Canadian Wine Guy

Hello from 10,000 Meters!

On my way to Khabarovsk, Russia on an Asiana Airlines Airbus 320. Left Seoul on a remarkably warm 20 degree day (68 F for those stuck in the 19th century!) which is well above seasonable temperatures. Despite the warm temperatures Seoul was unusually pollution free, the yellow sand alert was low. Khabarovsk is suppose to be in the mid to high 20s for the next few days, which needless to say, is “wow”.

I decided to write this entry to talk about the two wines I have had on board this flight. First off is a 2004 Givry 1er Cru, Celliers aux Moines. This Southern Burgundy was outstanding, good nose, nice balance and solid finish. With a solid bouquet of red fruit (cherry, plum and a hint of strawberry) as well as underlying spice this Pinot was beyond enjoyable, if not for the next wine I’d have attempted to polish off a bottle or three (2h40 minutes does not lead itself to “polishing” anything!). The wine is ready to drink now and I’d imagine if you can find it the price would hover in the 40 to 60$ range. I will know more when i have the lovely web to guide me!

After such a nice Burgundy I decided to try the 20 year old Tawny Port. The Port Sandeman led to a complete meal, it has/had a solid balance with solid vanilla and light spices that went very well with the poor selection of cheeses. Note on that, Asiana has excellent meals but they could use some guidance on their “cheese” & port plate, Air Canada amazingly enough did a near perfect job on their cheese plate with a 10 year old Tawny to compliment it. This port is ready to drink now and will not improve with age, if you enjoy port then this is probably a good choice as I will guess at the price range (35 to 50$).

Overall this has been a nice short and delicious flight, yak at you all in short time.

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A quick update to say that I am currently in Seoul-Incheon and then on my way to Khabarosk then Yakutsk Russia. Had Korean BBQ last night in a little place in New Incheon City where half the food was unrecognizable. Kimchi was excellent and the marinated grilled pork over the hot coals were dynamite. I had a few Hite’s (a beer from the Korean Brewery Hite Brewing Company) which is not that bad of a lager!

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Well since it appears I will be forever in some sort of travel, I guess
this blog will move forward as a wine & food review from the road.

Stay tuned for more updates as I get use to blogging from the road.

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This will be my first attempt at blogging via my blackberry as the only method (aka write and post from berry). Simply put, I am traveling so much these days that doing reviews has become nearly impossible. So when I have wine I will do my best to blog it, and I will fill in the blanks (pictures, LCBO info) at a later date. As well, I will do my best to check spelling, but if my accuracy stinks from time to time, just be sure to chalk it up to excess wine!

On to the tasting!

The Trius reds have been on my must drink list for awhile. A good blend of the principle Bordeaux grapes, this specialty-winery of the Canadian giant Hillebrand already produces several great wines (Trius Brut (nv) for one). Inky red in colour with an excellent bouquet of cinnamon, cherry and oak this wine from an average vintage started off well. With the solid start, the wine was a nice and chewy but not overly tanniny. For an ‘03 this was surprisingly ready to drink now. A nice even finish with a good hint of pepper.

Of the Canadian reds I have had recently, this is up there. I am giving it a well deserved 87
Mrs.CWG says

“I am glad we have a few bottles of this left”

LCBO info to follow.

Ps: you will end up seeing a dspam message, ignore it!

EDIT: LCBO # is: 303800, $19.95 (they do not state a vintage year, which means ‘03 may no longer be available, unsure why there is no year attached to their listing)

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While the reviews are about to come back (now that I am at home and not running around like a chicken sans head) I thought I’d start off with a lovely recipe that is sure to get the fire in the belly roaring:

3 onions diced
2 green peppers diced
2 field red peppers diced
2 hot banana peppers diced
4 cloves of garlic minced
2 lbs of ground beef
2 tins of diced tomatoes (786ml)
3 tins of kidney beans (540ml)
3/4rds of a spice container of chili powder
1 tablespoon of crushed dried chili peppers

1.Sauté onions on high heat with olive oil, add in garlic then peppers. Sauté for a few minutes then add to pot,
2.Brown ground beef in same pan and lightly spice with chili powder, add beef to pot
3.Add kidney beans and tomatoes to the pot and stir
4.add chili powder and crushed chili’s to the pot, stir
5.put pot on low heat and simmer for 6 hours

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Since it has been crazy busy here (will not let up till next week so the reviews will be scarce) I will do a quick update on the concert we went to last night at the Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts.

First off the venue: Lovely architecturally with a beautiful use of wood design, well thought out stairs/levels that allow for great views of the surrounding area inside and out. Refreshment bars are well located on each level and were serving Canadian wines (highlights were 2004 Trius Red and NV Trius Brut, both solid). The sight lines inside the hall are tremendous, we had front row center of the second balcony which was a perfect spot for a concert. Everything about this venue is nice except for the sound. The sound simply does no justice to the hall, when a trumpeter starts to wail it should be forceful, not subtle. While trying to make the sound perfect they seemed to have almost toned it down too much.

The people: David Brubeck is one of the few remaining Jazz Legends. He has been a force in the Jazz industry for over 60 years both as a composer and a jazz pianist. Heck he has won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. With all that said, you would expect the venue to be packed and the people a hopping, right? The hall was only about 80% full (unlike closing ceremonies at the Montreal jazz Festival last year where it was packed). Now maybe I am a bit old fashion but on top of the low turn out, I could not get over the cut off shorts, Birkenstocks, and the general attire of the average patron. It use to be that for a concert of this nature it was minimum semi-formal, non? Well dress code aside the most disturbing event happened as the Quartet plus two guests wrapped up the iconic “Take Five” which Brubeck has closed most of his recent shows with, no sooner were they standing for applause but a good 10% of the people in the seats got up and made it to the exits as fast as they could. It may be the first time I have ever seen concert fans not stand for an encore after a brilliant performance. Amazing, shocking and embarrassing.

The concert: The Laila Biali Trio opened the show. A Canadian composer, pianist and singer Laila has an outstanding voice and performed well opening for such an icon. While she performed as a trio, it is best to be said that she could have performed with only her bassist as most of the songs performed had her drummer as more of accessory, just my two cents. Still a good performance and it was great to see a Canadian open the first Jazz concert in the Four Seasons Center. The Dave Brubeck Quartet needs little comment, they simply play outstanding jazz and time in time out show incredible range and talent. All of the band members are past retirement age yet they have the energy of 20 somethings when they get going. At 86 years old Brubeck does not have a spring in his step but he has amazing dexterity still in those marvelous fingers, he tickled the ivories last night a few times that had everyone in awe. As for the rest of the band, Bobby Milatello on sax and flute, Michael Moore on bass and Randy Jones on drums are the long-time members of this great quartet. While Milatello is generally what most people “wow” at as he demonstrates incredible range and power, for me it is Randy Jones that remains the most remarkable of the remaining three. Last night, as well as last year’s closing at the Montreal Jazz festival, Jones had a solo on drums that brought the house down. He is worth the price of admission alone.

To close out, if you have not had a chance to see the Brubeck Quartet I highly recommend it. As Dave continues to get up there in age the performances will get fewer and fewer and you will miss your chance to see one of the few Greats still with us. It is not often you can say you witnessed live someone who is mentioned in the same breath as Ella, Duke and Louis and at the same time be completely entertained.

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This picture says it all:

After her long trip away Mrs.CWG brought back a sheer bounty for me. She of course tried most but not all, and there are no guarantees to their quality but over the next few weeks we will review a wine here and there.

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CWG has been busy of late so apologies for no reviews. I am in the process of changing companies/roles and the past few weeks have been hectic (yes yes I know, excuses). In the next few days I will get out a review of a Bulgarian red that Mrs.CWG brought home plus a Champagne. Till then sip well.

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Ah Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the famous southern Rhône town and appellation that lies to the north of beautiful Avignon. For those not aware, the town gets it’s name from the fact that the Papacy once ruled from Avignon. Of course any good Pope needs a new castle, so one was built, and voila you get “new Castle of the Pope” aka: Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Creative? Well not really. The vines and winemakers long outlived the Avignon Papacy (which did not last even a mere hundred years) and by the end of 1300s Burgundy wine was well known and having had Popes enjoying it added much to the reputation of the surrounding wines. The wine that was once consider “for the popes” soon came to be known by the town to the north’s name. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôlée) under which thirteen different grapes can be used to make wine, for reds the three primary grapes used are Syrah, Mourvèdre and mostly Grenache Noir. The Domaine des Chanssaud is a family run house that can date it’s ownership back to 1826. Currently it is run by Patrick Jaume and was an original AOC member house in 1935. The house actually produces two reds under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape label a special Cuvée and the one we are drinking today.

This red falls under the usual heavy Grenache usage of most from the AOC, with both Syrah and Mourvèdre in single digit percentages as well. Also making appearance, though very limited, is the Cinsault variety of grape. The 2003 vintage came from a hot summer which led to the region producing some irregular wines in terms of quality. For that reason some gems can be found, but you also risk a poor wine on occasion. Enough about the nitty or the gritty, on to the tasting!

Decanting this led to a plum coloured wine that was ripe with black cherry on the nose. The first few sniffs led to more cherry but with a hint of vanilla. On the first sips this younger wine was not as harsh on the tannins as expected, both cherry and raspberry were present. With a few more sips the body of the wine came to light, while not a full blown heavy wine it straddles the middle between medium and heavy. With a few years that should soften slightly. I started to get a little bit of earthy and molasses out towards the end of the first glass, but what was most noticeable was the peppery tastes that was starting to dominate. Overall quite a few interesting flavours and quite a nice finish. The second glass had soften quite a bit from aeration. This wine will benefit from a few more years in the cellar but you will not be disappointed in cracking it right away. It is a serious wine from a serious region. I think I will need to try and find the special Cuvée the next time I am in France to bring back and enjoy. For those not familiar with Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s this wine will go tremendously well with a rack of lamb, duck breast or a strong cheese of three. Those looking for a nice bottle to bring to friends, while very worthwhile just make sure that lemon chicken is not the main dish, otherwise the meal will be dominated by wine instead of complimented.

This is a solid red from an excellent appellation, this is getting an 88.
Mrs.CWG is in transit and should be home for the next review to impose her strong thoughts and impressions upon me!

For Ontario residents: Vintages #959833 @ a price of $33.95

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Today it is CityNews:

“I bought a birthday card for my nephew that was $5 U.S. And it was $8 Canadian, and I said to the clerk, ‘That’s ridiculous. You know, that’s a 60% exchange rate,’ ” complains a man who knows a thing or two about loonies and toonies, BMO economist Doug Porter.

Despite an exchange rate of mere pennies, Porter says at the retail level we’re still miles apart.

“There is roughly a 10% price gap between Canada and the U.S. Even when you use a very conservative exchange rate like 88 cents, which is what the average has been over the last year and a half,” he said

Welcome to last week, wait two weeks ago!

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Welcome to last week Globe and Mail…

“I think this helps explain one of the reasons why corporate profits have been at a record high as a share of national income in the last couple of years,” Mr. Porter said.

In theory, a runup in the currency should make imported goods cheaper and damp down inflation. That’s happening a bit, but “not nearly as much as could have been expected,” he said.

Canadian Wine Guy has you “scooped” Tavia Grant and Roma Luciw, I suggest not pilfering me!! SO Miss Grant and Mr Luciw please refer to this blog (as if you haven’t already!)

on to your morning cafes loyal readers, nothing to see here…

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Tonight I ventured off to the Sip Ontario event, a showcase of the Ontario Wine Awards, below is the blow by blow as blogged by the berry throughout the night (pardon the spelling!). There will be no pictures this year as Mrs.CWG took the small pocket camera and my hands where to full to bring the full sized AND drink wine, since drinking wine took precedent!

18:44
Hot hot walk for a short jaunt of 20 minutes, I can fully grasp now why the movement in the Caribbean is so elongated and drawn out. It is their attempt to avoid sweating. Does not help that my recent running regime has led to excess perspiration… Of course I arrived 30 minutes to early, as Mrs. CWG would tell you I have a habit of being early or at least overly prompt. I have decided to browse the lovely distillery district for the next 20 minutes pretending to be tourist and mostly watching the people. For those that have never been to this district you are missing a hidden jewel. The area is a former distillery (hence the creative name) and now boasts an excellent assortment of restaurants, arts and crafts house plus a few specialty shops. It is without a doubt one of the best walks in good weather. Just a note to the ladies out there, this area is mostly cobblestoned, meaning high heels are not recommended!

18:53
Apparently I am not the only one early as when I strolled around the corner, I witnessed some 50 people in line. Very good to see, no word if the event was a sell out but I will inquire as I can. (edit: it was not a “sell” out but the tickets sales exceeded expectations)

19:21
First gem, while being distracted by the charming Inns of Ontario representative, I tasted an excellent 2005 Pinot Noir (Gravity) from Flat Rock Cellars, bright on the tongue and solid finish, I will ensure I do a full review in the upcoming months.

19:45
Just tasted the Reif Estates 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon that beat out the Château des Charmes Cab Sauv for the gold. Solid wine with firm tannins, 2-5 years of cellaring still to go at first glance, I will be picking up 2-3 bottles to review and store.

19:57
The 2004 Angels Gate Cabernet/Merlot appears to be a sleeper. Solid tannins, ripe fruit and a good nose. No awards but worth investigating, I will be sure to buy a bottle or two to get a full review in. (At this point I am sure Mrs.CWG is cringing)

20:11
I know that outside of 2002 complex reds I am eagerly awaiting the 2005’s, since we are still 8-10 months away from release, next year this event will be stunning for bold reds. Lots of 2005 Pinots and Bacos here, but the few “heavier” reds are still young and really not ready to taste. That said, to change gears, I just tried the Konzelmann Estates 2004 Riesling Traminer Late harvest, phenomenal, these will be a bottle or two in the future. Late harvests are so often overlooked by their big brothers the Icewines, but this is one excellent wine.

20:24
Strewn Three (Strewn Wineries), a nice meritage with even tannins and ripe fruit, 3 to 5 via the winemaker, with 5 to 8 if you are looking for even balanced Bordeaux style. This little known winery may actually have a solid winner here if the price is not too high. I believe this was a 2004 and I will follow up if I can with a review.

20:32
I am going to wrap up, I am touring the desert wines at this time as I have tried most of the bold reds and some of the award winning whites. While not much else has griped my palate with solid “Wows” it is not for lack of quality but from sheer overwhelming aromas and tastes. The icewines and late harvests are simply tremendous and while Canada is often thought of as a desert wine producing country, it does produce some of the best and has deserved that reputation, on to more late harvests and icewines, pardon me!

20:45
Lies, lies, lies; alright I am not a wrapping up yet, just had the 2004 Coyote’s Run Barrel Fermented Vidal Icewine, at $40 a bottle may be the biggest steal in the pricey icewine market. As well it is the gold medal winner. Things to ponder for those looking at the big named vineyards in Niagara.

20:54
Whoa am I going to have to find links tonight (for those that do not know this entire evening has been blogged on my blackberry), and I have found another gem. Lailey Vineyard has produced an excellent barrel fermented 2005 Vidal icewine that should be reviewd. Make note Mrs.CWG I see several purchases on the horizon. The Winemaker believes 2 to 4 years to mature to excellence.

Aftermath: The event was excellent, great venue, excellent setup, good representation from the wineries, there was tremendous food throughout (I avoided blogging as to what I was eating, but suffice it to say the food was bite sized and perfectly matched to the multitude of wines).

Okay that is it, tomorrow is an excellent southern Rhône for review. Till then, sip well!

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This 2005 came to the CWG household via a housewarming gift. The kind fellow brought this plus one for himself (you may say he is the best sort of guest, non?) and proceeded to enjoy the Italian white with much passion. Once placed into the cellar this wine has sat untouched … TILL NOW!! I will be very brief this evening as I am running out of internal gas. On to the tasting!

This is a straw coloured white that while young is at the perfect age to drink. On the nose right away is a solid aroma of apple. The initial slurps yields more of the green apple with a hint of peach. Continuing on lent more of the same with a soft finish (which was expected). After a glass I ended up getting a hint of pear and lemon. Needless to say this wine brings out a solid amount of fruit and with a soft finish lends itself to lighter dinners, appetizers or aperitif style drinking. For a hot summer night you will not be hard pressed to serve this chilled to guests as it will be both refreshing and pleasant; that said, I’d avoid having 2 or more all by itself as you may be overwhelmed by the fruit. If you were looking for dinner suggestions to go along with this I’d look at a pasta with a light sauce (avoid cream based), a lemon pepper chicken or a nice cedar plank salmon.

While a solid white I am not sold entirely on, for that it gets an 85.
Mrs.CWG for once is quiet (might have something to do with being in Europe.)

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Harbouring a stuffy nose preventing me from doing a true review I decided to do a short write up on Woofstock, Toronto’s annual 2 day festival for dogs and their pets, I mean owners. For those who do no know Mrs.CWG and I are no longer with our boyz, both having passed on to puppy heaven, with that said I felt a twinge of pain going out the past two days because my neighbourhood was FILLED with pups. When I say pups I mean more canines then the eyes could count. Small ones, tall ones, fat ones, skinny ones, young ones and of course old ones. If you loved dogs this was the place to be for 2 days.

The event is well organized and it shut down Front Street East from Jarvis west to Scott (which is one block east of Yonge). As well it occupied Wellington to Scott and Church from Esplinade making it several blocks of dog dog and more dog. The numerous vendors were selling everything from food to doggy portraits, included in the stalls were the very important dog rescue agencies (for example: Boxer Rescue Canada). Basically if you needed something for you canine friend (a Cedar doghouse/loft per chance?) you could have found a vendor.

I took a bunch of pictures, but here are a few to post, each for it’s own uniqueness. Enjoy!

Note: My plan is to be attending the Sip Ontario @ Fermenting Cellar on Tuesday (see the events posting from a few days ago), if you are planning on attending drop me an email.

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A big TGIF to all those out there about to head home for a relaxing weekend. Weather in Toronto is currently hot and muggy with a huge storm about to come through. I am going to be having vodka martinis tonight (no hate mail please) and unwinding from a long arduous week.

Till tomorrow, sip well and enjoy!

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