André Proulx and Michael Pinkus
Sunday, October 18th: Michael Pinkus and André Proulx (of the podcast “Two Guys Talking Wine”) invited me to be the tie-breaker in their second “Ontario’s Ultimate Wine” competition – a blind tasting of the 19 entries. The format is unique – based on the FIFA World Cup draw. Each winery was invited to submit their best wine. The order of the wines in each flight of three wines was selected randomly by drawing numbered ping pong balls (which meant white wines could be tasted against reds, and the lone sparkling entry, irrespective of varietal or blend).
Flight selection method!
We three tasters had to eliminate one wine in a series of 13 flights of three until the two flights in the semi-final round. The final round featured two wines. The two wines in the final taste-off were Ravine Vineyard Reserve Merlot 2020 and Horseshoe Cellars Nelson Block Riesling 2025.
The ultimate winner was Ravine Vineyard Reserve Merlot 2020. Runners-up were Tawse David’s Block Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022 and Crew Flagship Chardonnay 2024 (Lake Erie North Shore).
Then I had to race home to help Deborah prepare our dinner party for friends, Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble and John Nadeau and his lady, Lynne. John brought over a bottle of Southbrook’s sparkling wine: Southbrook Blanc de Blancs: Golden straw in colour; active mousse of tiny bubbles; toasty, apple nose; medium-bodied, dry, yellow apple and lemon flavours; nicely balanced; good length. (89)
With poke salad we served Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc 2025. Deborah prepared stuffed romano peppers, with which I served a succession of rads: La Stella Fortissimo 2021, Township 7 Syrah 2024, By Chadsey’s Cairns Pinot Noir King Eddie Vineyard 2016 (thank you Peter Gamble). Dessert: Deborah baked a fig clafouti, which we enjoyed with a half bottle of Château Coutet 2001 (Sauternes-Barsac – again thank you Peter), A memorable evening of delicious food, great wines and lively conversation.
Monday, October 19th: A meeting with a committee to discuss a proposal for the Canadian industry, over a bottle of Karlo Estate Quintus 2022 (a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot).
Tuesday, October 20th: Dinner: I prepared a egg noodle pasta with Gorgonzola sauce, with a bottle of Peller Estates Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2024.
Wednesday, October 21st: Dinner: Farm Boy’s Vegetarian Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna, with a bottle of our go-to white wine, Henry of Pelham Speck Brothers Family Tree The Goat Lady Chardonnay 2025.
A shortened Diary this week because at 8:30 am Thursday morning Deborah and I fly to Hong Kong for that city’s Wine & Dine Festival. Can’t wait!