June 17, 2019

Painted Wolf, The Den Chenin Blanc 2017

This 100% chenin blanc (in South Africa also known as steen) is from Swartland in the Western Cape’s coastal region of South Africa. Chenin blanc is native to The Loire, France, but there is more of it planted in South Africa than in The Loire.

Painted Wolf Wines is named for the painted wolf, is another name for wild African carnivorous hunting dogs. They are an endangered species most easily recognized by patches of different colours on their bodies. Although predatory, they are very social and playful. Their home base hangout is in dens where they bond and relax.

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May 17, 2019

Cabernet Franc, Vallée Loire

This interesting cabernet franc is raised on the hilltop of Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg in Loire’s Anjou-Saumur region. The wine is produced by Caves des Vignerons de Saumur, which is a co-op of more than three hundred growers and vintners. Bottles and barrels of wine are stored in endless underground caves, which are the result of limestone being quarried to build various Château in the area.

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May 1, 2019

2009 Pétrus, Pomerol

Pétrus is on a hilltop also named Pétrus. The 28-acre estate is a plateau in eastern Pomerol next door to Saint-Émilion. The soil is unique, with topsoil of clay and a subsoil of impenetrable blue clay that never erodes. In the wine, this clay is responsible for generous but soft tannins.

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April 15, 2019

The Piece 2015 Shiraz, Longview

Longview is a family owned and operated property that has a winery producing wines from their estate vineyards. They also are a destination for accommodation, food, weddings, and other special occasions.

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March 11, 2019

Shiraz Viognier 2016, The Black Chook

On the nose: black cherry, black currant, stewed strawberry, tobacco, mocha, stewed prune, and menthol. After breathing several hours, it turned into cranberry, cassis, and a hint of violet.

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March 1, 2019

Robertson Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

Robertson Winery started in 1941 by converting a former missionary chapel. It is located in South Africa’s Robertson Valley, which is irrigated by estuaries of the Breede River. The winery sources grapes from 35 grape farmers from the surrounding area, some of them 7thgeneration.

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February 21, 2019

Smoked Kiack, Tusket Falls Brewing Company

Tusket Falls Brewing Co. is located about ten minutes out of Yarmouth, Southwest Nova Scotia. The brewery has a tasting bar and limited food menu. There is ample parking and the property is beautifully landscaped. Seconds off Highway 103, it is well worth a stop.

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February 17, 2019

2017 Vidal Icewine, Domaine de Grand Pré

Icewine is the result of juice from grapes frozen and harvested at temperatures between -8 and -12C for at least eight consecutive hours. Freezing concentrates the juice and its sugars to a drop of liquid gold in the centre of the grape. Icewine was first bottled in Germany as Eiswein. However, Canadian winters are ideal for producing icewine and Nova Scotia is unparalleled.

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February 1, 2019

Les Rosiers, Elmwood Winery

While driving to Walmart in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, I noticed a sign pointing to a winery that I did not know existed. Although Elmwood Winery was closed for the season, the owners, Heather and John Cartwright, graciously invited me in. From their impeccably maintained organic (not certified yet) vineyard, I drove away with an L’Acadie blanc and this rosé, Les Rosiers, blended with the unusual combination of baco noir, muscat, L’Acadie blanc.

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