Château Lamothe de Haux

Yet again, I continue to discover enchanting wines. Yet again, this latest discovery hails from the Bordelais region and is assembled at an old vineyard whose cellars, 40 meters deep, were dug in the mid 17th century. We are referring here to the Châteaux Lamothe de Haux Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appéllation d'origine contrôlée (A.O.C.) 2003 vintage, which was a spectacular year for the Bordelais.

The assembly is in the typical Bordeaux style with 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance with Cabernet Franc. Mildly tannic, it yields a bountiful bouquet of strawberries, earth and mushroom. Additionally, its finish is a quiet yet unassuming symphony (think Chopin as opposed to Beethoven) of dark ground berries, oak and leather.

I would highly recommend this wine with any mature cheese, red meat or game. It goes equally well with chocolate, strawberries and (of course) grapes.

Click here for price & availability in the Quebec region. -pm

Château D'Argadens

Fellow Epicurean,


I recently discovered an amazing value at my local wine distributor (SAQ). It can be found in the reserve French (Bordeaux) section for under CAD $20 per bottle. Additionally, I found this particular vintage to live up to its hooplah. 2003 smiled on the entire Gironde and this particular product is certainly a great pairing with a ribsteak or filet mignon.




Château D'Argadens 2003
A.O.C. Bordeaux Supérieur

Vignoble de 45 hectares
remontant au XIIème siècle
45% Cabernet Sauivignon, 55% Merlot
Maison Sichel, mis en bouteille au château
http://www.sichel.fr

Gagnant - Médaille D'Or Paris 2005 Concours général agricole MAAPAR
Gagnant - Médaille D'Argent 2005 Concours de Bordeaux, Vins d'Aquitaine

Dear friend, Bacchus

Those who know me, know that I like wine. Those who know me well, understand my vast appreciation for that finest of beverages whose beginnings mark the dawn of civilization.

During my stockbroker years (i.e. the richest ones), I had the privilege to meet (and subsequently date) a beautiful and brilliant young alcoholic who initiated me to the world of wine. Five years later, I have become an avid collector and afficionado.

What I find most wonderful about wine is that a developed taste and interest can substitute, at least partly, the thrills of travel to those "delectable" regions where the vineyards reside. Moreover, wine can turn an otherwise ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience. Note: I am a Montrealer through-and-through, so the concept of "meal as celebration" is an integral part of my life.

For example, take a whif of the remarkably nuanced bouquet, and relish the mouth and finish, of a 1999 Gevrey-Chambertin. You can almost breathe in the fresh, earthy air of the Loire valley (Côte-de-Nuits). Bouchard Père et Fils is an excellent domaine producing this appellation, and the 1999 vintage is considered one of the finest that Burgundy has ever produced. This exceptionally balanced yet potent wine will accompany any of your red meats and game, not to mention "stinky" cheeses.

My love of wine has fostered a deeper appreciation for the viticulture of what has now become a world-wide industry. One is no longer limited to the vineyards of France or Italy to savor a palatable and tasty wine. The emerging producers of Australia, California, South Africa, Chile, Argentina and even the Balkans, Greece, Rumania and Lebanon, have gems on offer.

In my opinion, the Italians are the most underrated wines while some South American, Australian and the emerging regions of Balkan, Greek, Romanian and even Lebanese wines offer some jewels. The Californians, although generally good (and some truly exceptional), tend to be overpriced.

My preferred varietal is the sangiovese grape, which is used to produce one of the most nuanced wines in the world: Chianti. Produced in the Italian region of Tuscany, simple Chianti is a light, fruitful wine that goes well with virtually any meal. Chianti-Classico and Chianti-Classico Riserva appellations take the cake. They tend to be full-bodied, complex and rich wines that can accompany meat dishes and game delicacies like duck, deer, and venison. This DOCG (denominzione originale controllata e granatita) also accompanies mamma's pasta dishes beautifully.

I'm interested in knowing what experiences you have to share. What parts of the world have you visited via its wine? Do you collect wine, and if so, do you have any tantalizing suggestions? I have a few of my own that meet the criteria for what I call "value" wines. If you care, let's exchange suggestions.

-The Winer

Mission Statement

To be quite sure, I decided to create this blog spot on a whim one spring Thursday night, while preparing my income tax return. As I sat at my desk contemplating and belaboring the mounds of receipts and files, I reminisced of evenings spent sipping fine wines after dinner with a loved one.

Then it dawned on me: life (in the sense of "living") is marked by simple pleasures--preferably shared--that many take for granted. Those who develop affinities, tastes and preferences for simple things will experience beauty and joy. Those experiences ultimately serve to sublimate mere living. Examples include listening to good music, immersing one's self in a great work of literature, preparing fine cuisine, and course tasting and drinking wine.

I dedicate this blog to Dionysus, and the oenological heritage symbolized by him--a heritage whose beginnings marked the dawn of civilization. But this is not a blog dedicated exclusively to wine. It is dedicated to all those simple and sublime experiences that mark brief moments and make life worth living.

Finally, in keeping with the title of the blog, I want to engage bloggers in critical discussion on a wide number of topics: politics, world news, philosophy, literature, economics--anything that inspires opinion or a strong view. I don't want to be taken for a whiner, but a grievance or expression of dissatisfaction with something or someone is a good way to start such a discussion.

-The Winer