Paul Forget
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Followers (13)
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Following (7)
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Reviews (370)
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I was born into a French Canadian family and started tasting wine early with food. My love of wine and food goes hand in hand, when you have a perfect pairing, it is one of those great pleasures in life.
I have recently returned to Ontario, after living in Victoria, BC for the last four years. I worked part-time for the Mark Anthony Group which allowed me to attend many industry tastings, including numerous Import Vintners and Spirits Association tastings.
Before moving to Victoria, in December of 2006, I graduated with a Sommelier Certification from Algonquin College in Ottawa.
What I look for in a wine, above all, is aromatics. The nose should draw you in, not to much alcohol with good acidity, rich and concentrated flavour. For me, great wines are about subtlety, complexity and finesse. A bottle of wine should tell a story, should have a sense of place, terroir, where the grapes where grown. The use of oak should be handled with care.
I love everything about wine and recognize I have a great deal to learn. I enjoyed a great deal of BC wines and I am eager to get more familiar with Ontario wines.
Reviews
Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
This wine opens up with very lively aromas of pear, green apple, grapefruit and minerals. On the palate this off-dry Riesling is medium body with alcohol coming in at 10% and where the crisp acidity and sweetness are perfectly match. The finish is long with lemon zest and mineral note lingering. A terrific and well balanced refreshing Riesling. I paired this wine chicken curry and roasted cashews, it work beautifully.
3.5 Stars
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Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$24.95
Greeny straw in color, this Sauvignon Blanc opens up with aromas of gooseberry, white grapefruit, passion fruit, flinty and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, intense tangy, zesty fruit, light tropical fruit flavours and lively acidity. This wines finish is long, refreshing with bright flavours lingering. This is a textbook Sauvignon Blanc made to be enjoyed at the table paired with white meat or seafood. A very enjoyable wine.
3.5 Stars
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Le Pupille Poggio Valente Morellino Di Scansano Riserva 2007, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$29.95
3.5 Stars
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William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis 2010, Burgundy
Burgundy, France$24.95
Wow, I just love the nose on this wine, it is so fresh and clean with great aromatics. Beautiful bright greeny straw in color on this 100% Chardonnay, this wine opens up with aromas of melon, lime, green apple and mineral scents. On the palate, medium bodied (12.5% Alc.) with green apple flavour and lively acidity. Clean finish with excellent depth of flavour, refreshing and slightly creamy texture. This wine is so well made, with very little manipulation. A pure expression of Chardonnay, clearly a very classy wine. Strongly recommended,
3.5 Stars
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Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Lake County
California, Usa$19.95
This young Cabernet Sauvignon is a little awkward at the moment. A little shy on the nose with aromas of dark fruit, dark chocolate, cedar, smoke and dust. On the mouthfeel this medium to full bodied Cabernet has loads of dark fruit, enough acidity and hard tannins. The back label says smooth and velvet finish, it is nothing but. I get a great deal of oak and aggressive tannins. Don't get me wrong, a good wine, at a great value, but it needs time in the cellar. This wine lacks finesse, right now.
3.5 Stars
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Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia$17.95
A rich and concentrated nose; dark fruit, cassis, earthy, cedar (lots of it) and licorice. Mouth feel is heavy with too much oak, a bit tart and drying tannins. Finish is long, dry and spicy. Food wine for sure. I would lay this one down for 1-2 years. Was actually much better the next day. Tasted February 2011.
3.5 Stars
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Castello Di San Sano Guarnellotto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008
Tuscany, Italy$19.25
Bright ruby-red in color, this Chianti opened up with aromas of sweet and sour cherries, raspberry, red currants, dried herbs, cedar and light floral and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, spicy with fresh lively red fruit, crisp acidity and light tannins. This finish is long, juicy, spicy and slightly tangy with sweet berry fruit and loads of energy. This is a delicious textbook Chianti Classico, ready to enjoy, paired with pasta in a tomato sauce, spaghetti or Italian pasta. Strongly recommended.
3.5 Stars
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Duckhorn Merlot 2008, Napa Valley
California, Usa$59.95
This wines opens up with aromas of cherry, plum, spice box, baking spices floral and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, smooth and complex flavours, mild acidity and fine grained tannins. Medium length and a bit hot on the finish but with soft seductive fruit flavours lingering. This wine may not represent value but is another very enjoyable wine from Duckhorn. Definitely more Bordeaux than California in style.
3.5 Stars
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Hecht & Bannier St Chinian 2007
Languedoc, France$20.75
Very complex aromatics in this blend; black fruit, savoury, licorice, black pepper with some minerals. Medium to full body, balance acidity and drying tannins. This wine is muscular with generous flavours. I wish I had brought more than this one bottle. Strongly recommended.
3.5 Stars
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