Robert Kischuk

Château De Beaucastel Châteauneuf Du Pape 2009

Went toe-to-toe against the Penfolds Bin 138 2009, and came out the winner based on floral/aromatic nuances, perfect structure, and infinite finish. (Although Bin 138 did win the value category, but not by much).

Sometimes you DO get what you pay for...this is one of those times.

A 'special occasion' CdP that won't disappoint.

Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula

A local premium Chard that's easily worth the price. DL 'says it all', and I'm noting a late palate sense of pineapple cream. It is ridiculously good.

Möet & Chandon Dom Pérignon Vintage Brut Champagne 2003

After the relatively 'easy-drinking' and superb 2002, the 2003 will hit you like a bag a bricks. Loads of challenging flavors (which are described by the pros).
A 'champagne for food' if the budget allows; but will need aging++ before it gets the room buzzing as an aperitif.
Cristal is still the better 'blow the budget' choice (as is Krug if you love toast).
PS I tried the Ace of Spades...leave it for the people who are paid to promote it...

Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench

Stunning complexity and acidity; oaking is deliciously subtle.

I dream that CJ makes a blanc de blanc methode champenoise from this type of chard vintage...would blow Salon-style B de B out of the water.

Love this!

Château D'arche 2003, Ac Sauternes, 2e Cru (375ml)

Sweet and flavorful, but less lively than described in the 2006 (!) Suckling review....possibly peaking/past prime?

Definitely a Sauternes, but I'd sooner spend 33 bucks on a good Icewine/Late Harvest.

Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Tasted as a 'new world CdP' against a vintage-matched Beaucastel.
It did very well, with bright fruit and a slightly harder tannic edge. Well-liked by all.

Easily worth the price esp c/w the CdP.

Amarone Classico Sartori Corte Bra 2004

Very nice for what it is.

I wish my brain didn't say 'Vintage Port Table Wine' every time I have a good Amarone...would make it easier to enjoy.

Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008, Grampians/Bendigo, Victoria

Oz Shiraz for a person who turned away from over-the-top Oz Shiraz in the 90's (ie me).
Seppelt can thank WineAlign for a new fan...I would never have bothered trying it otherwise.

Stratus White 2008, VQA Niagara On The Lake

I've tried this at least five times (most recently at a Cheese Boutique event at the winery).
It's always a pleasure.
Easily worth the price point.

Cálem Colheita Single Vintage Tawny Port 1998, Doc Douro, Btld. 2011

Reaffirms my faith in Tawny after a few disappointing tries.
A touch hot in the finish, otherwise no beefs.
Will grab another since I will probably sip this away before Christmas.

Revisit...still loving it!