I was very glad to get back to 50/50 Restaurant in Burlington for a late lunch today. My family had treated me to dinner there back in August for my birthday. That meal was sumptuously delicious... meals were of steak, game and other fancy dishes with amazing sauces. Dessert was to-die-for.

So today it was a quick lunch. Owner/Chef Harnek Pandher is not only the Sauce King of Canada but he makes a mean soup too. The autumn harvest-themed soup was made with Squash and various exotic spices. Delicious.

50/50 is revamping their wine list to include more variety and the best wine examples of various countries. Their new Wine Bar will open November 2, 2007. Be sure to drop in and try some new wines!

I've had the pleasure of enjoying the following wines at 50/50:

Astibarbera Barbera D'Asti Berengarium- (Italy)

A big classical complex and mouth filling Barbera that eclipses many Barolas at a price that is easy to handle- from the top area of Piedmont and a well known historic producer.

Chateau des Jaubertes Bordeaux - Graves 2004- (France)

Amazing history... Founded in 1594, this Chateau is still owned by the de Pontac family, founders of Chateau Haut Brion, one of the top FIVE Chateaux in Bordeaux. Dark ruby colour; floral bouquet of violets, blueberries and blackcurrants. A whisper of leather. Round flavours. The dark red fruity notes dominate the light oak treatment. Tannins are ample yet approachable. A long and fruity finish. This wine is so easy to drink now, rather than having to wait for years of cellar time.

Charvin Cotes du Rhone- 2002- (France)

A Parker favorite too, this wine is absolutely outstanding.  Laurent Charvin's wines are cherished by collectors worldwide but kept a jealously guarded secret.  Charvin was also chosen by Parker as number 1 in his Men of the year. His revue reads "from 35 year old vines of Grenache,  Syrah & Carignan it is a sensual, sexy, dense ruby/purple colored effort revealing a creamy texture, gorgeous levels of licorice, black cherry/ blackberry fruit, loads of Glycerin (14% Alc) and an authentic taste.

Valdevieso Single Vineyard Estate Malbec- (Chile)

Voted the 6th best winery in the world by the Wine Writers' Guild! This wine is a deep dark Garnet and the nose is reminescant of outdoors and red fruit. On the palate it show persistant but laid back tannins and a forward fruit structure and finish. Will age well but drinks very nicely now the a light tannic note, with a hint of chocolate and leather. Absolutely mind blowing big flavours and structure equalling and or bettering any Cabernet.

Valdevieso Single Vineyard Estate Syrah- (Chile)

A great single Vineyard Estate Wine that shows the maturity of the wines from Chile. The famous grape of the Northern Rhone, this transplant takes a back seat to no one, surpassing the Shiraz of California and Australia, and equal to the Great Northern Rhones. The deep garnet colour is enhanced by a big red fruit nose, and the flavours show Raspberry, strawberry and provinial Spices with a hint of Garrague. Elegant, complex and fruity this wine finishes with a long soft note.