One of my favourite quotes involving wine is displayed at one of our usual locations for wine-tasting dinners: Wine is the pleasantest subject in the world to discuss. All its associations are with occasions when people are at their best; with relaxation, contentment, leisurely meals and the free flow of ideas. Hugh Johnson I’ve recently […]
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November 29, 2018
Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, USA
I spent a lot more time at this year’s wine show chatting with fellow tasters about the wines and old times than usual! As a result, I ended up tasting a smaller selection than normal for this year’s report. No doubt I have missed out on some great wines and you will therefore not see […]
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The Italian Trade Commission, Vinitaly International Academy, and the NLC recently combined to offer a class called Italy Off the Beaten Path: Discovering Italy Beyond Pinot Grigio and Chianti. Our presenter was Michaela Morris from Vancouver, who is currently a student in the Master of Wine program. She specializes in Italian wine (and presumably knows […]
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September 9, 2018
Australia, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Opimian Society, Spain
As we have turned the corner from August into September I have been kept busy on other matters, but wine tasting and consideration has continued nonetheless! The BBQ has continued to be busy these past few weeks, which means sunny skies and many evenings warm enough to eat outdoors. We’ve been sampling recent Opimian arrivals […]
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August 8, 2018
Australia, Chile, France, Italy, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Opimian Society, Other Countries, Spain
Last night was one of those nearly breathless evenings we treasure in Newfoundland where a hot summer day has cooled to a comfortable temperature. You are able to eat outdoors in the shade as the sun nears the horizon, and then ease back, perhaps listening to some music and sipping a beverage, well into the […]
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July 12, 2018
Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Opimian Society, South Africa, USA
Summer seems to have finally arrived in these parts, and we can tell because we are finally able to BBQ comfortably, and eat supper outside. Leisurely meals in the backyard, with some music, have to be enjoyed (at least at our home) with a glass or two of good wine. Here are a few wines […]
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Here are some of my thoughts on the current Opimian offering, based on my past experience with some of these wines and suppliers, and of course, based on my own tastes! Austria Höpler Wine from Höpler has always been a favourite Opimian offering for me. Their Grüner Veltliner is a revelation of the possibilities of […]
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May 2, 2018
Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Opimian Society, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, USA
I recently celebrated entering a new age group for races and surveys by tasting some special wines with some of my wine-loving friends. The selections were designed to highlight many things in my wine “career” – places I have visited, tours I have taken, special tastings, and special occasions – and of course, my 60th […]
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Wines from Italy are often found on our dinner table, so this offering is one of the most anticipated of the year. I will comment on some of our previous purchases and taste experiences, and muse on possible purchases. The Wine People The Wine People were a new supplier to Opimian last year and we […]
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France seems to have been a regular feature during the last interval, but a red wine from Puglia in Italy is first up. Gran Maestro Rosso 2015, IGT Puglia (NLC $19.98) is a blend of Italy’s main grape Sangiovese, and Puglia’s best known grape Primitivo. What makes this wine a little unusual is that the […]
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Steve Delaney
February 12, 2019
Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, USA
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