On Saturday, April 9th, Bob Ross came to town on business, but had enough time to get together with Alan Kerr and me. It was a bright, sunny day, so I rode my motorcycle across the border to Niagara Falls, Ont., where Bob was staying at a hotel. I left the bike at the hotel and we started out for Flat Rock Cellars with Bob’s friend from Bolivia. We had to use Bob’s cell phone to contact Alan, so he could meet us there, because my phone has no service in Canada. That was cool, because Bob’s phone is somehow integrated into the car’s sound system and we were able to simple talk to Alan without using the phone.
Alan, who lives a short distance away, arrived Flat Rock Cellars right after us. The winery has a unique octagonal shape and a wonderful view that extends down the escarpment, and since it was a clear day, we could see the Toronto skyline on the other side of Lake Ontario. More info can be found here: http://www.flatrockcellars.com/. Flat Rock grows only three grapes; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling but they do purchase some grapes from other local growers (Gewurtztraminer and Riesling) and all are closed with a screwcap. I didn’t take notes, but was impressed with everything I tasted. Since I have a lot of PN and Riesling, I purchased a bottle of their 2008 Chardonnay.
Next we went to the first of two wineries with unusual names; Megalomniac: http://www.megalomaniacwine.com/. We arrived after traveling some winding, bumpy roads and WOW! The entire winery is underground. It is owned by John Howard, who is also a major shareholder in two Bordeaux wineries, Chateau Haut-Pontet and Chateau La Confession (both St. Emilion). I had never heard of a “cigar” barrel before, but they use them on certain wines. The term has nothing to do with tobacco, but the elongated shape of the barrel, which increases surface area. My favorite wine here was the 2007 Cabernet Franc, but at $45 it was a bit steep for me so I picked up a 2006 Narcissist Riesling (screwcap).
Howie, Alan and Bob
Cigar barrels - note the shape compared with the regular barrels behind them.
After a 15 minute drive, we came to Organized Crime: http://www.organizedcrimewine.com/. This is a small boutique winery owned by Jan and Krystyna Tarasewicz, a lovely couple, who love their wines. Krystyna gave us many generous pours, while Jan popped in and out a few times between vineyard chores. They grow a variety of cool climate grapes and I purchased the 2008 Gewurtztraminer and the 2008 Cabernet Franc (both cork finish), but am regretting not getting the Viognier.
Since Alan had a “hot date”, he led us to nice local eatery/pub nearby The Jordan Inn, where we had baked potato soup, burgers and fries. It hit the spot. Afterwards, we returned to The Falls. I was hoping to get together again with Bob the next day, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was not to happen, so I look forward to seeing him again at the NYC Jeebus. It was a fun day with two good guys.