Lamadrid 2008 Reserva Malbec

Cool modern label. Sadly the product doesn't live up to the billing. Medium body. Ho-hum fruit. Ho-hum finish.

Pairing: pork, corned beef

Recommendation: OK

Senor Real Vinas Centenarias 2007 Tempranillo

I was very disappointed by this offering from Spain. Well known for its Tempranillo, this area should have done much better. Sadly overwhelming the fruit was a distinct taste of turpentine. This was the first "dumper" I have had in a while.

Pairing: n/a

Recommendation: PASS

E. Guigal 2007 Cotes Du Rhone

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this economically priced French wine. Full of fruit. Medium body. Excellent long finish.

Pairing: Beef

Recommendation: Buy

Trapiche 2008 Broquel Malbec

I was hoping for something a bit better but should have known by the price that there wasn't much here. Very pretty label. Medium bodied. Very acidic, but a decent finish. Might be ok if left in your cellar for a couple of years.

Pairing: Pasta, grilled meats

Recommendation: OK

Stag's Leap 2005 The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

WOW! Every once in a while you should treat yourself to a nice wine and this was my treat. A full-bodied Cab that explodes with fruit flavour. Black cherry, blackberry, plum but extremely well balanced with notes of earthiness. A beautiful long finish with hints of vanilla.

Pairing: Share it with a friend as an aperitif

Recommendation: BUY

Dan Aykroyd 2008 Merlot

A little disappointing considering the celebrity name (I was hoping for a whole lot more.) Medium body, some earthy notes. Not bursting with fruit as i had hoped. Ok finish

Pairing: Lamb, pot roasts

Recommendation: OK

Chilensis 2009 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

A nice inexpensive offering from Chile. Medium to full body. Some earthy and spicy notes (allspice and cloves) and ok black fruit (cassis.) Quite a long finish.

Pairing: Lamb, stews

Recommendation: Buy

Palatine Hills 2002 Meritage

A really decent wine from Niagara. Medium body with some earthiness. Hints of pepper and lots of black fruit, although leaning a little towards the acidic side. Generous finish.

Pairing: Roasts (Pork or beef)

Recommendation: Buy

Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon (non-vintage)

Another of the non-vintage catch-all wines. Medium body, no depth, poor fruit, very acidic with notes of sawdust. Bitter aftertaste which tends to tinger. Close to a "dumper"

Pairing: n/a

Recommendation: PASS

Cline 2010 Zinfandel

I was hoping for a winner and its not bad for the price point. Medium body, black fruits with just a hint of spicy and/or cedar notes and a decent finish.

Pairing: BBQ

Recommendation: Buy

Cono Sur 2010 Merlot

A new offering from Chile. Medium body, OK fruit but leaning towards the acidic and not particularly well balanced. Long finish.

Pairing: Lamb, sausage, chili

Recommendation: OK

Baron Philippe De Rothschild 2010 Merlot

A somewhat disappointing offering from a well known winery. Medium body, bright red fruits, short finish.

Pairing: Pork roast, turkey

Recommendation: OK

Masi 2008 Ripasso

A very nice full body Italian. Nicely balanced. Red berries. Nice long finish.

Pairing: Pasta, roast or grilled beef

Recommendation: Buy

Pasta Con Ragu Di Vitello, Salsicce E Porcini (Pasta With Veal, Sausage and Porcini Ragu)

http://nancyscuisuine.blogspot.com/2011/10/pasta-con-ragu-di-vitello-salsicce-e.html

A perfect recipe to pair with the Campo Viejo Rioja Crianza. If you can find the 2007, even better, buy a case!

Campo Viejo 2008 Crianza Rioja

Campo Viejo is developing a good reputation for their Riojas. Medium bodied with good fruit mainly cherry, strawberry and plum with notes of smoke (toasted wood? vanilla?) The wine opened in a short time (15 minutes) and became very well balanced. A very nice long finish. It seems to be complex and adaptable enough to pair with a variety of foods.

Paiiring: Lamb, paella, pasta

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: Buy

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava (Non-vintage)

An interesting Spanish Cava (sparkling wine) that you might buy if for nothing else but the bottle. As a Cava it is decent, and drinkable though nothing remarkable. Not particularly tasty or memorable and the effervescence was mediocre. The bottle itself is cast in real metal accents which gives it a nice display presence on your side table or when serving. Careful when pouring , this bottle is HEAVY. At the price you can afford to have a bottle and be a little showy.

Pairing: anything

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: OK

Marcus James 2010 Malbec

Argentina seems to have become the dominant power in the world for Malbecs. After all, they produce decent wines at a very decent price. Sadly there are few that excel. This wine is another in that seemingly endless list. The Marcus James 2010 Malbec is very easy drinking, although it tends to be a little on the tart (acid) side. Medium body with a decent finish.

Pairing: Pork, turkey, duck

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: OK

Kim Crawford 2004 Cabernet Franc

For those of us that really like a good Cab Franc, this one will not disappoint. Its a bit out of my price range for every day, but nice as a treat. Medium bodied with and excellent balance of black and red fruits. Lots of plum and a hint of something ... maybe chocolate? Lovely long finish.

Paiiring: Roast chicken, lasagna, cannelloni

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: Buy

Alkoomi 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a wine that I have been saving for some time. I have been tempted to open it several times and finally gave into the temptation. I have always wanted to use the term "elegant" and now I can!

Wow! This is an excellent wine at 10 years. A full body Cabernet Sauvignon at the peak of its development. Incredible depth. Black fruits with amazing balance. Some notes of spice on the back end, but predominantly a taste of fully ripe big sweet wild blueberry and an incredibly long satisfying finish.

Trust me although this is a wine that will pair nicely with an elegant meal, you will want to sit and sip (listening to some nice music - maybe some Ella Fitzgerald.)

Pairing: Rack of lamb, prime rib, ossobuco (any elegant meal)

Not available at LCBO

Recommendation: BUY

Castillo de Monseran 2010 Garnacha

I dont seem to have much luck picking Spanish wines. This one was so-so. A medium body featured tart red fruit with very little balance. The best I could say for it was "meh".

Pairing: pork, turkey

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: OK

Penascal 2008 Tempranillo

Another disappointing Spanish Tempranillo. Medium/full body but with no depth. I found it unbalanced with an emphasis on the red unripe fruits (tart cherry).

Pairing: roast pork or turkey

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: Pass

Candidato 2008 Tempranillo Garnacha

I was hoping for a little more from this wine, but for the price, I wasn't surprised. It isn't very memorable and it certainly didn't deliver what the label promised. Medium body, not much depth. Red fruit (mostly cherry and notes of strawberry) were not particularly well balanced.

Pairing: roast pork

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: OK

Montreal Smoked Beef,Swiss, and sweet onion marmalade on rye

Makes 2 sandwiches

Make the marmalade ahed so you can whip these babies out in just a few minutes. Leftover marmalade is great on pork chops or roast beef.

Onion Marmalade

1 tbsp each butter and vegetable oil
2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup each red-wine vinegar and dry but fruity red wine, such as a Zinfandel or Grenache

Sandwiches
4 slices extra-sour rye or caraway rye bread
2 tbsp softened unsalted butter
4 thin slices Montreal smoked beef
4 ounces coarsely shredded Swiss cheese
2 tbsp whole grain mustard

Make marmalade: Melt butter with oil in a large heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper stirring well to combine.
reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened and browned, about 20 minutes. Add vinegar and wine. Cook, uncovered stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and onions are soft and sticky, about 10 minutes. Let marmalade cool slightly.

Make sandwiches: Evenly spread one side of each bread slice with 1/2 tbsp butter. Spread unbuttered side of 2 slices with 1 1/2 tbsp marmalade each, then top with meat and cheese. Spread mustard on unbuttered side of remaining 2 bread slices and place each, buttered side up on meat and cheese-topped slices.
Heat a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes total.

Marmalade keeps up to 2 weeks, covered and chilled.

Omemee Photowalk Sunday October 9, 2011 (10am)

We will be holding a photowalk in Omemee on Sunday October 9 (10:00am). Its completely free. Bring whatever camera you have - Pro, Point&shoot, single use, even cellphone cameras. All ages welcome. There will probably be a couple of pros participating so you might even be able to pick up a few tips and tricks!

Starting at the parking lot at the end of George St, we will wander north to King St (highway 7); east along King to Colbourne St; north on Colbourne to the Trans Canada Trail; then east on the trail to the field at the north end of Queen St; south through the field to Queen; and south again on Queen across King to Mary St; finally following Mary to Ruthland and back to the park.

Even at a very slow pace, we will only take about an hour.

Photos from the walk can be posted in a Flickr group for the event. Omemee Photowalk 2011 . This is an open group so all participants will be able to post and share, but you will need a free Flickr account if you are one of the 6 people on the planet that doesn't already have one.

Bodega Muga 2005 Reserva Rioja

For those who haven't tried nice Spanish wines like Tempranillo or Rioja, here's one to cut your teeth on. Muga 2005 Reserva Rioja is an absolutely delicious red wine at a wonderfully decent price.

On opening and decanting, you will be presented with a beautiful deep dark purple that you could stare into for hours. However, for all the expectation of bursting flavours, you will be a bit surprised by the lack of anything but moderate hints on the nose even after it has opened up. Not that I would ever do such a thing, but if you cheat and sip before its ready, you will … errrr … “might” be pleasantly surprised at the light tart fruit taste that promises to please.

Surprisingly, the wine opens up quite quickly (a little over 15 minutes as measured by my impatient foot tapping). But it’s well worth the wait. Oh my, it’s a lovely first sip. Luscious black fruits (black cherry, black raspberry and some plum for the tartness) plus soft earthy notes and just to add confusion and delight, a hint of milk chocolate wraps around the back of the tongue.

This is a terrifically balanced blend of mainly Tempranillo (70%) with some Garnacha (20%) and the rest Graciano and Mazeula, A nice medium body with lovely soft tannins and a finish that seems to last forever (well, 10-15 seconds, but that’s an eternity in wines.)

The wine is crafted the same way year after year, first in wood, then oak barrels giving it a hint of oak without overpowering.

The Muga Reserva is year after year a consistent winner among Riojas, always scoring a 90+ among the wine reviewers. The 2005 vintage drinks well now but could even wait another 2 to 10 years if you have the patience of a Saint. Try a bottle and you will understand why. Actually make sure you buy at least two.

Available at LCBO

Pairing: Pasta (tomato sauce), red meats (steaks, roasts) wild game (venison), and especially lamb (shanks, leg)

Recommendation: BUY

Terra D'aligi 2007 Tatone Montepulciano D'abruzzo

An ok offering from Italy really designed to compliment a herbal earthy meal. Med-full body. The ripe red fruit was overshadowed a bit by the earthy and herbal notes. Decent long finish. Available at LCBO

Pairing: any tomato/pasta dish. Spaghetti, lasagna, or even pizza. Beef stew

Recommendation: Buy

Finca Flichman 2010 Misterio Cabernet Sauvignon

Yet another inexpensive red wine from Finca Flichman in Argentina (this is getting repetitive) An OK Cabernet Sauvignon again at an extraordinarily low price. Medium body, and a long finish. Notes of red fruit and some herbs. This one isnt going to win any awards, but its easy on the pocketbook. Available at LCBO

Pairing: Grilled steak, beef stew, roast chicken

Recommendation: Buy

Finca Flichman 2010 Misterio Malbec

Another inexpensive red wine from Argentina (is there no end to them?) This one is from Finca Flichman. A decent Malbec at an extraordinarily low price. Light-medium body, and a decent finish. Notes of red bing cherries. Decent finish. Available at LCBO

Pairing: Chili, hamburgers, a light beef stew, meat pies

Recommendation: Buy

Trapiche 2010 Astica Merlot Malbec

A rather disappointing blend from Argentina although you shouldn't be surprised when you see the price. Light - Medium body with predominantly red berry notes. Shortish finish. Available at LCBO.

Pairing: Sloppy Joes, Chili, Stew, Shepherds Pie

Recommendation: Ok

Rose Hill 2009 Private Edition Chardonnay

A very decent albeit rather pale unoaked offering from a relatively new winery. Nicely balanced although I found it leaning towards the sweet side rather than the tart. Nice body and a generous finish. Available at the LCBO

Pairing: Chicken or fatty fish (monkfish, salmon)

Recommendation: Buy

Joke of the Day (props to Bruce Head)

Cowboy Bob appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.

"Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked.

"Well, I can think of one thing," the cowboy offered. "On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So, I approached the largest and most tattooed biker and smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, 'Now, back off or I'll kick the crap out of all of you!'

St. Peter was impressed. "When did this happen?"

"A couple of minutes ago."

Stags Leap 2006 Merlot

A very nice offering from a respected Napa winery. Ripe plums, fully ripe black fruit with just a hint of earthiness. Full-bodied with a generously long finish. Try it with wild game - boar, venison or duck. This is a decent one to have in your cellar. Drinkable now, but could stand to lay for another 3 or 4 years.

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: Buy

Conquista 2010 Malbec

Another very inexpensive Malbec from Argentina. Light/Medium bodied. Decent black & red fruits. Long but odd burnt aftertaste (may be partially the sulfites). Light enough to pair with roast chicken or a fatty fish like salmon. Would make a decent pre-dinner sipping wine if allowed enough time to breathe to soften the tannins.

Available at the LCBO

Recommendation: OK

Trivento 2010 Syrah

My first disappointment from Argentina. One would expects nice juicy red/black fruits, but this wine is a bit dull. Inexpensive. Light to medium body and a decent finish. Best paired with salmon.

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: Pass

Passion 2009 Malbec

Passable inexpensive offering from Argentina. Medium bodied, longish finish. Sadly the label design is probably nicer than the wine itself. Try this wine with roast chicken.

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: ok

Masi 2003 Campofiorin

A nice full bodied red wine that is well suited to hearty Italian fare (doesn't that sound pretty?) Decent fruit with earthy notes. Soft tannins. Nice long finish.

Not available at LCBO
Recommendation: Buy

Argento 2010 Malbec

I don't know how they do it, but Argentina is creating some excellent wines at very reasonable prices. This is another great value. Lots of black fruit. Medium body. Long finish. Try this wine with a beef roast or steak.

Available at LCBO
Recommendation: Buy

Fuzion 2009 Reserva Malbec

Another excellent value (cheap as sin) offering from an Argentinian winery. Fruit forward, medium body. Lots of ripe black fruit - plums, blackberry. Soft tannins. Remarkably long finish. Very drinkable.

Available at LCBO

Recommendation: Buy

Fuzion 2010 Shiraz/Malbec

A very inexpensive Argentinian red blend that has a decent medium body and exhibits good fruit. It offers enough red cherry to make it a good candidate to pair with wild game (venison, boar, etc) or even a simple pasta and tomato sauce. You will also notice some plum notes but not much complexity.

The wine exhibits a decently lingering finish. Although a tad harsh at this stage, the tannins are not unpalatable. Although completely drinkable now, you will probably want to cellar this wine for another 2-5 years.

Available at LCBO.

Recommendation: Buy

The Humble Apron

I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few.

It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids..

And when the weather was cold Grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

REMEMBER: Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love...

-ANONYMOUS

My wine review Recommendation Scale explained

BUY = you should really buy this wine in quantity
Buy = good value. Buy a bottle of this wine
OK = You can buy this wine if you dont see anything else thats decent
Pass = walk away from this wine
PASS = Run away from this wine

L.A. Cetto 2008 Petite Sirah

I was really looking forward to this wine, especially after tasting their 08 Zinfandel, but this one was very disappointing. Ok fruit, but a definite unpalatable nose and taste ... notes of paint thinner. Long finish and the unpleasant taste lasts the whole time. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: PASS

Don Mendoza 2008 Reserva Merlot

Disappointing Merlot from Argentina. Old World style. Lacking in fruit. Medium body. Medium finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Pass

Fuzion Alta 2009 Reserva Malbec

Surprisingly decent Malbec. Lots of fruit, medium body. Drinks like a Merlot. Nice longish finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Coyote's Run 2003 Old Vines Chardonnay

Decent attempt at a Chardonnay for a new Niagara winery. Lots of oak doesnt really produce the buttery flavours that I wanted and/or expected. Citrus notes and a long finish. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Pass

L.A. Cetto 2008 Zinfandel

This is one of those great finds. A $10 wine that drinks as well or better than the low-end (read $20+) Zinfandels from Napa. Although it doesn't have the body or the 'heat' of a great Zin, this one bursts with fruit. Medium body and fully opens within 10 minutes. Lovely soft tannins and a respectably long finish. Honestly, it shocked the heck outta me. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: BUY ... a case.

Mexico has wines? Who knew?

di Leornardo 2009 Merlot

Absolutely wonderful Merlot, bursting with ripe black fruit. Medium bodied and a lovely long finish. Smooth tannins. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: BUY

Giacomo Montresor 2007 Amarone

I have yet to meet an Amarone I didnt like and I am very happy this one kept up the tradition. It certainly has the heat (15.5%)and the full body even if it doesn't have the depth of flavour that the great Amarones have. Decent fruit. A nice lingering finish. Would be excellent with a bolognese. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Joke of the Day

A SQL Injection walks into a bar, starts to #quote something but stops, drops a table, then dashes out.

(You have to be a bit of a hacker to appreciate this one. Blame Melanie, not me)

Le Gravillas 2009 Sablet

An interesting red wine from Cotes du Rhone. Nothing that jumps out at you, nothing wonderfully complex, just a wine that can be enjoyed. Plumy. Medium body. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Mission Hill 2003 Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay

I guess my idea of "reserve" and Mission Hill's is different. Personally I expect a superior wine. This Chardonnay is quite drinkable but nothing extraordinary for the price. Not available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Pass

Joke of the Day

Two hunters hired a pilot to fly them into the remote bush to hunt moose. They bagged four. As they started loading the plane for the return trip home, the pilot told them the plane could take only two moose. The two hunters objected strongly, stating, "Last year we shot four moose, and the pilot let us put them all on board, and he had the same plane as yours."

Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all four were loaded. Unfortunately, even at full power, the little plane couldn't handle the load and crashed a few minutes after takeoff.

Climbing out of the wreck, Hunter #1 asked, "Any idea where we are?"

Hunter #2 replied, "I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year."

Peterborough Photowalk Update

Joke of the Day

Customer: Waitress! This coffee tastes like mud!

Waitress: Of course it does, sir. It's fresh ground!


<rimshot>

Farnese 2009 Sangiovese

One note Sangiovese that really needs a pasta sauce to pair with. Surprisingly almost drinkable for an dirt cheap red wine. Might make an acceptable choice for a large party (like a wedding.) Medium long finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Okay if you need some cooking wine but probably best to pass

Henschke 2005 Henry's Seven

A lovely blend of Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier. Medium body. Features luscious black fruits with a nice long finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Farina 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarones are one of my favourites and this one doesn't disappoint. Full-bodied with big fruit and a lovely long finish. Great with pasta w/tomato sauces. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Josephine Dubois 2009 Grande Reserve Pinot Noir

A nice if young Pinot Noir. Light bodied. Deep cherry. Old World style. Needs another 5 or 6 years in the cellar. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Mission Hill 2003 Oculus

Interesting blend that promised more than it delivered. 47% Merlot, 25% Cab Sauv, 20% Cab Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. I waited in vain for this wine to fully open up. Nice flavours. Dark fruits. Probably needs another 5 years in the cellar. Not available in LBCO. Recommendation: Buy

Greata Ranch 2005 Ehrenfelser

Interesting varietal that will remind you of  Riesling. Nice lingering finish. Well balanced. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Concha Y Toro 2007 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

Decent Cab. Old world style. Medium body. Long finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Peterborough Photowalk Update

We are planning a FREE photowalk for Peterborough Sunday July 17 (starts 10am) and runs rain or shine. Route starts at Roger Cove parking lot and winds through East City. Everyone is welcome with whatever photo gear you have SLR, cellphone, Point&shoot, or even disposable. Several local pro photographers will be part of the group. Watch hashtag #PTBOphotowalk on Twitter or email PTBOphotowalk@gmail.com for more information.

Peterborough Photowalk

Planning a photowalk in Peterborough this summer. Starting from scratch. Should be interesting and fun!

J Calvert 2006 Reserve Des Remparts Saint-Emilion

A delightful Bordeaux and everything you want in an old world style wine. Beautifully complex and well balanced. Lovely long finish. Medium body. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: BUY

Joke of the Day

Q. What do you call a pirate who falls asleep at weird times throughout the day?
A. a NARRRcoleptic.

Bonterra 2007 Zinfandel

Decent enough Zinfandel that is a bit on the light side - not over-powering. Medium body. Ok black fruits. Good with full cheeses. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Okay

Creekside 2006 Headless Heinz

A so-so "blend" of 97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier. As far as I can tell the Viognier was added for volume only. It really didnt seem to bring anything to the party. Light-medium body. Decent with cheese. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Pass

Luongo the schmuck

Although the Vancouver fans seem to be completely enamoured by this guy, I've never been particularly impressed with Luongo as an NHL goaltender. His "skill" seems to be streaky at best. I cringed when he was appointed to the 2010 Olympic team.

His comments about Boston netminder Thomas were inappropriate especially considering Thomas' Goals Against of 2.06 and Save Percentage of .937 against Luongo's giving up 17 goals in less than 5 games. We would all be better served if he would use his big mouth to stop some pucks instead of the smack talk.

Good luck on Wednesday, boys. Are you sure you don't wanna have Ken Dryden warmed up in the wings? I hear he's looking for a gig now.

Time to change the rules of the road

Old ladies meandering along Lansdowne, the Parkway or Chemong at 30km mid-morning creating traffic jams is no longer amusing.

Over the past couple of decades we have refined the rules for underaged drivers. Until they are ready, we restrict the roads they can drive on and the hours they are allowed on the roads. Likewise we restrict them from any and all drinking and driving. We also have restricted swimming times for young people at the local pools and leisure centres. In Ontario we also require older drivers to re-certify when they hit age 80.

Its time we went to the next step and restrict driving times for old ladies on our roads. We need to have a limitted time like (2pm until 5pm) that old women (lets say over 55) are allowed to drive on major roads (2 lanes or more in one direction.) Before and after they should be restricted to sideroads and backroads.

Sorry, Mother. It needed to be said.

P.S. Also with the Phonebook and Yellow Pages shrinking in size, the older crowd should be forced to buy/use certified seat boosters so their eyes are above the steering wheel. Get on that MTO & Canadian Tire.

Cave Springs 2004 Reserve Riesling

Decent Riesling leaning to the acid side but not overly "crisp." Predominantly green apple. Some flowery notes. Decently long finish. Not available to LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Torbreck 2006 Woodcutters Shiraz

If you are a casual wine drinker, always shopping for that "special find" (especially one that doesnt break the bank) you still deserve to indulge yourself at least once a year. This is such a wine. Not overly expensive it still propels you into that over $20 range where we are all so afraid to tread.

This wine has a wonderful mouthfeel. Full bodied. Round and soft with luscious black fruit. Lovely extended finish with wonderful aftertaste.

This wine is the low end of the Torbreck lineup, so you can only imagine how great the others are. Promise me you will decant this one before you indulge. You deserve it.

Recommendation: BUY

PS The 2006 vintage is no longer at the LCBO, but the current Woodcutters vintage is. And please take the time to read the Torbreck story. You will enjoy it.

Muscedere 2006 Cabernet Franc

Interesting inexpensive Cab Franc from a small winery on the Lake Erie north shore. First glass was watery, little taste. Over the next 30 minutes, the wine opened up in stages, developing into a nice soft Cab Franc that tasted of sweet/sour bing cherries. Nice long finish. Later in the evening it developed an aftertaste with notes of chocolate. Light to medium body. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Joke of the Day

Ole lived across river from Clarence who he didn't like at all. All the time they would yell at each other across the river.  Ole would yell to Clarence, "If I had a vay to cross dis river, I'd come over dere an beat you up good, yah sure ya betcha by golly!" 

This went on for years. Finally the state built a bridge across the river right there by their houses.

Ole's wife, Lena, said, "Now is you chance, Ole! Vhy don't you go over dere and beat up dat Clarence like you said you vould?"

Ole replied, "OK, by yimmy I tink I vill do yust dat!" As Ole approached the bridge he saw a sign on the bridge which he stopped to read. Abruptly he turned around and went back home.

Lena asked, "vhy did you come back and not beat up dat Clarence like you said you vould?"

Ole said, "Lena, I tink I change my mind 'bout beatin' up dat Clarence, you know, dey put a sign on da bridge dat says "Clarence is 13 ft. 6 in." You know, he don't look near dat big vhen I yell at him from across da river!"

Joffre e Hijas 2006 Grand Malbec

Decent Malbec with some interesting complexity. Black fruits. Nice with food but very drinkable. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Bouchard Pere & Fils 2008 Petit Chablis

Interesting light white wine. Hint of grapefruit. Okay with a delicate white fish, but wouldn't stand up to a sauce. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Ok, but you can do better.

Joke of the Day

Q: To what did the winemaker credit his success? 

A: His sur lie attitude.

NHL shaking and moving

Did anyone else notice the downbeat announcement from Gary Bettman on the move of the Atlanta team to Winnipeg? While the folks in Winnipeg were elated, Bettman did his best to show his displeasure.  He simply couldn't allow them to enjoy the victory. We know Bettman feels his mandate is to grow the League in the US south and this is a set-back from his master plan, but one would think he should be happy the team will survive and the league will be stronger.

What does all this mean for a team in Hamilton? Probably nothing. Since he is no longer distracted by Atlanta, Bettman can sit in his ivory tower in NYC and plot moving the Phoenix team to Honolulu.

San Alejandro 2008 Las Rocas Garnacha

Luscious ripe fruit. Black raspberry & cassis. Long finish. Medium body. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Casa Gualda 2006 Plus Ultra

Nice Spanish blend of Petit Verdot and Bobal. Fruit forward and luscious at that. Very drinkable, but could stand another few years in the cellar. Nice long finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Chateau Timberlay 2006 Bordeaux

An OK blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon. Old world style with tart red fruits. Some woody notes. Ready to drink now and unlikely to improve with any more aging. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: You can do better

Touriga Nacional 2007 Reserva Cordeal

Excellent medium bodied red wine. Lovely ripe black fruit. Wonderful with roast chicken, lamb or sipping on its own. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: BUY

Lindeman's 2010 Bin 50 Shiraz

Honestly I was prepared to dislike this wine but I cant. Completely drinkable right now. Nice ripe black fruit. Soft and mellow. Medium body - and all this at a very reasonable price. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Joke of the Day

Two men from Texas were sitting at a bar when a young lady nearby began to choke on a hamburger. She gasped and gagged.

One Texan turned to the other and said, “That little gal is havin‘ a bad time. I’m agonna go over there and help.”
He ran over to the young lady, held both sides of her head in his hands and asked “Kin ya swaller?”

Gasping, she shook her head "NO!"

He asked, “Kin ya breathe?”

Still gasping, she again shook her head “NO!"

With that he yanked up her skirt, pulled down her underwear and licked her ass. The young woman was so shocked that she coughed up the bit of hamburger that was stuck and began to breathe on her own. The Texan sat back down with his friend and said, “Ya know, it’s sure amazin' how that hind-lick maneuver always works!”

My apology to dog owners in Peterborough

I am pretty sure I owe a big apology to a lot of dog owners in this city. For years I have been singing the praises of Rogers Cove as a terrific place to let your dogs swim. In fact I would extol the virtues of living in a small city with a large natural lake at its centre. Today I was reminded by the SPCA (acting as by-law officers) that dogs are not allowed off-leash in this city.

Several years ago I listened to one of our city councillors complain that the majority of the calls she received from her constituents were from retirees complaining about dogs running free. (I call bullshit on that one.) I should have realized at that time that the city councillors were more interested in appeasing older generations than growing with the times and establishing a place in which new and younger families might like to live (Case in point - PTBO has the 2nd largest retired population % of all the cities in Canada; and while the unemployment rate continues to shrink across Canada, it increases in this city - albeit only slightly.)

But successive councils have been lazy as well. While out-right banning dogs from the park in the centre of town, (which makes the councillors look like they are doing something), they do virtually nothing to dissuade the flocks of geese which defecate constantly in that same park and claim there is nothing they can do about it. Likewise they do nothing about allowing cats to roam free. Nor do they do anything about the feral cats that live along the railway tracks and woods. Dogs are also the only animals required to be licensed and the local Humane Society sends out threatening renewal letters every Fall to ensure their major source of revenue is not lost.

As many of you know I am involved in animal rescue (as a volunteer) and do my best to rehabilitate and exercise fosters dogs as well as my own dogs. Obviously this city is the wrong place to do that. I will be looking for new locations to walk/run/swim my dogs. Hopefully when I find it, they will have a gas station near-by so I can buy my gas there; and hopefully they have a supermarket near-by so I can buy my groceries. I have no reason to patronize local stores. Let them cater to the old people.

Pillitteri 2009 Cabernet Merlot

Pillitteri is a good winery often overlooked. This is a rather nice light bodied wine that shows excellent fruit. Quick finish with an aftertaste hint of fruit. Also a nice influence from the over 30% Cab Franc. Excellent with roast chicken or a light pasta (like a cheese ravioli perhaps?) Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

My favorite youtube video - you hafta be an Iron Chef fan I guess

Joke of the Day

A young boy entered a barber shop and the barber whispered to his customer, “This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you.”

The barber put a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then called the boy over and asked, “Which do you want, son?” The boy took the quarters and left.

“What did I tell you?” said the barber. “That kid never learns!”

Later, after the customer had left, he spotted the same young boy coming out of the ice cream store. “Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?”

The boy licked his cone and replied, “Because I have a sneaking suspicion that the day I take the dollar, the game will be over!”

Santa Margherita 2008 Lison Pramaggiore Cabernet Franc

I like a good Cabernet Franc and took a chance on this one mainly because it was in the bin end sale at the wine store. Light to medium body, with a long finish. Definitely some potential. Decent black fruit but probably needs another 5 years in your cellar to develop some more complexity. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy at the sale price.

Reggie's - Hunter St, East City

I've listened to all the locals raving about Reggie's and decided to check it out. Let me start by saying it's clean, young and friendly and with lots of choices, even some unusual toppings/specialty burgers to spice up your dining experience. Reggie's makes everything to order, so you know it should be fresh and hot. An interesting (quaint) idea is that you fill in an order card that also serves as your menu - selecting the entree, toppings, drink, side-orders, etc.

I ordered the Reggie Burger and a small fry side-order. The fries were quite good. Handcut and normal sized but with the taste and colour of fries you would normally expect with fish&chips. The bun was a standard sesame seed bun, toasted quite nicely. The burger was not overcooked, and it had decent flavour, but sadly it was quite dry. Also regrettably the toppings were scrimpy at best. All in all a disappointment for the price.

Reggie's Burger - $4.50
Small fries - $2.50

I will probably go back to Reggie's but not soon. I hope by that time they have done something to their burger recipe to eliminate the dryness.

Joke of the Day (2)

Women are like apples on trees.

1. The best ones are at the top of the tree. The apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they’re amazing. They just have to wait for the right person to come along, the one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree.
2. Men don’t want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt.
3. Men sometimes take the apples from the ground that aren’t as good, but easy.

Joke of the Day

Men are like good wine. They start out as grapes and women stomp on them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Saturday Morning Wine Ramblings

For me a wine review should be simple and give me the answer to some basic questions:
1. Do I like this wine?
2. Is this wine affordable for ME?
3. Where can I get it?

4. Is this a "hidden gem" or a waste of money?

I love wine and try to answer these questions but realize in some cases the answers presented here are answered by omission - or missed. Sorry about that. I have probably been drinking. ;-)

A lot of wine "critics" have advanced palates and like to drone on and on about "elusive hints of x" (insert obscure SE Asian herb for x) and the like, but I like to think that I have a normal palate and that the majority of us have similar tastes.

I rarely sample wines at a winery. Standing at a tasting bar trying to take notes seems a bit elitist and contrary to the impression I want to make. Typically I purchase 2 bottles to sample off premises and dont write the review until I have finished the first bottle and tasted and sometimes well into sampling the second.

I try to be fair to the winery with the recommendation. After all they have put their blood sweat and tears into their product and are competing with thousands of other wineries. I try to meet the winemaker whenever I can, just to feel the love for the product. I have met introverts and extroverts, farmers and bankers, but I can state that 99.99% of the time they are as passionate about their latest crop/product as they were the day the started their first.

Landrace 2006 Shiraz Mataro

Wonderful blend of Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvedre). Excellent fruit. Full-bodied. Some complexity. Wonderful medium finish. Some heat. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Joke of the Day

Q. Why do ducks have webbed feet?

A. To stamp out fires.

Q. Why do elephants have flat feet?

A. To stamp out burning ducks

Jacob's Creek 2008 Shiraz Cabernet

A nice fruity "supermarket" blend perfect for pairing with a rich tomato sauce. Nothing terribly complex and it tastes virtually the same a day later. Surprisingly long finish. Low priced. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Carmela Estates 2002 Dry Riesling

Admittedly past its prime, this wine has a beautiful golden colour, but is so heavily oaked it loses all its crispness. Not available in LCBO. Recommendation: Pass

Chateau Puyfromage 2006 Bordeaux

Medium bodied and "ok" but nothing to write home about. Dull fruit and a quick finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: meh

Chateau Preuillac 2005 Medoc

A decent blend of 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Some fruit, but a very long finish of leather. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: OK

Katnook 2005 Merlot

Nice and fruity. Medium bodied. Long finish. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Peller 2008 Private Reserve Pinot Gris

Absolutely lovely Pinot Gris. Beautiful colour. Well balanced. Nice citrus with some tropical notes. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy