplified. Still tight, still tannic. Great intensity of colour, with brambly complexity. A wine for the cellar, and a great success.
2000 Chateau Franc-Maillet, AC Pomerol: When the esteemed J&PC come over for dinner, what else but the finest Bordeaux will do? An old-fashioned, sensible wine. Lots of vegetal complexities, but with great fruit holding it up. Still tight, but very ripe tannins from a great year.
1999 Chateau Potensac, AC Medoc: A wine from my first serious Bordeaux purchase. Close to my heart. Elegant, classic claret.
1981 Kopke Colheita Port: I have the great fortune to taste not one, but two old ports. A bit tougher than the 1980, but still interesting nonetheless. The finish on these wines......................
2002 Marynissen Cabernet, VQA Niagara: These people should be commended on their ability to coax the most out of their cabernet, in such difficult climates. Rich and fully ripe, but with fantastic green flavours that you find only in the best clarets. The 50% cabernet franc does marvelous work. A wine, again, to cellar away for 7-15.
2005 Thirty Bench ''Triangle Vineyard'' Riesling: Is this a German riesling I'm tasting? Niagara needs to build its reputation on these wines - complex, intense rieslings, with lots of minerality and substance. I will pay any amount of money for these wines. Ageworthy as well.
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Wines of Provence: Drank many humble, local wines in Nice, and they were perfect in that setting. Simple wines to go with rustic dishes, what could be more fitting? And yes, I drank a fair share of Provencal rosé. Best memory was the red wine I had with my entrecote. The name of the wine? Un verre de vin rouge.
2005 Chateau Morin, AC St-Estephe: My introduction to the 2005 Bordeaux vintage. One of the first 2005's released by LCBO at the time. More importantly, shared it over dinner with a lovely girl. Alas, the affection was one-sided.
2001 Chateau de Monbazillac: Another new region tasted, of the same namesake. An intensely, minerally sweet wine, a reminder that good desert wines don't necessarily have to be from Sauternes.
NV Champagne Drappier Brut, Carte D'Or: We opened this bottle for my mother's birthday. Who says rich and creamy Champagne has to cost over $50?
2006 Flat Rock Pinot Noir, VQA Twenty Mile Bench: What a revelation for me, perception-wise, about Niagara red wines! Earthy, intense, balanced wine that bowled me over.
2002 Marynissen Cabernet/Merlot, VQA Niagara: Likewise, this proves that Niagara can produce wines of density, purity, and longevity. Too bad no one else has figured it out yet.
2001 Beronia, DOC Rioja Reserva: Enjoyed over dinner at a friend's place, with lots of food and laughter. Earthy, complex - the wine that made me pause for a minute amidst all the mirth, in contemplation.
2005 Chateau La Gasparde, AC Cotes de Castillon: What more can I say about this wine, and the Cotes de Castillon. Absolutely my favourite wine of the year. So intense, so rich, so dense, so complex. Inky dark, floral and fresh. Immense aging potential. It blows my mind that this wine is $15. Cotes de Castillon needs to be recognized for the amazing merlot-dominated wines it produces. What a wine!
2003 Couly-Dutheil "La Baronnie Madeleine", AC Chinon: After a few disappoints from the Loire, this was the wine that got me hooked on the region, and restored my faith. Unabashedly green and vegetal, but so complex and interesting. Lots of regional typicity, this is undeniably Chinon.
2003 Marques de Riscal, DOC Rioja Reserva: Wrapped in a net, I was afraid of a gimicky wine, but this was anything but. Rustic, rich, with subtle oak - this is a wine only Rioja can produce!
2004 Castellani Burchina Antiche Tenute, DOC Chianti Superiore: With all the controversy in Tuscany, can we trust sangiovese wines anymore? I'm willing to, based on how this wine drank. Dusty tannins, earthy cherries, the archetype of fine sangiovese.
2005 Cantine Grotta Del Sole, DOC Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio: Of all the places to find a Lacryma Christi, I find this in Yokohama. In Japan, for goodness! So fragrant, high acidity, earthy wines that speak of the hot clay, high altitude, and the rustic Italian countryside.
2006 Thirty Bench Wine Maker's Riesling, VQA Beamsville Bench: My first wine from this estate, instantly mesmerized. Racy acidity, almost aggressive - who else but a visionary could craft such a wine? The saviour of Niagara.
2004 Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula: After some bottle age, what complexities you have developed! Unmistakable Niagara nose of hot clay and cherries, perfectly balanced. I piss on this estate all the time, but this is the one wine they make I absolutely love.
NV Champagne Gardet, Cuvée Foudres Selected Reserve, AC Chigny-Les-Roses: With all the extended time on the lees before disgorging, this wine is like reduced nose of Champagne. So yeasty, so minerally, so.......incredibly unique. Bread, anyone?
1999 Bodegas Lan, DOC Rioja Reserva: Anyone who thinks these wines can't age in the bottle can shove one up their................Absolutely delicious red berries and floral notes, dusty tannins, fine texture. So much life let, this is barely adolescent.
2007 Lailey Pinot Noir, barrel sample: We had good fortune to taste this wine out of barrel in the Lailey cellars. A wine for Niagara history, in the best vintage ever seen. Intense, tannic, but with beautiful balance and fruit. The Lailey style, but speaks so much of Niagara. Thank you for the taste, and for the insight.
1991 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, AC Pauillac: How many times in your life can you say that you've tasted a Premier Grand Cru Classe? This is one of those times. Even in a weak vintage, great Bordeaux always shows its pedigree. It just builds and builds in an arcing crescendo of hot clay, mocha, and dried fruits. So complex, so warm - a wine that entrances you and leaves you with a hauntingly long finish. I'll never forget this wine.
1980 Kopke Colheita Port: Drinking wine older than you should be a mandatory experience for everyone who denies the spirituality of wine. Such a complex wine: caramel, toffee, with a crunch wafer finish. Heady.
2006 Shalestone Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes: What a surprise - great red wine from the Finger Lakes. A surprise, given all the shit we tasted our whole time there. Shit, that the Americans attempted to pass off as wine. But this cabernet franc, well........amazing. Great density, that tightness. Wow! Thank you Rob, you never really know what treasures you'll find when you keep an open mind.
2002 Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken, Ockfener Bockstein, QmP Riesling Kabinett, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer: I love these grand statements that white wine can't age, and shouldn't be aged. True Wine Drinkers know better. Intense minerality, great riesling characters, an age-worthy wine that was opened 10 years too soon.
NV Champagne Chapuy, Brut Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru: To celebrate the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. So untrue, that Grand Cru, 100% chardonnay Champagne has to be expensive. A lovely wine for a momentous occasion.
1994 Schloss Schonborn Riesling, QbA Rheingau: With this wine, my love for German rieslings is official. So rich, so complex, but yet, this wine is so alive! And still quite young. Perfect balance in the minerality, citrus notes, acidity, and slight sweetness.
1998 Bolla ''Le Origini'', DOC Amarone Della Valpolicella: Saved for sentimental reasons. Amarone can be too much when young - this is perfect. Dried prunes and currants, great acidity, what a wonderful accompaniment to dinner!
1999 Domaine Huet Brut, AC Vouvray: France produces so many excellent sparkling wines besides Champagne, and I'm going to try them all. This one's been kept for some time. Deep golden, buttery, with lots of citrus zest. Fine mousse, to compete with the best of Champagne.
2005 Lailey Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula: The greatness of Niagara, exemplified. Still tight, still tannic. Great intensity of colour, with brambly complexity. A wine for the cellar, and a great success.
2000 Chateau Franc-Maillet, AC Pomerol: When the esteemed J&PC come over for dinner, what else but the finest Bordeaux will do? An old-fashioned, sensible wine. Lots of vegetal complexities, but with great fruit holding it up. Still tight, but very ripe tannins from a great year.
1999 Chateau Potensac, AC Medoc: A wine from my first serious Bordeaux purchase. Close to my heart. Elegant, classic claret.
1981 Kopke Colheita Port: I have the great fortune to taste not one, but two old ports. A bit tougher than the 1980, but still interesting nonetheless. The finish on these wines......................
2002 Marynissen Cabernet, VQA Niagara: These people should be commended on their ability to coax the most out of their cabernet, in such difficult climates. Rich and fully ripe, but with fantastic green flavours that you find only in the best clarets. The 50% cabernet franc does marvelous work. A wine, again, to cellar away for 7-15.
2005 Thirty Bench ''Triangle Vineyard'' Riesling: Is this a German riesling I'm tasting? Niagara needs to build its reputation on these wines - complex, intense rieslings, with lots of minerality and substance. I will pay any amount of money for these wines. Ageworthy as well.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tiara Dining Room
Saturday night, we had dinner at the Tiara Dining Room, inside Queen's Landing Hotel on Niagara-on-the-Lake. Havn't been back in many months, and I was really looking forward to it. Fine dining at its best.
We started off with 3 glasses of NV Champagne Louis de Sacy, Grand Cru. Lacking a bit of weight, but fresh and lively, smoky and perfect as an aperitif. We enjoyed it with a first course of tossed greens, and foie gras. The foie gras was a bit too tender, very rich. Reminds you why you can only have this dish once a year, because my cholesterol must have been through the roof after eating it.
For our mains, we drank 2002 Inniskillin Montague Estate Pinot Noir. As I've written about previously, I've drank and enjoyed the 2004. This is probably my only chance to taste previous vintages, so I'm willing to pay for it. It's dark, much darker than the already browning 2004. Rich nose of earth, bramble, that characteristic hot Niagara clay, and beautiful red berries dancing around the glass. Tight structure, quite tannic in fact. Beautiful, lustrous.....what a surprise! A fantastic, delicate wine that has great aging potential, I wish I could find a few more bottles! Surpasses any of the 2004 Niagara pinot noirs I've had. Great vintage character.
We drank the wine with lobster tagliatelle, steak au poivre, and pan-seared bass. All the dishes were exquisite. The lobster tagliatelle was so flavoursome, freshly made pasta makes such a huge difference. The steak was tender, what's memorable is the huge bone they served, so you could scoop out the rich marrow inside. So, so decadent, the marrow just oozes down your throat. My bass was perfectly cooked, subtly flavoured, with great texture. Firm, but so plump. Absolutely delicious.
This meal was lavish, yes. But we were determined to close out the year properly. A meal like this once a year is needed, to rejuvenate and replenish. I got pretty tipsy from all the fantastic wine, but the room was dark. Beautiful setting, beautiful food........my palate was singing from the decadence.
We started off with 3 glasses of NV Champagne Louis de Sacy, Grand Cru. Lacking a bit of weight, but fresh and lively, smoky and perfect as an aperitif. We enjoyed it with a first course of tossed greens, and foie gras. The foie gras was a bit too tender, very rich. Reminds you why you can only have this dish once a year, because my cholesterol must have been through the roof after eating it.
For our mains, we drank 2002 Inniskillin Montague Estate Pinot Noir. As I've written about previously, I've drank and enjoyed the 2004. This is probably my only chance to taste previous vintages, so I'm willing to pay for it. It's dark, much darker than the already browning 2004. Rich nose of earth, bramble, that characteristic hot Niagara clay, and beautiful red berries dancing around the glass. Tight structure, quite tannic in fact. Beautiful, lustrous.....what a surprise! A fantastic, delicate wine that has great aging potential, I wish I could find a few more bottles! Surpasses any of the 2004 Niagara pinot noirs I've had. Great vintage character.
We drank the wine with lobster tagliatelle, steak au poivre, and pan-seared bass. All the dishes were exquisite. The lobster tagliatelle was so flavoursome, freshly made pasta makes such a huge difference. The steak was tender, what's memorable is the huge bone they served, so you could scoop out the rich marrow inside. So, so decadent, the marrow just oozes down your throat. My bass was perfectly cooked, subtly flavoured, with great texture. Firm, but so plump. Absolutely delicious.
This meal was lavish, yes. But we were determined to close out the year properly. A meal like this once a year is needed, to rejuvenate and replenish. I got pretty tipsy from all the fantastic wine, but the room was dark. Beautiful setting, beautiful food........my palate was singing from the decadence.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thirty Bench 6
Let's finish this off.
Thirty Bench is proving itself to be an exceptional producer of dry white wines. Beamsville is the right location - great acidity, great minerality from the limestone, and attracting the right people. And did I mention that Thirty Bench has one of the most well-designed wine labels I've ever seen in a New World producer?
These wines have finesse and elegance, but rippingly high amounts of acidity. I'm fascinated to see how well they age. 2007 is proving to be worth the hype - the wines from this vintage are some of the best I've ever tasted, and that goes across the majority of Niagara producers.
I'm excited for this producer. They only started producing these single vineyard rieslings in 2005, so we're watching from the very beginning. Give them 1o years, when they have a bit more of a track record, and these wines will be able to compete against the best the Mosel and Alsace can offer. That's how highly I think of these wines, and my friends will tell you how much I love German rieslings.
Thirty Bench is proving itself to be an exceptional producer of dry white wines. Beamsville is the right location - great acidity, great minerality from the limestone, and attracting the right people. And did I mention that Thirty Bench has one of the most well-designed wine labels I've ever seen in a New World producer?
These wines have finesse and elegance, but rippingly high amounts of acidity. I'm fascinated to see how well they age. 2007 is proving to be worth the hype - the wines from this vintage are some of the best I've ever tasted, and that goes across the majority of Niagara producers.
I'm excited for this producer. They only started producing these single vineyard rieslings in 2005, so we're watching from the very beginning. Give them 1o years, when they have a bit more of a track record, and these wines will be able to compete against the best the Mosel and Alsace can offer. That's how highly I think of these wines, and my friends will tell you how much I love German rieslings.
Thirty Bench 5
2007 Thirty Bench Riesling Icewine, VQA Beamsville Bench.
Ahh, icewine. I've never made secret my skepticism about icewine as a premium desert wine, and I made that clear to Alex. He thinks I don't taste it properly - I think Ontario wine makers are overhyping it, overpricing it, and too overeager to look over its deficiencies.
This wine was excellent. But it doesn't change the fact that icewine is still a one-dimensional, honeyed wine, that doesn't improve with age, and it shockingly far too expensive.
We tasted the 2007 Riesling Icewine, the 1996 Riesling Icewine, and the 2007 Cabernet Icewine. All showed off Thirty Bench's fantastic acidity, and good fruit characters. But nothing really beyond fruit and honey. I enjoyed them - these icewines have a purity to them. It's just pure fruit, no nonsense that hides or obstructs it. And the 1996 is holding up extremely well, with a long life ahead of it. It's just that these 12 years have failed to add any significant complexities.
It wasn't my decision to buy one. And I still think that Niagara region needs to build its reputation on riesling and pinot noir, not icewine. But these wines are so pure, I'll make an exception. How does $75 for a half-bottle sound? I paid $78 for a full bottle of 2007 Chateau Guiraud, one of the top producers of Sauternes, in one of the top vintages. Let's taste them together in a few years and see how right I am.
Ahh, icewine. I've never made secret my skepticism about icewine as a premium desert wine, and I made that clear to Alex. He thinks I don't taste it properly - I think Ontario wine makers are overhyping it, overpricing it, and too overeager to look over its deficiencies.
This wine was excellent. But it doesn't change the fact that icewine is still a one-dimensional, honeyed wine, that doesn't improve with age, and it shockingly far too expensive.
We tasted the 2007 Riesling Icewine, the 1996 Riesling Icewine, and the 2007 Cabernet Icewine. All showed off Thirty Bench's fantastic acidity, and good fruit characters. But nothing really beyond fruit and honey. I enjoyed them - these icewines have a purity to them. It's just pure fruit, no nonsense that hides or obstructs it. And the 1996 is holding up extremely well, with a long life ahead of it. It's just that these 12 years have failed to add any significant complexities.
It wasn't my decision to buy one. And I still think that Niagara region needs to build its reputation on riesling and pinot noir, not icewine. But these wines are so pure, I'll make an exception. How does $75 for a half-bottle sound? I paid $78 for a full bottle of 2007 Chateau Guiraud, one of the top producers of Sauternes, in one of the top vintages. Let's taste them together in a few years and see how right I am.
Thirty Bench 4
2007 Thirty Bench "Wood Post Vineyard" Riesling, VQA Beamsville Bench.
This was not my favourite, but I loved its purity. It has great varietal characteristics, with an elegance and a soft, plush texture. Much more feminine than the other wines - wait, no, that's the wrong impression. All these wines are feminine - this one just seems like the more gentle sister of the other wines. This caresses you, massages you a little. Beautiful.
This was not my favourite, but I loved its purity. It has great varietal characteristics, with an elegance and a soft, plush texture. Much more feminine than the other wines - wait, no, that's the wrong impression. All these wines are feminine - this one just seems like the more gentle sister of the other wines. This caresses you, massages you a little. Beautiful.
Thirty Bench 3
2007 Thirty Bench "Steel Post Vineyard" Riesling, VQA Beamsville Bench.
This was my favourite wine the last time I visited. Intense, steely, just like its name.
The 2007 showed off as being a bit richer, a bit fuller, a bit denser. Great finesse, but just more presence. There's a lot of potential for this wine to develop a bit more, in terms of minerality and complexity. Previous vintages I've tasted have showed fabuously, so I'm not concerned about this one.
This was my favourite wine the last time I visited. Intense, steely, just like its name.
The 2007 showed off as being a bit richer, a bit fuller, a bit denser. Great finesse, but just more presence. There's a lot of potential for this wine to develop a bit more, in terms of minerality and complexity. Previous vintages I've tasted have showed fabuously, so I'm not concerned about this one.
Thirty Bench 2
2005/2007 Thirty Bench "Triangle Vineyard" Riesling, VQA Beamsville Bench.
This was a surprise for me, and was my favourite of their rieslings. The top cuvee, I drank the 2007 first. Very linear - this wine cuts your palate, showing great fruit, but also great focus and clarity. Good - there really is nothing bad to hide. Like a slender woman with the perfect hips and waist, with no need for such things as pleats to cover up any flaws. Perfection.
The 2005 was much more complex, more mineral, with more overt petrol and richness. Lovely, dusty texture, with that intense acidity. Really excellent, and this wine excited me out of my seat.
These are wines to put away. I'll see you in 7-10.
This was a surprise for me, and was my favourite of their rieslings. The top cuvee, I drank the 2007 first. Very linear - this wine cuts your palate, showing great fruit, but also great focus and clarity. Good - there really is nothing bad to hide. Like a slender woman with the perfect hips and waist, with no need for such things as pleats to cover up any flaws. Perfection.
The 2005 was much more complex, more mineral, with more overt petrol and richness. Lovely, dusty texture, with that intense acidity. Really excellent, and this wine excited me out of my seat.
These are wines to put away. I'll see you in 7-10.
Thirty Bench 1
Our first and only winery stop this time was at Thirty Bench Wine Makers.
I fell in love, absolutely head over heels, with Thirty Bench the first time I tasted their wines. I last visited in June of this year, and it reaffirmed my belief that they make the greatest rieslings in North America. This is a world-class property, producing outstanding wines, wines that are as complex, fragrant, and ageworthy as some of the greatest rieslings of Europe.
We were late for our appointment - trying to drive through fog as thick as plump swells of cotton candy will make you late for anything. I called in to apologize, and the man on the other end of the phone began our conversation by saying, "Thanks for calling, what can I do to make your day better?"
We were given glasses of their 2007 Wine Maker's Riesling, the estate riesling. An absolute smashing success for an $18 wine, delicate and fruit-forward, mouthwateringly acidic. Beautiful.
Alex showed us the fermenting tanks, we couldn't go outside because the rain was starting to come down. We went through all four "Small Lot" rieslings from the different parcels, and Alex poured me two vintages of their Triangle Vineyard riesling, the top cuvee. Also, I wanted to taste the pinot gris, and Alex was kind enough to pour us all three icewines, two 2007 and one 1996. Excellent!
After going through, I am utterly convinced in the high quality of the rieslings. Pure wines, with great depth and complexity, and forget what anyone tells you - these wines can age forever. Came home with a case. Going to have to tighten the belt come January, but let's salvage 2008 and end the year on a high note. My last winery visit of 2008 was an incredible learning experience, and so was my last wine purchase of the year! Definitely will be going back soon, this property is definitely one to keep your eyes on.
I fell in love, absolutely head over heels, with Thirty Bench the first time I tasted their wines. I last visited in June of this year, and it reaffirmed my belief that they make the greatest rieslings in North America. This is a world-class property, producing outstanding wines, wines that are as complex, fragrant, and ageworthy as some of the greatest rieslings of Europe.
We were late for our appointment - trying to drive through fog as thick as plump swells of cotton candy will make you late for anything. I called in to apologize, and the man on the other end of the phone began our conversation by saying, "Thanks for calling, what can I do to make your day better?"
We were given glasses of their 2007 Wine Maker's Riesling, the estate riesling. An absolute smashing success for an $18 wine, delicate and fruit-forward, mouthwateringly acidic. Beautiful.
Alex showed us the fermenting tanks, we couldn't go outside because the rain was starting to come down. We went through all four "Small Lot" rieslings from the different parcels, and Alex poured me two vintages of their Triangle Vineyard riesling, the top cuvee. Also, I wanted to taste the pinot gris, and Alex was kind enough to pour us all three icewines, two 2007 and one 1996. Excellent!
After going through, I am utterly convinced in the high quality of the rieslings. Pure wines, with great depth and complexity, and forget what anyone tells you - these wines can age forever. Came home with a case. Going to have to tighten the belt come January, but let's salvage 2008 and end the year on a high note. My last winery visit of 2008 was an incredible learning experience, and so was my last wine purchase of the year! Definitely will be going back soon, this property is definitely one to keep your eyes on.
View
Our view at the Marriott was decent. Too bad the weather was awful. No sunshine at all this whole weekend, just fog, rain, and wind.
Roundup
Got back from Niagara at 5:15pm, harrowing. Can you believe how windy it was today? I couldn't get out of the hotel lobby. Literally, the wind was blowing through the stores so strong, I couldn't walk. Stuck in the doorway like a schmuck. The valets were helping push people out to their cars. And they shut down the Burlington Bridge. You know, the big one on the QEW that goes over Hamilton. That took about 45 minutes to bypass, with lots of illegal and rude swerving around. These people in Hamilton don't know how to drive.
---Rant on ahead.
And that little prick in the mod-on-a-budget FastandtheFurious Camry deserves to have his license suspended. You know, you're not gangsta when you install shit body kits that have pre-cut holes for two exhausts when you only have one, and when the colour of the kit doesn't match the body. You're just a little wannabe white boy trying to emulate Asian ricer cool. Not going to happen. You look like a f*cking idiot, and a cheap one at that. And I STILL cut you off, even though you tried your hardest to deny me entry, even though it was the right thing to do because the road to the bridge was closed. Ass. If this little boy was driving in Toronto, he'd be pwned into the lake.
---
Anyways......I'm a bit irate, a bit jittery, and very relieved that we made it back in one piece. Got a case of wine from Thirty Bench. Had a fantastic lunch at Old Winery Restaurant. Now, dinner, and then I'll start writing up some worthwhile notes.
---Rant on ahead.
And that little prick in the mod-on-a-budget FastandtheFurious Camry deserves to have his license suspended. You know, you're not gangsta when you install shit body kits that have pre-cut holes for two exhausts when you only have one, and when the colour of the kit doesn't match the body. You're just a little wannabe white boy trying to emulate Asian ricer cool. Not going to happen. You look like a f*cking idiot, and a cheap one at that. And I STILL cut you off, even though you tried your hardest to deny me entry, even though it was the right thing to do because the road to the bridge was closed. Ass. If this little boy was driving in Toronto, he'd be pwned into the lake.
---
Anyways......I'm a bit irate, a bit jittery, and very relieved that we made it back in one piece. Got a case of wine from Thirty Bench. Had a fantastic lunch at Old Winery Restaurant. Now, dinner, and then I'll start writing up some worthwhile notes.
Niagara 2
Just showered, sobered a bit. Not as tipsy.
Came out on what was possibly the most foggiest day in Canadian history. It was so foggy you literally couldn't see the car in front of you. Scary driving, but we made it to Thirty Bench, albeit 40 minutes late. But Alex was a good sport about it.
It was a good day. We drank lots of fantastic wines. And I mean A LOT. Did not make use of the spit bucket. I emulated one of my friends today, you know who you are!
Going to sleep soon, I am exhausted. Sleeping in tomorrow, definitely. I think we'll enjoy lunch at Old Winery Restaurant tomorrow, then maybe visit Flat Rock to see whether the 2007 pinot noirs are available. Then, back to Toronto - after all, all is back to normal on Monday.
A more detailed writeup on the wines and the food Sunday afternoon, back safe in Toronto. Staying overnight in Niagara isn't so bad. But this place is full of vulgar people, just full of them.........
Came out on what was possibly the most foggiest day in Canadian history. It was so foggy you literally couldn't see the car in front of you. Scary driving, but we made it to Thirty Bench, albeit 40 minutes late. But Alex was a good sport about it.
It was a good day. We drank lots of fantastic wines. And I mean A LOT. Did not make use of the spit bucket. I emulated one of my friends today, you know who you are!
Going to sleep soon, I am exhausted. Sleeping in tomorrow, definitely. I think we'll enjoy lunch at Old Winery Restaurant tomorrow, then maybe visit Flat Rock to see whether the 2007 pinot noirs are available. Then, back to Toronto - after all, all is back to normal on Monday.
A more detailed writeup on the wines and the food Sunday afternoon, back safe in Toronto. Staying overnight in Niagara isn't so bad. But this place is full of vulgar people, just full of them.........
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Niagara 1
In Niagara, Mariott right now. They make you pay for internet, can you believe this shit? Absolutely unbelievable.
I am all good and buzzed now, from dinner. Glasses of Champagne and a good 2/3 of a bottle of Niagara pinot noir will do that for you. Nice.
We visited Thirty Bench today, had a very productive tasting. I think I kind of busted his balls a bit, didn't mean to, but I hate it when people feed you bullshit and try to convince you that it tastes good.
Had a magnificent dinner at Tiara restaurant, at Queen's Landing hotel. Lavish, yes, but absolutely worth it. Our server was a sweetheart, even though she mistake the tagliatelle for gnocchi. Vintage Niagara pinot noir is stunning.
More wine tonight? I don't know. I have a bottle of Monbazillac, but don't know if I can take it. After all, I don't want to puke out all the wonderful food I've eaten tonight. I think.........I'm just going to go to sleep. I sleep like I'm dead.
Kind of drunk right now, not making any sense. Will write more in detail when I get my tasting ntoes in order, and of course, when I'm sober. Long live good wine and food! Long live Niagara!
I am all good and buzzed now, from dinner. Glasses of Champagne and a good 2/3 of a bottle of Niagara pinot noir will do that for you. Nice.
We visited Thirty Bench today, had a very productive tasting. I think I kind of busted his balls a bit, didn't mean to, but I hate it when people feed you bullshit and try to convince you that it tastes good.
Had a magnificent dinner at Tiara restaurant, at Queen's Landing hotel. Lavish, yes, but absolutely worth it. Our server was a sweetheart, even though she mistake the tagliatelle for gnocchi. Vintage Niagara pinot noir is stunning.
More wine tonight? I don't know. I have a bottle of Monbazillac, but don't know if I can take it. After all, I don't want to puke out all the wonderful food I've eaten tonight. I think.........I'm just going to go to sleep. I sleep like I'm dead.
Kind of drunk right now, not making any sense. Will write more in detail when I get my tasting ntoes in order, and of course, when I'm sober. Long live good wine and food! Long live Niagara!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Views
600 page views!! Omg, thanks so much for reading!!! I am so drunk, I should stop before I write something I'll regret later!!!!!!!
Day 2 end
An uneventful day, spent at home. Did nothing today, absolutely nothing except update my cellar book, catch up on some wine notes, and of course, polish off those bottles of Cesseras.
Grape Radio is pumping out so many video podcasts on Champagne, it's hard to keep up. But I love it. Of course, it'd be even better if the content included some tasting, and more things in the vineyard besides almost exclusively video of people talking, but it's better than nothing. Grape Radio produces the best wine videos outside of LCBO anyways.
Packing for Niagara tomorrow. The only reason I agreed to go is because we're visiting some great wineries, and we're going out to an extravagant dinner. Let's be honest - an overnight stay at Niagara isn't exactly high on excitement.
The Cesseras were wonderful tonight. They're wines that really open up and become even more complex - how many sub-$20 wines can do that?
Our first appointment is at 11am tomorrow, at Thirty Bench. That means a departure time of about 9:45, meaning I have to get up around 8:30. Despite having to wake up at such an unreasonably early time on a Saturday, I'm still going to get blazingly drunk tonight. A votre sante!
Grape Radio is pumping out so many video podcasts on Champagne, it's hard to keep up. But I love it. Of course, it'd be even better if the content included some tasting, and more things in the vineyard besides almost exclusively video of people talking, but it's better than nothing. Grape Radio produces the best wine videos outside of LCBO anyways.
Packing for Niagara tomorrow. The only reason I agreed to go is because we're visiting some great wineries, and we're going out to an extravagant dinner. Let's be honest - an overnight stay at Niagara isn't exactly high on excitement.
The Cesseras were wonderful tonight. They're wines that really open up and become even more complex - how many sub-$20 wines can do that?
Our first appointment is at 11am tomorrow, at Thirty Bench. That means a departure time of about 9:45, meaning I have to get up around 8:30. Despite having to wake up at such an unreasonably early time on a Saturday, I'm still going to get blazingly drunk tonight. A votre sante!
Day 2
Up late today, even to my standards. Well, I am getting used to waking at 6:30 every day.
It's funny, when you're still in school, holidays seem to go by so fast. This year's holidays seem to be going in slow motion - this is only the 2nd day I've been off, and it seems much longer. Taking it easy, resting and eating a lot.
Had the first of my usually numerous spirited disagreements with my father this morning. If someone insists on talking to you like you're an 8 year old, at what point do you start tuning out everything they say?
Going to Niagara tomorrow. I'll be popping into Thirty Bench and Flat Rock to see if any of the 2007 wines have been released, and hopefully to taste some nice things! Please, please, please, have the 2007 Thirty Bench Steel Post Rieslings available!
It's funny, when you're still in school, holidays seem to go by so fast. This year's holidays seem to be going in slow motion - this is only the 2nd day I've been off, and it seems much longer. Taking it easy, resting and eating a lot.
Had the first of my usually numerous spirited disagreements with my father this morning. If someone insists on talking to you like you're an 8 year old, at what point do you start tuning out everything they say?
Going to Niagara tomorrow. I'll be popping into Thirty Bench and Flat Rock to see if any of the 2007 wines have been released, and hopefully to taste some nice things! Please, please, please, have the 2007 Thirty Bench Steel Post Rieslings available!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Bottle Shock
Just finished watching Bottle Shock. This is the movie based on the 1976 Judgement of Paris. I love history, so it hurts me to see them take so many liberties. If you really want to learn about this event, read George Taber's book. The girls were pretty though. And for a wine movie, it's sadly lacking in wine material. Sadly.
The focus was on the Montelana Chardonnay. That's my next goal - to get bottles of Montelana chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Relatively speaking, it's not as ridiculously priced as other Californian wines.
The focus was on the Montelana Chardonnay. That's my next goal - to get bottles of Montelana chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Relatively speaking, it's not as ridiculously priced as other Californian wines.
Cesseras, some more
I'm still drinking the Cesseras. I remember the 2003 to be so rich, so heavy. Lost a lot of its weight since I drank it about 30 months ago. Developing some mocha characters, lots of earth tones. The 2002 is so bitter! But it's appetizing, although I know most won't like it.
Cesseras vertical
I promised myself I'd have some real wine tonight. Here it is.
A dual vintage, 2002/2003 Chateau Cesseras, AC Minervois La Liviniere. There's a story to these particular wines. These are the first wines that I bought in multiple bottles - I fell in love with the 2002, and it was the first wine that I really wanted to put away. So here it is. I've had these wines for nearly 3 years - still waiting for LCBO to release the 2004.
Starting with the 2002: A dark, inky colour, full saturation to the rim. Intense, rustic nose, with lots of Provencal flowers and dark fruits. Earthy, and definitely a more old-world, farmer's wine. I'm transported back to the hillsides of Provence. Very lean on the palate, great acidity. Rustic qualities carry through. Bitter, herbal finish. Fine tannins, silky texture. My favourite of the two.
The 2003: Again, very dark. Much more fruit-forward, indicative of the vintage. Fresh, red berries on the nose. Again, very lean on the palate. Floral, but bitter finish. Dry tannins, and much more perceptible than the 2002.
You clearly see the familial qualities in both wines, but each show off the vintage very well. A nice, austere example of natural winemaking. Let's be honest - I'm not blown away by either wine, but it's an extremely interesting exercise in how vintage conditions can affect a wine. They're so similar in the mouth, but they have radically different bouquets.
It's funny - my father and I both felt the 2002 was the better of the two. More rustic, more old-fashioned, more complex. My mother liked the 2003. More upfront fruit, juicier, fresher. Always a very educational thing to taste different vintages together. Now, where's the 2004?
A dual vintage, 2002/2003 Chateau Cesseras, AC Minervois La Liviniere. There's a story to these particular wines. These are the first wines that I bought in multiple bottles - I fell in love with the 2002, and it was the first wine that I really wanted to put away. So here it is. I've had these wines for nearly 3 years - still waiting for LCBO to release the 2004.
Starting with the 2002: A dark, inky colour, full saturation to the rim. Intense, rustic nose, with lots of Provencal flowers and dark fruits. Earthy, and definitely a more old-world, farmer's wine. I'm transported back to the hillsides of Provence. Very lean on the palate, great acidity. Rustic qualities carry through. Bitter, herbal finish. Fine tannins, silky texture. My favourite of the two.
The 2003: Again, very dark. Much more fruit-forward, indicative of the vintage. Fresh, red berries on the nose. Again, very lean on the palate. Floral, but bitter finish. Dry tannins, and much more perceptible than the 2002.
You clearly see the familial qualities in both wines, but each show off the vintage very well. A nice, austere example of natural winemaking. Let's be honest - I'm not blown away by either wine, but it's an extremely interesting exercise in how vintage conditions can affect a wine. They're so similar in the mouth, but they have radically different bouquets.
It's funny - my father and I both felt the 2002 was the better of the two. More rustic, more old-fashioned, more complex. My mother liked the 2003. More upfront fruit, juicier, fresher. Always a very educational thing to taste different vintages together. Now, where's the 2004?
Morning
Well, I guess this counts as a white Christmas right? Beautiful outside.
Dinner was dragging on a bit last night. Wine was......forgettable. Wine was on the table just for the sake of being there, and that's awful. But at least I got to see everyone again.
Going to have some real wine tonight.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
I guess Christmas is a time to reflect a bit, right? Well......this year's been quite eventful for me, and I've had plenty of time to reflect.
I realize that what's most important to me is my family and dear friends. The fact that my goal in life isn't necessarily to become extraordinarily wealthy, or famous, but rather to enjoy the simple things with the people that mean most to me.
Christmas means something else for me this year. You don't realize it until............. For my grandfather, who's still in hospital. For my friends, and friends' families who are ailing. Christmas this year, to me, is about supporting and thinking about people I love the most, and treasuring every moment you have together.
What a difference a year makes. Last year, 24th, I was in Nice, enjoying the carol singers and oysters. But I won't complain. Can't.
Merry Christmas, to family, to friends, to everyone that's been a part of my life this year. Thing's are only going to get rougher, but that's life, isn't it. Merry Christmas, and good tidings to all.
I realize that what's most important to me is my family and dear friends. The fact that my goal in life isn't necessarily to become extraordinarily wealthy, or famous, but rather to enjoy the simple things with the people that mean most to me.
Christmas means something else for me this year. You don't realize it until............. For my grandfather, who's still in hospital. For my friends, and friends' families who are ailing. Christmas this year, to me, is about supporting and thinking about people I love the most, and treasuring every moment you have together.
What a difference a year makes. Last year, 24th, I was in Nice, enjoying the carol singers and oysters. But I won't complain. Can't.
Merry Christmas, to family, to friends, to everyone that's been a part of my life this year. Thing's are only going to get rougher, but that's life, isn't it. Merry Christmas, and good tidings to all.
Gifts
JC always gives me the nicest wines. The first bottle is no exception. 1990 Champagne Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. Putting it away because.......well, how many well-aged bottles of Champagne do you think I'll ever have the chance to drink?
The bottom was a very pleasant surprise, from another friend. Chablis, Premier Cru. You know how all Wine Drinkers will tell you their true love is Burgundian wines? Well, you need money to get into Burgundy. Maybe this is a start...
The bottom was a very pleasant surprise, from another friend. Chablis, Premier Cru. You know how all Wine Drinkers will tell you their true love is Burgundian wines? Well, you need money to get into Burgundy. Maybe this is a start...
The Christmas Spirit
Christmas Eve. We're there, and I admit, I still don't feel in the spirit. Maybe it's because of this year, maybe it's something else, but I'm just not in the mood. Been drinking some nice things recently, and gorging on great food, but I almost feel like I'm going through the motions.
Dinner tonight at a family friend's home. I'll try to control myself, but whenever I go to these dinners, always end up drinking too much. I suppose, all in the name of the holidays.
Dinner tonight at a family friend's home. I'll try to control myself, but whenever I go to these dinners, always end up drinking too much. I suppose, all in the name of the holidays.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sweet as we eat
Didn't want to open anything tonight, so drank some port with dinner. I have this issue with people who insist that sweet wines don't go with food. They match well as long as the wine has good acidity, something true for all great wines.
1981 Kopke Colheita Port. I think it went beautifully with the mostly vegetable and tofu dishes we were having. Fantastic herbal nose, which differentiates it from the 1980. Not as full or rich, but great toffee and caramel aromas. Great acidity in the mouth, and a long nutty finish. The almost licorice quality in the Chinese celery we were eating brought out the lovely herbal quality on the palate as well.
First time drinking port with dinner, and it matched well.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Glimmer and shine
I was filling in the new patient form at the dermatologists today when I came on something that really..........excited me. When it came to the part that said "Occupation", I realized something quite tremendous - I no longer have to write "Student"!
Haircut?
I have long hair. Every time I go in to Capelli, I get convinced to leave it alone. I don't know how this started - I never meant to grow it long. Wait.........I remember how it started. I didn't have money.
Many people, some who's opinions I value, and others not so much, have told me that it's too long. Maybe they're on to something.
But it costs money to get your hair cut. I just went in, at the beginning of the month. Kind of a waste to go in again right, in less than a month? Isn't it terribly bourgeois to be cutting your hair all the time?
For the past 20 years of my life, I cared about my appearance, almost a bit too self-absorbedly. Trying to change that. So I'm going to wait it out, just because I don't want to waste money. One more month, then I'll get it cut short. I don't give a shit how I look, I don't feel like I need to work that hard to impress anyone, right? I mean........shouldn't people be attracted to other areas of me as a person, regardless of the length of my hair?
Ok, ok, ok, ok........enough. Moving on.
Many people, some who's opinions I value, and others not so much, have told me that it's too long. Maybe they're on to something.
But it costs money to get your hair cut. I just went in, at the beginning of the month. Kind of a waste to go in again right, in less than a month? Isn't it terribly bourgeois to be cutting your hair all the time?
For the past 20 years of my life, I cared about my appearance, almost a bit too self-absorbedly. Trying to change that. So I'm going to wait it out, just because I don't want to waste money. One more month, then I'll get it cut short. I don't give a shit how I look, I don't feel like I need to work that hard to impress anyone, right? I mean........shouldn't people be attracted to other areas of me as a person, regardless of the length of my hair?
Ok, ok, ok, ok........enough. Moving on.
What? Pol Roger?
This just proves that no matter how diligent I am at following this stuff, you can't be on top of everything. Had absolutely no idea that they released this - 1999 Champagne Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs Extra Cuvee de Reserve Brut. So....snatched it up!
2005 Haut Bergey!
Received the last of my 2005 Bordeaux En Primeur order. 2005 Chateau Haut Bergey, AC Pessac-Leognan. If only, if only I had the foresight to buy more..............
Some photos
I apologize for the absolutely awful photos I put up. Maybe if I had a better cellphone......?
Anyways, my buddy Rocky took these photos from our dinner. Take that LCBO Vintages catalogue!! Makes this Jacquart look at least 3 times as expensive as it is.
Check out Rocky's photos here: http://flickr.com/photos/84715457@N00/
OHIP
Went to the dermatologist today, because my family doctor doesn't know what the lumps in my arms and my right palm are. Right - "I don't know" is just the thing I want to hear from a medical professional.
Turns out they aren't much. Aren't much to worry about, anyway. What upset me was the wait. There were three people booked for 4:30. How does that work? I'll tell you how that works. It's called over-booking, and milking the OHIP system for as much as you can.
It's just absolutely ridiculous. I waited 70 minutes, for an appointment I made a month in advance. Why bother with making appointments, if you're going to overbook? Might as well get everyone to rip tickets, like how they do at the driver's exam place and do it on a first-come-first-serve basis. Idiots.
It's a pretty well-padded system. Pack as many patients in a day as possible, collect a shitload of money from OHIP. That's why a socialist healthcare system is so flawed. You have to make people assume a portion of the healthcare burden beyond taxes, or else you have retirees going in to see GP's on a regular basis, for no apparent reason. Yes, there clearly was absolutely nothing wrong with the geezer sitting beside me. The secretary said that the doctor "started late today". What a load of shit. You're making me wait already - don't insult my intelligence.
Anyways, on a good note, I won't need surgery or anything, unless something obvious happens.
Turns out they aren't much. Aren't much to worry about, anyway. What upset me was the wait. There were three people booked for 4:30. How does that work? I'll tell you how that works. It's called over-booking, and milking the OHIP system for as much as you can.
It's just absolutely ridiculous. I waited 70 minutes, for an appointment I made a month in advance. Why bother with making appointments, if you're going to overbook? Might as well get everyone to rip tickets, like how they do at the driver's exam place and do it on a first-come-first-serve basis. Idiots.
It's a pretty well-padded system. Pack as many patients in a day as possible, collect a shitload of money from OHIP. That's why a socialist healthcare system is so flawed. You have to make people assume a portion of the healthcare burden beyond taxes, or else you have retirees going in to see GP's on a regular basis, for no apparent reason. Yes, there clearly was absolutely nothing wrong with the geezer sitting beside me. The secretary said that the doctor "started late today". What a load of shit. You're making me wait already - don't insult my intelligence.
Anyways, on a good note, I won't need surgery or anything, unless something obvious happens.
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