Chateau Desmirail Margaux 2009 – Grand Cru Classe (3rd Growth): The dark color and very mature dark fruit bouquet…

… revealed a lot in the first few seconds! Being 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the distinct cassis was the first aroma and flavor to hit the palate, followed by raspberry, plum jam, chocolate and cedar. As the layers slowly unfolded, a dusty earthy quality and other fruity, floral nuances developed. The wine isContinue reading “Chateau Desmirail Margaux 2009 – Grand Cru Classe (3rd Growth): The dark color and very mature dark fruit bouquet…”

Really great food & wine at Caspian Grill persian restaurant in downtown Oakville. The reviews are in. Everyone loves this place.

From the attentiveness of all the staff and Mozifian family to the wow-tasting food, fine wines, and beautiful decor, this is a winner. Wines range from Austrian to Italian to Lake Erie North Shore. Can’t wait to go back with more people. – Posted using MobyPicture.com

Rhone Part 7, Sunday: We are in the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape today. We park near the tower…

… We park near the tower and survey the gravel, limestone, and clay soil in these hallowed vineyards. The Grenache vines are very old, thick, and twisted, just beginning to sprout new shoots for the Season. The Syrah vines are distinctly thinner in appearance. As we descend into the village, the bell tolls; it’s SundayContinue reading “Rhone Part 7, Sunday: We are in the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape today. We park near the tower…”

Rhone Part 5, Friday: Tastings in Chateau de Grignan then on to Chateauneuf

Chateau de Grignan This chateau is a large imposing facility high on a hill. Dozens of wines tasted. A great representation of Rhone. Now on to Chateau de Suze-la-Rousse, the home of the Wine University in the area. The wines of Grignan, Vinsobres and Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Villages, are marvellous here. ForContinue reading “Rhone Part 5, Friday: Tastings in Chateau de Grignan then on to Chateauneuf”

Rhone Part 6, Saturday: we drive from home base in Cairanne to a chateau and then to Pont-du-Gard…

… In Pont-du-Gard to visit with 39 wineries who’ve set up for the day. We’re in the shadow of the Roman aqueduct & bridge. A very picturesque setting. We taste wines from Tavel – home of famous rosé wines, Lirac and many more Cote du Rhone wines. Memorable wines: – ’09 Domaine Coudoulis Cotes duContinue reading “Rhone Part 6, Saturday: we drive from home base in Cairanne to a chateau and then to Pont-du-Gard…”

Rhone valley part 4 continued…

Rhone Part 4, Thursday: it warms up quite a bit today with lots of sun. Beautiful Gigondas village is a setting of stone edifices, narrow lanes and steep hills. I’m tasting Gigondas, Vacqueyras, & Beaumes de Venise today. I’m finding truly excellent and affordable wines here. The further south I go, the more robust andContinue reading “Rhone valley part 4 continued…”