Jim Walker

At the beginning of February our new wine contributor makes his debut.

Jim Walker’s first wine column will be posted on Monday, February 1, 2016. Make a note of this auspicious date as Jim leads you on an exciting journey through the world of wine. In his first story, he reveals how he became a wine agent a decade or more ago, what inspired him to take on this perilous assignment, which has led to the creation and success of Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club.

Sadly, the splendid champagne in our featured image is just a memory, but there’s lots more where that came from and Jim will be sure to top up our glasses with many a fine wine in future months.

Jim sends a note that writing his first column made him thirsty: “So, I decided to slake same with a sip or two of Champagne Forget-Brimont’s non-vintage 1er Cru Rosé. This is a Champagne for those most festive occasions. It is also an ideal apéritif. Its rose colour comes from adding red wine from Brouzy to the Forget-Brimont reserve cuvée. The grape composition is 60 per cent Pinot Noir, 20 per cent Pinot Meunier and 20 per cent Chardonnay (Premier and Grand Cru grapes only). In the glass, the beautiful light orange-pink colour provides an ideal backdrop for its steady stream of tiny bubbles.”

Alison Napjus has this to say about it in the November 15, 2011, edition of the Wine Spectator: “A fruit-driven tangy rosé, with pure flavors of dried cherry, ripe blackberry and spiced plum, with more subtle notes of smoke, raisin bread and lemon zest. Fresh and lively, with a long minerally finish. 6,000 cases made. 91/100”.

Jim adds that its at least $25 cheaper than anything comparable at the LCBO, and has been a big hit with Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club members.