Casa-Dea 2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc

As you may know, I am partial to a decent Cab Franc and PEC seems to be able to produce their share. Casa-Dea (formerly known as Carmela) has produced a nice Cab Franc. Though not as full as some of the others, it has nice fruit and drinks well for such a young wine. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy a couple of bottles.

Sandbanks 2008 Cabernet Franc

Another nice wine from Sandbanks. I have to admit, the winemaker has the knack for creating my favourite Cab Francs (in Ontario.) Always nice fruit, always nice weight, always a decent price and always sells out. The 2008 doesn't disappoint. Good fruit and a lovely clean finish - and drinkable NOW. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy a bottle. When you go back to buy more, you can thank me.

Peller 2006 Private Reserve Baco Noir

Nice inexpensive light wine for sipping or enjoying with tapas or popcorn and a movie. Lots of tart fruit. Not available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Not something to look for, but dont be afraid to buy it should you see it.

Green for Profit

So another of our national chains has hopped on board the "Do you want to BUY a bag to carry out your groceries?" bandwagon. The chains all seem to have one thing in common - they have turned an expense item into a profit item by pulling the wool over everyones eyes.

I think most people agree that plastic grocery bags were a blight on the landscape ... blowing down the street, stuck against fences or in trees. The national chains had an opportunity to change to bio-degradeable plastic or even paper, but instead took the opportunity to make carryout bags a profit item. Its interesting that they only do this where they can get away with it. Its also interesting that they want you to buy more and then pay them more for the privilege.

However apparently their commitment to "green" only extends as far as the locals will tolerate it. In several Canadian Provinces, they have reversed that decision and now provide free bags. All it took was a decrease in business.

I for one shop at a small local market that provides bags. If I have to shop in a national chain store, I either take a bag in (if I have one) and only buy what will fit in that bag, or if I am without a bag I only buy what I can carry in my arms or what will fit in my pockets.

I wish there were more people that would grow a pair and let these mega-chains know we actually understand their motives.

Peller 2004 Private Reserve Dry Rielsing

S'ok I guess ... if you like dry rieslings. Nothing to write home about. You would probably be best to pair it with some fish and call it a night. Not available at the LCBO. Recommendation: meh. It's okay but not something you need to keep an eye out for.

Peller 2006 Private Reserve Rielsing

A nice Riesling as Rieslings go. Fairly crisp, lots of citrus (mostly grapefruit). Nothing special. Not available at LCBO (although currently the 2007 is). Recommendation: Nothing special, but not something to refuse. Would be a good choice with your fish course.

Joke of the Day

Two Newfies were sitting around talking one afternoon over a cold beer. After a while the first Newfie says to the second, 'If I was to sneak over to your house and make love to your wife while you was off huntin', and she got pregnant and had a baby, would that make us related?'

The second Newfie crooked his head sideways for a minute, scratched his head, and squinted his eyes thinking real hard about the question. Finally, he says, 'Well, I don't know about related, but it sure would make us even.'

Beringer 2007 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Nice. Exactly what a new Cab Sauv should be. LOTS of fruit. Great balance. Pairs with anything! Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it. Buy it NOW!

Peller 2008 Private Reserve Gamay Noir

Another good wine from Peller. Nice and fruity with a lighter body. Young but very drinkable. Not available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Go ahead and buy it. You know you want to.

Fielding 2008 Pinot Gris

A nice balanced wine that I have paired with seafood and roast chicken legs. I am not a big fan of citrusy wines and this one has just the right balance of sweet. Really decent to drink on the porch/dock on a hot summer night. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy a couple

Peller 2007 Private Reserve Baco Noir

Excellent Baco noir. Excellent fruit that lingers on the palette. Drink it alone or invite a friend to share ... but it you do, make sure your friend has a smaller glass. Not available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy a case.

Wayne Gretzky 2007 No. 99 Cabernet/Merlot

He shoots, he scores! This is one of those hidden gems. Excellent wines and this one is no exception. Great fruit, nice body. Drink it alone or pair it with beef. Both are successful. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it. Yes, you heard me, Buy it.

Peller 2008 Private Reserve Baco Noir

This is what I expect in a Baco Noir. Nice fruit. Great finish. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it.

Lift Haus 2008 Cabernet Franc

Another new PEC winery and this one is family owned. The Cab Franc is nothing to write home about, but is drinkable. Give them a few years and they may be creating some really decent offerings. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: If you like Cab Franc, buy a bottle. The price is right.

Peller 2007 Private Reserve Gewurztraminer

Peller makes good white wines and their Gewurtz are no exception. This wine is excellent to pair with food or even just sip. Nice and crisp. Not available in LCBO. Recommendation: Good to have in your wine cooler

Fielding 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir

This is more like the kind of wine Fielding is capable of making. Lovely body. Old world, but some complexity. Not available in the LCBO. Recommendation: Grab a couple of bottles for a lamb dinner with guests.

Joke of the Day

A crusty old marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic liberal ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.

"Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something bothering you?"

"No, ma'am. Just serious by nature."

The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, "It looks like you have seen a lot of action."

"Yes, ma'am, a lot of action."

The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, "You know you should lighten up a little. Relax and enjoy yourself."
 
The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady said, "You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when was the last time you had sex?"

"1955, ma'am."

"Well, there you are. No wonder you're so serious. You really need to chill out and relax! I mean, no sex since 1955! Come with me."

She took his hand and led him to a private room where she proceeded to "relax" him several times. Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned against his grizzled bare chest and said, "Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955."

The Sergeant Major said in his serious voice, after glancing at his watch, I hope not; it's only 2130 now."

Fielding 2007 Red Conception

Not a favourite of mine, but you might like it if you like Old World Reds. Very earthy. Light bodied. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Fielding makes some excellent wines, but this isnt one of them. Give it a pass.

Peller 2008 Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Lovely clean white. Fairly long finish. I had it with chicken and it was excellent. Not available at the LCBO Recommendation: Put a couple bottles in your wine cooler. They wont go to waste.

By Chadsey's Cairns 2007 Gamay Noir

A nice little winery in PEC that makes some middle of the road wines. Occasionally they have a small gem, but this wasnt one of them. Light on the fruit side, light bodied. Not available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Save your money