Category Archives: Terroir

Firm Character

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North Eastern Hungary is one of the oldest wine regions in the world.  The soil is a rich volcanic rhyolite containing crystalline fragments that foster wines with a firm character.

Furmint is Hungary’s most important white wine grape and it shines here, blended with a touch of Harslevelu and Yellow Muscat.


Our “goalie” visited the region often as a kid growing up.  Lucky bugger remembers the caves where the wines are stored.  I think this would be an ideal place to have our next tasting.

Aromatic and fruity (hints of lemons and limes).  Its lovely and dry and super smooth.  A crisp and very clean finish.  


I think this one will age very well.


Furmint Dry Chateau Megyer Tokaji 2019

$23.49

12% Alcohol

Classic Beginning to end

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Christmas dinner was a good way to share this great white blend. 

Lots of our favourite aromas and flavours come to the forefront. Tropical and Balanced.

Grenache Blanc and Viognier grown in the Gard, blended with Roussanne and Clairette grown in the Vaucluse.

It’s easy not to let this one hang around – best had when fresh as it arrives at your favourite dairy.

Medium-bodied, just dry enough.  There’s not a lot of complexity here … but it’s classic Rhone.

Saint Vincent, born during the 3rd century in Spain, is considered the patron saint of winegrowers. Vincent means triumphant in Latin. 

COTES DU RHONE BLANC – MEFFRE SAINT VINCENT

$15.99 regularly $17.99 

13.5% Alcohol

UPC:03142920026306

We have a shortage of Rascals

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West of Alba, in the Roero Appellation of Piedmont.


Traditionally, this white grape (Arneis) was planted more in an effort to attract birds and bees away from the red grapes rather than for its actual quality for drinking. It was teetering on extinction in the 60s.  Not easy to grow, hence being called “little rascal”.  Low yield, prone to mildew.


But the reward is a rich, aromatic white wine that is savoury with an elegant finish, nice acidity and balanced structure.


A perfect example of why we have a Goddess of Wine to guide us.  It immediately zooms into the top 5 whites we have had this year.  And now, it doesn’t even show up on the Government Dairy Website.

Take the picture of the bottle for your next visit and try to find some for yourself.

Roero Arneis – Marchesi

$27.99

13% Alcohol

They Came as Guests

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They came as guests.


And both stayed the course of lunch.


HW came from Montreal with his daughters for an Island visit and brought a pair from the SAQ – purveyors of fine products in Quebec.

Good Food. Good friends. Great wines.  Everything blended and melded together for a “time flies” get together.


The Red, which disappeared very quickly, was entitled Mosaic.  A Cote de Nuits-Village.

Lots of aromatic power here. Just right for spiced chicken with Mediterranean sides. The pears and grapes in the salada were a great compliment to the wine. 

It runs the full spectrum of what you’d expect from a Village appellation. Most Yummy.


The white, a Chablis, can best be described as Absolutely Delicious.  To the hell with small sips.  


So well chosen,  Thank You H and ladies.


There was so much going on around the table with conversations that these wines should be repeated in the tranquility of Nibblies on the deck in the middle of summer.  


Such a shame they aren’t available in BC.  I must send the Goddess of Wine on a mission to find similar sippers.

Got it Right

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Decidedly worth of the 93 point rating

AB would approve of his homeland’s efforts.  Dark Berry flavours leading to a slightly chocolaty finish.
18 months in French Oak barrels.

First night was with Treehouse Pizza and second night was with grilled Pork Tenderloin. Definitely Happy with both.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – SIDEWOOD ESTATE STABLEMATE

$19.99 regularly $22.99

14% alcohol

UPC: 09342333002339

Like Father, Like Daughter?

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I knew the father well, and ate at his table many time enjoying wonderful dishes.  

Harry Loucas’ daughter is carrying on the tradition of fine family food with a cook book. Cyprus Cuisine has been ordered and we will see early in the New Year.  


Locals will remember great food at Harbour House and other restaurants that Harry built over the decades in Victoria hospitality.


Very much looking forward to lunch at the crossroads.  The tiny Island brings together flavours from throughout the Mediterranean.


Hopefully this is another best seller from a great publisher (Whitecap Books)


ISBN:  978-1770503373

A great combination

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Bandits Renegades and Ruffians

Renegade (F) brought Bandits (3 Finger Jack) to a Ruffian (me).

So, we stirred the pot (80 year old Cominco tangine) with baby back ribs and Mediterranean spices.  3 was the magic number of hours in the tangine. Smack yo fingers for trying to taste when basting.


Odd shaped bottle (wouldn’t fit in the wine rack so had to get it off the counter). Squat is the shape.  Almost vertically challenged like someone we know.


Bold (just like Jack). Bursts onto the scene (just like F).  


76% Cab, 9% Petite Sirah, 8% Malbec, 6% Merlot, and 1% an unspecified other. (Your ruffian has been called the unspecified “other”)


Its a lot more complex than you initially think.  Most enjoyable. A very well done cab.


Still trying to figure out where those two fingers went.