JIm and Nigel conduct extensive research at Le Select, Toronto
As the holiday season quickly approaches, one’s thoughts naturally turn to … Champagne! At least that’s what our wine contributor Jim Walker says. Following are some thoughts, facts, quotes and experiences about the blessed bubbly that he has uncorked for us.
Apéro hour at the Château (Photo by Tim McTiernan)
Our wine scribbler, Jim Walker and his wife Hélène have recently returned from a month in Provence, the last week of which they spent with friends at a castle in the Luberon. Cocktail hour conversations one evening drifted onto the subject of ghastly wine experiences. He relates three of them for us here. Continue reading “WINE TALES FROM LE CHÂTEAU DE GOULT”
Bayeux – a stream runs through it
What’s a wine guy to do when he finds himself in a place where no wine is produced? Why, set out in search of that Normandy nectar Calvados, of course. Continue reading “THE CALVADOS CAPER”
Dealing with the people’s booze monopoly is certainly no bed of roses. Continue reading “I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSÉ GARDEN (Part 2)”
Our champagne in the Vintages magazine
We get to know and love Champagne Forget-Brimont Rosé Brut 1er Cru. Continue reading “I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSÉ GARDEN (Part I)”
Château de Saran
It was indeed the best of times when we found ourselves in the two principal cities of Champagne: Épernay and Reims. Continue reading “A TALE OF TWO EFFERVESCENT CITIES”
“So Jim, you are going to become a wine importer are you? Well, the perks are wonderful, but you won’t make any money.” — John Tait, former manager of the Sherwood Park LCBO Vintages store, Toronto. Continue reading “STRANGE ENCOUNTERS OF THE LCBO KIND”
Carlton Hotel, Cannes
Our first evening at the Cannes wine festival was more than we could have possibly imagined, as we are introduced to Champagne Forget-Brimont, and much more. Continue reading “A SPIFFY GIG”
Domaine Palon Gigondas basks in the Provençal sun
The vinous adventure continues on the road to the wine show in Cannes, France, including sampling Palon’s heavenly 2004 Gigondas. Continue reading “ON THE ROAD TO CANNES”
Your intrepid agent, under-cover, in the field
Ambushed into early retirement, I find a new career in my old love for fine wine and good living. Continue reading “A LONG AND WINEY ROAD”
Gentlemans Portion 