Wine Review – Domaine Gouron Chinon 2014

Expected a little more from this highly rated Chinon… Name: Domaine Gouron Vintage: 2014 Producer: Domaine Gouron Region/Country: Loire, France Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home on a lovely spring evening Recommended By: Last bin at the LCBO Cost: $16.95 Bottle Presentation: Simple, classic label. The italic font gives it a touch of class. … Read more

Wine Review – Château Vieux Chevrol 2010

An interesting Lalande-de-Pomerol given its strong flavours yet light body… Name: Château Vieux Chevrol Lalande-de-Pomerol Vintage: 2010 Producer: Château Vieux Chevrol Region/Country: Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France Grape Varietal(s): 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Consumed: Brought with us to the Hotel Nelligan in Montreal to celebrate someone’s 40th birthday. Recommended By: Found at the … Read more

Wine Review – White Wine Blind Tasting – December 2016

This series of reviews stems from a blind tasting of three white wines, all of which were touted as typical representations of their respective terroir/location. Our journey began in Burgundy, France, and ended in Alto Adige, Italy, via Marlborough, New Zealand. For our pick of the lot, read on… Wine 1: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé Vintage: … Read more

Wine Review – Pinot Noir Blind Tasting – December 2016

The following reviews were part of blind tasting focusing on Pinot Noir. The three wines included, touted as typical representations of their terroir/location, took us to the Bourgogne region of France, the South Island of New Zealand, and the state of Oregon in the United States. The tasting proved eye-opening, revealing how this varietal can … Read more

Wine Review – No. 3 Angélus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2013

Expected a lot more from this highly reputable Saint-Émilion Grand Cru… Name: No. 3 Angelus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Vintage: 2013 Producer: Château Angélus Region/Country: Saint-Émilion, France Grape Varietal(s): 85-90% Merlot (according to the Château Angélus website) Consumed: At the Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Montréal, Québec, Canada Recommended By: The sommelier at the Vieux-Port Steakhouse Cost: $102 CAD … Read more

Wine Review – L’Opaline Rosé 2015

A light, dry rosé with plenty of floral notes… Name: L’Opaline Vintage: 2015 Producer: Pure Provence SARL Region/Country: Provence, France Grape Varietal(s): Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault Consumed: At Le Riverain Restaurant, Fairmont Le Château Montebello Recommended By: The waitress at Le Riverain. Cost: $12.50 per glass. Bottle Presentation: Simple, yet modern and stylish. Appearance: Pale salmon. … Read more

Wine Review – Château du Port 2009

Able to pair with multiple foods… Name: Château du Port Vintage: 2009 Producer: Domaine Pelvillain Frères Region/Country: Cahors, France Grape Varietal(s): Malbec 90%, Merlot 10% Consumed: At Aux Chantignolles Restaurant, Fairmont Le Château Montebello Recommended By: Marie-France, the Maître D. Cost: N/A Bottle Presentation: Classic, conservative – unlikely to catch your eye on the shelf … Read more

Wine Review – 2014 Vérité Viognier

Paired surprisingly well with a summer BBQ… Name: Vérité Grande Cuvée Vintage: 2014 Producer: Laurent Miquel Region/Country: Pays d’Oc, France Grape Varietal(s): Viognier Consumed: at home Recommended By: SAQ selection Cost: $24.15 (SAQ) Bottle Presentation: Textured, simple and elegant label, although the top and bottom pieces are at stylistic odds, which detracts from the overall … Read more

Wine Review – Buti Nages

A pleasant rosé, and a great value… Name: Buti Nages Vintage: 2015 Producer: Michel Gassier Region/Country: Costières de Nîmes, Vallée du Rhône, France Grape Varietal(s): Grenache and Syrah Consumed: At home Recommended By: Chosen from the Selection at the SAQ Cost: $15.95 (SAQ) Bottle Presentation: Girly/feminine, simple. Appearance: Light salmon. Nose: Peaches and strawberries, with … Read more

Wine Review – Domaine La Tour Vieille Banyuls Reserva

Reminiscent of Port, but a little more subdued… Name: Banyuls Reserva Vintage: N.V. Producer: NV Domaine La Tour Vieille Region/Country: Roussillon, France Grape Varietal(s): Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, and Carignan Consumed: Atelier Restaurant in Ottawa Recommended By: The restaurant sommelier, Gabriel Cost: Unknown Bottle Presentation: Traditional, easy to read, but nothing distinctive Appearance: Dark ruby … Read more