Monday, February 13th: My son Guy’s birthday today (42!) Was meant to have a meeting with Karen Stintz and Archie Allison of Variety Village to discuss how the two foundations might co-operate; but had to cancel because of a lousy cold. Trying to baby myself since Deborah and I are flying to Guatemala on Thursday morning to attend the opening of a high school that Grapes for Humanity funded. Dropped in on the sleep clinic because I’m not happy with the nose “pillow” that pumps air up my nose. So they gave me a face mask. Now I look like a jet pilot.
Dinner at Canoe with Luc Bouchard, his importer Jason Woodman, Michael Vaughan and Tim Appelt. Greeted, on the 54th floor, with a gorgeous sunset. We started with Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain then moved on to William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux 2015 (accompanying my order of cured Arctic char), Bouchard Père & Fils Macon Lugny St. Pierre 2015. With my main course of juniper-smoked duck breast, Bouchard Père & Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2014.
Tuesday, February 14th: The first Valentine’s Day card that I sent to my granddaughter Isla actually arrived on the very day. (I mailed it a week ago – she lives in Leslieville; I’m at Mt. Pleasant & Eglinton.) Wrote an article for Quench magazine in praise of the ISO tasting glass. For dinner, with chicken, Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2013 (deep ruby colour; cedary, jammy, black raspberry nose backed by spicy oak; full-bodied, fruity and bold, sweetish raspberry flavour with a touch of oak and soft tannins. Moderate length but easy drinking (88.5)).
Wednesday, February 15th: Gave Pinot the Wonderdog a long walk in the park before Deborah drove her up to Innisfil, where she will stay with our dog-sitter while we’re away. (She barked all the way – she hates the car.) I cleared my desk of work, wrote up my “Wines of the Week” and got down to some packing. Half the condo is being painted while we and the dog are away (the other half will be painted in May when we do our annual wine tour to Europe). So everything is off the walls and furniture pulled to the centre of the hall and the bedroom and den. The car is coming at 6:15 am tomorrow. So this is a short week in this wine lover’s life.
For dinner, spaghetti bolognese with a bottle of Pasqua Romeo & Juliet Valpolicella Ripasso 2014 (deep ruby colour; smoky, cherry nose with a vanilla oak note; medium to full-bodied, dry, sour cherry flavour with creamy oak notes and lively acidity (88.5)).
