Cigar Review - Bolivar Royal Corona

Extremely well constructed with a perfectly even burn from initial light. Tons of smoke fills your mouth with earth, cocoa and subtle hints of warm vanilla. Flavours kept pretty consistent throughout.

Score: 94

Wine Review - 2006 Terre del Barolo Barbaresco

A light and easy drinking Barbaresco that is a bit darker ruby than one would expect from the nebbiolo-based wine.

Medium bodied with sharp tannins, this wine is still a little tight and can use a few more years in the cellar. After 2 hours in a decanter, subtle spice and floral notes dominate the palate with berrylike undertones which produce a tangy and medium finish.

A good wine for its value (approx. $25), but for a few dollars more, there are better options out there.

Score: 87

Wine Review - 2007 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda

A dark ruby colored wine that opens up nicely in the glass with aromas of red berries, vanilla and earth.

On the palate, well-rounded with mouth loads of ripe red fruit, black pepper and subtle oak. Should open up nicely after a few hours in a decanter. Slightly acidic after taste.

Still a little tight, could use a year or two in the cellar.

Score: 89

Wine Review - Louis Roederer Champagne

A classic and very consistent champagne.

Beautifully balanced and crisp with enough acidity to bring out delicate notes of green apple and lemon. Tiny bubbles and a clean, polished finish.

Score: 93

Family Dinner Mario Batali Style

My wife and I had our families over for dinner and we wanted to serve a simple meal - pasta and some roasted chicken with root vegetables. Unfortunately, simple didn't mean quick. I decided to make Mario Batali's version of Ragu Bolognese, and let me tell you, it was worth the almost 3 hours cook time. This sauce is super rich and was an absolute hit. Folks loved the chicken too.

Good white wine and quality beef and pork are crucial.

Lipids - Olive Oil and Butter

Add Mirepoix (I used colored carrots)

A Pound Each of Ground Beef and Pork

Can of Tomato Paste

Add White Wine (I used Crush from Niagara)

After an Hour on Low Heat

Chicken About to Go Into the Oven

Wine Review - 2009 Milcampos Tempranillo

An absolute steal in Ontario at around $10 per bottle, this 100% Tempranillo wine opens up beautifully after about 2 hours in a decanter.

Deep and dark purple color with pleasant aromas of cherry, cedar and leather. On the palate, rich and well-rounded with concentrated red fruit, earthy notes and toasted oak. Firm tannins and a nice polished finish.

At this price, buy a case today and enjoy with steak, lamg and game meats.

Score: 90

Cigar Review - Jose L. Piedra Cazadores

Jose L. Piedra cigars are considered medium to full strength cigars  from the Vuelta Arriba region in Cuba. At under $10 per stick, the brand represents an excellent entry-level cigar to experience the unmistakable Cuban taste.

Medium bodied, this smoke was exactly as expected: strong notes of earth and tobacco, with a hint of black pepper and dried fruit. Even burn and simple finish.

Score: 88