Black Hills 2005 Nota Bene

Very nice blend of 43% Cab Sauv, 37% Merlot and 20% Cab Franc. Ok fruit and well hidden heat. Velvety soft tannins. If I have any criticism it would be that the fruit could be more prominent. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it.

Ouch

I gave myself a nice light sprain in the ankle the other day. Here's the story - I was walking the dogs in Burnham Park (a Provincial Wilderness Park) which is semi-closed for the winter. (Unmaintained - Use at your own risk). Ay the very back of the park the trail winds down the side of the hill into the ravine. There was a very thin covering of snow on the trail so the ice that had formed from the thaw a couple of days prior was hidden.

I had just started down the hill when I hit a patch of ice and down I went, ass over tea kettle, for about 5 metres. My trip was luckily(?) stopped by an Ironwood tree. My left ankle had twisted and I couldnt stand on it. I realized I shouldnt crawl back to the trail as I would likely just do the same thing to my other ankle so I crawled over the brush in the deep snow straight down the hill to the bottom of the ravine. There I was able to find a sturdy fallen branch to use as a crutch and was able to get to my feet with the help of a tree. Slowly with the use of the crutch I was able to walk the 1km uphill back to the van.

I did have my cell phone with me and could have called for help had I really needed it, but the experience was interesting and rewarding. Its nice to know I have the Will Power to overcome physical impediments and challenges.

Trapiche 2008 Reserve Malbec

A decent Malbec at a very good price point. A bit dull on the fruit, but nice to enjoy with friends. A bit of heat. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: keep a bottle or two on hand

Langa 2006 Garnacha

A Grenache by any other name .... Nice fruit but nothing great, medium body, pairs nicely with red meat. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy a bottle

Ravenswood 2008 Vintners Blend Zinfandel

Run of the mill medium bodied Zin. Some nice fruit with a decent finish. Very drinkable whether as a sipper or paired with pasta or red meat. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: keep a couple of bottles on hand

Peller 2007 Private Reserve Riesling

A decent medium bodied Riesling. Nice paired with chinese food or seafood, but not really well suited to sip. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Drinkable

Beringer 2008 California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

I bought this with some hesitation at the price, but not with the name. Beringer makes some of the best reds coming out of California and I have never been disappointed with their offerings. This Cab is a really good find at a terrific price point. It takes quite a while to open up, but is well balanced with a nice round finish. I have had this with chicken, beef and just as a sipper and it works well. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it

Wyndham 2007 Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon

A run of the mill Cabernet. Okay fruit (not intense as they claim) but pretty good (for the price point). Buy it if you are looking for a wine to serve with lamb/veal but look elsewhere for a sipping wine. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: OK to buy a bottle.

Copper Moon Moonlight Harvest Shiraz (Non-vintage)

Q. What do you do when you have access to super-cheap overstocks of grapes from around the world?
A.Make this crap.

I decided to try this inexpensive "cellared in Canada" wine because the LCBO was promoting it. It was cheap and on an endcap display. Sadly the wine producer (Roundpetal Wines) paid more attention to the label design and marketing babble than they did to the wine. No complexity, little body and a heavy tannin aftertaste that lingers. I found that it even upset my stomach to the extent that I needed an anti-acid later in the evening. Its been many years since I have bought a dumper, but I can add this one to the list. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Don't even buy it to cook with it. Stick with VQA.

Thirty Bench 2001 Benchmark Reserve Chardonnay

A pretty heavily oaked chardonnay, but without the buttery mouth. The fruit/citrus tries to hide and does a decent job. Lingering finish. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: you can do much better

Straccali 2004 Chianti

Light/medium bodied Chianti w/average fruit. Ok with pasta, but not really enough there to drink on its own. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: You could do better