intriguing winter beverages

The winter is over in the Northern hemisphere, at least according to the calendar. The past cold months were ideal to stay at home, or travel somewhere warmer, so we did a little of both. 

Being exposed to the real world of wine, instead of the vulgar caricature built by the dated LCBO, can be really exciting. Whenever I have a chance to do so, away from dull Offtario, I always take advantage of it.

In Nashville I found four bottles, and three of them were satisfactory discoveries. Owen Roe from Washington state was perhaps our favourite, but the two from Napa Valley, Ladera in particular (2009 Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon) and Scaggs (2009 Mt. Veeder Montage, a blend of classic Southern Rhone Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise), were options I'd happily bring to the table again.

The first visit to Russian River was a total blast, and Phoebe at Ceritas was simply a wonderful host. The Pinot Noir focus, by definition, has more of an excitement factor. Since our first road trips around Victoria during the last decade, this grape has won my heart. Of course, some talented wine makers like William Downie or Phillip Jones had something to do with this. However, the Chardonnays from Ceritas are also fascinating.

Last week in Texas we had a tight schedule, but fortunately there was time to socore three stops in real wine shops, unlike the ugly temple of governmental mediocrity known as the LCBO, which Ontarians have to suffer with religious resignation. I got a bottle from Joseph Swan Vineyards, a 2005 Trenton State-Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (14.3%). We had it last night with a beautiful steak from Carsons Farm in Perth County, and we liked it. Earlier this week we had another Pinot Noir by Williams Selyem, a 2011 Russian River-Sonoma County (13.6%), which was fine, over the average, but perhaps lacking a little personality.

Being so close to Mexico it was hard to avoid the temptation of bringing a little flavour from such a generous culture.